The University of Barcelona is the first Spanish university in the World University Rankings, published by the British specialized journal Times Higher Education, obtaining the 152nd position worldwide. Thus, it is 30 positions higher than last year. This year the ranking has updated the methodology and includes new indicators.

Of the conceptual pillars in which the different indicators of the ranking are grouped, the UB obtains the best evaluation in quality and scope of research: it obtains 91.4 points and the 100th position worldwide, and stands out in aspects such as excellence, influence, strength, impact, productivity and derived income. Likewise, the UB excels in transfer, with a score of 83.9 and in which the derived income and the number of patents stand out. In the area of teaching, it is worth highlighting the good results achieved in indicators related to doctoral studies, such as the increase in the ratio of doctoral students to teaching staff and the increase in the number of students accessing the doctoral programme.

UB obtains a substantial improvement in almost all indicators and an overall score of 61.9. ​​​​​​​The Spanish universities that follow UB are The Autonomous University of Barcelona and the Pompeu Fabra University in the 201-250 range.

Oxford University maintains its leadership in the Times Higher Education ranking as the best university in the world. It is followed by the Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).