Bond University, Gold Coast in world’s top 20 in annual Times Higher Education list

ONE of the Gold Coast’s leading small university’s has been listed within the top 20 of the annual Times Higher Education list — and it’s the only one from the southern hemisphere.

A teacher with students from Bond University in Queensland.

BOND University has strengthened its reputation as one of the best small universities in the world moving up to 17th in the annual Times Higher Education list just announced.

The only institution recognised in the Southern Hemisphere on the list, Bond University moved up three places from 20th in 2017 thanks to its an unparalleled reputation for delivering personalised learning, developing close relationships between students and their teachers, and creating an environment that fosters a strong sense of community.

“It is pleasing to be globally recognised for the University’s collective achievements.

Erin Sundstrom studies at Bond University while playing in the Suns AFLW Winter Series team. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“Moreover the news reaffirms our global standing and increasing reputation among the world’s elite universities,” said Bond University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Tim Brailsford.

“This particular ranking is noteworthy because it compares like with like. Bond retains a commitment to be distinctive and our small size is an advantage to our students as evidenced by our consistent superior rating of student satisfaction and quality student experience.”

“To make this Top 20 list in the world two years running is no mean feat. The result is evidence that we are on the right track in terms of our focus on students, the quality of teaching, and their outcomes.”

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Stephanie Rutherford (L) and Katie Grimmett are members of the Bond University's women's sevens rugby squad. Photo by Richard Gosling

The personalised teaching philosophy and outstanding student experience that the private, not-for-profit Gold Coast university offers translates to extraordinary student satisfaction ratings.

“Bond is very different to most universities. If I went to another university I’d be in a class size of almost 600,” biomedical science student Emma Simpson said.

“Bond is definitely at the forefront of medical technology and always looking to innovate in our learning. I have been looking at this university since I was 15, to finally be here is really exciting.

“I went on a campus tour and one of the medical professors took me in to an anatomy lab as a 15-year-old and I held a human heart, ever since that I’ve been keen to come here and learn.”

Bond University Vice-Chancellor Tim Brailsford and Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey AC.

For International student Brien Hui from Hong Kong, Bond University represents his pathway to a dream job working at Manchester United.

“I chose Bond because the class sizes are small and I get more opportunity to learn,” said Hui.

“The facilities here are wonderful. It has been very comfortable moving here and studying, my family are back in Hong Kong, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision to move to Australia and learn at Bond.”

Bond University students. Picture: supplied

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Law student Grace Stewart was also attracted to move from Victoria for the intimate class sizes and ability to get practical experience to fast track her career into criminal law.

“I came to Bond because I really like the small class sizes and to have a really good relationship with tutors and lecturers.”

“I really like being able to experience the legal field practically. Being able to be in a moot court and gain that practical experience is invaluable.”

USA’s California Institute of Technology again topped the list, with France’s École Polytechnique and Italy’s Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna round out the top three.

To be eligible for the ranking, universities must appear in Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2018, teach more than four subjects, and have fewer than 5,000 students.