University of Nottingham Ranking

Latest QS World University Rankings place the University of Nottingham joint 97th globally and 16th in the UK, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s leading universities for education, research and international collaboration.

Professor Jane Norman, President and Vice-Chancellor, said:

“In a highly competitive global landscape, this recognition reflects our commitment to delivering an exceptional education, shaped by research that is addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. We equip our students with the knowledge, skills and mindset to make a positive contribution, fulfil their potential and change what comes next.”

The QS World University Rankings assess more than 8,800 institutions worldwide across indicators including academic reputation, employer reputation, research, internationalization and sustainability. This year’s edition includes 94 new entrants, four of them from the UK.

Nottingham performed particularly strongly in:

• International Research Network (34th globally), reflecting the strength of its global research partnerships.
• Sustainability (38th globally), highlighting its contribution to addressing global environmental and societal challenges.
• Employer reputation, where the university recorded an improved score, demonstrating growing recognition among employers.

The university also continues to perform strongly in graduate outcomes. It has been the UK’s leading university for the number of graduates entering highly skilled employment for six consecutive years, according to Higher Education Statistics Agency Graduate Outcomes (2026), and remains among the top three most targeted universities by leading UK employers, according to High Fliers Research (2026).

Nottingham also recorded an increase in its international student score, reflecting the diversity and global reach of its student community.

Professor Norman added:

“These results are a testament to the talent, dedication and commitment of our staff, students and alumni, whose contributions shape our community and continue to define Nottingham as a truly global university.”

The university continues to build on its reputation for research and innovation. It has made pioneering contributions to technologies including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and is advancing research in areas such as advanced medical imaging, manufacturing, healthcare, the creative and digital industries, quantum physics and responsible artificial intelligence.

Nottingham is also home to the Rights Lab, the world’s largest group of researchers dedicated to tackling modern slavery. Its work has been recognised with the Queen Elizabeth Prize, the UK’s highest honour for universities, while researchers across the institution continue to drive innovation supporting the transition to a low-carbon future through sustainable and green technologies.