QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026. Padua Among Europe’s Leading Universities and First in Italy for Sustainability

The results of the third edition of the QS World University Rankings: Europe were released on 28 January 2026. The ranking, compiled by the international agency QS – Quacquarelli Symonds, evaluates only European universities, ensuring greater comparability in terms of geographical, regulatory and cultural context.

Out of 958 universities assessed across 42 countries, the University of Padua ranks 92nd in Europe, improving its percentile position by around three points compared to the previous edition. The University thus places within the top 10% of European universities and confirms its fourth position nationally.

Particularly noteworthy is the result achieved in the Sustainability indicator, which assesses the social and environmental impact of universities in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Padua ranks 62nd in Europe, emerging as the leading university in Italy for sustainability. This recognition highlights the University’s long-standing commitment to integrating environmental sustainability, social responsibility and inclusive development across teaching, research and institutional governance.

Alongside sustainability, the University of Padua records excellent performances in other key indicators that strengthen its international profile: Academic Reputation, where it ranks 44th in Europe, and International Research Network, at 48th place, confirming the quality and intensity of its global research collaborations. Both indicators place Padua within the European top 50. The University also ranks within the top 100 for Outbound Exchange Students (57th place), reflecting its strong commitment to promoting international student mobility.

“The results of the QS World University Rankings: Europe confirm the strength of the University of Padua’s international standing and, in particular, the value of our academic and scientific relationships,” commented Rector Daniela Mapelli. “The recognition achieved in the sustainability indicator reflects a long-term vision that combines internationalisation, research quality, and responsibility towards society and the environment.”

In recent days, the THE World University Rankings by Subject 2026 were also published, in which the University of Padua confirms strong global performance across the 11 subject areas assessed, entering the world top 100 for Psychology and further improving in Business and Economics and Physical Sciences.

The methodology of the QS World University Rankings: Europe differs in part from that of the global QS World University Rankings, introducing new indicators related to international student mobility and redefining the weight of certain parameters, including a strengthened International Research Network indicator, which increases from 5% to 10%.

The University of Padua publishes its results and methodologies in a dedicated section of its institutional Rankings portal.