QS Europe Ranking: Reading in top 80 universities

The University of Reading has been ranked at 76 in Europe in the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026 published today [28 January].

A total of 958 institutions across Europe are included within the latest version of the league table.

Reading is the 28th ranked university in the UK, out of 129 UK institutions featured.

The University saw a strong rise in the Sustainability metric, jumping to 17 from 30 last year. International faculty ratio and International research network saw rises of 33 places and 10 places respectively.

The University is ranked in Europe for the following metrics:

• Sustainability (17)
• Citations per paper (37)
• International faculty ratio (61)
• International research network (78)
• Employer reputation (98)
• International student diversity (98)
• Employer outcomes (105)

Dr Caroline Baylon, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of Reading, said: "Our results in this ranking reinforce Reading's prominent position among Europe's leading universities.

"Our rise to number 17 in Europe for sustainability reflects our determination to address the climate and environmental challenges facing our society. This achievement is driven by the excellence of our research and our operational commitment to being a truly sustainable university.

"Our strong performance in citations per paper and our international research network reflects the quality and global impact of our research. As we mark 100 years since our founding, we remain committed to delivering outstanding research and education that benefits society."

The University of Reading is ranked at 194 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026.

The QS Europe University Ranking 2026 is available in full online.