NZ Universities rank high in World

The University of Auckland has once again ranked among the best in the world.

Eight New Zealand universities made the list and five of the universities went up the table in this year's prestigious Times Higher Education World University Rankings, while the other three held their positions from last year. All eight now sit among the top 600 in the world.

The University of Oxford took the top position in this year's table, beating long-time rankings leader the Californian Institute of Technology into second place. It is the first time a university from outside the United States has taken the top position in the Times Higher Education rankings.

The University of Auckland remains this country's top ranked tertiary institution, coming in joint 165th in the rankings, released yesterday, up from joint 172nd last year.

This was followed by the University of Otago, sitting in the 201-250 division.

The University of Canterbury improved 50 places to rank at 351-400, equal with Victoria University of Wellington.

The University of Waikato retained the same rank (401-500), and was joined by Massey which improved 100 places, and Lincoln University, which joined the top Times Higher Education rankings for the first time.

Auckland University of Technology also improved 100 places to 501-600.