The quality and impact of research at the University of Vaasa at the top level in Europe – number one in citations in the QS Europe ranking
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The University of Vaasa reached a new milestone in the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026 by securing the number one position in Europe for ‘Citations per Paper’. The university achieved a top score of 100, well above the ranking average of 36.7. This ratio measures the average number of citations obtained per publication, and is a proxy of the impact and quality of the scientific work done by universities.
The ranking saw 290 new entrants and a total of 958 institutions ranked in total. In these overall standings, the University of Vaasa is ranked 301st. While the position shifted slightly from last year’s 289th, the university’s overall score improved significantly from 28.3 to 39.2, progressing inside the top third of institutions.
The University of Vaasa excelled also in student mobility indicators. In Outbound Exchange Students the university ranked 40th in Europe (up from 77th), placing the university in the top 5%. With a score of 95.3, well above the 27.7 average, the university is now the top institution in Finland for sending students abroad. In Inbound Exchange Students, the university’s position is 102nd in Europe.
“I am delighted about the news. The results point to the quality of research at our university. It’s also great to see the strong ratings for international mobility. This shows the strong international orientation of our students,” says Martin Meyer, Vice-Rector for International Affairs.
The QS Europe Ranking is based on five indicators: Research and Discovery, Employer Reputation and Employment Outcomes, Learning Experience, Global Engagement, and Sustainability.
See the full results of QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026 here.
Further information: Vice-Rector for International Affairs Martin Meyer, tel. +358 29 449 8629