The University of Manchester has been ranked 8th in the UK and 56th in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. The prestigious rankings evaluate more than 2,000 institutions from 115 countries and territories.
The University has retained its spot as 8th in the UK this year, while dropping three places in the overall global ranking. The university's overall score for teaching and industry also improved when compared to the 2024 ranking.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings measure research-intensive universities across all their core missions.
Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester: "We are proud to see our university's outstanding national and international reputation recognised. However, we also want to continue to improve in these and other rankings. Our new strategy is focused on driving excellence in research, teaching and innovation and for that to bring more benefit to society over the coming years.'
THE's World University Rankings are assessed based on 18 performance indicators, grouped into the five areas of teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry.
The University of Manchester scored highest in the international outlook category, highlighting Manchester's global draw to attracting undergraduates, postgraduates and faculty from all over the planet. A strength which makes the University and the Greater Manchester Region a culturally rich, collaborative and economically impactful partner on the world stage.
The full THE World University rankings are available via the Times Higher Education.
