UCL has risen two places to be named third best university in Europe according to the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026.
This follows UCL retaining its place in the top 10 universities in the world for the 14th consecutive year in the QS global rankings in June 2025.
UCL has retained its second place rank in Europe for the strength of its international research networks, and third place for its academic reputation. This reflects its extensive European partnerships across research, education, and innovation, with over 3,000 European staff, more than 3,800 European students, and a network of 45,000 alumni.
This success also reflects UCL's leadership in European academic and research networks such as Erasmus+ and funding frameworks such as Horizon.
Additionally, UCL has recently strengthened its position as a global leader in sustainability, ranking 1st in the UK, 2nd in Europe and 3rd globally in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026.
Professor Geraint Rees, UCL's Vice Provost (Research, Innovation and Global Engagement) said: "Rising to third place in this year's QS European university rankings is a powerful reflection of UCL's longstanding and deep‑rooted engagement across the continent.
"UCL's European students, staff, alumni and partners enrich our community every day, and their contributions are central to our academic excellence and global impact.
"This ranking is not only a recognition of UCL's excellence but also of the enduring value of European collaboration. We will continue to champion these partnerships and the shared spirit of innovation, openness and discovery that underpins them."
The QS rankings assess universities using a range of indicators, including academic and employer reputation, citations and international collaboration.
In 2026 UCL marks 200 years since its founding as London's first university. A year-long programme of special events, exhibitions and festivals will celebrate its ongoing commitment to academic excellence and transformative innovation.
In February, Professor Rees will lead a delegation of senior academics to Paris, Brussels and Leuven to connect with partners, alumni and students through a series of meetings and events, with additional alumni engagement planned the same week in Zurich.
Links
- QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026
- UCL and Europe
- UCL ranked ninth best university in the 2026 QS World University Rankings (UCL News, 2025)
- UCL ranks 1st in the UK and 3rd globally in QS Sustainability Rankings (UCL News, 2025
