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Leading universities fostering economic growth and employment in 2025

Times Higher Education has assessed and ranked 1,350 universities from 109 countries/territories for their impactful contributions to the United Nations¡¯ Sustainable Development Goal 8: decent work and economic growth. The decent work rankings identify universities that are excelling in promoting productive employment opportunities, fostering secure working environments and driving substantial economic growth. Through targeted research, policy implementation and collaboration with financial institutions, they address critical issues such as modern slavery, human trafficking and the integration of migrant workers into the workforce.

Key insights: universities advancing economic growth and employment globally

• Korea University is number one in the decent work and economic growth table
• Uganda¡¯s Makerere University is the highest newly-ranked institution
• Turkey is the most-represented country, with 67 ranked institutions

Explore the table below to discover the full rankings and how universities around the world are performing this year.

These universities not only aim to ensure youth employment but commit to creating educational and training opportunities that support sustainable economic growth. Their efforts extend to developing programmes that equip students with the skills necessary for the evolving labour market, emphasising the importance of secure and decent work for all.

Learn more:

Our Impact Rankings methodology includes SDG 8 indicators relating to research on economic growth and employment; employment practices; expenditure per employee; proportion of students taking work placements; and proportion of employees on secure contracts.

Our analysis shows that universities in East and South-east Asia are improving rapidly when it comes to their contributions towards sustainable development.

There is more analysis on the results, including tables, charts and interviews with university leaders in our?Impact Rankings 2025?digital report.

To unlock the data behind?THE¡¯s rankings and access a range of analytical and benchmarking tools, visit our?data and insights page.?