Imperial second in world university rankings

Imperial College London has been ranked second in the world in the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings. The College is now the highest-ranking university in both the UK and Europe.

Rising from sixth place in the 2024 rankings, Imperial has overtaken both Oxford, which remains third, and Cambridge, which has fallen from second to fifth place this year. This is the first time in a decade that Imperial has ranked ahead of its Oxbridge peers. MIT remains the best university globally, maintaining its position for the 13th year in a row.

The College was ranked 22nd for academic reputation, 11th globally for employer reputation, and sixth globally for sustainability practices. Earlier this year, it announced the Imperial Zero Index, a framework that will be used to screen investments and research partners.

Responding to the achievement, Imperial College President Professor Hugh Brady said: “Imperial’s ranking is a testament to the quality and commitment of our entire community. It is inspiring to see our students, staff and partners come together every day to interrogate the forces that shape our world and address the challenges facing humanity and our planet.”

Despite Imperial’s success, 58% of UK universities have fallen in the table as funding woes begin to hit. Research by the Office for Students indicates that 40% of UK universities could face budget deficits this year, and government pressure to reduce net migration is expected to drive a decline in international student numbers.

A total of 90 universities from the UK make the QS rankings, making it the second-most represented location behind the United States. 15 British institutions rank within the top 100, two fewer than in last year’s table.