TIME Reveals Search for Global University Leaders

Time magazine is embarking on a new venture: ranking the world’s top universities. In partnership with Statista, a respected global data and ranking firm, Time will assess institutions based on a comprehensive evaluation of academic achievements, student success, and the overall learning environment. This marks the first time Time will independently compile such a list.

Currently, Time and Statista are actively soliciting data from universities worldwide as part of the research process. Submission of data doesn’t guarantee inclusion in the final ranking, but it does ensure an institution will be considered. Importantly, the final list won’t be exclusively comprised of schools that provide data – a crucial point demonstrating a commitment to a holistic evaluation.

The deadline for data submissions is July 18, 2025. Interested institutions can apply by clicking here. The highly anticipated rankings will be published on TIME.com in early 2026.

This initiative is a welcome development. While numerous university rankings already exist, a fresh perspective from a widely-respected publication like Time, coupled with Statista’s data expertise, has the potential to offer a valuable and nuanced assessment of higher education institutions globally. The inclusion of factors beyond simple research output – specifically student outcomes and the learning environment – suggests a more well-rounded and student-centric approach, which is commendable.