University of Sheffield named runner-up for University of the Year 2025 by The Times and Sunday Times

The University of Sheffield has been named runner-up for University of the Year 2025 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, as well as having risen in the rankings to 14th best University in the UK.

The University of Sheffield has been named runner-up for University of the Year 2025 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, as well as having risen in the rankings to 14th best University in the UK.

The annual guide saw the University rise four places, securing its spot as the best University in Yorkshire. It cited the University’s success at attracting record applicants – more than 43,000 –  and soaring rates of student satisfaction as reasons behind its placing, as well as its award-winning Students’ Union and the fact it is one of the elite Russell Group universities that recruits more students from non-selective state schools.

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 provides the definitive rankings for UK universities and the most comprehensive overview of higher education in Britain, making use of the latest data. It features everything prospective students need to know about applying to university, in addition to detailed online profiles for 134 universities, covering research reputation to campus facilities, scholarships and bursaries, and nightlife

The list is based on an analysis of student satisfaction with teaching quality and their student experience, entry standards, research quality, sustainability and graduate prospects. Since 2018, the guide also includes social inclusion rankings based on key measures to reflect the diversity of intake and subsequent success when attending university.

Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “I am incredibly proud that the University of Sheffield has once again been recognised for its excellence. Being named runner-up for University of the Year and performing strongly in the league table is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff. 

“This recognition is a reflection of our commitment to providing a world-class education and fostering a vibrant and supportive learning environment that our students consistently value. We strive to create a dynamic and nurturing learning environment where our students can thrive academically and personally.”

The news follows a run of success for the University of Sheffield. Just this month, it was ranked among the best universities in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025 and ranked as the top university in the Russell Group for student experience and support in the Daily Mail University Guide, as well as within the top 10 universities in the UK overall and top in the North of England for the second successive year.

Earlier this summer, the University of Sheffield was ranked top of the Russell Group for the second year in a row in the National Student Survey (NSS), with Sheffield’s Students’ Union voted as the best SU among UK universities. 

This followed the University of Sheffield being voted University of the Year, Best Students’ Union and Best Student Life at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) 2024 in April – the largest annual university awards in the UK voted for exclusively by students.