St Andrews named best university in Scotland in 2026 Sunday Times Good University guide

The University of St Andrews has been named the top university in Scotland.

The Fife institution has also retained its spot in second place in the overall UK academic rankings, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.

Six Scottish universities are in the national top 30, one more than last year’s league table.

Meanwhile, the University of Strathclyde has been named the guide’s Scottish University of the Year and the UK’s Runner-up University of the Year.

Building on its founding ethos to be “the place of useful learning”, Strathclyde’s goal is to be a significant stimulus for Scotland’s economy and skills development.

Rates of graduate employment are in the top 20 nationally and it sits just outside the top ten in the main academic rankings.

The Runner-up Scottish University of the Year is Heriot-Watt University and Glasgow Caledonian University is Runner-up Modern University of the Year in the UK awards. The University of the West of Scotland has been named Scottish University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2026.

Oxford and Cambridge were beaten into joint fourth place, the first time both have fallen out of the top three in the guide’s 32-year history.

Strathclyde University named 'Scottish university of the year' — Strathclyde University named ‘Scottish university of the year’ Strathclyde University

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is the top university for the second year in a row.

Durham University has climbed into third place from fifth last year, and as a result has been named The Times and The Sunday Times University of the Year 2026.

Alice Hodges, Students’ Association president of union affairs at St Andrews, said: “St Andrews is proof that excellence doesn’t have a single definition. Every student here shapes a different experience, from world-class teaching and research to unique traditions, creativity, and community within our union.

“What makes us special is that these experiences don’t compete, they build on one another, and together they push all of us to achieve more. This recognition is a reflection of that shared spirit of collaboration and ambition – what our motto Ever To Excel truly means.”

University of Strathclyde’s principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Stephen McArthur, said: “This is wonderful recognition for Strathclyde and the outstanding work of our staff.

“This University is a place of useful learning and we have a consistency of purpose that runs through everything we do. We’ve built a strong reputation for working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders, taking a fresh approach to innovation, and opening doors to education for people from every background.

“Our performance in these latest university rankings reflects that – and the vibrant and supportive community we create for our students.

“We will continue to build on this momentum to ensure Strathclyde remains at the forefront of innovation and education in Scotland, the UK and beyond.”

Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, said: “Scottish universities continue to perform strongly in the UK context, with six now ranked in the top 30. The University of St Andrews has consolidated its position close to the very top of the UK table, while the University of Strathclyde is recognised for the strength of its graduate outcomes and its focus on skills and economic impact.

“In contrast to the volatility at the top of the UK rankings – where Oxford and Cambridge have both dropped out of the top three for the first time – Scotland’s results point to consistency and depth of quality across its higher education sector. That stability is reflected in strong performances across different types of institutions, from world-leading research universities to those driving local skills and economic regeneration.”