University of Leeds rises 13 places in QS World University Rankings 2026

The University of Leeds has risen 13 places in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

The results, released on Thursday 19th June, saw the university rank 86th, maintaining its position in the top 100.

The university has ranked in the top 100 universities in the world for the eighth successive year, which only a select few Russell Group universities have achieved.

There was also an improvement in its national ranking, as it surged up to 13th position among the 90 UK institutions in the global ranking.

The QS rankings utilise a framework that considers research and discovery, employability outcomes, learning experience, global engagement and sustainability.

A key strength highlighted for Leeds once again was its International Research Network, which the university was ranked 13th globally for, improving one place from last year.

Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor said: “Our world-class research and teaching expertise at the University of Leeds has again been recognised with a place in the top 100 global universities.

“This is testament to our passion for excellence in everything we do, our strategic global partnerships, and our focus on developing practical solutions to improve people’s lives and tackle the major challenges facing the world today.”

He added: “Our global reputation attracts students from around the world. Leeds is a truly multicultural campus with more than 11,600 international students from 146 countries, living and studying in a student-friendly city.

“Our staff are also a truly international part of the university community and come from 116 different countries – some 35 per cent of our academic colleagues are from overseas and 20 per cent of our overall staff population.”

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In other recent rankings, the University of Leeds moved up two places to 21st in the Complete University Guide 2026.

The University was ranked 29th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Leeds has also ranked consistently highly in the National Student Survey among Russell Group institutions for teaching, previously securing a position in the top five.

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