Why Two Canadian Universities in the Global Sustainability Top 10 Matters for International Students Planning to Immigrate

When international students choose where to study in Canada, rankings often play a decisive role. The latest results from Times Higher Education (THE) give prospective students two new reasons to put Canadian institutions at the top of their shortlist: Queen's University and the University of Alberta have both secured spots in the global top 10 of the 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings.

Released on June 23, 2026, these rankings assessed more than 1,600 universities on how closely their work aligns with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — including no poverty, climate action, and gender equality. For students who plan a study-to-immigrate pathway, the prestige and global reputation of a Canadian degree can carry weight well beyond graduation. Below, we break down what these results mean, the broader context, and the practical steps applicants should consider.

Canada's Standout Performance on the Global Stage

In the 2026 edition, Canada was the only North American country to place among the global top 10. That is a notable distinction, particularly given the intensity of competition from institutions across Asia, Europe, and Oceania. A total of 20 Canadian universities appeared on THE's overall 2026 global ranking, with four placing among the global top 20.

Queen's University led the national field, claiming 4th place globally with an overall score of 97.5, driven by its strength in Sustainable Cities (SDG 11). The University of Alberta followed in 2nd nationally, tying for 10th place globally with an overall score of 96.0, with its top strength in Industry & Innovation (SDG 9).

The year-over-year movement is worth noting: Queen's University moved up two ranks, while the University of Alberta fell by two. Even so, both institutions remain firmly in elite company.

The Top Canadian Universities at a Glance

The national leaders in the 2026 ratings — and their strongest SDG performance areas — illustrate the breadth of Canadian higher education:

• Queen's University — Sustainable Cities — Global rank 4 — Overall score 97.5
• University of Alberta — Industry & Innovation — Global rank 10 — Overall score 96.0
• Western University — Industry & Innovation — Global rank 12 — Overall score 95.9
• McMaster University — Industry & Innovation — Global rank 18 — Overall score 95.5
• University of Victoria — Life on Land — Global rank 27 — Overall score 94.6
• Simon Fraser University — Sustainable Cities — Global rank 52 — Overall score 92.2
• Université Laval — Climate Action — Global rank 68 — Overall score 91.0
• York University — Industry & Innovation — Global rank 78 — Overall score 90.5
• Dalhousie University — Life Below Water — Global rank 90 — Overall score 89.7
• Lakehead University — No Poverty — Global rank 101–200 — Overall score 82.3–89.2

Several institutions tied with international peers. Simon Fraser University shared 52nd place with Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the University of Leeds; Université Laval tied for 68th with Hong Kong Baptist University and the University of Galway; and York University tied for 78th with the University of Pretoria.

Notable Absences

Perhaps just as significant as who made the list is who did not. Three of Canada's most prominent universities — the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University — were notably absent from the 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings.

This is an important reminder for prospective students: a university's absence from a specialized ranking like this does not reflect overall academic quality. THE's Sustainability Impact Ratings require institutions to submit data on specific SDGs to be eligible, and not every university chooses to participate in every ranking exercise. Students should interpret these results as one signal among many — not a comprehensive verdict on an institution's reputation.

Inside the Global Top 10

The 2026 global top 10 reflected a genuinely international field, with universities from Canada, Asia, Europe, and Oceania represented. The top performers were:

• 1. University of Manchester — Life on Land — 98.5
• 2. Griffith University — Life Below Water — 97.9
• 3. Western Sydney University — Life on Land — 97.8
• 4. Queen's University — Sustainable Cities — 97.5
• 5. Universiti Sains Malaysia — No Poverty — 97.3
• 6. Hanyang University — Industry & Innovation — 96.8
• 7. Hokkaido University — Industry & Innovation — 96.3
• 7. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia — Sustainable Cities — 96.3
• 9. Institut Agro — Life on Land — 96.1
• 10. National Taiwan University (NTU) — Industry & Innovation — 96.0
• =10. University of Alberta — Industry & Innovation — 96.0

There were two ties within the global top 10, one of which placed the National Taiwan University alongside the University of Alberta for 10th. The most common SDG strength among the global top 10 was Industry & Innovation (SDG 9) — a theme of clear relevance to students pursuing careers in technology, engineering, and applied research.

