The University of Liverpool has climbed 18 places to rank 147th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, securing a spot among the top 150 universities worldwide.
The rankings, which include 1,500 of the world's leading universities, place Liverpool 22 out of 90 UK universities listed. Notably, the University has advanced 43 places over the past three years-a strong indicator of its sustained upward trajectory.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual league table based on four key pillars: research, teaching, employability and internationalisation. Liverpool saw notable improvements across a number of these pillars, recognising its strength in research and sustainability.
These improvements highlight the University's growing academic influence and its dedication to tackling global challenges. They also build on the University's strong performance in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, where 12 subjects were ranked in the global top 100 for 2025, as announced in March.
The results draw on the analysis of expert opinions of more than 240,000 academic faculty and employers. The Academic Reputation metric evaluates the perceptions of global academics on which institutions are demonstrating academic excellence. Citations per faculty measures intensity and volume of research being done at an institution. Significantly the QS World University Rankings evaluate the social and environmental impact of universities and provides students and prospective students with an insight into how institutions are demonstrating a commitment to more sustainable practices.
University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Jones said: "This significant rise in our global ranking is fantastic news and demonstrates the progress we're making toward our goal of joining the world's top 100 universities by 2031.
"Reaching the top 150 affirms our position as a world-leading university committed to tackling global challenges and making a positive impact.
"These rankings particularly highlight our strength as a research-intensive institution. Drawing on insights from over 240,000 academic experts and employers, the results reflect the value and recognition of our work across the sector.
"We're also proud of our continued rise in sustainability rankings, as we work toward our long-term commitment to advancing environmental and social equity through our education, research, and operations.
"Our success in these globally recognised rankings is a testament to the talent, dedication, and impact of our staff, students, and alumni and I'd like to thank them for their contributions to this fantastic result."
This achievement builds on a series of strong performances in both global and national rankings. The University of Liverpool has five subjects featured in the prestigious Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai Ranking. Notably, the University is also ranked in several key UK university guides for 2025:
- Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide - 23rd
- Daily Mail University Guide - 25th
- Guardian University Guide - 27th
In April, the University of Liverpool was also awarded the prestigious title of University of the Year at the Educate North Awards. Here the University was praised for its impact, with judges commenting on the institution being "one of the great beacons of knowledge, learning and enablement in the North and a global leader of international research."
