Sustainability Efforts Propel University of Reading into Global Top 200 Universities
For the second consecutive year, the University of Reading has been placed among the world’s top 200 universities, at 172, in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
The University is ranked 25 in the UK, and has also retained its standing in the top 12% of universities, worldwide. Reading scores particularly highly for sustainability and global engagement. In the UK, Reading ranks 14 for employment outcomes, making it a very attractive choice for students.
Sustainability is a high priority at the University of Reading and there has been a significant improvement in rank, in this area, to 61 in the world – 128 places higher than in the previous ranking.
Reading also achieved high ranking in global engagement, with particularly strong scores for the University’s international research network, international faculty, and international students.
There has also been a gain in the University’s reputation for providing excellent candidates to employers, rising 15 places to 226 in the world. University of Reading remains in the top 200 for citations per faculty (169) worldwide, which places Reading at 9 in the UK. The University also places in the top 200 for its ability to attract international students (177).
Professor Robert van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “This is a welcome acknowledgement of the University of Reading’s global strengths across the board. We are truly an international university, with an excellent reputation for producing both high quality research, and highly employable graduates.
“We take our wider responsibilities very seriously and aim to have as little environmental impact as we can, as well as being part of our local communities and supporting students and staff to reach their potential. The significant uplift in our score and rank for sustainability reflects our increasing global position as a leader for sustainability.”
“The University will continue to reach out and build local, national and international partnerships where new ideas can flourish.”
The Top 200 position in the world in the 2025 rankings follows improvements in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, announced in April. Agriculture & Forestry, and Earth & Marine Sciences are ranked in the top 50 in the world, with Environmental Sciences, Archaeology, and Architecture/Built Environment, all appearing in the top 100. There were also improvements in Computer Science, Art & Design, Business & Management, and Modern Languages.
The QS World University Rankings 2025 scored the performance of 1,503 universities globally.