This year's top 10 featured five universities that also appeared in 2025, including both Canadian institutions, plus the University of Manchester, Griffith University, and Western Sydney University. Last year, the top three institutions were Western Sydney University, the University of Manchester, and Kyungpook National University (KNU).

What Does "Sustainability" Actually Measure?

For applicants unfamiliar with how these rankings are built, the methodology matters. THE evaluated a total of 1,646 universities from 116 countries and territories for the 2026 ratings. Each institution's progress was assessed against the UN's 17 SDGs across four core pillars:

• Research: How universities contribute to the SDGs through academic research linked to sustainability and global development.
• Stewardship: How institutions manage resources — including facilities, staff, faculty, and students — to support sustainable development.
• Outreach: How universities engage with communities and partners beyond campus to promote sustainability locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Teaching: How universities prepare students to become informed, skilled professionals who can apply sustainability principles in their careers.

To be included, a university must submit data on SDG 17 and a minimum of three other SDGs. A university's overall ranking is determined by combining its SDG 17 score with its three strongest results across the other 16 SDGs. SDG 17 makes up 22% of the total, while the other SDGs each account for 26%.

The 2026 rankings mark the eighth edition of THE's Sustainability Impact Ratings, previously known as THE Impact Rankings. THE is best known for its World University Rankings, one of the most widely cited global university ranking systems published annually.

Why This Matters for Study-to-Immigrate Pathways

For international students with ambitions to remain in Canada permanently, institutional reputation can influence the entire journey. While Canada's immigration programs do not award points specifically for attending a top-ranked sustainability university, the broader advantages of studying at a globally recognized institution are real and tangible.

Here is how strong rankings translate into practical benefits along the study-to-immigrate path:

• Quality of credentials: A degree from a globally respected institution can strengthen your profile when employers and licensing bodies assess your qualifications.
• Research and innovation exposure: Universities strong in Industry & Innovation — like the University of Alberta, Western University, and McMaster University — often connect students with industry partners, co-op placements, and applied research, building the Canadian work experience that many permanent residence pathways value.
• Networking and employability: The Teaching pillar emphasizes preparing students for skilled professional careers, which aligns directly with the kind of human capital Canada's economic immigration programs seek.

It is important to be precise here: this is analysis, not a guarantee. Rankings do not directly determine eligibility for any immigration program. What they do is signal academic strength and graduate readiness, which can indirectly support a successful transition from temporary student to permanent resident.

Practical Advice for Prospective Students

If you are weighing where to study in Canada with an eye toward long-term settlement, consider the following steps:

1. Look beyond a single ranking

The absence of the University of Toronto, UBC, and McGill from this specific list demonstrates that one ranking cannot capture everything. Cross-reference multiple ranking systems, including THE's flagship World University Rankings, and weigh program-specific reputation in your chosen field.

2. Match the SDG strength to your career goals

If your interests lie in technology, engineering, or applied research, the cluster of Canadian universities strong in Industry & Innovation (SDG 9) — Alberta, Western, McMaster, York, Saskatchewan, and Carleton — may align well. Students focused on environmental science might gravitate toward institutions strong in Life on Land or Climate Action, such as the University of Victoria, Trent University, Université Laval, or Thompson Rivers University.

3. Confirm Designated Learning Institution status

Regardless of ranking, you must enrol at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to be eligible for a Canadian study permit. Always verify a school's DLI status before applying, as this is a foundational requirement of the study permit process.

4. Plan your post-graduation strategy early

A strong academic profile is most powerful when paired with a clear plan for gaining Canadian work experience and, ultimately, applying for permanent residence. Begin researching the work permit and economic immigration options relevant to your field well before you graduate.

The Bottom Line

The 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings reinforce Canada's standing as a destination for high-quality, globally engaged higher education. With Queen's University ranked 4th globally and the University of Alberta tied for 10th, prospective international students have fresh evidence that Canadian institutions are at the forefront of sustainability-focused teaching, research, and community engagement.

For those mapping out a study-to-immigrate journey, these results are a useful data point — but they are one piece of a larger puzzle. The smartest applicants combine institutional reputation with careful program selection, DLI verification, and an early, strategic plan for transitioning from student to permanent resident. In a competitive global landscape where 20 Canadian universities earned a place on THE's overall ranking, Canada continues to offer compelling reasons to study, build a career, and put down roots.