University of Alberta Drops to Sixth in National Research Ranking

The University of Alberta has fallen to sixth place in the latest national ranking of research universities in Canada, losing its previous position to the University of Calgary, which advanced to fifth. This ranking, published by Research Infosource, evaluates institutions based on various metrics, including research income, faculty numbers, and student enrollment.

In the fiscal year 2024, the University of Alberta reported a sponsored research income of $573,149, reflecting a 7.7 percent decrease compared to the previous year. In contrast, the University of Calgary recorded a sponsored research income of $588,483, an increase of 7.9 percent year over year. The metrics used to compile the ranking also draw from financial data provided by Statistics Canada.

Implications for the University of Alberta

This latest ranking contributes to a mixed year for the University of Alberta on the international stage. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the university is positioned at 119th globally, maintaining its status within the top 150 universities worldwide. Additionally, the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) placed the institution fifth in Canada, up from sixth in the previous year, indicating some positive movement despite the national ranking setback.

Other Alberta institutions also featured in the Research Infosource rankings, with the University of Lethbridge securing the 40th spot. This highlights the competitive landscape of research universities in Canada, where performance can significantly influence funding and reputation.

The drop in the University of Alberta’s ranking may raise concerns among stakeholders, as research income is crucial for sustaining and expanding academic programs and facilities. The university’s leadership will likely need to address these challenges while seeking to improve its research capabilities and collaborations to regain its position in future rankings.

As Canadian universities continue to vie for top spots nationally and globally, the performance metrics published by Research Infosource provide critical insights into the evolving landscape of higher education in the country.