Only the United Kingdom has more forward-looking universities than Australia.
A total of 24 Australian universities made a 200-strong list of the most "international" higher education institutions.
Sixteen were ranked in the top 100, with Australian National University (ANU) leading the local pack in 25th spot in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings released on Thursday.
The annual rankings judge institutions based on the proportion of international staff and students, and research papers co-authored by academics from another country.
Peak body Universities Australia said the nation's ability to compete for new jobs and industries depends on how global local universities are.
"The internationalisation of our universities is important for Australia's economic growth, social cohesion and diplomatic ties," deputy chief executive Anne-Marie Lansdown said.
Qatar University topped the list - the first time a Middle Eastern institution was the highest ranked.
WHICH AUSSIE UNIS ARE INTERNATIONAL?
25. Australian National University
26. Curtin University
31. University of Western Australia
46. University of Technology, Sydney
49. Macquarie University
54. University of New South Wales
55. University of Queensland
57. University of South Australia
61. Murdoch University
63. Monash University
67. University of Melbourne
71. University of Wollongong
79. University of Adelaide
82. Swinburne University of Technology
86. University of Sydney
97. RMIT University
102. Griffith University
118. University of Tasmania
127. La Trobe University
135. Deakin University
144. Queensland University of Technology
145. University of Newcastle
173. James Cook University
188. Edith Cowan University
