06/10/2026
Oxford has been named the world’s number one university for a record-breaking 11th consecutive year in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
NEW: Oxford has held the top spot since 2017 - the longest run at number one in the rankings’ history.
Professor Irene Tracey, CBE, FRS, FMedSci, Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford, said: ‘We are immensely proud that the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s number one university for a record-breaking eleventh consecutive year by one of the leading and most rigorous ranking systems. What particularly pleases me is the depth and breadth of excellence this result reflects. From the quality and impact of our research to our thriving innovation ecosystem and global networks, all alongside uncompromising and outstanding teaching and student experience, Oxford is performing at the highest level in what is an increasingly competitive space.
'This is something to celebrate and it is a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication of our academics, students and professional services staff across the collegiate University as well as the rich higher education environment in which we operate. Rankings are, of course, only one measure of what makes a great university, and our focus remains firmly on what matters: pushing the boundaries of knowledge, educating exceptional students and putting our research and teaching to work for the benefit of society and the planet.’
This year’s rankings considered a record 2,297 universities from 118 countries, with Oxford achieving the maximum score of 100 across eight metrics.
