The 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings by Times Higher Education (THE) have been unveiled, showcasing the remarkable performance of Canadian universities on the global stage. Queen’s University and the University of Alberta have secured positions in the top 10 worldwide.
Universities are evaluated based on their adherence to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encompassing crucial areas like poverty eradication, climate action, and gender equality.
Over 1,600 universities underwent assessment for the 2026 rankings, focusing on four key pillars: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching. THE officially disclosed this list on June 23, 2026.
National Achievements
In a significant feat, Canada emerged as the sole North American country to feature in the global top 10 for 2026. Notably, 20 Canadian universities made it to THE’s comprehensive global ranking for 2026, with four institutions securing positions within the top 20.
- Queen’s University: Ranked 4th globally, excelling in Sustainable Cities with a score of 97.5
- University of Alberta: Positioned 10th worldwide, showcasing strength in Industry & Innovation with a score of 96.0
- Western University: Ranked 12th globally, demonstrating prowess in Industry & Innovation with a score of 95.9
- McMaster University: Secured the 18th spot globally, excelling in Industry & Innovation with a score of 95.5
- University of Victoria: Positioned 27th globally, excelling in Life on Land with a score of 94.6
- Simon Fraser University: Ranked 52nd globally, showcasing excellence in Sustainable Cities with a score of 92.2
- Université Laval: Positioned 68th globally, excelling in Climate Action with a score of 91.0
- York University: Secured the 78th spot globally, showcasing strength in Industry & Innovation with a score of 90.5
- Dalhousie University: Positioned 90th globally, excelling in Life Below Water with a score of 89.7
- Lakehead University: Positioned between 101-200 globally, excelling in No Poverty with a score range of 82.3–89.2