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Ranking and awards

Discover why Federation is ranked among the top 200 young universities worldwide and read about our dedication to skill development and first-generation student support.

Federation is now ranked #175 in the world's young universities

In the 2024 edition of the influential Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024, Federation remains listed in the top 151 – 200 young universities in the world.

The rankings list the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger based on teaching, research, citations, industry partnerships and connection to the international community.

We're among the top universities in Australia for full-time employment

With our industry-connected courses and Co-op education model, Federation University graduates get jobs.

That’s why we’re #1 in Victoria and #2 in Australia for full-time postgraduate employment according to the QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023. Ninety-five per cent of our postgraduate coursework students are in full-time employment, earning a median salary of AUD$94,500.

And we’re #2 in Victoria for full-time undergraduate employment, with 80.8% of our undergraduate students in full-time employment, earning a median salary of AUD$71,400.

Our World University Rankings

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings have placed us in the top 500 universities worldwide.

Our world-class reputation as a regional university was recognised in 2025 from our previous position in the top 601– 800 globally. Federation was one of only four Australian universities that improved its ranking position for the year.

2025 Good Universities Guide rankings

As Victoria's premier regional university, we transform lives, and how we do this is reflected in The 2025 Good Universities Guide rankings.

#1 in Australia for First Generation enrolments

For the seventh year in a row, we’ve been ranked #1 in Australia for First Generation student enrolments.

We’re enormously proud of our longstanding reputation as the number one university in Australia for first-in-family student enrolments. Fifty per cent of our students are the first in their family to attend university.

5 stars for Skills Development

We're continuously striving to deliver top rankings for Skills Development, achieving a 5-star rating in the Good Universities Guide 2025.

Federation's commitment to skill development is embedded in our co-operative learning model. This is different to traditional work placements because we actively bridge campus-based learning with workplace learning – so you'll graduate with work experience as well as the skills to succeed.

Find out more about this exciting new learning model and what it will mean for your future studies.

#1 in Victoria for Social Equity

We're committed to a fair, just and equitable treatment of all students, staff and academics. Due to our consistent leadership in this area, we’ve been rated #1 in Victoria in Social Equity for the last eight years.

One of the leading factors that contribute to social equity is our commitment to supporting our students through scholarships. Discover the scholarships available in 2025.

#1 in Victoria for Student:Teacher Ratio

One of Federation’s best features is our small class sizes, where teachers are accessible and know our students by name, providing you with the best possible educational experience. That’s why were ranked #1 in Victoria for Student:Teacher Ratio.

Excellence in research

Our research excellence is reflected in the latest Excellence for Research Australia assessment, where Federation was rated at or above world standard in 80% of our submitted Fields of Research.

We are among the top ten Australian universities for industry-connected graduate research programs.

By enrolling as a higher degree (PhD or master's) by research student, you'll become part of our leading research team and work alongside highly qualified and recognised supervisors, connect with industry, government and the community, and contribute to the global research conversation.