Federation gains national recognition for educational experience, leads Victoria in social equity
Federation University Australia has been named the number one university in Victoria for social equity in the 2026 Good Universities Guide ratings, also garnering recognition as a national leader in several disciplines.
The rankings highlight Federation’s commitment to boosting access to education in regional areas, with more than 24 per cent of domestic students coming from low-socioeconomic or disadvantaged backgrounds.
The results revealed Federation is a national leader in several undergraduate fields of study, with the University’s rehabilitation offerings rated number one in Australia for skills development and student support and number two in Australia for learner engagement and learning resources.
For the first time ever, creative arts courses were rated number one in the country for learner engagement and skills development, while social work offerings rated number one in Australia for overall educational experience and number two in Australia for skills development and teaching quality.
In health services and support, Federation is rated number two in Australia for teaching quality and number two for learning resources.
The annual Good Universities Guide ratings break down how Australian universities are ranked across a variety of areas including teaching quality, graduate outcomes, student support and overall satisfaction.
Federation University was rated five stars for:
- Social equity
- Undergraduate learning resources
- Undergraduate student support
- Postgraduate full-time employment
To view the full 2026 Good Universities Guide ratings, visit www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au
Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley
“We know that students living outside our major cities can face barriers to education, like geographical distance, financial hurdles, work and family commitments, and we are proud to be embedded in those communities to help students from all backgrounds give life to their aspirations.”
“These results demonstrate that Federation is not only supporting students to access education but providing them with a high-quality teaching and learning experience when they get here, equipping them with the skills they need to enter the workforce in critical industries like health and social work.”
Quotes attributable to Jess Scott-Smith, Bachelor of Science Student and Scholarship Winner
“It’s no surprise Federation has been ranked number one for social equity. As a student, I’ve never felt like a number, my lecturers have always known my name – and I felt supported every step of the way.”