The University of Bologna confirms its position as the top university in Italy in the Times Higher Education ranking

The University of Bologna ranks first among Italian universities in the 2022 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE), one of the best-known and most prestigious international university rankings.

On the international stage, the Alma Mater ranks 172nd out of 1662 universities participating in the ranking - a significant increase compared to the 1527 universities that participated last year - entering the top 200 for the fourth year in a row. If we consider that there are 26.000 universities in the world, the University of Bologna soundly sits among the 1% best universities on a global level.

Over the last six years, our University climbed more than 100 positions (in 2015 it ranked in the range between 276-300) and is now one of the few "large universities" sitting in the top 200 of THE ranking.

Among the main indicators taken into account in the ranking, the University of Bologna obtains the best position for its quality of teaching (Teaching) reaching position number 104 worldwide. This result is particularly significant, especially if we consider that the ratio between the number of students and the number of teachers is considerably higher than the European average.

Moreover, the University has improved its performance with respect to the indicators concerning quality and number of scientific research activities (Research), technology transfer (Industry income), and international opportunities and relations (International outlook).

"Even though we know that rankings only provide a partial view of the complexity of an institution, it is certainly a great satisfaction seeing that the Alma Mater confirmed its first place among Italian universities", commented Rector Francesco Ubertini. "This ranking shows the intense work carried out in recent years by our community, which has led the University of Bologna to grow in several strategic areas. We made critical investments in teaching innovation, and research infrastructures in order to expand our international catalogue of degree programmes and to considerably increase our ability to attract students and researchers from all over the world, as well as research funds for promising projects".

Finally, according to the Times Higher Education (THE), the University of Bologna also was first in Italy and third in the European Union in the 2021 THE Impact Rankings released a few months back. This ranking measures the universities’ impact on societies and their commitment to sustainable development according to the parameters of the UN 2030 Agenda.