The University of the South Pacific (USP) has strengthened its standing among the world’s internationally recognized universities after climbing more than 400 places in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026 and securing a Top 10 category ranking in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026.
The achievements reinforce USP’s growing international reputation for excellence in sustainability, innovation and regional impact, demonstrating the University’s ability to perform strongly across multiple independent global ranking systems.
In the THE Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, USP improved its overall position from the 801–1000 band in 2025 to the 401–600 band globally in 2026, climbing more than 400 places in the global rankings.
Released on 24 June, the THE Sustainability Impact Rankings assessed 1,603 universities against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognising institutions for their contributions through research, teaching, stewardship and community engagement.
USP submitted evidence across seven SDGs and was successfully ranked in all seven. Notably, the University was placed in the 101–200 band globally for both Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). Compared with the 2025 rankings, USP also improved its performance in Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Climate Action (SDG 13), Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
The results recognise the University’s contribution to renewable energy, climate resilience, ocean stewardship, good governance and regional collaboration, reflecting the real world impact of its teaching, research and partnerships across the Pacific.
Complementing this achievement, USP was ranked 9th globally in the Student Mobility and Openness category of the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026, placing the University among the world’s Top 10 institutions in that category.
USP also maintained its position among the world’s Top 500 innovative universities, ranking 159th globally, despite a substantial increase in participating institutions from around 1,350 universities in 2025 to almost 2,000 universities in 2026.
Unlike traditional university rankings, WURI recognizes universities that create real world impact through innovation, entrepreneurship, industry collaboration and societal engagement.
Taken together, the two rankings demonstrate USP’s ability to compete successfully alongside much larger and better resourced universities from around the world. They also reflect the University’s growing international reputation while highlighting the distinctive contribution it makes as the Pacific’s regional university, serving twelve member countries through education, research, innovation and regional partnership.
Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council and the Interim Management Group (IMG), the Right Honourable Siosiua ‘Utoikamanu, said the results were a significant achievement for the University and the Pacific region.
These achievements demonstrate that a university from the Pacific can stand confidently alongside leading institutions from around the world. They recognize the outstanding work of our staff, students, alumni and partners, and our shared commitment to advancing education, research and innovation that responds to the priorities and aspirations of our Blue Pacific region.
He said USP’s international recognition was founded on its unique regional mission.
Our strength lies in connecting the Pacific with the world. Through internationally recognized research, innovative teaching, student mobility and strong partnerships, we are creating opportunities for our students while delivering practical solutions that benefit our member countries and contribute to global knowledge.
The Pro Chancellor said the results reinforced the University’s strategic direction and growing international profile.
While rankings are only one measure of success, they provide independent international recognition of the quality and impact of our work. They encourage us to continue strengthening our teaching, research, innovation and partnerships so that USP remains the university of choice for the Pacific and an internationally respected institution.