The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA): The most improved University in Europe and 6th globally in “Quality Education”
New distinctions for the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens which confirm the path of continuous advancement of the first and leading University of Greece
Two highly significant distinctions were awarded to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) in the announcement of the results of the QS World University Ranking (QS – Quacquarelli Symonds), as well as THE University Impact Rankings (THE – Times Higher Education).
More precisely, in the category QS World University Rankings (June 2024), the NKUA was awarded special recognition (Certificate of Recognition) as the most improved University in Europe (Most Improved – Europe award category) for the academic year 2024-2025. Additionally, according to THE University Impact Rankings, the Greek institution ranks 6th globally in “Quality Education.”
NKUA: The most improved University in Europe for the years 2024-2025
The first distinction (Most Improved – Europe award category) is the result of a significant rise of the university’s ranking by approximately 300 places. From being ranked between 651-700 in 2020-2021 and 600th in 2022-2023, NKUA now stands at 393rd place globally for 2024-2025.
A particular highlight in this year’s ranking is its 96th position globally (up from 276th last year) in the Employment Outcomes criterion. This indicator reflects an institution’s ability to ensure the high employability of its graduates and to prepare future leaders who will continue to make a significant impact and exert key influence in their relevant fields.
NKUA achieves the highest-ever global ranking among Greek institutions
Furthermore, a significant distinction was achieved by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with the publication of THE University Impact Rankings results, placing NKUA in the best-ever position achieved by a Greek institution in these rankings. In 2024, in the goal SDG 4: Quality Education, NKUA is ranked 6th globally out of 1681 universities with an overall score of 87.8/100.
THE University Impact Rankings assess the position of universities globally based on their economic and social impact, as evaluated in relation to the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
Overall, the NKUA ranks in the 201-300 range in THE University Impact Rankings, first in Greece and Cyprus, followed by the Athens University of Economics and Business and the University of Crete in the 401-600 range. The other institutions follow beyond the 601st position.
As for the specific ranking of SDG 4: Quality Education, this focuses on a university’s contribution to education and lifelong learning, their research in quality education, and their commitment through specific practices and policies for inclusive education without discrimination that contributes to social integration.
The QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) and THE (Times Higher Education) rankings are among the most prestigious and credible university rankings globally, based on the systematic study of research outcomes and other statistical data of each institution, as well as a large number of interviews with academic personnel and international employers.
This gives them the ability to be objective and to capture the progress of each institution. That is why they serve as a key factor for institutional administrations when they do their planning, for researchers and academics when seeking employment, for students when choosing an institution to study at, and for the business world when seeking research collaborations.
In light of these dual distinctions, the Dean of NKUA, Professor of Cardiology Mr Gerasimos Siasos, expresses his satisfaction with the continuous upward path of the first and leading university of Greece. Moreover, Mr Siasos extends his congratulations to the institution’s staff, the academic and administrative personnel, as well as to its students and graduates.
