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THE Impact Rankings 2023: Celebrating Universities' Commitment to Sustainability and UN SDGs

On June 1, 2023, the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings were released , recognizing universities' significant contributions to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This comprehensive evaluation measures institutions' dedication to sustainability across four key areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching. The 2023 rankings saw an unprecedented participation of 1,705 universities from 115 countries and regions, reflecting the global collective push for a more sustainable future.

Overview of the THE Impact Rankings methodology

The Impact Rankings are the first global attempt to measure university progress specifically around SDGs. The aspiration is for the Impact Rankings to serve as a catalyst for action, a means of holding universities accountable, and an opportunity for universities to highlight the exceptional work that they are already doing.

Inclusion in the overall ranking is granted to universities that provide data on SDG 17 – partnerships for the goals – and at least three other SDGs. Each university's total score is calculated by combining its score in SDG 17 with its top three scores from the remaining SDGs. The overall ranking score represents an average of the institution's total scores from the past two years.

Learn more about the THE Impact Rankings methodology here .

The bibliometrics used in the THE Impact Rankings

The Impact Rankings use bibliometrics, based on Publication and Citation data from Scopus, to contribute to 27% of the individual SDG scores and around 7% of the overall ranking score. Elsevier collaborated with the research community to create the latest SDG mapping, resulting in the capture of twice as many publications as before.  Leveraging machine learning models and updated search queries, the mapping ensures accuracy and inclusivity in the evaluation process. This transparency is further promoted by making the 2023 search query methodology openly accessible in Digital Commons Data .

Celebrating the Top Performers

Among the 1,705 evaluated universities, 18 institutions from 10 countries and regions achieved the esteemed number one position across individual SDGs and the overall category. Australian and Canadian universities stood out with exceptional performances, dominating the top 10 of the overall category.

Western Sydney University from Australia claimed the coveted top spot, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainability in research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching.

Browse the full Impact Rankings 2023 results here.

Queen’s places 3rd worldwide in 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

Global Impact

University secures its best performance to date with third consecutive top-10 finish.

By Dave Rideout

June 1, 2023

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For the third straight year, Queen’s has ranked among the top 10 in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings   – earning third place worldwide and first place in North America out of over 1,700 universities. Queen’s is the only Canadian university to achieve three top-10 placements since the rankings began in 2019.

The THE Impact Rankings are a global measurement for assessing universities’ performance in advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were established by UN member nations in 2015 to guide global action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure shared peace and prosperity for all people by 2030.  

"It is an honour to be recognized for our institution’s ongoing contributions to advancing the SDGs. These goals are reflective of the university’s mission and our desire to be recognized as a global institution," says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. "The Impact Rankings have played an instrumental role in bringing together our community by creating a focus on the numerous ways Queen’s is engaged in solving the world’s most pressing challenges. Our performance in the rankings tells us that we are on the right track, and our efforts are having an impact."

The 2023 rankings reviewed institutions from 117 countries, including 26 Canadian universities, and saw an overall increase of 11 per cent in worldwide participation over last year.

"It’s really impressive what Queen’s University is doing to meet the goals and is a testament to how seriously it takes those critically important goals and how the whole sector is united in pursuit of a sustainable future for us all," says Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer with Times Higher Education. "The rankings are vital for millions of prospective students who are increasingly demanding to see evidence that the universities they consider for their education are committed to sustainability and to helping them to become sustainably minded citizens."

Our performance

The Impact Rankings evaluate universities’ activities across four important areas – research, teaching, outreach, and stewardship – using hundreds of quantitative and qualitative data points.

Once again Queen’s submitted evidence for all 17 SDGs , and scored outstanding marks, in particular for advancing SDGs 2, 11, and 16. The university placed first in the world for its contributions to SDG 2: Zero Hunger; second in the world for SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions; and seventh for SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

"Our performance in this year’s rankings confirms that Queen’s is realizing its aspirations to be a university that effects real, positive change at the local, national, and global level," says Principal Deane. "Our community is working together to improve our world and to help shape a better future for all of us and the planet."

Queen’s submitted more than 400 pieces of evidence this year, highlighting institutional operations, policies, research, and strategy, and involving collaborative work by dozens of units across the university. Some examples of the evidence provided and evaluated this year include:

• SDG 2 – Swipe it Forward Queen’s, an initiative to help address food insecurity on campus and provide short-term, immediate support to students in need. All students on meal plans have the option to donate up to five meals per semester to a student in need.
• SDG 2 – The new Queen’s PEACH Market, a ‘pay what you can’ model where untouched food is packaged and made available to members of the university community.
• SDG 16 – The John Deutsch Institute for the Study of Economic Policy in the Department of Economics informs policymaking in Canada and abroad by focusing on policy-relevant research in economics and related fields.
• SDG 16 – Queen’s Model Parliament (QMP) is the oldest and largest model parliament in Canada. The student-led event sees about 300 students take over Canada’s House of Commons where they experience the legislative process by forming political parties, running for office, drafting bills, and debating them on the floor.
• SDG 11 – Queen’s is committed to recording and preserving aspects of cultural heritage such as local folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge. Our Office of Indigenous Initiatives – Art on Campus program has installed artwork across campus from many different Indigenous nations, as well as an outdoor plinth that identifies the Indigenous land the university sits on.
• SDG 11 – The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, or "The Isabel" as it is fondly known, hosts public performances, bringing local, national, and internationally renowned artists and performers of all genres to the local community, including musicians and performing artists.
• SDG 11 – The Sustainable Transportation Sub-Working Group provides recommendations for the implementation of alternative transportation such as public transit options, parking pass options, and active transportation with a focus on benefits for the environment, human health, and the economy.
• SDG 15 – The Queen's University Biological Station (QUBS) is one of the premier scientific field stations in Canada. For almost 70 years, researchers and students have gathered at QUBS to conduct leading-edge research and participate in courses spanning ecology, evolution, conservation, geography, and environmental science.
• SDG 15 – Sustainability and biodiversity initiatives are core to the mandate of Queen’s Bader College (UK). The campus acts as a living laboratory, where students collect samples and perform experiments on the rich variety of ecosystems and land forms that are present.

Learn more about Queen’s University’s performance in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and contributions to the SDGs .

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UNSW Sydney posts big jump in 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

2023-06-02T15:17:00+10:00

The University continues to climb the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, the global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNSW Sydney has extended its meteoric rise in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings , jumping 37 places to equal 18 th place globally in the 2023 edition.

Among the highlights, the University rose to second in the world for SDG 13 – Climate Action, spearheading the institution’s move into the global top 20. UNSW also moved up five places overall to 5 th in Australia, making UNSW the top-ranked Group of Eight university on the table.

