University of Vaasa achieves its best-ever result in global Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings
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The University of Vaasa has significantly improved its position in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, published on 18 June 2025. The university ranked among the top 300 universities globally in three of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shared the top position in Finland in two of them. The ranking evaluates universities globally based on how well they promote the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
In the 2025 ranking, the University of Vaasa placed in the global top 300 in three key SDGs: Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) Additionally, the university shared 1st place in Finland in: Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8).
This marks the university’s best performance to date. Its overall ranking improved to the 601–800 band (from 801–1000 in 2024), and its total score reached a record 69.2 (up from 62.6 in 2024). This progress was achieved despite a significant increase in competition, with a record 2,318 institutions participating in 2025.
– Our goal is to deliver high-quality research and education with a positive societal impact. The University of Vaasa is committed to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on areas where our expertise can make the greatest difference. To achieve positive impact our entire university community comes together and works to address global challenges. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes, says Martin Meyer, Vice-Rector for International Affairs.
The UN’s 2030 Agenda includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The Impact Rankings measure how well universities contribute to these goals, which address global challenges such as ending poverty, reducing inequality, combating climate change, and promoting economic growth.
Key results in 2025:
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (1,265 institutions): Ranked in the global top 101–200 for the first time. Percentile rank improved from 81–72 to 92–84. Maintained 2nd place in Finland.
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy (1,181 institutions): Score increased from 51.1 to 60.5, and rank improved from 401–600 to 201–300. Percentile rank rose from 39–59 to 75–83 — the largest year-on-year gain among all submitted SDGs. Rose from 4th to 1st in Finland. This reflects the university’s strong expertise and international recognition in the energy sector.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action (1,089 institutions): Score increased to 59, maintaining the 201–300 rank band. Percentile rank improved from 78–68 to 82–72.
- SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth (1,350 institutions): Rose from 2nd to 1st place in Finland.
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals (2,389 institutions): Maintained a score of 65 and a rank in the 601–800 band. Despite a significant increase in participants, percentile rank improved from 70–61 to 75–67.
Consistent commitment to the UN SDGs
In 2025, the University of Vaasa was evaluated for the first time in three new SDGs: Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). This brought the total number of reported SDGs to nine — the highest to date (up from four in 2022). This demonstrates the university’s growing impact and commitment to sustainable development.
The 2025 results reflect a consistent three-year improvement: the overall score increased from 54.9 to 69.2, and the percentile rank rose from 43–29 in 2022 to 74–65 in 2025.
Further information:
Read the full Impact Rankings 2025 list on THE’s website.
Martin Meyer, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, tel. +358 29 449 8629
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