Australian unis among the world's best

A new ranking of university systems in 50 countries has put Australian institutions 10th in the world.

Data out of the US suggests students from more wealthy family are more likely to study English. Source: AAP

Australia's universities have been collectively ranked the 10th best in the world.

But the comparatively poor amount of government funding for universities - coming at 44th out of 50 countries - dragged Australia's overall placing down, the global network Universitas 21 said when it released the rankings on Thursday.

United States universities held their top place from the 2014 rankings, while Switzerland jumped from sixth to second.