A record 1591 institutions from 112 countries/regions participated in the latest rankings.  

It is the University's best result in the Impact Rankings, which are the first global attempt to measure university progress around SDGs adopted by all United Nations states. UNSW ranked 55 th in 2022 and 96 th in 2021, representing a 78-spot improvement over the last three years.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the continued rise in the Impact Rankings is evidence of the University’s commitment to effecting global change.

“UNSW has a proud history of expertise and action in climate science, sustainability and addressing global development challenges. We are committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and embedding ‘SDG Thinking’ throughout the University,” Prof. Brungs said. 

“These results reflect our ambition to be a catalyst for a sustainable, more equitable future through collaborative research, partnership and innovation, and ultimately, to improve lives in Australia and across the globe.”

UNSW ranks 2 nd in the world for Climate Action

The rankings measure an institution's research, outreach and stewardship against the 17 SDGs. The goals encompass strategies to improve health and education, improve inequality, and spur economic growth while tackling climate change and preserving our natural environment.

THE calculates a university’s Overall Ranking score by combining its score in SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals (=21 st ; 6 th in Australia), with the scaled scores for its top three SDGs. The score for the overall ranking is an average of the current and previous year’s total scores.

UNSW secured 10 top 100 spots, including three in the global top 10. Its three strongest performing areas are:  

• SDG 11  Sustainable Cities and Communities (9 th ; 4 th in Australia)
• SDG 13 Climate Action (2 nd ; 2 nd in Australia)
• SDG 15 Life on Land (10 th ; 3 rd in Australia)

The University earned high marks in its top-ranked Goal – SDG 13 Climate Action – for its commitment to a carbon-neutral university.

This was driven by UNSW achieving net zero operational emissions in 2020 through investment in energy efficiency, onsite and offsite renewable energy and carbon offsets. UNSW is also targeting net zero value chain emissions including supply chain, travel, investments, commuting and other sources, by 2050 and a 50 per cent reduction by 2030.

“Our Environmental Sustainability Plan 2022-24 is especially focused on action that contributes to SDG7, SDG12 and SDG13, so it’s fantastic that we were ranked highly for these SDGs. We are particularly pleased to be ranked 2nd for SDG13 – Climate Action – reflecting our switch to renewable electricity, and commitment to achieving net zero emissions,” said William Syddall, Head of Environmental Sustainability at UNSW.

“Estate Management will continue this work in 2023 by implementing our Electrification Strategy, engaging with our supply chain to tackle emissions, and expanding LEAF, our laboratory sustainability program.”

For SDG 11, UNSW’s commitment to sustainable practices for new and refurbished buildings, for example, the new UNSW Randwick Campus redevelopment scheme with the Integrated Acute Services Building and Health Translation Hub, contributed to its score of 98.8 out of 100.

UNSW’s support of housing affordability for students and staff in 2021 through accommodation scholarships, subsidised student accommodation for low-income and students in financial difficulty through the Covid relief package, and the staff hardship fund, also helped boost the score.

The University moved up 62 places to 10 th in the world for SDG 15 – Life on Land (3 rd in Australia). UNSW scored full points for its activities supporting land ecosystems through education and action, including the post-fire recovery of threatened ecological communities project led by the UNSW Centre for Ecosystem Science .

A collective effort

Since 2020, UNSW has hosted the secretariat for the International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA), with members from 25 countries, contributing to UNSW’s performance in climate science, partnerships and climate change action metrics across the rankings.

Professor Rita Henderson, Chair of the UNSW SDGs Steering Committee and Associate Dean Equity and Diversity in the Faculty of Engineering said:

"Our success in the THE Impact Rankings is a testament to the passion and dedication the collective university community has in contributing to achieving the SDGs,” she said. “It is wonderful to see the efforts of everyone involved, across our university operations, research and teaching, and student activities, recognised in these latest results.”

UNSW’s remaining six SDGs ranked in the global top 100 and are:

·       SDG 2 No Poverty (51 st ;   3 rd  in Australia)

·       SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation (37 th ; 7 th in Australia)

·       SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy (36 th ; 4 th in Australia)

·       SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (50 th ; 1 st in Australia)

·       SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production (25 th ; 3 rd in Australia)

·       SDG 14 Life Below Water (24 th ; 5 th in Australia)

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times higher impact 2023

Ranked top 25 in the world for sustainable development.

Published on: 1 June 2023

Newcastle University continues to be ranked among the world's best for sustainable development in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Published today (1 June), and placing the University joint 24 th in the world and 4 th in the UK , the latest rankings reinforce Newcastle’s position as a global leader for actions taken towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

With a new record number of entries, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess almost 1,600 universities against the UNSDGs. Institutions are evaluated across the areas of research, stewardship, outreach and teaching.

The University scored highly across a number of the 17 UNSGs, including UNSDG 13: Climate Action, SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG17: Partnership for the Goals.

Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President, Newcastle University , said: “I am very proud of our sustained performance in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, a recognition of how aligning our work with the UNSDGs is driving education, research and innovation across the University. Since the rankings were first released in 2019, we have been consistently placed among the world’s best universities, highlighting the commitment and passion of our colleagues and the instrumental contribution of our students.

“Encouragingly, this year has seen record participation, and with that, the latest rankings highlight the importance of working together to push further and faster on environmental sustainability and social justice. This is exactly what we are determined to do, continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge and providing an exceptional education to play our crucial part in building a fairer, stronger and more sustainable future.”

You can read more from the Vice-Chancellor about how committing to UNSDGs is energising our research-intensive University and he explains how aligning our work with them is driving education, research and innovation across the University.

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McMaster ranks 33rd in the world in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

McMaster's commitment to research with impact has earned it a top-35 ranking in the world in Times Higher Education’s 2023 Impact Rankings.

June 1, 2023

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) challenge academic institutions around the world to come together to end poverty and hunger, reduce inequalities, improve health and education and build a more sustainable world.

McMaster has embraced this challenge to work together — across disciplines and Faculties, locally and globally — to create a healthier, brighter world that leaves no one behind. From work on an inhaled COVID-19 vaccine to advocating for accessibility in digital practices , the university is having a direct impact on both local and global communities.

McMaster’s commitment to embracing change and working together to solve the most complex issues across the globe has earned the university the rank of 33rd in the world in this year’s Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, climbing four spots since last year’s results were announced.

These rankings are a global performance metric that assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The overall ranking includes 1,591 universities from 112 countries or regions.

