Maynooth among seven Irish universities rise in worldwide rankings, with one in top 100

Seven universities across Ireland have risen in worldwide rankings. 

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, confirmed the news yesterday (June 27), and credited increased funding and "the incredible work" at institutions countrywide for Ireland's success. 

Global higher education specialists, QS Quacquarelli Symonds, compiles the rankings using a unique system which incorporates both employability and sustainability factors. 

Irish universities which saw their rankings increase include Trinity College Dublin, which jumped from 98th to 81st place, University College Dublin (UCD) from 181st to 171st place, University College Cork (UCC) from 3034d to 292nd place, University of Limerick (UL) from 540-531st to 426th place, Dublin City University from 471st to 436th place, Maynooth University from 801st-1000th to 801st to 850th place, and Technological University Dublin (TU) from 801st-100th to 851st-900th place. 

Minister Harris stated, "This is great news for all the universities involved, and for the country as a whole. This shows the value of this new department, and the investment made by this government. 

"While international rankings are just one measure of success, they do help attract investment from industry and help retain talent.

"As we continue to increase funding in third level, while also developing our research capacity, through the government’s Funding the Future policy, I am convinced Irish universities will continue to benefit, and this will be recognised on international ranking tables." 

He continued: "Each of the universities who have seen their rankings increase today deserve praise, but we must also recognise the incredible work achieved at institutions across the country which have helped build a system that is inclusive, accessible and flexible.

"That is an important metric that we must ensure remains a priority for Irish institutions."

For the twelfth consecutive year, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) maintains its reign at the top.