Cardiff University recognised by TIME for academic excellence

Cardiff University has appeared in TIME magazine’s first World’s Top Universities 2026.

Cardiff University’s commitment to shaping a better future continues to gain global recognition led to the institution being ranked 121st overall.

As well as securing 121st place in the world, Cardiff is also ranked 22nd in the UK – placed above some of the UK’s other leading universities –which the University says reflects “Cardiff’s focus on delivering impact today while shaping solutions for the future”.

The ranking’s focus on innovation, economic impact and global engagement reflects Cardiff’s approach to bringing together research, education and partnerships to deliver real-world change.

The new ranking comes on the back of Cardiff’s successes in other key university rankings.

At 181st in the world Cardiff remains Wales’s highest ranked University in the QS World University Rankings – the definitive guide to the world’s top universities. Over 8,000 universities are evaluated for inclusion in the QS World University Rankings.

Cardiff is also ranked 28th in the UK in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 securing the prestigious Welsh University of the Year title as well as seeing a rise in the Complete University Guide, where it is ranked as one of top 25 institutions in the UK.

Further information on Cardiff University rankings can be found here.