“This ranking reinforces the importance of the work taking place across the McMaster community,” says President and Vice-Chancellor David Farrar.

“With our focus on community-engaged research and teaching excellence, McMaster is committed to working collaboratively with our partners to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to our local and global communities in significant and impactful ways.”

Learn more about how McMaster researchers are creating a brighter world

In particular, McMaster has once again scored highly in SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), ranking 12th in the world.

Home to the  Global Nexus School for Pandemic Prevention and Response  and one of the world’s top  health sciences programs , McMaster experts are working to prevent pandemics and mitigate health threats across the globe by developing a  second-generation inhaled COVID-19 vaccine , studying past pandemics to understand how they  affect our immune system today  and making trailblazing discoveries in the field of antimicrobial resistance .

McMaster placed 33rd overall, and performed especially well in specific rankings in the following SDGs:

SDG 1 (No Poverty): 12th globally

SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being): 12th globally

SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure): 55th globally

SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): 49th globally

SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): 57th globally

Learn more about McMaster’s performance in this year’s Times Higher Education Impact Rankings here . 

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Lingnan University ranks 2nd worldwide in THE Impact Rankings 2023 "Quality Education"

We are delighted to announce Lingnan University’s continued success in the recently released Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2023:

• "Quality Education" (SDG 4) being ranked 2nd globally
• Overall impact ranking has risen 100 places
• Overall impact ranking comes 6th among institutions in the Greater China region being assessed

Out of the 1,304 institutions that participated in the THE Impact Rankings 2023 (Quality Education), Lingnan has proven its excellence as a Global Leader in Quality Education. Indeed, LU has ranked top 3 worldwide in four consecutive years in Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings.

The THE Impact Rankings reflect the extent to which universities deliver the SDGs, and are compiled from data submitted by 1,705 universities from 115 countries or regions, showing impact on the broader sphere of society, beyond research and teaching achievements.

At Lingnan University, "Caring for Student Learning" is our core mission, and we appreciate this international recognition for our commitment to promoting sustainable development and social responsibility.

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Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham India’s highest ranked varsity: THE Impact Ranking 2023

The overall ranking was topped by Western Sydney University followed by University of Manchester, UK and Queen’s University, Canada. Universiti Sains Malaysia bagged the fourth spot and University of Tasmania came fifth.

THE Impact Ranking 2023: The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023 have been declared and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham , Coimbatore has emerged as India’s highest-placed university. The university  is ranked at the 52nd rank globally out of 1,591 universities from 112 countries/regions.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham stood out for its efforts towards meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Other Indian institutions that are in the top 300 are — Lovely Professional University (Punjab) placed in 101 and 200 bracket, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences (Himachal Pradesh) also placed in 101 and 200 bracket and KIIT University ( Odisha ) ranked between 201 and 300.

THE Chief Knowledge Officer, Phil Baty said that Indian universities featuring in top 100 shows ‘how seriously these institutions take those critically important goals.’

For SDG 5 — gender equality, India bagged one of the top spots with Manipal Academy of Higher Education securing the fourth spot. India also has the highest number of universities in the top 100 for SDG 7 — affordable and clean energy. These universities are — Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati at 6th spot, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences at 18th spot, Chitkara University at 40th spot, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Science at 43rd spot and Lovely Professional University at 77th spot.

IIT Guwahati was among the 200 universities for SDG 9 — industry, innovation and infrastructure and its position has improved in SDG 6 — Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 8 — Decent work and economic growth and SDG 14 — Life below water. The institute secured an overall rank between 401 and 600.

Officiating director, IIT Guwahati, professor Parameswar K Iyer congratulated the institute on its performance and said, “Universities are the core to achieve 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These results reflect IIT Guwahati’s conviction to fulfil the universal call of action for social, economic and environmental sustainability.’’

For SDG 3 — good health and wellbeing, three Indian universities were in top 100; JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research at 16th spot, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham at 23rd spot and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research at 83rd spot.

For SDG 4 — quality education, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham secured the 9th rank, Manipal Academy of Higher Education secured the 25th rank and BS Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology at 75th spot.

Founded in 2019, THE Impact Rankings assess universities against the United Nations’ SDGs. There are 17 UN SDGs — No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Industry Innovations and Infrastructure, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land, Peace Justice and Strong Institutions, and Partnerships for the Goals.

The methodology was developed in conjunction with Vertigo Ventures and Elsevier and after consultation and input from individual universities, academics and sector groups. To appear in the overall ranking table, universities had to submit SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and a minimum of three other SDGs.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023 | Results and analysis

We’ve looked at the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2023 to analyze which universities perform best according to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and help you find your ideal school in terms of sustainable impact.

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023: Top universities

The importance of the times higher education impact rankings, what’s the methodology behind the times higher education impact rankings, highlights of the 2023 impact rankings, how to use the times higher education impact rankings to find the right master’s program.

According to the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings , these are the top universities for social and environmental impact:

     1. Western Sydney University ( Australia ) 

    2. University of Manchester ( United Kingdom ) 

    3. Queen’s University ( Canada ) 

    4. Universiti Sains Malaysia ( Malaysia )

    5. University of Tasmania ( Australia )

    6. Arizona State University ( USA )

  =7. University of Alberta ( Canada ) 

  =7. RMIT University ( Australia )

  =9. Aalborg University ( Denmark )

  =9. University of Victoria ( Canada )

  =9. Western University ( Canada )  

This article will first look at the significance of the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking and the methodology behind it. If you’re more interested in the highlights of the 2023 ranking, scroll down to the bottom of the article.

Unlike traditional university rankings focusing on academic excellence and faculty ratios, the THE Impact Rankings highlight a university’s societal impact. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings show how universities drive sustainable development and address the world’s major issues. The schools are assessed according to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Therefore, THE Impact Rankings appeals to students eager to make a difference and seek institutions that mirror their values.

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023 analyzed the performance of 1,591 universities on the 17 SDGs. The universities chose for themselves which SDGs they wish to be evaluated on. The evaluation is across four primary categories.

The Research category evaluates how universities utilize their research capabilities to address relevant topics in support of the SDGs. Indicators include metrics like the number of publications, research funding, and collaboration with institutions from low-income countries.

Stewardship

Stewardship refers to the responsible management of key resources by universities in their pursuit of the SDGs. For this the rankings consider the policies and practices of universities. This includeds efforts toward gender equality, waste management strategies, and initiatives aimed at reducing the institution’s carbon footprint.

The Outreach category examines universities’ involvement in community development, local partnerships, and initiatives to promote social inclusion and diversity. Recognizing that building local, regional, and global communities contribute to SDG achievement, this evaluates universities’ impact beyond their campus.

