Canada’s Most Sustainable Universities Ranked Among World’s Best
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Two Canadian universities have earned places among the world’s top 10 institutions for sustainability and social impact.
Queen’s University ranked fourth globally, while the University of Alberta tied for tenth place in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026.
The results highlight the role Canadian universities play in addressing issues such as climate action, sustainable communities, food security, innovation, public health, equality and partnerships for sustainable development.
For international students, these rankings can provide useful insight into a university’s research priorities, campus policies and community impact. However, sustainability rankings should be considered alongside program quality, tuition fees, location, employment prospects and Canadian immigration requirements.
Quick Answer
Queen’s University ranked fourth worldwide and first in Canada in the 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings, earning an overall score of 97.5. The University of Alberta tied for tenth globally and ranked second in Canada with a score of 96.0.
Western University and McMaster University also entered the global top 20, ranking twelfth and eighteenth respectively. In total, 20 Canadian universities appeared in the overall ranking.
Two Canadian Universities Enter the Global Top 10
Times Higher Education published its 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings on June 23, 2026.
The assessment included 1,646 universities from 116 countries and territories. Institutions were evaluated according to their progress toward the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
| Canadian rank | University | Global rank | Overall score | Leading SDG strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Queen’s University | 4 | 97.5 | Sustainable Cities and Communities |
| 2 | University of Alberta | =10 | 96.0 | Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure |
| 3 | Western University | 12 | 95.9 | Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure |
| 4 | McMaster University | 18 | 95.5 | Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure |
Queen’s moved up two positions from the previous year and remained Canada’s highest-ranked institution for a second consecutive year.
The University of Alberta remained within the global top 10 for the fourth consecutive year, despite moving down from its previous position.
The equals symbol before a ranking indicates that two or more universities received the same overall position.
Global Top Universities for Sustainability in 2026
| Global rank | University | Country or territory | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Manchester | United Kingdom | 98.5 |
| 2 | Griffith University | Australia | 97.9 |
| 3 | Western Sydney University | Australia | 97.8 |
| 4 | Queen’s University | Canada | 97.5 |
| 5 | Universiti Sains Malaysia | Malaysia | 97.3 |
| 6 | Hanyang University | South Korea | 96.8 |
| =7 | Hokkaido University | Japan | 96.3 |
| =7 | Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia | Malaysia | 96.3 |
| 9 | Institut Agro | France | 96.1 |
| =10 | National Taiwan University | Taiwan | 96.0 |
| =10 | University of Alberta | Canada | 96.0 |
Australia, Canada and Malaysia each had two institutions represented within the global top 10 positions.
Queen’s University Ranks Fourth in the World
Queen’s University, located in Kingston, Ontario, achieved Canada’s highest position in the 2026 ratings.
It received an overall score of 97.5 and rose to fourth place globally. Queen’s also remained the top-ranked Canadian institution for a second consecutive year.
Strength in sustainable cities and communities
Queen’s leading SDG strength was SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
This goal focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. University performance under this goal can involve:
- Research related to sustainable cities;
- Support for arts, culture and heritage;
- Preservation of important buildings and community assets;
- Sustainable transportation and campus practices;
- Public access to university resources;
- Engagement with local communities.
Global leadership in zero hunger
Queen’s also placed first globally for SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
This category can consider research related to hunger and food security, campus food-waste policies, student food support and engagement with sustainable food systems.
The university’s result suggests that its sustainability impact extends beyond environmental operations and includes broader social and community priorities.
University of Alberta Ties for Tenth Globally
The University of Alberta, located in Edmonton, ranked second in Canada and tied for tenth worldwide with National Taiwan University.
The university achieved an overall score of 96.0 and remained within the global top 10 for the fourth consecutive year.
Strength in industry, innovation and infrastructure
The University of Alberta’s leading area was SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
This goal examines how universities contribute to resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrial development and technological innovation.
Relevant indicators can include:
- Research connected to industry and innovation;
- Patents produced through university research;
- Creation of university spin-off companies;
- Research income received from industry;
- Collaboration with businesses and public organizations;
- Translation of research into practical solutions.
