The University of Guelph has been named one of the world’s top universities in the 2025 edition of the QS World University Rankings.
Higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds ranked U of G among the top third of all institutions globally, placing it in 456th place among more than 1,500 institutions ranked — up 30 spots from 2024.
The QS World University Rankings are one of the most widely read university rankings in the world and consider nine key criteria, including academic reputation, citations per faculty and faculty/student ratio.
The University’s rise in the rankings this year was driven by strong performance in indicators that measure international research partnerships and faculty citations.
As one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities, U of G has long placed a premium on building partnerships that connect our research with the world. U of G’s researchers are actively addressing global issues including food security, water resources, global health and social issues that impact communities around the globe.
Learn more about our international research activities.
U of G’s unique research opportunities lead to important partnerships
“U of G is committed to becoming the Canadian research partner of choice for industry, government, Indigenous Peoples and not-for-profit organizations,” says Dr. Rene Van Acker, interim vice-president (research). “This recognition is a testament to how we enhance the creation, mobilization and dissemination of research knowledge to improve life around the world.”
As a measure of its commitment to having a strong global impact, the University also scored well in its high ratio of international faculty members, which remains well above the global average.
Citations per faculty member were also well above the average, increasing to 134.2 in 2025, well above the global median of 52.3.
U of G conducts leading-edge research in the physical and life sciences, business, arts, social sciences, and agricultural, food, and veterinary sciences across seven colleges and 14 research stations.
Across its three campuses, U of G’s faculty scholars and researchers provide students with unique research opportunities in laboratories, art studios and libraries and in the field. These opportunities are a cornerstone of the Guelph experience and are embedded in our teaching and learning.