QS World University Rankings 2026: Unipd improves its position
19.06.2025
The international agency QS – Quacquarelli Symonds has today released the results of the QS World University Rankings 2026. The survey examined 8,467 universities from 106 countries – 49% more than the previous edition – and only the top 1,501 positions have been made public.
The University of Padua is ranked 233rd in the world, climbing three positions from last year, and fourth in Italy, confirming its place within the top one percent of the most prestigious universities globally.
The University has made significant progress in several indicators: the International Research Network, which represents the international research network and joint publications, has risen nine positions to 70th; academic reputation has improved by ten positions, reaching 119th, and employer reputation has also risen by ten positions (341st).
Further positive signs come from the sustainability indicator, where the University of Padua holds the 110th position globally and is the highest-ranked Italian institution. The Employer Outcome indicator – which measures the quality and success of graduates in the job market – has jumped thirty-five positions to 555th.
"These results," stated the Rector of the University of Padua, Daniela Mapelli, "testify to the virtuous path undertaken by the University of Padua. The increase in academic and employer reputation confirms the prestige our University is recognised for by the international scientific community and the business world for high-quality research and education. The excellent ranking in the International Research Network demonstrates the vitality of our research collaborations with outstanding partners worldwide. The first place nationally for sustainability, in a global context increasingly attentive to this issue, acknowledges our integration of environmental, social, and good governance values in all our activities."
In recent days, the results of two other rankings have also been published, in which the University confirms a strong performance globally and remains on the podium nationally: the THE Impact Ranking, which measures institutions' commitment to the 17 goals of the 2030 Agenda, and U.S. News Best Global Universities, which is the reference ranking for the U.S. student population.
To ensure transparency and promote a data culture, the University of Padua provides analyses and insights: www.unipd.it/ranking.
