Oxford and Cambridge universities drop out of the top 3 for the first time.

In the 2026 ranking of the best universities in the UK published by The Times (a long-standing and prestigious British newspaper), the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) held the number one position for the second consecutive year, followed by St Andrews University in second place and Durham University in third.

Oxford University and Cambridge University are tied for 4th place, failing to make it into the top 3 for the first time since the rankings were established.

Helen Davies, editor of The Times rankings, commented: “In the fiercely competitive top 10, Durham University has moved up two places in just one year – a remarkable achievement.”

As a result, Durham University surpassed Oxford and Cambridge for the first time, leaving those two universities out of the top 3 in the ranking's history.

Đại học Oxford và Cambridge lần đầu rớt khỏi top 3 - 1 — Durham University is among the top 3 universities in the UK in 2026 (Image: the-independent.com).

Ms. Davies added that Durham's success stems from improving the quality of teaching and enhancing the learning environment for students.

The Times has published comprehensive university ranking guides since 1993 and 1998, based on criteria such as student satisfaction with teaching quality, admission standards, research quality, and graduate employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, according to The Guardian's 2026 University Rankings (one of the most prestigious British newspapers), Oxford remains at the top, while Cambridge is ranked third.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) was named “University of the Year” for academic achievement, is part of the Russell Group – a group of 24 leading universities in the UK – and shared second place in the “University of the Year” award for graduate employability.

Đại học Oxford và Cambridge lần đầu rớt khỏi top 3 - 2 — Top 5 leading universities in the UK (Photo: The Times).

The next positions in the new ranking include: Imperial College London in 6th place, followed by the University of Bath, the University of Warwick, University College London and the University of Bristol.

Strathclyde University missed out on the top 10, but was still honored with a joint second place award for "University of the Year".

The universities honored by region include: the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in London, Durham in the North and Northeast, Cambridge in the East, Warwick in the Central, Bath in the Southwest, Oxford in the Southeast, and Queen's Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Ms. Davies stated: “Competition for top-ranked universities continues to increase, making it difficult for some lower-ranked institutions to attract students. Many students are choosing to study near home and commute daily. Therefore, this year we are awarding the best university in each region, while also honoring the universities with the best scholarships and student support.”

Durham University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O'Brien, shared: “Durham is a fantastic place to learn. We ensure that every student has the opportunity to grow and succeed. Our committed alumni are testament to the impressive career prospects awaiting our graduates.”

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