In what seemed to be a fitting testament to its strategic higher educational programmes and methods, the Melbourne University continued to lead Australia's universities in this year's Times Higher Education 2012-13 World University Rankings.

From number 37 in 2011, Melbourne University jumped nine places to land on the 28th spot this year, well enclosed in the top 30 outstanding universities of the world, ultimately reinforcing it also as Australia's top-placed university. It was also the only Australian tertiary institute included in the top 30 rostrum.

It likewise outplaced strongest rival, the Australian National University, which only inched a notch this year to 37th place from last year's 38th.

Margaret Sheil, Melbourne University provost, said the university's Melbourne Model greatly helped the university improve its standing this year. The Melbourne Model is a programme that requires studentsto finish a broad undergraduate degrees before specialising in any particular field.

''The Melbourne Model underpins the success of the institution," Ms Sheil told The Age.

The latest achievement, Professor Sheil hoped, will help the university to draw in not only elite staff but also students because ''people want to be naturally associated with success.''

From seven in last year's tally, Australia now has eight universities included in the Times Higher Education 2012-13 World University Rankings, which are University of Melbourne (28), ANU (37), University of Sydney (62), University of Queensland (65), University of NSW (85), Monash University (99), University of Adelaide (176), and the University of Western Australian (190).

"There are three reasons why Australia's higher education sector has done well over the last five years. One is we have recognised and benefited from a very successful international education activity. They've recognised that's linked to research capability, and we've had the government settings to support that," Professor Sheil said.

"It's clear Australia's focus on research is helping Australian universities become more competitive around the world," said Phil Baty, editor of Times Higher Education Rankings.

Overall, there are 19 Australian tertiary institutions included in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2012/13.

For the complete list, http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking