QS World University Rankings Sustainability 2026
In November 2025, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a global authority in higher education rankings, released the fourth edition of the ‘QS World University Rankings: Sustainability (2026)’. This report highlights the performance of universities worldwide in terms of sustainability, focusing on their environmental, social, and governance impact.
Top Performers in the Rankings
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-D) has emerged as India’s top-performing institution for the second consecutive year, ranking 205th globally with an overall score of 83.1. However, this marks a decline from last year’s position of 171st. Notably, no Indian institution made it to the top 200 this year.
Global Rankings
Lund University in Sweden has topped the global sustainability rankings for the first time since the index’s inception in 2023. The top three positions are as follows:
- Lund University, Sweden
- University of Toronto, Canada
- University College London, United Kingdom
Ranking Parameters
The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability evaluates institutions based on three primary categories:
- Environmental Impact (45%): This includes sub-indicators such as Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Education, and Environmental Research.
- Social Impact (45%): This category covers equality, knowledge exchange, employability outcomes, and health and well-being.
- Governance (10%): This includes indicators related to ethics, hiring practices, transparency, and decision-making processes.
Key Highlights from the Rankings
In total, approximately 2,000 universities from 106 countries were assessed in this year’s rankings. The following are some key highlights:
Top 5 Universities Globally
| Rank | Name of the University | Country | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lund University | Sweden | 100 |
| 2 | University of Toronto | Canada | 99.8 |
| 3 | University College London (UCL) | United Kingdom | 99 |
| 4 | The University of Edinburgh | United Kingdom | 98.75 |
| 5 | University of British Columbia | Canada | 98.6 |
Top Indian Universities
The following Indian institutions ranked among the top globally:
| Indian Rank | Name of the University | Location | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 205 | IIT Delhi (IIT-D) | New Delhi | 83.1 |
| 235 | IIT Bombay (IIT-B) | Mumbai | 81.4 |
| 236 | IIT Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) | West Bengal | 81.3 |
| 241 | University of Delhi (DU) | Delhi | 80.9 |
| 305 | IIT Madras (IIT-M) | Chennai | 77.3 |
India’s Overall Performance
This year, a total of 103 Indian institutions were featured in the rankings, making India the fourth most represented country. Among these, 32 institutions improved their rankings, while 30 saw declines. Notably, IIT-D and IIT-KGP were recognized among the world’s top 100 for ‘Employability and Outcomes’.
Conclusion
The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026 reflects the growing emphasis on sustainability in higher education. As institutions strive to enhance their sustainability practices, it is crucial for them to focus on environmental, social, and governance factors to improve their global standing.
Note: The rankings are subject to change as universities continue to adapt and improve their sustainability initiatives.
