Best universities for reducing inequalities
Explore the top 100 universities for reducing inequalities based on data collected for the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings
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First generation students or students from lower socio-economic backgrounds are still poorly represented in higher education. But universities are now working hard to rectify this and the Impact Rankings 2021 are an indicator of which universities are doing this successfully.
To put together this ranking we mapped how universities around the world are committing to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs are a global call to action to tackle poverty, climate change and inequality.
The SDGs look to tackle some of today’s biggest global issues and SDG 10 covers reducing inequalities.
Some of the metrics that helped to measure which universities were excelling at reducing inequalities were the number of first generation students, the number of students from developing countries, the proportion of students and staff with disabilities, the measures against discrimination and the amount of research a university undertakes on reduced inequalities. More information on the methodology can be found here.
1. University of Canberra
This year the University of Canberra takes first place for SDG 10.
The university was an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality for 12 years, until its last submission in 2019. It also received the Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) in 2020.
The university conducts research into social inequalities and discrimination. It is also committed to recruiting staff and students from under-represented groups.
2. RMIT University
RMIT University is committed to working across all the SDGs and SDG 10 is no exception.
RMIT is conducting a number of research projects that explore inequalities in all aspects of society and in Australia and beyond. One such research project focuses on the liveability of cities in Australia through analysing the public transport systems, public open spaces, housing affordability, walkability, employment and food and alcohol environments.
3. King Abdulaziz University
King Abdulaziz University is a public university located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
It was established in 1967 as a private university but became a public university in 1974.
Like the majority of public universities in Saudi Arabia, all students receive free education, housing and a stipend.
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4. Western Sydney University
The disability service at Western Sydney University is made up of a team of professional disability advisors and trained educational support staff. The service helps with pre-admission advice, academic support and advocacy on disability-related issues.
There is also a wide range of support for international students. There are guides providing practical advice on living and studying in Australia, as well as important information about mental health and loneliness.
There is also a specific support centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
5. Keele University
Keele University’s Institute of Sustainable Futures contributes to research, education and training for improving sustainability at the university and in the community.
The Institute coordinates its work around six key challenges that aim to create sustainable communities and healthy societies, among other goals. Projects addressing these challenges include combating malaria, researching the links between mental health and well-being and green space and connection to nature, through to disease and environmental change.
The top 100 universities for reducing inequality
View the full ranking for reducing inequalities here
