Rankings at TMU
Rankings at TMU
As an institution dedicated to tackling real-world problems, forging strong partnerships and fostering innovative solutions, our reputation and reach matters. TMU participates in a number of domestic and international rankings in order to measure and demonstrate the university’s impact on a local, national and global scale.
While we recognize that rankings do not capture all important work at the university, they can significantly impact TMU’s ability to fundraise, recruit faculty, engage partners in research and other collaborations, and attract the most dynamic students who are interested in building a more sustainable world. TMU has strategically chosen to participate in the QS, Times Higher Education and Maclean’s university rankings. Our approach to improving our position in each ranking will be to set specific performance goals, with a focus on the areas of research output, teaching and learning outcomes and sustainability.
“University rankings are increasingly important for recruiting students and faculty, and for developing partnerships with other institutions and industry partners. This is important work that demonstrates the breadth of TMU's achievements. Our work on rankings is driven by and in support of the university's academic mission, and will always be aligned with TMU's values and strategic priorities.”
Maclean’s University Rankings
The Maclean’s University Rankings (external link) assess Canadian universities on a variety of indicators grouped under five broad categories: students, faculty, resources, student support and reputation.
In the Best Comprehensive Universities (external link) rankings 2024, TMU ranked:
- 10th in best overall
- 6th in operating budget
- 7th in the reputational survey
- 1st in Ontario in student services (2nd in Canada)
In the Maclean’s Best Universities by Reputation (external link) rankings 2024, among Canadian universities, TMU ranked:
- 20th in best overall
- 25th in highest quality
- 19th in most innovative
Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings
The THE Impact Rankings recognizes universities that excel across multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and showcase their commitment to addressing the world's most pressing challenges, including environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth and partnerships.
TMU continues to make significant progress in advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (external link) , as recognized by 2024’s Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings (external link) . TMU was ranked among the top 15 per cent of 2,154 universities evaluated worldwide, demonstrating its global impact on sustainable development and efforts to drive positive social, economic and environmental change.
SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
Ranked 88th in the world on SDG 6, TMU’s achievement in this area is largely attributed to the contributions of Urban Water TMU, a multidisciplinary consortium of researchers solving complex urban water challenges through transdisciplinary research, strong ties to partners through external networks, and collaborative action. Urban Water TMU has a research facility that explores a variety of freshwater issues.
SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
TMU tied for 78th place for its work to reduce inequalities and remove barriers to access. Through the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion, significant progress has been made to dismantle systemic barriers to support and empower all members of TMU’s community. We scored particularly highly for the proportion of and supports for students and employees with disabilities.
SDG 13: Climate action
TMU tied in 100th place for restorative climate action, demonstrating our continued commitment to championing sustainability. Through the Sustainability Office, we’re doing our part to tackle climate change, reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions, and educate and raise awareness about climate change. TMU recently launched its first Sustainability Action Plan to empower our campus community to take tangible steps towards a sustainable future.
QS Rankings
Quacquarelli Symonds’ (QS) analyzes universities on a global scale, assessing a variety of areas to measure employability, sustainability performance and overall reputation.
QS World University Rankings
TMU continues to strengthen its academic and scholarly, research and creative (SRC) excellence, as highlighted in the 2025 QS World University Rankings (external link) . Our position among the top 15 per cent of universities evaluated worldwide demonstrates TMU’s contributions to SRC and growing reputation in higher education.
TMU’s ability to attract and retain top-tier international faculty members has been recognized as an area of strength. This diverse group of educators brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that enriches the school’s academic environment and contributes to its culture of innovation and international collaboration.
TMU has also been recognized for excellence in research output, with a high number of citations per faculty member. This metric highlights our impactful SRC activity, contributing to advancements across disciplines and reinforcing our reputation in scholarly, research and creative activities.
The university also performed well in employment outcomes for graduates. This success reflects TMU's robust industry connections and highlights our effective approach to preparing students for a competitive job market, ensuring they are well-equipped to excel in their chosen careers.
QS Subject Rankings
In addition to the overall world university ranking, QS also releases its Subject Rankings, assessing universities in 60 subject areas. TMU has distinguished itself in several subject areas, including:
- Art and Design: TMU ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide
- Architecture/Built Environment: TMU ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide
- Communication and Media Studies: TMU ranked in the top 250 universities worldwide
In addition to submissions to annual rankings, TMU is also committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which together represent a call to action to improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.