Rankings
UCL is consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2010-2025) and is No.2 in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
As well as ranking in the top 10 universities globally, UCL is leading in the key UK league tables, including The Times Good University Guide, The Guardian University Guide and The Complete University Guide. Find out more below.
#9 in the World
QS World University Rankings 2026#2 for Research Power
Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF)
UCL ranked among top 10 universities in two major global rankings
UCL has been named the ninth best university in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, the third year in a row the university has held this position.
UCL ranks 1st in the UK and 5th globally in QS Sustainability Rankings
Now in their third year, the rankings assess universities on their ability to tackle critical environmental, social, and governance challenges, with UCL standing out among 1,744 universities globally.
UCL ranks number one in the world for education and architecture & built environment
UCL has retained its number one position for both education and for architecture and the built environment in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
UCL named University of the Year 2024 by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide
Recognising UCL’s world-leading performance in multidisciplinary research and education, enhanced career prospects of UCL’s graduates, ambitious sustainability work, and 'visionary' UCL East campus.
Rankings 2016-2025
View a record of UCL's rankings in all major league tables for the past 10 years.
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
| QS World University Rankings | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Ranking) | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 16 | ||
| Times Higher World Rankings | 22 | 22 | 22 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 16 | 16 | |
| The Guardian | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 14 | 22 | 11 | 10 | 14 | |
| The Complete University Guide | 13 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 10 |
| The Times Good University Guide | 7 | 6 | 18 | 7 | 6 | |||||
| Best Global Universities Rankings | 7 |
