Global Rankings of the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary (UCalgary), located in Calgary, Alberta, is one of Canada's leading academic institutions. Established in 1966, it is a dynamic university known for its commitment to research, teaching, and community engagement. UCalgary offers a wide range of programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels across various fields such as engineering, business, health sciences, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The university also focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a research-driven environment that addresses both local and global challenges.

UCalgary’s academic and research strengths are complemented by its modern facilities, vibrant campus life, and strong ties with industries and government. With its focus on innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, the university is an attractive choice for students from around the world seeking a comprehensive, high-quality education. Additionally, UCalgary is particularly recognized for its commitment to sustainability and advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which adds to its reputation as a forward-thinking institution.

In terms of rankings, the University of Calgary has consistently performed well on the global stage, demonstrating its academic excellence, research output, and commitment to addressing global challenges. Its rankings reflect the university's ongoing efforts to provide an outstanding education and contribute to meaningful research that has global implications.

Global Rankings of the University of Calgary

UCalgary's global rankings vary depending on the methodology used by different ranking organizations. While each ranking system considers different criteria—such as academic reputation, employer reputation, research output, teaching quality, and international outlook—UCalgary consistently ranks among the top universities in Canada and the world.

QS World University Rankings (2025)

The 2025 QS World University Rankings place the University of Calgary in the 198th position globally. This ranking reflects the university’s strong academic reputation, solid research performance, and the international recognition it has earned over the years. The QS rankings focus on various indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, student-to-faculty ratio, and international faculty and student diversity. UCalgary's consistent presence in the QS rankings highlights its status as a respected global institution.

In addition to its global position, UCalgary is recognized for its excellence in specific subject areas. The QS rankings are known for evaluating universities based on their performance in particular disciplines, and UCalgary has maintained strong showings in engineering, health sciences, business, and other fields. The university’s commitment to research-driven education and industry collaboration has contributed to its strong reputation in these areas.

Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2025)

According to the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, the University of Calgary falls within the 201-250 range globally. THE’s ranking methodology is similar to QS, but with a greater emphasis on research quality, international outlook, and teaching. UCalgary’s ranking within this range reflects its continued commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and fostering a diverse and global student body.

THE’s rankings consider factors such as teaching environment, research volume and reputation, citation impact, and international collaborations. The University of Calgary’s inclusion in the top 250 universities worldwide underscores its standing as one of Canada's foremost research institutions. This ranking also highlights the university’s commitment to providing students with a high-quality learning experience and equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly globalized world.

Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2023

The 2023 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai Rankings, places the University of Calgary in the 201-300 range internationally, and ranks it between 8th and 11th among Canadian universities. This ranking is based on factors such as research productivity, research quality, international collaboration, and faculty qualifications. UCalgary's position within the 201-300 range globally and its high ranking within Canada reflect its strong research outputs and its ability to compete with other top universities internationally.

The ARWU is one of the most well-known global university rankings and is heavily weighted toward research achievements, particularly the number of publications in top journals, the number of highly cited researchers, and the institution's success in various international academic collaborations. UCalgary’s consistent showing in this ranking underscores its position as a leading research university.

THE Impact Rankings (2023)

The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings is another key ranking where the University of Calgary stands out. In the 2023 Impact Rankings, UCalgary was ranked in the top 3 percent of global universities for its efforts in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This ranking considers universities' social impact and contributions to the global community, with a focus on areas like environmental sustainability, economic development, and social equality.

The university’s engagement with SDGs is reflected in its research and community initiatives. UCalgary is committed to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, poverty, and inequality. Its sustainability initiatives and research projects in various fields contribute significantly to both local and global efforts to create a more equitable and sustainable world. This recognition in the THE Impact Rankings is a testament to the university’s commitment to making a meaningful difference on a global scale.

National Rankings

In addition to its impressive global rankings, the University of Calgary has earned recognition as one of the top universities in Canada. The university’s position within national rankings is a reflection of its strength in teaching, research, and community impact.

Re$earch Info Source - Top 50 Research Universities in Canada (2023)

Re$earch Info Source Inc. in their 2023 Top 50 Research Universities in Canada list ranked the University of Calgary as one of the top research universities in the country. This ranking is based on research funding, research output, and the impact of the university’s research initiatives. The university’s continued success in securing funding for research projects and its ability to produce high-impact publications have helped maintain its strong standing in Canadian research rankings.

UCalgary’s extensive research in fields such as energy, health sciences, engineering, and environmental sustainability, as well as its collaborations with industry and government agencies, contribute significantly to its ranking. As a major research hub, UCalgary attracts leading scholars, researchers, and students who are committed to advancing knowledge and solving real-world problems.

U.S. News & World Report Global Rankings (2023)

In the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Global Rankings, the University of Calgary ranked 175th globally, placing it at 7th in Canada. U.S. News evaluates universities based on a combination of academic reputation, research performance, and regional and global influence. UCalgary’s performance in this ranking reflects its solid academic standing and growing international influence. The university’s research output and global collaborations continue to drive its rankings, helping to strengthen its reputation as a top-tier institution.

Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) 2022-2023

The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) for the 2022-2023 period ranked the University of Calgary at 195th globally and 8th in Canada. CWUR’s ranking methodology emphasizes quality and performance indicators such as academic quality, employer reputation, and research output. UCalgary’s position in the top 200 globally and its consistent rank in the Canadian top 10 demonstrate its status as a leading institution in both research and teaching.

Research Excellence and Innovation

A central component of the University of Calgary’s success in global and national rankings is its commitment to research excellence. The university has established itself as a leader in various research fields, particularly in energy, health, engineering, and sustainability. As a major player in both basic and applied research, UCalgary has contributed to solving real-world challenges through innovative solutions and interdisciplinary collaborations.

UCalgary’s Schulich School of Engineering, Cumming School of Medicine, and Faculty of Science are just a few of the university’s many research-focused faculties that contribute to its high research standing. The university fosters a culture of innovation, providing students, faculty, and researchers with the resources and support they need to drive breakthrough discoveries and technological advancements.

In addition to its focus on academic research, UCalgary also emphasizes the commercialization of research. The university actively supports the transfer of knowledge and technology to industry partners, creating new business ventures and helping to drive economic growth in Alberta and beyond.

Commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact

The University of Calgary is also deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility. This is reflected in its ranking in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, where it ranks in the top 3 percent globally for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCalgary integrates sustainability into its research, teaching, and community outreach efforts, ensuring that it is making a positive impact on the environment, economy, and society.

Through various sustainability initiatives, including energy-efficient buildings, green campus projects, and community programs, UCalgary is taking concrete steps to address pressing global challenges such as climate change and resource depletion. The university’s efforts to create a sustainable future align with its mission to provide education that contributes to a better, more equitable world.

Conclusion

The University of Calgary is a top-tier institution that consistently ranks among the best universities in both Canada and the world. Its strong global rankings, particularly in research, teaching, and sustainability, reflect the university’s commitment to providing high-quality education and producing impactful research that addresses global challenges. As UCalgary continues to innovate, collaborate, and contribute to societal well-being, it remains a destination of choice for students and researchers seeking to make a difference in the world. Through its continued focus on academic excellence, sustainability, and social impact, the University of Calgary will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of higher education.