Auckland just outside world's top 50 unis

Auckland University has been ranked 52nd in the 2005 World University Rankings, up 15 places from last year.

The rankings, put together by Britain's influential Times Higher Educational Supplement, lists the top 200 universities based on criteria including ratings by other academics and international employers of graduates.

Vice Chancellor Stuart McCutcheon said it was hard to say what has pushed Auckland up, but said staff will be looking at the results in more detail.

He said in some parts of the world parents and their children look carefully at the ranking of universities, so it is an important, marketing tool.

Otago and Massey Universities also figure in the top 200, though both dropped this year. Otago fell from 114th to 186th place and Massey slipped from 108th to 188th place.

Harvard University topped the list.

- NEWSTALK ZB