Canada continues to strengthen its reputation as a global leader in higher education, with two of its universities earning places among the world’s top 10 institutions for sustainability.
The Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, released on June 23, 2026, recognizes universities that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, teaching, campus management and community engagement.
Among more than 1,600 universities assessed worldwide, Queen’s University ranked 4th globally, while the University of Alberta secured a joint 10th position, making Canada the only North American country represented in the global top 10.
Canada Performs Strongly in Global Rankings
Canada had an impressive showing in this year’s Sustainability Impact Ratings, with 20 Canadian universities featured in the overall global rankings. Four institutions ranked among the world’s top 20, reflecting the country’s growing focus on sustainable education and innovation.
Top Canadian Universities in the 2026 Sustainability Rankings
| Canadian Rank | University | Global Rank | Sustainability Strength |
| 1 | Queen’s University | 4 | Sustainable Cities |
| 2 | University of Alberta | =10 | Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure |
| 3 | Western University | 12 | Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure |
| 4 | McMaster University | 18 | Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure |
| 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 & Infrastructure |
| 9 | Dalhousie University | 90 | Life Below Water |
| 10 | Lakehead University | 101–200 | No Poverty |
Several other Canadian institutions, including the University of Saskatchewan, University of Manitoba, Carleton University, Brock University, Trent University, Thompson Rivers University, University of Regina and University of Northern British Columbia, also earned places in the global rankings.
Queen’s University Climbs Higher
Queen’s University improved its position by two places compared to last year, becoming the highest-ranked university in Canada for sustainability.
Although the University of Alberta slipped two positions from the previous rankings, it remained among the world’s top-performing institutions by sharing 10th place with National Taiwan University.
Three Canadian universities also shared their global rankings with international institutions:
- Simon Fraser University tied for 52nd place.
- Université Laval tied for 68th place.
- York University tied for 78th place.
Global Top 10 Universities for Sustainability
The 2026 rankings highlight universities from Europe, Asia, Oceania and North America that are leading global sustainability initiatives.
Global Top 10
| 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 |
| =7 | Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia | Malaysia |
| 9 | Institut Agro | France |
| =10 | National Taiwan University | Taiwan |
| =10 | University of Alberta | Canada |
A notable trend this year was the dominance of Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure (SDG 9), which emerged as the most common sustainability strength among the world’s top-ranked universities.
Leading Canadian Universities Missing from the Rankings
Despite Canada’s strong overall performance, three of the country’s most recognized universities did not appear in the 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
Their absence came as a surprise given their strong international academic reputation.
How THE Evaluates Sustainability
The Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings assess universities based on their contribution toward achieving the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For the 2026 edition, 1,646 universities from 116 countries and territories were evaluated across four key areas:
- Research: Contribution to sustainability through academic research.
- Stewardship: Responsible management of campuses, resources, staff and students.
- Outreach: Partnerships and community engagement promoting sustainable development.
- Teaching: Preparing graduates with the knowledge and skills to address global sustainability challenges.
The 2026 edition marks the eighth annual release of THE’s Sustainability Impact Rankings, one of the world’s most respected assessments of universities’ commitment to sustainable development.
Why This Matters for International Students
For students planning to study in Canada, sustainability rankings provide valuable insight into universities that prioritize environmental responsibility, innovation and social impact alongside academic excellence.
Institutions recognized for sustainability often offer stronger research opportunities, industry partnerships, modern campuses and programs that prepare graduates for careers focused on solving global challenges. As Canada continues to invest in sustainable education, international students can benefit from studying at universities that combine world-class academics with a commitment to building a better future.