The Teaching category evaluates the integration of sustainability-related topics into the universities’ curricula. It also assesses the scholarships and financial aid available for disadvantaged students and support for students to pursue social entrepreneurship.

No change at the top

Western Sydney University deserves its spotlight mention after taking first place in the Impact Ranking for a second year . 

It is 1st in the world for three SDGs: Gender equality, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Partnership for the Goals. It is 2nd for two SDGs: Clean Water and Sanitation and Life on Land. And it is 3rd in the world for the Reduced Inequalities SDG.

UK and Australia leading the way

The UK and Australia continue to demonstrate their strong presence and commitment to societal impact. The countries have 26 and 16 institutions, respectively in the top 100. 

Notably, Canada follows closely with 15 institutions in the top 100, showcasing its dedication to impactful initiatives within higher education.

Malaysia’s consistence amidst global changes

While many universities experienced shifts in their positions, Malaysia’s Universiti Sains Malaysia showcased remarkable consistency. Retaining its fourth-place position in the THE Impact Rankings from 2022 to 2023, it demonstrates resilience and commitment.

This persistence underscores the importance of universities in emerging economies like in spearheading positive change. Notably, Universiti Sains continued to dominate in the SDG16, underscoring its vital role in fostering peace, justice, and robust institutions.

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings can guide you to universities that excel in societal issues close to your heart. This allows you to find a Master’s degree program that aligns with your personal values. 

Combining the Impact Rankings with traditional ones gives a full view of a university’s fit with your career and beliefs.

Ultimately, it is crucial to recognize the transformative potential of higher education institutions in nurturing the next generation of leaders and change-makers. After all, universities are pivotal in empowering ambitious individuals to create a meaningful impact in the world. 

Though the Impact Rankings provide insights, it’s vital to delve deeper into each institution’s offerings. Explore their programs, courses, and extracurricular opportunities.

Reach out to our student ambassadors to learn how their universities are making an impact.

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Ateneo leads PH schools in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

Ateneo De Manila University topped the list of Philippine universities included in a worldwide ranking that assesses higher education institutes (HEIs)’ commitment to delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

A total of 29 HEIs in the country ranked in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2023 published Thursday, with Ateneo placing 201-300 with a score of 79.1 out of 100.

THE Impact Rankings 2023 measured 1,591 institutions from 112 countries and regions. It is the only global performance table that assesses universities against SDGs and uses carefully calibrated indicators to provide comprehensive and balanced comparisons across four broad areas — research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching.

Ateneo received its highest scores in five SDGs: No poverty (101–200), Clean Water and Sanitation (68), Affordable and Clean Energy (101-200), Sustainable Cities and Communities (101–200), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (55).

Fr. Roberto Yap SJ, university president, vowed to continue the university’s efforts in promoting and realizing the UN SGDs and thanked the university community in “helping build a more sustainable present and future, as outlined in our Lux In Domino 2030 strategic plan."

"As we pursue our goal of helping make the UN SDGs a reality, and on our path to becoming a Laudato Si' University, our entire community will always aim to become a force for good in our world,” Yap said.

Other Philippine HEIs in the 2023 Impact Rankings are:

• Dela Salle University (401-600)
• University of the Philippines (401-600)
• Batangas State University (601-800)
• Leyte Normal University (601-800)
• Mariano Marcos State University (601-800)
• University of Sto. Tomas (601-800)
• Tarlac Agricultural University (601-800)
• Central Luzon State University (801-1000)
• Mapua University 801-1000)
• Philippine Normal University 801-1000)
• Saint Louis University 801-1000)
• Benguet State University (1001+)
• Bulacan State University (1001+)
• Cebu Technological University (1001+)
• Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (1001+)
• Central Philippine University (1001+)
• Central Philippines State University (1001+)
• University of Eastern Philippines (1001+)
• Isabela State University (1001+)
• Lyceum-Northwestern University (1001+)
• Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (1001+)
• Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (1001+)
• San Beda University (1001+)
• University of San Carlo (1001+)
• University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (1001+)
• Southern Leyte State University (1001+)
• St. Paul University (1001+)
• Visayas State University (1001+)

—LDF, GMA Integrated News

The university

KNUST Tops Times Higher Education 2023 Impact Ranking for Quality Education (SDG 4)

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has been recognised as the best university in the world for the provision of quality education (SDG 4). The prestigious accolade was announced in the published 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings on Thursday, June 1, 2023.

The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings are the sole global performance tables that evaluate universities based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Employing meticulously calibrated indicators, THE provides comprehensive and impartial comparisons across four key areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching.

The 2023 Impact Rankings, in its fifth edition, encompassed a total of 1,591 universities from 112 countries/regions. Demonstrating unparalleled excellence, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) secured the top position globally with an outstanding score of 93.1, surpassing all other universities worldwide in terms of the University’s contributions in the provision of quality education (SDG 4). KNUST outperformed 1,303 out of the 1,304 universities within this category across the globe, cementing its status as the premier destination for quality education globally.

The SDG 4 - Quality Education category evaluates universities' contributions to early years and lifelong learning, research, and their dedication to inclusive education. This year, an impressive 1,304 universities from 109 countries/regions participated in this esteemed category. The 2023 feat is a massive improvement over the 2022 rankings which placed the University as the number one (1) in Africa and 14th globally in terms of (SDG4).

Expressing his reaction to the latest ranking, Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, the University Relations Officer, highlighted that the remarkable achievement reflects the substantial and strategic investments made by the University's Management over the years. Dr. Bekoe specifically praised past and current administrations for the legendary investments in infrastructure, ICT, and e-learning resources, which have significantly enhanced the inclusive educational experience at KNUST.

In addition, Dr. Bekoe highlighted the noteworthy endeavours undertaken by the University in assisting emerging researchers through financial support and facilitating the pursuit of impactful research initiatives and subsequently publishing their findings in high-impact journals was recognised as a pivotal factor with transformative implications for the University.

Furthermore, he highlighted initiatives such as scholarships for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students, the Support One Needy Student with One Laptop (SONSOL) Project initiated by Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, the Vice-Chancellor to bridge the digital divide, provision of counselling and other career development services, the provision of assistance to needy students covering accommodation, food, clothing, and special vehicles to enhance the mobility of persons with disabilities. These accomplishments reflect KNUST's commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that no student is left behind.

Dr. Bekoe also commended the University’s Administration for their proactive implementation of various policies, including those pertaining to Gender, Anti-Sexual Harassment, Equality and Diversity, Mentorship, Counselling, Quality Assurance, Teaching and Learning, Research, and Professional Evaluation of Teaching, Disability among others. These policies serve the important purpose of guaranteeing high-quality service provision and safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable members within the University Community.

