UNIVERSITY of Limerick (UL) has climbed 20 places to 401 in the latest world university rankings.
The 2026 World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds places UL in the top three per cent of universities worldwide, and fifth in Ireland.
More than 1,500 institutions in 106 countries were included in the rankings across indicators including research and discovery, employability and outcomes, global engagement, learning experience, and sustainability.
It is the third year in a row that UL has improved its standing.
Acting UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins deemed the significant rise in the rankings a proud moment for UL and a testament to the dedication of its entire community.
“To be ranked 401 globally and fifth in Ireland is not just a reflection of academic excellence — it is a recognition of the public good that a university like UL delivers every day,” Prof Kilcommins said.
“Our improved standing, now in the top three per cent of universities worldwide, demonstrates the growing impact of our research, the strength of our global reputation, and the value of our inclusive, international outlook.”
Separately, UL remains as one of the best performing universities in the world in a new impact ranking of more than 2,300 universities.
The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact rankings are a global performance benchmark which measure the positive societal impact the university is having in contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). UL is ranked in the top 50 in the world in five of the individual SDGs and 76th overall.