The University of Alberta was also among the institutions receiving the highest global recognition for SDG 9.
Other Canadian Universities in the Sustainability Rankings
Twenty Canadian institutions appeared in the overall 2026 ranking. Four Canadian universities placed within the global top 20.
| Canada rank | University | Global rank | Overall score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Queen’s University | 4 | 97.5 |
| 2 | University of Alberta | =10 | 96.0 |
| 3 | Western University | 12 | 95.9 |
| 4 | McMaster University | 18 | 95.5 |
| 5 | University of Victoria | 27 | 94.6 |
| 6 | Simon Fraser University | =52 | 92.2 |
| 7 | Université Laval | =68 | 91.0 |
| 8 | York University | =78 | 90.5 |
| 9 | Dalhousie University | 90 | 89.7 |
| 10 | Lakehead University | 101–200 | 82.3–89.2 |
The University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and McGill University were not included in the overall 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings.
Their absence should not be interpreted as poor sustainability performance. Participation requires universities to submit qualifying data, and an institution not appearing in the table may not have participated in the overall ranking.
How Are the Sustainability Impact Ratings Calculated?
The Times Higher Education ratings are designed to measure how universities contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The assessment considers institutional performance across four broad areas:
| Evaluation area | What it examines |
|---|---|
| Research | Academic research and publications connected to sustainable development and the UN goals. |
| Stewardship | How the university manages its campus, employees, students, facilities and environmental resources. |
| Outreach | Partnerships and engagement with local, national and international communities. |
| Teaching | How education prepares students to understand and contribute to sustainable development. |
How the overall score is determined
To qualify for the overall ranking, a university must provide information for:
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals; and
- At least three additional Sustainable Development Goals.
The annual overall score uses the university’s SDG 17 result and its three strongest results from the remaining 16 goals.
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 22% |
|---|---|
| Strongest additional SDG | 26% |
| Second-strongest additional SDG | 26% |
| Third-strongest additional SDG | 26% |
The final overall rating generally averages the university’s annual scores from 2025 and 2026. A university that did not participate in 2025 can be assessed using its 2026 annual result.
What Are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?
The Sustainable Development Goals are 17 global objectives adopted by United Nations member states.
They cover economic, social and environmental priorities, including:
- No poverty;
- Zero hunger;
- Good health and well-being;
- Quality education;
- Gender equality;
- Clean water and sanitation;
- Affordable and clean energy;
- Decent work and economic growth;
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure;
- Reduced inequalities;
- Sustainable cities and communities;
- Responsible consumption and production;
- Climate action;
- Life below water;
- Life on land;
- Peace, justice and strong institutions;
- Partnerships for the goals.
The ratings consider how universities support these goals through their research, education, operations and relationships with communities.
What Do Sustainability Rankings Mean for International Students?
A high sustainability ranking may indicate that a university integrates environmental and social responsibility across several parts of the institution.
For students, this may create opportunities to access:
- Sustainability-related courses and degree programs;
- Research projects linked to climate and social challenges;
- Community-engagement programs;
- Innovation laboratories and entrepreneurship initiatives;
- Student clubs focused on environmental or social impact;
- More sustainable campus infrastructure;
- Employers and organizations working in green industries.
Students interested in environmental science, engineering, public policy, urban planning, agriculture, clean technology, health or sustainable business may find the ratings particularly relevant.
What the ranking does not measure
A sustainability ranking does not automatically tell a student:
- Which university has the best program in their chosen subject;
- Which institution offers the lowest tuition;
- Whether admission will be easy;
- Whether scholarships are available;
- Whether the student will receive a study permit;
- Whether a specific program is eligible for a PGWP;
- Whether the graduate will qualify for permanent residence.
Rankings should be used as one research tool rather than the only reason for selecting a university.
How to Choose the Right Canadian University
International students should evaluate academic, financial, personal and immigration factors before accepting an offer.
- Confirm the academic program. Review the curriculum, admission requirements, course options, accreditation and available specializations.
- Check the institution’s DLI status. A post-secondary institution must appear on Canada’s Designated Learning Institution list for its acceptance letter to support a study permit application.