He stressed the firm commitment of Management to consistently make strategic decisions and investments aimed at enhancing the quality of education. This steadfast dedication is driven by the overarching goal of nurturing students who possess not only a profound understanding of their subjects but also exemplary character traits. By steadfastly adhering to this principle, KNUST aspires to equip its students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel not only within Ghana but also on a global scale.

Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe conveyed the profound appreciation of the University's Management to the dedicated staff and students, invaluable partners, and esteemed stakeholders for their immense contributions leading to this outstanding milestone. This significant achievement stands as a testament to the collective efforts and unwavering commitment exhibited by the entire KNUST Community.

Dr. Bekoe further emphasised the need for all staff and students to sustain this diligent and persevering spirit. He underscored that the resplendent banner of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology must continue to wave high, symbolising the Institution's relentless pursuit of excellence.

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Times Higher Education: Impact Rankings 2023

UPDATED June 1, 2023 :  Impact Rankings 2023 Results published by the Times Higher Education.

UPDATED May 11, 2023 :  Modifications aimed at enhancing stability in THE’s 2023 Impact Rankings.

Impact Rankings 2023 Results

It’s with great pleasure that we celebrate the 2023 Impact Rankings results. This year, an Akari Software client, the University of Tasmania , ranked in the Top 5 most impactful institutions.

Something to notice is that, for the second year, the university has ranked #1 in Climate Action , one of the 17 SDGs analysed by the ranking.

Also in the Top 50 , two more of our clients stood out: the University of the Sunshine Coast (#29) and the University of Galway (#34).

The 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings have unveiled Western Sydney University as the top-ranked institution once again, affirming its continued leadership. Australian universities maintain a formidable presence in the top 10, with the University of Tasmania securing fifth place and RMIT University sharing the seventh spot.

This year’s results reinforce the strong correlation between Australasian universities and top rankings, as an institution from the region has now claimed the top position four times since the rankings’ inception in 2019. Canadian universities also exhibit noteworthy performance, occupying an impressive four spots in the top 10. Queen’s University achieves an outstanding third place, while the University of Alberta, the University of Victoria, and Western University jointly secure seventh and ninth places.

On the international front, the University of Manchester from the United Kingdom distinguishes itself as the second-highest ranked institution, positioning it as the leading European university amidst the extensive list of over 1,500 universities evaluated. Aalborg University from Denmark shares the ninth spot, further highlighting the global impact of exceptional educational institutions.

These rankings underscore the strong correlation between universities’ commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and their resulting impact. The consistent performance of top-ranked institutions, along with their collective dedication, reflects the global efforts and collaborations undertaken to foster sustainable development and create a brighter future.

Official Impact Rankings 2023 Results

See the full list here .

Universities can have a far-reaching influence on the world through their research, education and solutions to global social challenges.

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are an essential tool providing an unbiased assessment of how universities contribute to this impact and are the only rankings of their kind from the largest system for ranking higher education globally.

This year’s THE Impact Rankings aims to show not only what progress has been made, but also opportunities for further growth within each institution – allowing them to measure their effect on society, including both positive and negative impacts.

To achieve this goal, data from institutions around the world are collected, looking at keywords such as ‘gender diversity’ and ‘student welfare policy’ which demonstrate real-world results rather than solely relying on metrics such as student grades or number of publications produced. With a vested interest in creating lasting positive change through research disciplines and teaching methods, it is important that academics stay abreast of these new initiatives seeking how best to make use of them towards achieving social good throughout all aspects of university life.

Introducing the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023 assess universities across 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ranging from good health and well-being to peace, justice and strong institutions.

These SDGs are significant because they provide an international framework for setting global priorities and developing national policy agendas that promote sustainable development worldwide.

This method of evaluation will not only create a level playing field among universities but also help to identify their strengths and weaknesses in terms of their respective contributions towards making the world a better place.

What are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The UN SDGs are 17 goals adopted by all member nations in 2015, which aim to promote global economic development, social inclusion and environmental protection by 2030.

These ambitious objectives are highly interrelated – for example, Goal 4 focuses on quality education, while Goal 14 addresses the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Other goals focus on reducing poverty and inequalities, providing clean water and sanitation to all, promoting gender equality, and tackling climate change.

All these objectives are interconnected yet intertwined – for instance, progress towards achieving one goal (e.g. quality education) will also help to promote further progress towards achieving another goal (e.g. gender equality). Therefore, the UN SDGs are a comprehensive set of goals that must be addressed in order to create a better world for everyone. 

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023 will play an important role in helping universities and other higher education institutions assess their progress towards achieving the UN SDGs and in motivating them to integrate these goals into their curriculum.

Ranking Methodology - How Universities Are Assessed

• The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023 assess universities across 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, ranging from health and environmental protection to education.
• Participation in the overall ranking requires universities to submit data to at least four SDGs including SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
• If a university submits data but does not fulfil the overall ranking requirement, it will still be ranked in individual SDGs.
• The overall score is generated from scores for up to four SDGs and based on metrics and indicators, which are given an exact or approximate percentage value.

Modifications aimed at enhancing stability in THE's 2023 Impact Rankings.

• This year, more challenging questions were introduced, focusing on SDGs 3, 4, 11, 16, and 17.
• Changes include replacing questions with higher standards and adjusting the calculation of total scores using a rolling average of the last two years.
• Overall Impact Ranking scores for 2023 are created by averaging the scores with those from 2022, except for new universities.
• The two-year blending is not applied to individual SDG rankings, which focus on specific areas of excellence and good practice.

Relationship Between the UN SDGs and Higher Education Curriculum

The Impact Rankings 2023 will encourage a closer relationship between higher education and the UN SDGs, as well as motivate universities to integrate these goals into their curriculum. This integration will allow students to gain a better understanding of the global challenges we face and how to best respond to them, making their education more relevant to the real-world issues that are shaping our society today.

It will also encourage universities to actively promote sustainable practices on campus, as well as provide students with an opportunity to engage in meaningful research and development projects that have the potential to make a lasting impact on the world.

Benefits of Integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into University Curriculum

By  integrating the UN SDGs into their curriculum , universities will be able to demonstrate their commitment towards building a better world – an essential criterion in achieving higher rankings on the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023.

Universities will benefit from increased participation in international collaboration and research activities, as well as access to more funding opportunities that support their efforts towards promoting social good across all academic disciplines.

This will help universities demonstrate to potential students and employers their commitment to creating a better world than the one they inherited.

