Laurier ranks in top 13 per cent of global universities in Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings

June 18, 2025

Times Higher Education (THE) has ranked Wilfrid Laurier University among the top 13 per cent of global universities in its 2025 University Impact Rankings, representing a two per cent rise year over year. THE assessed 2,526 universities in 130 countries that are working toward the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a strategy to address challenges including poverty and climate change.

Laurier was celebrated for tackling climate change, fostering gender equity and combatting food insecurity. It ranked in the top four per cent of global universities for the following SDGs:

• SDG 5: Gender equality: Efforts include 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, women’s mentorship groups and the Laurier Centre for Women in Science. Learn more.
• SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation: Efforts include an Experimental Lakes Area Hackathon, retrofitting buildings to reduce water consumption and the Laurier Institute for Water Science. Learn more.

Laurier ranked in the top five per cent for:

• SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities: Efforts include a Social Innovation in the City course, affordable housing for students, and an e-bikes and e-scooters pilot program. Learn more.

Laurier ranked in the top eight per cent of global universities for:

• SDG 2: Zero hunger: Efforts include campus initiatives for students experiencing food insecurity, the Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and the Empty Bowls fundraiser for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Learn more.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals: Efforts include membership in the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Canada, the Hungry Cities Partnership and Hawks Beyond Borders. Learn more.

“We are deeply proud of these exceptional results,” says Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “Laurier faculty, students and staff are global citizens and our efforts reflect that. We are sharing knowledge and fostering innovation to build a more sustainable future.”

Laurier also ranked highly for SDG 10: Reduced inequalities and SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions (top 16 per cent); and SDG 13: Climate action (top 18 per cent). 

For more information about how Laurier is working toward the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, visit the university’s Sustainable Development Goals web hub.