Australia ranked second globally for future skills readiness

The new QS World Future Skills Index 2027 highlights Australia’s strength in future skills, with world-class universities and a future-focused workforce.

29 June 2026

Australia has ranked second in the world in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027, highlighting its ability to meet the evolving demands of the international job market.

Key highlights from the Skills Index 2027 

The QS World Future Skills Index evaluates 89 countries across four areas. Here is how Australia performed on each:   

  • Future of Work (ranks 3rd with a score of 98): Australia is excelling in the transition towards a green economy, with policies focused on sustainability and renewable energy. 
  • Academic Readiness (ranks 3rd with a score of 98.6): Australia is a global leader in research and innovation, supported by initiatives like the AI Roadmap.   
  • Skills Alignment (ranks 4th with a score of 96.9): Australia has strong alignment between skills delivered and industry demand, especially in areas like digital literacy, AI, and cybersecurity.  
  • Economic Transformation (ranks 8th with a score of 96.4): Australia's economy has a strong focus on digital and green infrastructure. Investments in digital connectivity, renewable energy, and industrial innovation are shaping Australia's capacity for economic transformation.  

With an overall score of 97.5 out of 100, Australia’s performance is driven by a strong combination of education and workforce capability.

Interested in a future-focused career? 

Find out which future-focused careers are on the rise and how Australia performs academically in related fields of study. 

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