The globally respected QS World University Rankings (2026) have been released, and we’re so proud to see that six of our university partners have been ranked in the top 100! They are:
- University of Bristol (UK) — #51
- University of Birmingham (UK) — #76
- University of Glasgow (UK) — #79
- Adelaide University (Australia) — #82
- University of Alberta (Canada) — #94
- University of Nottingham (UK) — #97
What are university rankings and why do they matter?
The QS World University Rankings assess more than 1,500 universities worldwide in five areas:
- quality of research
- employability and graduate outcomes
- student experience, sustainability
- internationalisation (i.e. how many students and staff come from overseas)
While rankings are just one thing to consider when choosing a university, they can give you an idea of the quality of the education and whether graduates go on to get good jobs.
Rankings aren’t just about the number, but what that means for you: more opportunities, stronger support, and a university experience that sets you up for the future.
When you attend a highly ranked university, you’ll get access to top quality research and teachers who are leaders in their fields. This creates an inspiring environment that encourages you to do your best! Employers may also consider university rankings when choosing between candidates; having a prestigious university on your CV can really make you stand out!
Why do our university partners stand out in the 2026 rankings?
This has been a standout year for the UK, with 17 British universities appearing in the QS world top 100. Many of our UK university partners are celebrating some great results too!
The University of Birmingham rose four places this year to 76th: the fourth year in a row that they’ve moved up in the rankings, showing their commitment to student success. They even have an ambitious plan to rank in the top 50 by 2030, so watch this space.
And they’re not alone — lots of our university partners have been rising year after year, showing a real commitment to improving the student experience.
15-place rise
for the University of York
35-place rise
for Queen Mary University of London
43-place rise
for the University of Liverpool
The University of York also saw improvements in individual outcomes like employer reputation. That means employers are now even more impressed by a York degree — great news for graduates looking to build their careers. Plus, this comes soon after York climbed from top 20 to top 15 in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2026 — what a year for York!
Finally, the University of Nottingham and the University of Bristol are also celebrating rises: Nottingham has climbed 11 places to 97th and Bristol has moved up three places to a fantastic 51st.
We’re so pleased to see how our partners working so hard for their students and we can’t wait to see what else the future has in store!
Study at a top global university with Kaplan
If you’d like to study at any of these great international universities, Kaplan can help. We’ll guide you through every step, from preparing your application and personal statement to managing deadlines and gathering your documents. We can also advise you on things like applying for your visa too! If you have any questions throughout the process, we’ll always be here to help.
Alternatively, if you don’t yet meet the requirements for a university overseas, you can apply to study a Kaplan degree preparation course. You’ll improve your academic skills and subject knowledge, and raise your English language to the level required for undergraduate or postgraduate study. When you pass the course at the required level, with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to your chosen degree!
If you’re ready to take your first steps towards studying at a top global university, simply get in touch and one of our friendly Education Advisors will be happy to help you find the best option for you.