The Benefits of Adopting a Sustainable Approach to University Education

Universities that align their teaching, research and societal engagement strategies with the UN SDGs stand to benefit by having access to a wider range of funding opportunities, as many governments and philanthropic organizations are increasingly investing in initiatives that aim to tackle the SDGs.

Investments in sustainability-focused research and teaching projects can help universities build a positive international reputation and attract students from around the world.

Integrating sustainable practices into university curricula will create new collaborations with businesses, NGOs and other organizations, further enriching the teaching and research agendas of universities.

Top 10 Universities in the Impact Rankings 2022

Read more about the  Impact Rankings 2022 results .

• Western Sydney University – Australia
• Arizona State University (Tempe) – USA
• Western University – Canada
• (4) King Abdulaziz University – Saudi Arabia
• (4) Universiti Sains Malaysia – Malaysia
• University of Auckland – New Zealand
• Queen’s University
• Newcastle University – UK
• University of Manchester – UK
• Hokkaido University – Japan

Times Higher Education

Times Higher Education (THE) is a magazine reporting specifically on news and issues related to higher education, and is known for publishing the annual Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

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UP-hosted Times Higher Education Summit Highlights Africa’s Increasing Visibility in Global SDG-Impact Rankings

Although West African countries are still underrepresented, the African continent as a whole is becoming increasingly visible in the world rankings that assess universities’ performance against the  United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals  (SDGs).

This was one of the key points raised at the Times Higher Education (THE) Pan-Africa Universities Summit, held at Future Africa, the University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) pan-African platform for collaborative research, on 17 and 18 April 2024.

While 70 African universities participated in the THE Impact Rankings in 2021, the number shot up to 106 in 2023, when countries such as Mauritius, Mozambique and Zimbabwe took part for the first time.

There has been even stronger growth in participation since then, according to Loubaba El Wazir, THE’s data quality assurance manager. “The participation of African universities has more than doubled, to 230 in 2024,” El Wazir said at the summit.

This growth reflects two factors: African countries that previously had not taken part in the THE Impact Rankings entered for the first time this year, while other countries that were already participating had a higher number of universities represented in the rankings.

Nigeria, for example, boosted its participation from 11 universities last year to 27 in 2024, while Algeria stands out as the African country with the highest representation overall. It has been in the top 10 countries in the world by representation since 2020.

African newcomers in 2024 include Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d’Ivoire and Somalia.

El Wazir said that first-time entrants such as these were contributing significantly to the growing diversity and inclusivity of the rankings, which are the only global performance tables that assess the contribution of universities to the SDGs.

Despite the dramatic growth in African participation, the continent’s 230 participating universities in 2024 account for only approximately 11% of the total number of universities taking part.

Globally, 2 052 universities from 125 countries participated in 2024, up from 1 705 universities and 115 countries last year.

Noting that the 2024 THE Impact Rankings would be released in June, El Wazir said there was a slight difference between the number of universities taking part and the number that appear in the rankings. Africa, for instance, had 106 participating universities in 2023, of which 101 appeared in the rankings.

The reason for the difference is that universities must meet certain criteria in order to appear in the rankings, she said.  Specifically, they must report on their performance in at least four of the 17 SDGs and provide supporting data.

One of the SDGs – namely SDG 17, ‘partnerships for goals’ – is a general requirement, but the other three reported on can be selected according to each university’s preferences.

In Africa, the SDGs in which universities perform best are ‘no poverty’ (SDG 1), ‘affordable, reliable and sustainable energy’ (SDG 7) and ‘partnerships for goals’ (SDG 17).

On the other hand, the SDGs in which African universities generally fare less well are ‘industry innovation’ (SDG 9) and ‘responsible consumption and production’ (SDG 12).

Having risen steadily up the THE Impact Rankings in recent years, the University of Pretoria eagerly awaits the June 2024 publication of this year’s rankings. In 2023 the university held 69th position overall in the world and was ranked second in South Africa and Africa. Of the nine SDGs the institution reported on last year, UP was ranked in the Top 100 in the world for seven. The university performed best in the goals for ‘decent work and economic growth’ (SDG 8), ranking fourth in the world, and ‘gender equality’ (SDG 5), ranking 14th.

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Statement: 2023 Annual Report

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2023 was marked by a return to vibrant campus life and tangible progress across the directions outlined in our Knowledge with Action strategy.

The University launched its new Education Plan, outlining our unique pedagogy, announced a commitment to reinvest $250 million in Vietnam, and made a significant contribution to the biggest review of Australia’s higher education system since 2008, the Australian Universities Accord.

Looking ahead, we will continue to progress our aspirations according to the three horizons of our strategy to 2031 and remain confident that this will accelerate our ambition to be a university of impact in our region and beyond, transforming lives and livelihoods for generations to come.

2023 financial summary

While 2023 saw the first increase in international student revenue in four years, the University remained in a recovery phase, with its operating result impacted by ongoing effects of the pandemic alongside inflationary impacts and the rising cost of living.

The consolidated 2023 net operating result for the RMIT Group - RMIT University in Australia and its controlled entities (RMIT Vietnam, RMIT Online, RMIT Training and RMIT Europe) - was a net deficit of $11.6 million.

RMIT University in Australia incurred a pre-tax operating deficit of $58.7 million, compared to a $73.0 million deficit in 2022.  

The University’s total revenue increased by 10 per cent to $1,387.1 million, up from $1,265.1 million in 2022.

Course fees and charges increased 16 per cent to $453.3 million, up from $392.2 million in 2022, driven by a return of international students. Revenue from international onshore (INTON) students rebounded by 18 per cent to $384.5 million, up from $325.1 million in 2022, while all other sources were broadly stable.

The University’s investment portfolio benefited from broad improvements in market conditions leading to gains of $16.9 million, as compared to a loss of $7.4 million in 2022.

Australian Government Financial Assistance increased 2 per cent year on year to $656.9 million up from $641.6 million in 2022, driven by increases in HECS-HELP, Education Research grants, and funding for the Australian Scholarship Awards (a new 2023 initiative), while the receipts under the Commonwealth Grant Scheme and FEE-HELP reduced by $19.9 million (the former due to the impact of the Job Ready Graduates program). 

State and Local Government Financial Assistance decreased by 6 per cent to $64.6 million, down from $68.7 million in 2022. Recurrent grants for Vocational Education students increased by $7.5 million in line with a 12 per cent increase in students, while non-recurrent grants decreased by $11.7 million due to reduced funding from the International Education Resilience Fund bursaries. 