- Check program-level PGWP eligibility. Being admitted to a DLI does not automatically mean every program is eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
- Calculate the full cost. Consider tuition, student fees, housing, transportation, food, healthcare and personal expenses.
- Research scholarships. Review entrance awards, departmental funding, research assistantships and external scholarships.
- Compare the city and province. Climate, housing costs, employment opportunities, language and public transportation can affect the student experience.
- Examine career support. Look for co-op programs, internships, employer partnerships and graduate career services.
- Review immigration requirements before paying. Understand study permit, provincial attestation, proof-of-funds and PGWP requirements applicable to the program.
Sustainability Ranking, Study Permits and PGWP Eligibility
A university’s position in a global ranking does not influence whether IRCC approves a study permit.
A student generally needs a valid letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution and must satisfy all applicable study permit requirements.
Depending on the application, these requirements may involve:
- Proof of acceptance;
- Proof of identity;
- Evidence of sufficient financial support;
- A provincial or territorial attestation letter, unless exempt;
- A Quebec Acceptance Certificate when studying in Quebec;
- A medical examination, when required;
- Evidence supporting the purpose and temporary nature of the stay;
- Compliance with Canadian admissibility requirements.
Check the exact program for PGWP eligibility
Graduating from a well-ranked university does not automatically make a student eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
The student must complete a PGWP-eligible program at an eligible DLI and meet the general, language, program and physical-location requirements applicable to their situation.
Some non-degree programs are also subject to field-of-study requirements. Students should check the latest IRCC rules before applying for admission or a study permit.
A PGWP and Canadian work experience may support a future immigration strategy, but neither graduation nor a PGWP guarantees permanent residence.
How Always Canada Group Can Help
Always Canada Group is a Canadian immigration consultancy led by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants.
Our study-related immigration services may include:
- Assessing Canadian study permit eligibility;
- Reviewing the selected institution and DLI information;
- Reviewing potential PGWP eligibility;
- Preparing study permit applications;
- Reviewing proof-of-funds documentation;
- Preparing study plans and supporting explanations;
- Assisting with study permit extensions;
- Reviewing previous study permit refusals;
- Assessing post-graduation work and permanent residence options.
University admission, a sustainability ranking or an immigration consultation does not guarantee a study permit, PGWP or permanent residence.
Final admission decisions remain with the educational institution, while immigration decisions remain with IRCC.
Book a study permit consultation with Always Canada Group to review your Canadian education and immigration plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Canadian university ranked highest for sustainability in 2026?
Queen’s University ranked first in Canada and fourth globally with an overall score of 97.5.
Where did the University of Alberta rank?
The University of Alberta ranked second in Canada and tied for tenth globally with a score of 96.0.
How many universities were evaluated?
The 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings evaluated 1,646 universities from 116 countries and territories.
Which university ranked first worldwide?
The University of Manchester ranked first worldwide in the 2026 overall rating.
Are sustainability rankings the same as academic rankings?
No. Sustainability ratings focus on universities’ social, environmental and economic impact under the UN Sustainable Development Goals rather than only academic reputation or research performance.
Does studying at a top-ranked university guarantee a study permit?
No. IRCC assesses every study permit application according to the applicable immigration and admissibility requirements.
Is every program at a Canadian university PGWP-eligible?
No. Students must confirm that the institution and the specific study program meet the current post-graduation work permit requirements.
Does graduating from a Canadian university guarantee permanent residence?
No. Graduates must independently qualify for an eligible permanent residence program and meet its invitation, documentation and admissibility requirements.
Final Takeaway
Queen’s University and the University of Alberta have strengthened Canada’s position in global sustainability education by placing fourth and joint tenth in the 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings.
Western University and McMaster University also reached the global top 20, while 20 Canadian institutions appeared in the overall rating.
These results highlight Canadian universities’ contributions to sustainable communities, food security, innovation, environmental research and social development.
International students should still compare academic programs, tuition, location, career opportunities, DLI status and PGWP eligibility before choosing an institution.
Book a consultation with Always Canada Group to review your Canadian study permit and post-graduation immigration options.
