Top 100 in global ranking underlines Leeds' international vision

The University of Leeds is among the top 100 universities in the new QS World University Rankings 2019.

Its joint position of 93rd in this year’s global league table highlights Leeds’ growing reputation for research and education. 

The University’s international strategy, International Leeds, has been led by Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor: International.

He said: “Leeds is a truly global university. We can contribute most effectively to sharing knowledge, innovation and education worldwide by building productive, mutually beneficial relationships with researchers, universities and other organisations in key countries.

“It creates opportunities to widen horizons and bring new perspectives to education, and it generates opportunities for academic staff and students at all levels to collaborate on new frontiers of research. Above all, it ensures Leeds makes a difference to the world we live in.”

Of the indicators assessed as part of the influential QS World University Rankings, the University saw its biggest improvements in two key measures: employer reputation (up 13 places to a global ranking of 62) and academic reputation (up 11 places to 89).

Professor Yu added: “We have made significant progress towards achieving our ambitious international objectives, thanks to the dedication and hard work of all our staff and students.”

An international community

The University is home to a global community of staff and students, with a worldwide network of 256,000 alumni playing a valuable role in supporting Leeds.

With staff from more than 90 countries and in excess of 8,000 international students from more than 150 counties, Leeds also provides one of the largest study abroad programmes in the UK.

Reflecting this international community, the University was ranked in the top 50 most international universities in the world in March by Times Higher Education.

International research collaboration

Another key priority area for the University is to support the quality, impact and citations of research, along with focusing on ratios of international students and staff.

Professor Yu said: “This year’s QS ranking is an excellent result, but we will not be resting on our laurels and have work left to do.

“We especially have progress to make when it comes to research citations, such as increasing international research collaboration and internationally co-authored publications.

“We are launching new initiatives to support this, including an international research mobility fund and a new strategic research partnership fund, and will keep striving to enhance the University of Leeds’ international standing even further.”

Further information

Further details of Leeds’ performance in the QS World Rankings 2019 is available on the QS website.

For full details: Top 100 in global ranking underlines University’s international vision