UNB ranked #1 university in Atlantic Canada
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Feb 4, 2026
Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John
The University of New Brunswick was named the number one university in Atlantic Canada in TIME magazine’s inaugural 2026 World’s Top Universities rankings, published on Jan. 28. UNB also earned the distinction of ranking 14th in Canada and 267th worldwide.
“While rankings are just one lens through which to view a university’s strengths, being named the number one university in Atlantic Canada reinforces our academic, research and community impact and our leadership role in Atlantic Canada,” said Paul Mazerolle, president and vice chancellor of UNB.
“UNB, as Canada’s oldest English-language university, has long served as an anchor institution in the region, powering ideas, people and communities for generations.”
TIME’s rankings, conducted in partnership with Statista, evaluated over 2,500 institutions worldwide across three key pillars: academic capacity and performance, innovation and economic impact, and global engagement.
Statista compiled and verified comprehensive data to determine how each university is positioned to generate world‑class scholarship, convert research into real-world value and expand its international influence through both campus diversity and global recognition.
“What makes me proud of this particular ranking is that it recognizes outcomes and impact, not just prestige and size,” said Mazerolle. “Our students and graduates are making a difference across the globe.”
Ranked among top-tier universities worldwide, UNB has continued to improve its position in overall international rankings. In the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026, it is now sitting at 622 globally. In the recently released Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, it holds its spot in the 601-800 ranking, with the university’s computer science program in the top 301-400 and engineering in the top 251-300.
With outstanding research, a global student body, and a deep culture of innovation, UNB continues to be a university that leads with purpose—shaping the future through the achievements of its students, the impact of its researchers and the strength of its community.