- Universidad Europea scores 81.7 points in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 and ranks among the world’s top 100 universities for four Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainability has become a key measure of universities’ impact on society. Against this backdrop, Universidad Europea ranks among Spain’s top five universities for sustainability impact and among the country’s top two private universities, according to the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026. The ranking, an international reference for measuring universities’ contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), assessed 1,646 universities across 116 countries and territories. Universidad Europea achieved an overall score of 81.7 out of 100 and placed in the 201–300 band worldwide.
Compared with Universidad Europea de Madrid’s 2025 result, this year’s figures show substantial progress. Its overall score rose from 67.2 to 81.7 points, an increase of 14.5 points, while its position climbed from the 601–800 band to the 201–300 band. Its scores improved across all nine SDGs comparable with the previous year, and Universidad Europea expanded its participation to include three additional goals: Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Sustainable Cities and Communities.
One of this year’s most notable results is Universidad Europea’s place among the world’s top 100 universities for four SDGs. Its highest global position is for SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, where it ranks 44th worldwide and second in Spain. Universidad Europea leads the Spanish ranking for SDG 13: Climate Action, ranking 59th worldwide, and SDG 4: Quality Education, ranking 97th worldwide. For SDG 5: Gender Equality, it ranks 69th worldwide and second in Spain.
The recognition extends to other areas of sustainability. Universidad Europea is Spain’s highest-ranked private university for SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, in the 101–200 band worldwide, and SDG 15: Life on Land, in the 301–400 band. It also ranks among Spain’s top three universities for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, among the top five for SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and second among Spanish private universities for SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
These results reflect Universidad Europea’s view of sustainability as part of academic excellence. Its contribution to sustainable development is built through the education of professionals equipped to make a difference in their communities, applied research, equal opportunities, climate action, responsible campus management and partnerships with institutions, businesses and wider society.
Universidad Europea’s position in the Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 is international recognition of its continued work to embed sustainability in university life. This approach brings together knowledge, social commitment and the ability to drive change in response to today’s major challenges.