Ranking success for University of Bradford
The University of Bradford has been 511 in the world and 47 in United Kingdom, according to the 22nd edition of the world’s most-consulted university rankings.
The QS Word University Rankings 2026, released today by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds, sees University of Bradford move up 20 places from last year’s ranking of 531.
The ranking success follows being ranked 1st on the Higher Education Policy Institute’s Social Mobility Index in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, meaning it does more than any other English university to improve students overall prospects in life.
More than half its students come from disadvantaged backgrounds. According to the most recent Higher Education Statistics Agency figures, 92% of the University of Bradford’s UK Domiciled Full-Time Undergraduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation. The University is one of the few to offer careers advice up to five years after graduation.
Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: “The latest QS World University Rankings show we put students first, supporting them from the moment they engage with us and up to five years after they graduate. When you come here, you are exposed to life-changing opportunities, world leading research and an organisation that is recognised across the sector as the leading university for improving students’ life chances.
“More than half our students come from deprived or disadvantaged backgrounds but our priority is to put students first and to ensure they leave with job-ready skills and good outcomes, and we are the best in the country at doing that.”
QS World University Rankings compare 1,501 institutions from 106 countries, including 90 from the UK, using 10 indicators, including academic reputation, employment outcomes, international research network and several others. The latest ranking is the University’s highest since 2014.
University of Bradford rankings included:
- 66th for international students
- 311th for sustainability
- 316th for international faculty
- 421st for employment outcomes
- 519th for international research network
QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter said: “The QS World University Rankings remain an essential tool for benchmarking academic excellence, guiding students, scholars and institutions in their decision-making. We congratulate all ranked universities for advancing innovation, collaboration and societal transformation.”
The QS World University Rankings 2026 are published on topuniversities.com.
The University of Bradford has been ranked 511th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Images credit: University of Bradford
Making a difference
The University has consistently achieved recognition for its work on social mobility.
In October, it was named University of the Year at the Social Mobility Awards.
On November 28, a team from the University won a Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
In 2019, the University was also named University of the Year for Social Inclusion by The Times/Sunday Times.
In October 2023, the University was awarded Silver Status for its teaching by the Office for Students.
Last year, the University of Bradford secured over £20m in research grants and 77 per cent of its research impact has been classed as Excellent or World Leading by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
Around 80% of its courses are accredited and it offers a wide range of paid sandwich years.
Clearing call
Clearing 2025 opens on July 5 and runs until October 20, offering prospective students the chance to secure a place at university. Prospective students may include those taking all Level 3 qualifications (this or last), or mature students who want to return to education.
The University of Bradford is offering a range of services this year, including its Clearing Community Pass, which includes webinars, a dedicated phone line and SMS and email updates.
Its call-lines and self apply form will also be open from the first day of Clearing on July 5 – 08081 969129. The self apply link will be available on the Clearing website from the July 5 – www.bradford.ac.uk/clearing
You can use Clearing if you have changed your mind about what or where you want to study, received higher or lower grades than you expected or haven’t yet applied to study at university for September 2025.