THE Impact Rankings 2025: Ateneo re-enters top 200, still top PH institution

Ateneo de Manila rises in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, re-entering the top 200 and maintaining its place as the highest-ranked Filipino institution in the world’s most recognized rankings table for universities’ real-world impact.

The THE Impact Rankings, released by the Times Higher Education group, ranks higher education institutions around the world based on their real-world impact as measured by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, Ateneo once again entered the 101-200 grouping.

"I once again congratulate the entire Ateneo community for this strong showing in the THE Impact Rankings," said Fr Roberto Yap SJ, University President.

These SDGs, first outlined in 2015, are 17 interlinked aims that are “urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership” with the goal of achieving a sustainable planet.

The 2025 edition of the THE Impact Rankings, released Wednesday, 18 June 2025, saw Ateneo ranked among the world's top 100 in the following SDGs:

• SDG 16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: =24
• SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation: 100
• SDG 14 - Life Below Water: =100

"The overall Impact Rankings table identifies and celebrates universities that demonstrate comprehensive excellence in contributing to global sustainable development," THE said in its announcement.

Ateneo also ranked high in the following:

• SDG 1 - No poverty: 101-200
• SDG 2 - Zero Hunger: 201-300
• SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being: 101-200
• SDG 4 - Quality Education: 1001-1500
• SDG 5 - Gender Equality: 301-400
• SDG 7; Affordable and clean energy: 201-300
• SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth: 800-1000
• SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: 801-1000
• SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities: 401-600
• SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities: 101-200
• SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production: 101-200
• SDG 13 - Climate Action: 101-200
• SDG 15 - Life on Land: 201-300
• SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals: 101-200

Notably, Ateneo's rankings for SDGs 2 and 13 rose.

This year's ranking is a return to Ateneo's previous highest placement in 2022, when it ranked in the 101-200 bracket. The University was in the 201-300 bracket for the years 2024, 2023, and 2021. Since the institution first participated in the Impact Rankings, it has been consistently the leading Philippine institution in the rankings.

"Long before sustainability became a global imperative, it was already woven into our mission. In these rapidly changing and uncertain times and inspired by Laudato Si', our commitment to building a more sustainable institution, society, and planet is more urgent than ever," Yap said.

"These rankings are not just a recognition—they are a challenge: to do better, to lead with purpose, and to work with others in building a future rooted in justice, hope, and care for our common home," he added.

This year, a total of 113 institutions from the Philippines were ranked, out of a total of 2,526 globally.

Ateneo is in the same 101-200 bracket as 11 other ASEAN institutions. THE noted that East and Southeast Asian universities are "improving rapidly when it comes to their contributions towards sustainable development." 

Western Sydney University in Australia continues to be the number one institution in the Impact Rankings globally, for the fourth year in a row.

For more information on the THE Impact Rankings, visit the THE website. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/impactrankings