The Times Higher Education has published its 2024 findings on the SDG performance of universities globally. The top ten include four higher education institutions from Australia, two from Canada, and two from the US. Universities from Denmark, and the UK are also among the top ten performers.

The Times Higher Education issues annual Impact Rankings based on four approaches to advancing the SDGs: research; stewardship; outreach; and teaching. It provides a ranking of overall SDG performance as well as on each of the 17 Goals.

According to the 2024 rankings, released on 12 June, for the third year in a row, the highest-scoring institution is Western Sydney University in Australia, having achieved a near-perfect score. Australia’s University of Tasmania and the UK’s University of Manchester are tied for the second place, making the latter the top European institution in terms of SDG performance.

A Times Higher Education press release notes a new trend that has begun to emerge in that some countries are demonstrating leadership on specific SDGs. For example, German universities lead on SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), UK universities dominate on SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and the Republic of Korea tops the table on SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth). In terms of contributions to SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), Australian universities are in the lead, with seven in the top ten. 

Universities that rank first on the other SDGs are:

• SDG 1 (no poverty): Universitas Airlangga in Indonesia;
• SDG 2 (zero hunger): Queen’s University in Canada;
• SDG 3 (good health and well-being): JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in India;
• SDG 4 (quality education): Aalborg University in Denmark;
• SDG 5 (gender equality): Western Sydney University;
• SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy): Afe Babalola University in Nigeria;
• SDG 10 (reduced inequalities): RMIT University in Australia;
• SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities): University of Manchester;
• SDG 13 (climate action): University of Tasmania;
• SDG 14 (life below water): Arizona State University (Tempe) in the US;
• SDG 15 (life on land): University of Manchester in the UK;
• SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions): Universiti Sains Malaysia in Malaysia; and
• SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals): University of Technology Sydney in Australia.

The Times Higher Education also offers rankings by subject and by reputation, as well as regional rankings, among others. [Publication: Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024] [Digital Edition] [Publication Landing Page] [SDG Knowledge Hub Story on 2023 Rankings]