Canadian universities wash out U.S. ones in new university ranking | Daily Hive

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The U.S. is trailing behind Canada, according to a segment of the latest University Impact Ranking by the Times Higher Education (THE).

This year, THE evaluated 2,526 universities from 130 countries to identify which universities are leading in global sustainability efforts. Each year, universities are assessed based on the United Nations’ 18 categories: overall ranking and 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including clean energy and poverty eradication.

Institutions are then evaluated based on how universities adapt sustainability efforts in teaching, research, outreach, and stewardship. Despite the rigorous criteria, the university ranking shows that Canada stands out as a top performer globally and in North America.

Times Higher Education

When it comes to the global university ranking for overall sustainability, Canada remains impressive with seven universities in the top 50, just behind Australia. Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., is number one globally for zero hunger, while the University of Alberta is internationally recognized for industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

Globally, Western Sydney University in Australia ranks first overall, followed by the University of Manchester in the U.K. and South Korea’s Kyungpook National University in third place.

However, when it comes to overall ranking in North America, out of the ten top universities in the region, nine are located in Canada. Only one U.S. university, Arizona State University (Tempe), is on the list for its efforts to reduce marine pollution. It ties in the sixth spot alongside Queen’s University. The university is recognized for meeting three criteria: Zero Hunger, Life on Land, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

“While Canada’s universities are showing clear global leadership in driving forward the sustainability agenda, U.S. universities’ general lack of direct engagement with the SDGs, with a few notable exceptions, is disappointing,” said Phil Baty, THE’s chief global affairs officer.

These are the top 10 universities in North America in 2025, recognized for their overall sustainability impact ranking in descending order: