Leading universities promoting urban sustainability in 2025

Times Higher Education has recognised 1,154 universities from 98 countries/territories for their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11: sustainable cities and communities. These institutions excel in integrating sustainability into urban development, enhancing access to basic services, and improving the quality of public spaces and the take-up of public transport. Through targeted research and practical initiatives, they address the environmental impacts of cities and work towards building resilient urban environments.

Key insights: universities advancing sustainable cities and communities globally

• University of Manchester in the UK is number one in the sustainable cities and communities table
• Egypt’s Aswan University is the highest newly-ranked institution
• Turkey is the most-represented country in the sustainable cities university ranking, with 69 ranked institutions

Explore the table below to discover the full rankings and how universities around the world are performing this year.

These leading universities are not only hubs of innovation for sustainable urban planning but also advocate for universal access to affordable housing and sustainable practices. Their efforts are crucial in shaping the development of cities and communities that are inclusive, safe and sustainable for all.

Learn more:

Our Impact Rankings methodology includes SDG 11 indicators relating to research on sustainable cities and communities, support of arts and heritage, expenditure on arts and heritage, and sustainable practices.

Our analysis shows that universities in East and South-east Asia are improving rapidly when it comes to their contributions towards sustainable development.

There is more analysis on the results, including tables, charts and interviews with university leaders in our?Impact Rankings 2025?digital report.

To unlock the data behind?色盒直播’s rankings and access a range of analytical and benchmarking tools, visit our?data and insights page.?