Two highly significant distinctions for the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens came with the announcement of the results of QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings and THE (Times Higher Education) University Impact Rankings.
More precisely, according to the information provided by QS World University Rankings (June 2024), NKUA was awarded a Certificate of Recognition as the most improved University in Europe for 2024-2025. Additionally, according to THE University Impact Rankings, NKUA climbed to 6th place globally in ‘Quality Education’.
NKUA: The most improved University in Europe for 2024-2025
The first distinction (Most Improved – Europe award category) is the result of a significant rise in the University’s ranking by approximately 300 places. From being ranked in the 651-700 bracket in 2020-2021 and 600th in 2022-2023, NKUA now stands at 393rd place globally for 2024-2025.
A particular highlight in this year’s ranking is NKUA’s 96th position globally (up from 276th last year) in the Employment Outcomes indicator, which reflects the ability of Institutions to ensure a high level of employability for their graduates while also nurturing future leaders who go on to make an impact in their respective fields.
NKUA achieves the highest-ever global ranking among Greek Higher Educational Institutions
Furthermore, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens secured yet another significant distinction, claiming the best-ever position achieved by a Greek Higher Educational Institution in world University rankings. Thus, according to THE University Impact Rankings, NKUA placed 6th worldwide out of 1,681 Higher Educational Institutions with an overall score of 87.8/100 for SDG 4: Quality Education.
THE University Impact Rankings assess the position of Universities globally, based on their economic and social impact, as measured against the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
Overall, NKUA ranks in the 201-300 bracket in THE University Impact Rankings, first in Greece and Cyprus, followed by Athens University of Economics and Business and the University of Crete in the 401-600 bracket. The other Greek Higher Educational Institutions follow beyond the 601st position.
As for the individual SDG 4: Quality Education,this focuses on Universities’ contribution to early years and lifelong learning, their research on quality education, and their commitment through specific practices and policies to an inclusive education without discrimination, which fosters social integration.
QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings and THE (Times Higher Education) University Impact Rankings are among the most prestigious and authoritative University rankings globally. They depend on rigorous analysis of research results and other statistical data for each Institution, along with numerous interviews with academic personnel and international employers.
All of the above enable them to be objective and to capture the progress made by each Institution. As a result, they are a crucial consideration for institutional administrations when planning, researchers and academics when looking for work, students when choosing a University to study at, and the corporate sector when seeking research collaborations.
The position of NKUA in QS World University Rankings over time
In the light of this dual distinctions, the Rector of NKUA, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, made the following statement:
‘We are particularly happy with the recent release of two authoritative international University rankings, which reflect a significant rise for NKUA.
Our University, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, placed 6th worldwide in “Quality Education” and has also received the award of the most improved University in Europe.
NKUA, Greece’s oldest and largest Higher Educational Institution, is on a continuous upward path, which shows in all international rankings.
We extend our congratulations to our Institution’s personnel—both academic and administrative—and especially to our students and graduates.’
Please find below the certificate of recognition awarded to NKUA by QS.
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