University of Limerick ranked in the world's top 500 universities

THE UNIVERSITY of Limerick has reached a "milestone achievement" after ranking into the world's top 500 universities.

UL has achieved its best performance yet in Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2024. 

The university has moved into the 401-500 bracket out of the 1,904 universities ranked globally, marking a significant improvement on last year’s 601-800 placing.

It is the biggest year-on-year move of the universities in Ireland in the annual THE World University rankings, which aim to provide the definitive list of the best universities in the world and is a vital resource for students and academics helping them choose where to study and work.

UL President Professor Kerstin Mey said: “Ranking in the top 500 universities in the world is a testament to the unwavering dedication and commitment of our university community in the pursuit of excellence and innovation. Together, we have forged a path of excellence and innovation that propels us forward, shaping a brighter future for all. In doing so, we have achieved a milestone that reflects the power of collective effort and the limitless potential of University of Limerick.

“Improving university world rankings holds immense significance for a research-led institution committed to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. These rankings are not just numbers or symbols of prestige, they reflect a university’s global standing and its impact on society."

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UL’s Vice President Global and Community Engagement, Professor Nigel Healey, outlined the importance of being in the Top 500 best universities in the world.

“Universities operate in a very crowded global environment. Almost 40% of the world’s school leavers go to college. Estimates of the number of universities vary from 21,000 (the number of accredited or recognised higher education institutions according to UNESCO) up to 83,000," he said.

“For UL, a research-led university that seeks to attract and inspire the world’s brightest minds, being ranked in the Top 500 by the Times Higher Education is an important milestone in consolidating our presence amongst the world’s top universities,” Professor Healey added.

The methodology used for the 2024 rankings included significant updates with the introduction of a wider range of bibliometric measures, improving international metrics, and expanding the role for knowledge transfer.