The University of Canterbury has strengthened its global standing as a leader in global impact, placing 61st in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings and second in New Zealand behind the University of Auckland.
The University says the latest results of the THE Impact Rankings, released today, confirm its growing reputation as a globally impactful institution committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From more than 2,500 participating universities worldwide, UC has climbed 28 places from its previous position of 89.
UC achieved standout global positions: 14th for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and 22nd for Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).
UC is the top-ranked university in New Zealand for three SDGs:
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 14: Life Below Water .
“These results reflect the University’s deep commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals,” says Professor Jan Evans-Freeman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sustainability.
The University has various research groups and centres tackling global issues, including the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, QuakeCoRE and the Institute of Law, Emergencies and Disasters.
“Research plays a pivotal role in addressing the world’s most urgent challenges,” says Professor Lucy Johnston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation.
“Our strong performance in the THE Impact Rankings reflects the depth and relevance of our research and reinforces our responsibility to generate knowledge that informs and transforms communities, both locally and globally.”
Sustainability is embedded across UC’s academic programmes. Students engage with the SDGs through a range of qualifications, including the Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability and the Master’s in Disaster Risk and Resilience, alongside a broad array of majors, minors, and courses that address complex global challenges.
UC will host the United Nations 8th Adaptation Futures Conference later this year.
Read more about UC research here, and Resilient Cities and Communities here. You can explore UC’s SDG-aligned courses here.
