The QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2026 have unveiled Lund University in Sweden as the leading sustainable university worldwide. This marks the first time Lund has secured the top spot since the rankings began in 2023, surpassing the University of Toronto, which held the position in 2024 and 2025. The 2026 rankings evaluated nearly 2,000 universities across 106 countries, an increase from approximately 1,750 in the last edition, highlighting a significant rise in global engagement in assessing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance within higher education.
The top 10 universities for 2026 are:
This lineup underscores the strong performance of universities in the UK and Canada, with Sweden's Lund University achieving a flawless score of 100.
India has made significant strides in the 2026 edition, with 103 Indian universities making the list. Notably, 26 institutions debuted in the rankings, the second-highest number of new entries following Mainland China. India ranks fourth in total representation, trailing the US (240), China (163), and the UK (109). This growth highlights the increasing focus on sustainability within Indian higher education, as more universities align with ESG goals and sustainable development practices.
Introduced in 2023, the QS Sustainability Rankings are designed to evaluate how well universities tackle the world’s most pressing environmental and social issues. The rankings consider:
Universities are scored and ranked based on their ESG performance, offering a snapshot of how institutions are contributing to a more sustainable global future.
As the world faces challenges such as climate change, inequality, and environmental degradation, universities are increasingly expected to lead by example. The QS Sustainability Rankings aim to:
For students, educators, and policymakers, these rankings reflect an institution’s commitment to fostering a greener, more equitable world.
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