At a Group level the deficit has been largely mitigated by the strong performance in Southeast Asia of RMIT Vietnam, delivering a surplus of $67.3 million. The surplus achieved by RMIT Vietnam remains in Vietnam and continues to strengthen their local balance sheet to support necessary future investments as we continue to build on 23 years of impact in-country.  Our commitment in 2023 to reinvest $250 million, proudly announced alongside Prime Minister Albanese, firmly positions RMIT Vietnam’s operations as the heart of our regional network, and the base for our aspiration to weave collaborative networks across Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.  

RMIT community

In 2023, RMIT had over 11,000 staff globally and more than 90,000 students studying at campuses in Australia and overseas.

The vibrancy of campus life returned, with face-to-face learning and activities fostering connections and providing engaging experiences for our students.

Our commitment to serve the community reached new heights across the Asia Pacific region, through civic partnerships that drive social innovation, reimagine smart and sustainable cities for the future, and empower the workforce of tomorrow. 

We are proud of RMIT's diverse community and committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful place to study and work.

• International students

RMIT has students studying at offshore campuses, which we consider as international students, although it’s important to note they are not studying at our campuses in Australia – they are studying overseas and considered domestic cohorts in their local market.

All students studying at RMIT’s international campuses are noted in the University’s annual report as ‘fee paying offshore overseas students’ (sometimes noted as international offshore, or INTOFF).

International students studying at RMIT’s Australian campuses are noted as ‘fee paying onshore overseas students’ (sometimes noted as international onshore, or INTON). 

Bundling offshore and onshore figures together to represent international students studying in Australia is an inaccurate representation of RMIT’s Australian operations.

Diversity and Inclusion

RMIT’s culture emphasises wellbeing, recognition for contribution, and an expectation that our values are fundamental. In 2023 we received two SAGE Cygnet Awards, recognising the way RMIT is breaking down barriers in the recruitment of women and gender-diverse individuals, and eliminating barriers to participation and career fulfillment for parents and carers. We also extended our Disability Confident Recruiter accreditation, an important continuation of our commitment to disability inclusion.

Our blueprint to create a more inclusive and equitable RMIT for our students and staff – The IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) Framework – was launched, while a new People Strategy outlines how we’ll create rewarding career pathways, develop an effective leadership culture and improve our workforce models to meet our future needs, empower people to take ownership and make informed decisions. 

Moving from Reconciliation to Responsible Practice

RMIT’s commitment to the participation and success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is unwavering and embedded in the University’s Knowledge with Action strategy. In 2023, we transitioned from Reconciliation to Responsible Practice, encouraging us all, individually and as a collective, to amplify the practices that actively strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples for the benefit of all Australians and the communities in which RMIT operates.

• Sustainability

In 2023, we continued to strengthen our sustainability credentials, transitioning 100% of our onshore grid electricity to renewable sources from 1 January 2023, a crucial step in our journey to Carbon Neutral by 2025. 

We also introduced the Sustainability and Equity Evaluation (SEE) Tool, a groundbreaking innovation designed to assess the sustainability impact of any RMIT policy, program, plan, or project through the lens of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

2023 saw continued strong performance in global university rankings with RMIT ranked =140th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings and appearing in the 251-300 band of the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

We also ranked 400th globally in the Academic Ranking of World Universities and =7th globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, designed to showcase how institutions are working towards addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). RMIT also ranked =62nd globally in the 2024 QS Sustainability Rankings which look at how universities are responding to the world’s environmental, social and governance challenges. 

Research & Innovation 

In 2023, the University’s research and innovation activities went from strength to strength with our research intensification and relevancy evidenced by positive rankings results, research impact outcomes and a large volume of quality research outputs. We successfully collaborated with our partners in government and industry to deliver numerous important initiatives that deliver benefit beyond academia, with a key highlight being the announcement that Victorian Government-backed investment company Breakthrough Victoria will match the University’s $7.5M investment in research translation to advance new partnerships and create companies, products and services from RMIT research.

While the impact of the pandemic on the higher education sector has yet to run its full course, we are seeing positive signs of recovery with regard to student numbers.

External and sector challenges, through 2023 and ongoing, have materially impacted our revenue and expenditure. These include low unemployment levels affecting our domestic student enrolments (particularly post-graduate); changes in growth markets including price sensitivity; and inflationary pressures across society.

In 2024, we expect to again report a deficit for RMIT University (Australia) and for the RMIT Group, however we anticipate these will be smaller deficits than 2023.  

We will continue to make strategic investments in critical areas – infrastructure, our systems and our people. It’s about making responsible, prudent choices about where we focus our resources to deliver on our strategic aspirations and ensure a high quality experience for our students and staff.

The impact of the pandemic on the higher education sector will continue in the medium term, however as we look towards 2025 and beyond, we believe we will be in a stronger position for growth.

Please take the time to reflect on the many achievements outlined in the Annual Report. Because, while our short-term financial position remains challenging and our operating environment constrained, we continue to generate tangible impact in the communities we serve, graduate exceptional global citizens and produce outstanding applied research.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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Asia University Rankings 2024: results announced

Updated methodology reveals previously underappreciated research strength in some asian countries, reports rosa ellis.

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Browse the full results of the Asia University Rankings 2024

For decades now, the rise of Asian universities has been one of the biggest stories in global higher education. In this edition of the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings, some of the trends fuelling the advances are put in sharp relief by our revised and improved methodology .

The ever-improving strength of China’s research output and its impact on the wider region could prove to be a real tectonic shift. Another significant highlight is the growth of regional powerhouses when it comes to working with industry, as well as hints that more Asian countries are improving their higher education systems.

Small changes at the top of the table reflect wider trends. Last year, mainland China claimed four of the top 10 spots; now it has five, with Zhejiang University moving up to ninth position from 12. That move has come at Hong Kong’s cost, which now has only two institutions in the top 10, compared with three previously, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong barely hangs in at 10th position (down from six).

Asia University Rankings 2024: revelations of research strength Asia University Rankings 2024: in charts Talking leadership: SKKU’s Ji-Beom Yoo on allowing failure Talking leadership: Alexander Ping-kong Wai on future-proofing education

China’s two stand-out institutions, Tsinghua University and Peking University , retain their positions at number one and two, respectively. Their scores under the new research quality pillar (previously called citations) are markedly different from last year, however.

Tsinghua has jumped from 43rd place to eighth for research quality, and Peking has climbed from 73 to 20. This pillar previously measured only field-weighted citation impact, but it now also takes in research strength (a guide to how strong typical research is, using the 75th percentile of field-weighted citation impact); research excellence (reflecting the amount of world-leading research at an institution, based on the volume of research in the top 10 per cent worldwide); and research influence (a broader look at excellence, based on the volume of research recognised by the most influential research in the world). These new measures give us a better idea of the amount of high-quality research produced by institutions.

