Times Higher Education (THE), one of the world's most prestigious higher education ranking organizations, has announced the results of its 2025 Impact Rankings, which measure universities' global impact and contributions to sustainability.
Uskudar University achieved global success by entering the most distinguished top 25% (Q1) among 2,526 universities worldwide, and by ranking among the top 500 globally in 9 of the 17 SDGs it applied for.
Among foundation universities that successfully applied for all 17 SDGs, the University ranked first in Turkey.
Uskudar University achieved a historic success in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 Impact Rankings, which evaluate social, environmental, and economic contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By placing in the top quartile among thousands of distinguished universities participating in the rankings, it once again registered its international quality.
Uskudar University applied for all 17 of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and qualified for all tags. It succeeded in entering the top 500 globally in 9 of these 17 tags.
For 2 consecutive years…
Uskudar University, which shared first place in Turkey in the overall ranking among foundation universities that successfully received all 17 tags it applied for, also stood out as the only foundation university to achieve this success for two consecutive years.
Soaring 200 places, it entered the league of elites
Despite a 350 increase in the number of universities applying compared to the previous year, Uskudar University rose by a full 200 places in the overall ranking, successfully positioning itself in the top 25% (Q1) quartile, home to the world's most qualified and influential universities. Uskudar University also successfully received all 17 different tags, ranking 524th in the overall ranking of these tags.
For the 5 tags it applied for in 2023 for the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking, Uskudar University was listed in the top 50% globally, and in the top 40% in 2024. The university brought its rise to a peak in 2025.
This achievement stands out as a result of the university's consistent efforts in quality education, research, and social impact over the past three years.
Among the top 500 universities worldwide in 9 of the 17 SDGs…
Uskudar University applied for all 17 of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and qualified for all tags. It succeeded in entering the top 500 universities globally in 9 of these 17 tags. Particularly in the categories of “Good Health and Well-being” and “Gender Equality”, it ranked in the 201-300 band globally, once again proving its strength in these thematic areas.
Furthermore, by ranking in the 301-400 band in categories such as “Reduced Inequalities” and “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions”, the university’s commitment to its four core values – pluralism, participation, libertarianism, and criticizability – was internationally recognized as an institution that embodies and perpetuates these principles.
At the Top in Turkey
Uskudar University, which shared first place in Turkey in the overall ranking among foundation universities that successfully received all 17 tags it applied for, also stood out as the only foundation university to achieve this success for two consecutive years.
It reinforced its pioneering role in many fields by ranking 1st among foundation universities in Turkey for “Life Below Water”, 2nd for “Good Health and Well-being”, and 3rd for “No Poverty”, “Zero Hunger”, “Reduced Inequalities”, and “Life on Land” tags.
Uskudar University's Turkey rankings (THE Impact Ranking 2025)
Uskudar University's Turkey rankings (THE Impact Ranking 2025) are as follows:
“1 - No Poverty: Among universities in Turkey: 10th place, among foundation universities: 3rd place,
2 - Zero Hunger: Among universities in Turkey: 20th place, among foundation universities: 3rd place
3 - Good Health and Well-being: Among universities in Turkey: 3rd place, among foundation universities: 2nd place
4 - Quality Education: Among universities in Turkey: 21st place, among foundation universities: 4th place
5 - Gender Equality: Among universities in Turkey: 9th place, among foundation universities: 4th place
6 - Clean Water and Sanitation: Among universities in Turkey: 31st place, among foundation universities: 4th place
7 - Affordable and Clean Energy: Among universities in Turkey: 34th place, among foundation universities: 4th place
8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth: Among universities in Turkey: 20th place, among foundation universities: 5th place
9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Among universities in Turkey: 40th place, among foundation universities: 8th place
10 - Reduced Inequalities: Among universities in Turkey: 15th place, among foundation universities: 3rd place
11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities: Among universities in Turkey: 27th place, among foundation universities: 5th place
12 - Responsible Consumption and Production: Among universities in Turkey: 45th place, among foundation universities: 13th place
13 - Climate Action: Among universities in Turkey: 42nd place, among foundation universities: 7th place
14 - Life Below Water: Among universities in Turkey: 12th place, among foundation universities: 1st place
15 - Life on Land: Among universities in Turkey: 20th place, among foundation universities: 3rd place
16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Among universities in Turkey: 9th place, among foundation universities: 6th place
17 - Partnerships for the Goals: Among universities in Turkey: 48th place, among foundation universities: 11th place”
Ranking methodology
The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings evaluate university activities in research, education, governance, and social impact, in line with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Uskudar University's success in achieving the Q1 quartile in this comprehensive assessment is considered a reflection of its globally aware, innovative, and holistic educational approach. Based on the Overall Score results, obtained by weighting 26% of the scores from the top 3 highest-scoring tags and 22% from the mandatory 17th tag, Uskudar University also successfully placed in the top quartile (Q1) in the world rankings for this metric.