Canada has strengthened its position as a global leader in sustainable higher education, with Queen’s University and the University of Alberta earning places among the world’s top 10 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 Sustainability Impact Rankings.

Released on June 23, 2026, the rankings evaluated 1,646 universities across 116 countries and territories, measuring how institutions contribute to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals cover key global priorities, including climate action, quality education, gender equality, clean energy, and sustainable cities.

Remarkably, Canada was the only North American country to have universities ranked in the global top 10.

 

Queen’s University and Alberta Lead Canada’s Performance

Queen’s University emerged as Canada’s highest-ranked institution, climbing two places from last year to secure 4th globally with an impressive 97.5 overall score. The university earned special recognition for its leadership in Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).

The University of Alberta shared 10th place globally with National Taiwan University, receiving an overall score of 96.0. Its strongest performance came in Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9).

Although Alberta slipped two positions compared to last year’s rankings, it remained one of the world’s leading universities in sustainability.

 

Four Canadian Universities Rank Among the World’s Top 20

Canada had an outstanding showing in this year’s rankings, with 20 universities making the global list and four institutions finishing inside the top 20.

Canadian Rank	University	Global Rank	Sustainability Strength
1	Queen’s University	4	Sustainable Cities
2	University of Alberta	10	Industry & Innovation
3	Western University	12	Industry & Innovation
4	McMaster University	18	Industry & Innovation
5	University of Victoria	27	Life on Land
6	Simon Fraser University	52	Sustainable Cities
7	Université Laval	68	Climate Action
8	York University	78	Industry & Innovation
9	Dalhousie University	90	Life Below Water
10	Lakehead University	101–200	No Poverty

Other Canadian institutions featured in the rankings include:

• Toronto Metropolitan University
• University of Saskatchewan
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• University of Manitoba
• Carleton University
• Brock University
• Thompson Rivers University
• Trent University
• University of Northern British Columbia
• University of Regina

 

Canadian Universities Share Global Recognition

Several Canadian universities shared positions with international institutions due to identical overall scores.

• Simon Fraser University tied for 52nd with Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the University of Leeds.
• Université Laval shared 68th place with Hong Kong Baptist University and the University of Galway.
• York University tied for 78th with the University of Pretoria.

These ties reflect the closely matched sustainability performance of universities across the globe.

 

World’s Top 10 Most Sustainable Universities in 2026

This year’s global top 10 featured universities from Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

Global Top 10 Rankings

Rank	University	Country
1	University of Manchester	United Kingdom
2	Griffith University	Australia
3	Western Sydney University	Australia
4	Queen’s University	Canada
5	Universiti Sains Malaysia	Malaysia
6	Hanyang University	South Korea
7	Hokkaido University	Japan
8	University Kebangsaan Malaysia	Malaysia
9	Institute Agro	France
10	National Taiwan University	Taiwan
11	University of Alberta	Canada

Among these institutions, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) emerged as the most common area of excellence.

 

Major Canadian Universities Missing From the Rankings

Despite Canada’s strong performance, three of the country’s most internationally recognized universities were absent from the 2026 Sustainability Impact Rankings:

• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• McGill University

Their absence surprised many, considering their strong global reputations for research and academic excellence.

 

How THE Measures Sustainability

The Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings evaluate universities based on their contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across four key areas.

Research

Measures how universities contribute to solving global sustainability challenges through academic research and innovation.

Stewardship

Evaluates how institutions manage their campuses, resources, employees, and students using sustainable practices.

 

Outreach

Assesses partnerships and community engagement that promote sustainability at local, national, and international levels.

Teaching

Examines how universities prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to address future environmental, social, and economic challenges.

 

Why These Rankings Matter for International Students

Sustainability has become an important consideration for students choosing where to study. Universities recognized in the The Sustainability Impact Rankings often provide:

• World-class sustainability research opportunities.
• Environmentally responsible campuses.
• Strong community engagement initiatives.
• Career-focused programs aligned with green industries.
• Global learning experiences centred on solving real-world challenges.

For international students planning to study in Canada, these rankings offer valuable insights into institutions that combine academic excellence with a meaningful commitment to sustainable development.

 

Final Thoughts

Canada continues to reinforce its reputation as a leading destination for higher education. With Queen’s University ranking 4th globally and the University of Alberta securing a place in the global top 10, Canadian universities are setting international benchmarks for sustainability, innovation, and social impact.

As sustainability becomes increasingly central to higher education, these rankings highlight Canada’s growing influence in shaping a more responsible and resilient future while providing students with world-class educational opportunities.