Queen's University Belfast has cemented its position as a world-leading institution, achieving significant advancements across three prominent university rankings.

These results underscore the University's substantial impact in research, education, sustainability initiatives, and student satisfaction.

In the newly released Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026, Queen's has broken into the global top 200, securing 199th place out of over 1,500 universities worldwide. This places the University within the top 13.3% of institutions assessed, a coveted achievement reflecting concerted efforts to bolster its international standing.

Demonstrating Global Impact and Sustainability Leadership

Queen's University also delivered an exceptional performance in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which evaluate universities' contributions towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In these rankings, Queen's achieved a remarkable 79th position globally. This, coupled with its strong showing in the sustainability metric within the QS rankings (67th), powerfully demonstrates the University's real-world impact and its deep commitment to tackling pressing global challenges. Domestically, Queen's has further strengthened its standing within the UK, moving up to 24th place in the Complete University Guide 2026. Notably, the University has once again been ranked as the number one university in Northern Ireland. This widely used guide for prospective UK students considers various factors, including student experience, graduate outcomes, and research quality.

Professor Sir Ian Greer, Queen's University President and Vice-Chancellor, celebrated the outstanding results. “The progress in all three major rankings is a significant achievement and the result of focused, strategic work over several years led by Professor Margaret Topping with support and input from many teams across the University," he commented. He also extended his gratitude to the University's Senate, under the leadership of Chair and Pro-Chancellor, Dr Len O'Hagan CBE, for their guidance and contribution.

Professor Sir Ian Greer highlighted the broader implications of these improved rankings: “Collectively, the results reflect growing global recognition of Queen's excellence in teaching, research, civic contribution and student experience, as acknowledged by academics, students and employers from around the world, with our improved position strengthening our ability to attract the best talent, enhance our research capability, and build high-value partnerships locally, nationally and internationally."

As Queen's marks its 180th anniversary year, these latest successes provide further evidence of the university's momentum in delivering excellence across education and research, while also strengthening communities and shaping a better future for all. "These achievements are a testament to the dedication, talent and ambition of our entire Queen's community – staff, students, alumni, partners and supporters – whose collective efforts continue to drive us forward as a university of global impact and local pride," concluded Professor Sir Ian Greer.