THE Impact Rankings 2021 Released

SIX CONTINENTS REPRESENTED IN TOP 100 OF TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION IMPACT RANKINGS 2021 AS GLOBAL IMPORTANCE OF UNIVERSITIES IN CREATING A SUSTAINABLE WORLD MADE CLEAR

• Record 1,240 universities ranked on work towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across 18 tables – an overall ranking and one for each of the 17 SDGs
• Global importance of higher education evident as 24 countries and regions from six continents appear in overall ranking top 100
•  Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Iran, Malaysia, Thailand and Brazil all appear in global top 50
•  Overall ranking of 1,115 universities topped by UK for first time as University of Manchester is named number one in the world
• Australian universities are clear world leaders in the fight for sustainability with four top 10 positions and all universities (24) within the top 200 globally
• 98 countries and regions represented across rankings demonstrating concerted global effort to achieve SDGs
• 17 universities from 10 countries and regions achieve number one positions across the rankings
• View the full Impact Rankings 2021 results: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/rankings/impact/2021/overall
• View the full Impact Rankings 2021 methodology: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/impact-rankings-2021-methodology

London, 21 April 2021

The fundamental importance of the world’s universities to solving some of the greatest challenges of our time has been laid bare by the release of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2021.

 Based on progress towards each of the United Nations (UN) 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as an overall ranking, the THE Impact Rankings assess university commitment to sustainability at an institutional, local, national, regional and global level, from carbon neutral campuses to global partnerships responding to the Covid-19 pandemic at a multi-national level.

 With a record 1,240 universities participating across the rankings this year it is clear that universities are playing a vital role in helping meet the SDGs in every corner of the world. While western countries dominate the top 10, 24 countries and regions from six continents appear in the overall top 100, demonstrating the high level of commitment and excellence across global higher education for achieving the SDGs.

 The United Kingdom’s University of Manchester takes top spot in the overall rankings from 1,115 ranked institutions after topping the table for SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and coming second for SDG14 (Life Below Water).

 Australia’s higher education system shines through as a world leader in sustainability as its universities claim four positions in the overall ranking top 10, three more than any other country or region. All of its 24 entrants appear in the overall top 200, while University of Sydney comes first in SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), University of Canberra tops the table for SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities), La Trobe University takes first place for SDG15 (Life on Land) and University of Newcastle climbs from =82 last year to claim number one spot for SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

 Impact Rankings 2021 overall top 10

In total, 17 universities from 10 different countries and regions claim a top position across the 18 rankings including Mexico, Thailand, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. 405 institutions enter the rankings for the first time, with Canada’s Queen’s University achieving 5^th place overall and topping the ranking for SDG1 (No Poverty).

Number One Ranked Institutions

 Russia (86) becomes the most represented country or region in the rankings as it sees an additional 33 universities rank in at least one SDG table since 2020. Japan records 85 ranked institutions, followed by India (57), Turkey (55), UK and US (both 52), Brazil (47), Pakistan and Spain (both 40), and Iraq (38).

 Phil Baty, Chief Knowledge Officer, THE, commented:

“While the Covid-19 pandemic has been difficult for all of us, universities around the world have been able to show just how important they are to helping global society solve some of its toughest challenges. The THE Impact Rankings offer a platform for universities in every corner of the planet to showcase their active commitment to sustainability. The record turnout this year shows how universities are standing up to be counted and fulfil the vital role they play in society.

The results of this year’s rankings demonstrate the cohesiveness of institutions worldwide for a single shared goal, with representatives from 24 countries and regions, and 6 continents in the top 100 alone. Australian universities have proven their dedication to sustainability this year, with all 24 of their institutions ranking in the top 200.  

Success in any of the SDGs means being responsible at every level, from the individual institutions, all the way up to the multinational. Therefore, we thrilled to see the growing number of debutants who have qualified this year, as it shows just how seriously they are taking their roles in helping to ensure a sustainable future.”   

***ENDS***