Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 | Results and Analysis

The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 offer a comprehensive assessment of universities’ contributions to global sustainable development. This influential ranking system evaluates 2,526 universities hailing from 130 countries or territories, measuring their progress against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The overall Impact Rankings table specifically aims to identify and celebrate institutions that demonstrate comprehensive excellence in their commitment to these global objectives. By excelling across a diverse range of the UN SDGs, these universities showcase their dedication to confronting the world’s most critical challenges. This includes environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth, and the fostering of effective partnerships

The 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings reveal significant trends in global sustainability efforts. Western Sydney University in Australia leads overall for the fourth consecutive year. Indonesia’s Universitas Airlangga stands out as the most sustainable institution from an emerging economy, ranking joint ninth globally. 

In 2025, Asian universities are a dominant force. Claiming over half of all ranked places, Asia leads 10 out of 17 individual SDG categories. More specifically, East and South-east Asia are rapidly improving their contributions to sustainable development. Additionally, eight new countries or territories debuted in the rankings, broadening global participation. 

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025: Top Universities

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

1. Western Sydney University (Australia)
2. University of Manchester (United Kingdom)
3, Kyungpook National University (South Korea)
4. Griffith University (Australia)
4. University of Tasmania (Australia)
6. Arizona State University (USA)
6. Queen’s University (Canada)
8. University of Alberta (Canada)
9. Aalborg University (Denmark)
9. Universitas Airlangga (Indonesia)

The Importance of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

Unlike traditional university rankings focusing on academic excellence and faculty ratios, the THE Impact Rankings highlight a university’s societal impact. In essence, the THE Impact Rankings show how universities drive sustainable development and address the world’s major sustainability issues according to the United Nations’ SDGs. Therefore, the THE Impact Rankings appeals to students eager to make a difference and seek institutions that mirror their values.

Highlights of the 2025 Impact Rankings

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 present several key highlights showcasing global progress and leadership in sustainable development: 

Continued Leadership by Western Sydney University 

For the fourth consecutive year, Western Sydney University in Australia has secured the top position overall, demonstrating consistent excellence in sustainability.

Emerging Economy Success

Indonesia’s Universitas Airlangga achieved a significant milestone by ranking joint ninth overall, marking it as the most sustainable institution from an emerging economy.

Dominance of Asian Universities 

Universities from Asia now account for over half of all ranked institutions. Furthermore, Asian universities lead in 10 out of the 17 individual SDG rankings, highlighting their strong and growing impact across specific sustainable development areas.

Rapid Improvement in East and South-east Asia 

Analysis indicates that universities within East and South-east Asia are making rapid advancements in their contributions towards sustainable development

Broadening Global Participation 

Eight new countries or territories made their debut in the 2025 rankings, including Botswana, Burkina Faso, El Salvador, Estonia, Maldives, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, and Senegal, indicating expanding global engagement with the SDGs.

Focus on Comprehensive Excellence 

The overall ranking celebrates universities that showcase “comprehensive excellence” by excelling across a variety of SDGs, underscoring their commitment to addressing critical global challenges like environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth, and partnerships.

What’s the Methodology Behind the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings?

The methodology behind the THE Impact Rankings ensures a holistic and comprehensive assessment of a university’s overall performance and impact in sustainable development. Central to this approach is the integration of scores derived from multiple UN SDGs. 

This means that a university’s overall rank is a composite score that considers its contributions across a variety of the 17 SDGs. This multi-faceted approach acknowledges that addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, such as environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth, and partnerships, requires a broad and integrated effort from institutions. 

Furthermore, this approach ensures that the rankings celebrate universities that demonstrate a widespread commitment to addressing the diverse facets of sustainable development rather than excelling in just one or two isolated areas.

Here we explain the four core pillars of evaluation, used by Times Higher Education to evaluate and asses the global performance of universities against the UN SDGs.

Research

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 includes efforts toward gender equality, waste management strategies, and initiatives aimed at reducing the institution’s carbon footprint.

Outreach

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 contributes to SDG achievement, this evaluates universities’ impact beyond their campus.

Teaching

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.

How to Use the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings to Find the Right Master’s Program

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 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 impactful 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 

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.