QS - World University Rankings

Quacquarelli Symonds - World University Rankings

Institutions are evaluated based on five key pillars:

• Research and Discovery (50%) 
• Employability and Outcomes (20%) 
• Global Engagement (15%) 
• Learning Experience (10%) 
• Sustainability (5%)

In the 2026 edition, the University of Algarve (UAlg) joins this prestigious global ranking for the first time, placing in the 1001–1200 band worldwide. UAlg stands out particularly in the International Students indicator, ranking 388th among 1501 institutions from 106 countries.

This edition is based on a comprehensive data analysis that reflects institutional performance across multiple dimensions, including: research (quality, volume, and academic reputation); graduate employability (student preparation, industry connections, and employer reputation); learning environment (resources available to support students); internationalization (faculty, student diversity, and participation in international research networks); and sustainability (institutional commitment to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals). The methodology took into account, among other factors, 19.8 million scientific publications, 200 million citations, 1.5 million academic nominations, and 520,000 employer references.

More information here.

QS World University Rankings - Results

Quacquarelli Symonds - World University Rankings

Using a methodology composed of indicators designed to measure an institution's ability to address the world's greatest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges, the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026 presents results from 2,002 higher education institutions deriving from 108 countries/locations worldwide, of which 621 are European and 14 are Portuguese.  In this latest edition, UAlg ranks =577 globally, a significant improvement on the previous edition. This improvement is largely due to the results obtained in the areas of “Environmental Education” and “Environmental Research,” where UAlg stands out, ranking 186th and 251st, respectively. You can find more information about this ranking here.
 

This ranking offers a unique perspective on institutions that are demonstrating a commitment to a more sustainable existence. More than just commitment, it seeks external evidence of this fact—from the impact that alumni are having on science and technology to solve climate problems, to the impact of research being done on the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
 

The QS Sustainability Rankings are determined using 52 indicators, grouped into 9 themes, and then encompassed in 3 main categories:
 

Environmental Impact (45%) - This category recognizes the efforts that universities make to improve the planet, whether through their research in areas such as the environment and climate science, through a strategic focus on climate change mitigation, or through the impact that their alumni have had in creating a more sustainable world.
 

Social Impact (45%) - This category assesses the university's ability to contribute to a better society, whether through equality measures, sharing knowledge and learning from others, delivering strong outcomes for graduates, and ensuring that students have an excellent experience while under its care.
 

Governance (10%) - This category analyses whether universities have good governance embedded in their policies, procedures, and strategies. The ability to deliver on SDG commitments is recognised by the UN as dependent on the coordination and implementation of good policies and practices through good governance.

QS Sustainability Rankings - Results