Three Scottish universities have been named among the UK’s best, according to a new international league table.
Remaining in the top spot globally for a tenth consecutive year is Oxford University, as established by the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
More than 100 universities in the UK were ranked in the annual report, which saw the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London making up the top three.
While no Scottish universities were able to beat some of the more highly placed English institutions, three did establish themselves within the UK’s 21 best universities for 2026.
So without further ado, here are the top 21 universities in the UK - with three in Scotland - according to the 2026 THE World University Rankings.

21. University of St Andrews
St Andrews University – our final Scottish institution – rounds out the 21 best universities in the UK. Despite moving up more than 20 positions in the 2026 European THE World University Rankings, it still hasn’t done enough to climb any higher after a rough year. | Adobe Stock


