Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 released

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 released

The 2025 THE World University Rankings, which examined over 2000 institutions across 115 countries and territories, were announced on 9 October 2024 (Times Higher Education, 2024a). The THE World University Rankings are the only global performance tables that comprehensively assess research-intensive universities using five key pillars: teaching (29.5%), research environment (29%), research quality (30%), international outlook (7.5%), and industry (4%) (Times Higher Education, 2024b).

 

THE World University Rankings: The most comprehensive and inclusive university rankings

The THE World University Rankings, alongside the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, ShanghaiRanking Consultancy’s Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), and US News and World Report: Best Global Universities are the four most prestigious and widely respected global university rankings. These league ranking tables guide critical decisions for governments, policymakers, institutions, employers, and prospective students. From shaping immigration programmes and scholarship policies to influencing funding, admissions, and career choices, they provide a trusted and reliable framework for evaluating excellence in higher education worldwide.



UK holds three in the top ten and 12 in the top 100

Following the dominant presence of the US, which has an impressive seven universities in the top ten and 38 universities in the top 100, the UK firmly holds its position as the second-best contender, with three universities in the top ten and 12 in the top 100. The University of Oxford ranks first globally for a record-breaking ninth consecutive year, followed by the University of Cambridge in fifth and Imperial College London in ninth (Times Higher Education, 2024a).

 

Although the results show a decline in their average research and teaching reputation this year, with the East and Global South playing a considerably larger role, the US and UK continue dominating the top rankings (Baty, 2024; Ellis, 2024). The remainder of the top 100 universities come from various countries, demonstrating a competitive global landscape (see Chart 1 below).

Chart 1. Number of top 100 universities in the 2025 THE World University Rankings, by country

 
Chart 1. Number of top 100 universities  in the 2025 THE World University Rankings, by country

Source: Times Higher Education (2024a).

 

25 UK universities ranked among the top 200 in the 2025 THE World University Rankings

1. Oxford

5. Cambridge

9. Imperial College London

22. UCL

29. Edinburgh

36. King's College London

50. LSE

53. Manchester

78. Bristol

87. Glasgow

93. Birmingham

98. Sheffield

106. Warwick

115. Southampton

123. Leeds

136. Nottingham

141. Queen Mary University of London

146. York

157. Newcastle

160. Liverpool

168. Lancaster

172. Durham

172. Exeter

185. St Andrews

191. Leicester

Table 1. 25 UK universities ranked among the top 200 in the 2025 THE World University Rankings

 
Table 1. UK universities ranked among the top 200 in the 2025 THE World University Rankings

Source: Times Higher Education (2024a).

 

Check out the full rankings here: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/latest/world-ranking#

Conclusion

The UK’s strong presence in this elite group showcases its role as a leader in education and innovation, making it an attractive destination for aspiring students worldwide. However, as a prospective postgraduate student, it is advisable not to choose a university solely based on its overall ranking. Instead, focus on institutions that excel in your specific field of study and prioritise research quality. This approach will significantly enhance your educational experience and future career prospects.

We are British Council Certified Counsellors dedicated to helping you navigate your postgraduate options. We match universities, programmes, and cities to align with your unique background and aspirations. Ahead Achiever’s Postgraduate Admission Application streamlines the entire postgraduate application process for you. Additionally, we offer assistance with UK Student Visa Application. Contact us today for your Free Master’s Degree Advice!

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References

Baty, P. (2024) ‘World University Rankings 2025: Elite universities go increasingly global’, World Economic Forum, 10 October. Available at: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/10/top-universities-world-for-2025-revealed/ (Accessed: 17 December 2024).

Ellis, R. (2024) ‘World University Rankings 2025: Results announced’, Times Higher Education, 9 October. Available at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/world-university-rankings-2025-results-announced (Accessed: 17 December 2024).

Times Higher Education (2024a) World University Rankings 2025. Available at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/latest/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/GBR/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats (Accessed: 11 December 2024).

Times Higher Education (2024b) World University Rankings 2025: Methodology. Available at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/world-university-rankings-2025-methodology (Accessed: 11 December 2024).

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