24 Aussie unis on most international list

Only the United Kingdom has more forward-looking universities than Australia.

A total of 24 Australian universities made a 200-strong list of the most "international" higher education institutions.

Sixteen were ranked in the top 100, with Australian National University (ANU) leading the local pack in 25th spot in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings released on Thursday.

The annual rankings judge institutions based on the proportion of international staff and students, and research papers co-authored by academics from another country.

Peak body Universities Australia said the nation's ability to compete for new jobs and industries depends on how global local universities are.

"The internationalisation of our universities is important for Australia's economic growth, social cohesion and diplomatic ties," deputy chief executive Anne-Marie Lansdown said.

Qatar University topped the list - the first time a Middle Eastern institution was the highest ranked.

WHICH AUSSIE UNIS ARE INTERNATIONAL?

25. Australian National University

26. Curtin University

31. University of Western Australia

46. University of Technology, Sydney

49. Macquarie University

54. University of New South Wales

55. University of Queensland

57. University of South Australia

61. Murdoch University

63. Monash University

67. University of Melbourne

71. University of Wollongong

79. University of Adelaide

82. Swinburne University of Technology

86. University of Sydney

97. RMIT University

102. Griffith University

118. University of Tasmania

127. La Trobe University

135. Deakin University

144. Queensland University of Technology

145. University of Newcastle

173. James Cook University

188. Edith Cowan University