A similar trend is visible in Japan, where institutions such as The University of Tokyo , Kyoto University and Tohoku University register significantly higher scores in this year’s research quality pillar compared with last year’s citations pillar. As a result, they are edging closer to the top of the overall table: Tokyo has risen from eighth position to fifth, Kyoto from 18th to 13th, and Tohoku from 34th to 20th.

Elsewhere, South Korea’s top universities have slipped down the overall rankings. In 2023, Seoul National University was just outside the top 10, occupying 11th place, but it has fallen to 14th. Yonsei University (Seoul campus) has dropped from 13th to 17th, and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has slipped from 17th to 18th.

Behind the disappointing performance of South Korea’s leading institutions were their scores in the teaching and research environment pillars. They gained from new metrics in research quality and industry; however, as they did not improve as much as Chinese institutions did, they slipped down the overall ranking.

Asia's top 10 universities overall

Billy Wong, THE ’s lead data scientist, says the new research quality metrics “help us highlight research strength that was previously not completely recognised in the ranking”.

“Now that we’re also looking at research that is cited above average and is cited by other influential research, we can really see which regions are producing world-changing research,” he says.

Looking more closely at this trend in China, analysis of the top five universities in the country (which have been continuously ranked for the past five years) shows that the average score for research quality is 87.3, up from 73.1 last year under the old methodology.

So what do the numbers mean? Futao Huang, professor at the Research Institute for Higher Education at Hiroshima University , says they confirm that China’s approach to research, which previously may have prized quantity, is now very much focused on publishing quality papers, too.

“China is also making very rapid progress in terms of highly cited papers, and China has made remarkable achievements in some key areas such as artificial intelligence, gene editing, quantum communication, space technology and more. China’s research institutions and universities are also gaining influence in the international arena,” he says.

While there are various measures of research influence, this advance chimes with other reports of China’s increasing research strength, such as a 2022 study by Japan’s National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP) that showed China creeping ahead of the US when it came to highly cited papers .

“For quite some time, analysts considered China as ‘imitating’ the leaders without producing novel work,” says Caroline Wagner, an expert on science and technology policy at Ohio State University. “This may have been the case in the past, but China now conducts novel and leading-edge research.”

As to what impact China’s growing research muscle might have on the rest of Asia, Huang believes the country will become a regional hub and exert greater influence over nearby nations, “for example, by attracting more students and scholars from neighbouring countries, and conducting more academic exchanges and cooperation with Asian countries in terms of teaching and scientific research”.

“There is no doubt that Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea and Singapore will become more dominant in terms of academic research in the next 10 or 20 years,” Huang adds.

Wagner expects even wider ripples because “the world is waking up to China’s research power”.

“Increasingly, Chinese researchers are collaborating with scientists and engineers around the world. In addition, the Chinese government has signed bilateral and multilateral science and technology agreements with at least 115 countries around the world to institute relationships in science or engineering,” she says. “China’s offer of partnership is especially attractive to developing countries, which hope to imitate and learn from China’s success.”

On the one hand, Wagner says, these collaborations “pass along knowledge and research capacity, which can help the less developed partner”. However, she warns that China is “tying domestic research closely to military capacity and strength”.

“China’s enhanced military strength, catalysed by science and technology advances, may be viewed as provocative by neighbours,” she says.

Ming Cheng, professor of higher education at Sheffield Hallam University , highlights two likely results of China’s growing research might. One is that China will attract more international students. The other relates to the lingua franca of science: “English might gradually lose its dominance as the language of scientific research.”

If the latter change occurs, it might remove “structural hurdles” for non-native English readers and researchers and “encourage diversity in developing and conducting scientific practice and research”, she says.

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Another change to THE ’s methodology is the addition of a metric tracking how frequently a university’s research is cited in patents, as part of the industry pillar.

David Watkins, THE ’s managing director of data science, says that the new metric “allows us to measure the level of knowledge transfer from academia to industry in a much more direct way. This gives us new insights into the positive impacts of universities on wider society.”

On this metric, 19 Asian universities score 100, demonstrating their strength in translating research into practical application in the region. Of those 19, four are in Japan, four are in South Korea, and four are in Hong Kong. One is in China.

Alexander Ping-kong Wai, vice-chancellor of Hong Kong Baptist University , says Hong Kong excels in this area in part because of wealth.

“Hong Kong is a rich city. There are many rich tycoons. If they’re interested, you can get the money going,” he says, referring to funding from industry.

The territory’s position as both part of and separate from China is useful as well, he says, as its more westernised culture means some businesses prefer to deal with Hong Kong, even if their factories and production are based on the Chinese mainland.

In South Korea, it is a cultural shift that has helped to embed entrepreneurialism in higher education and drive its universities’ strong industry performance.

Jae-Young Kim, executive vice-president for research affairs at Seoul National University, which achieves a high score for the patents metric, explains that there were “venture booms” in South Korea around the years 2000 and 2020, which “reshaped the entrepreneurial landscape within universities”.

“Around the first venture boom, professors and students with an entrepreneurial spirit emerged, particularly with students being nurtured through start-up clubs, leading universities to establish dedicated start-up support offices and policies. Similarly, the second venture boom underscored the significance of an entrepreneurial ecosystem integrating universities, local communities and the private sector,” he says.

In South Korea, “universities are recognised as key players in the knowledge triangle of education, research and innovation”, Kim continues.

“Each university has its own R&DB foundation [where “B” indicates business] for industry-academia cooperation, which manages research projects and intellectual property rights, and promotes the commercialisation of valuable patents…The monetisation of research outcomes and the establishment of spin-off companies within domestic universities, including Seoul National University, is expected to become increasingly important.”

Throughout the region are hints that higher education systems in a number of countries may be improving. Not every Asian nation has a university near the top of the table, but many are seeing an increasing number of institutions ranked each year.

This year, for instance, there are 91 Indian universities in the ranking, up from 75 last year, meaning that India overtakes China as the second most-represented country in the table. The country’s highest-ranked institution is the Indian Institute of Science at 32nd place, up from 48.

And there are 75 Turkish universities, up from 61 last year. The top two – Koç University and Middle East Technical University – share 69th place, and Istanbul Technical University rises from joint 149th to 92nd.

This year marks the 12th edition of the THE  Asia University Rankings. It is the second time that the methodology has been significantly updated since the World University Rankings were launched 20 years ago, and it now, THE believes, even better reflects the changing nature of higher education in Asia.

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