As the only university of applied sciences in Austria, IMC Krems has been listed for the fourth time in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. These rankings assess how well universities fulfil the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). IMC Krems received particularly high ratings in the categories of “Quality Education”, “Gender Equality”, “Reduced Inequalities”, and “Responsible Consumption and Production”.
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Sustainability in focus: IMC Krems in the THE Impact Rankings 2025
IMC Krems is the only Austrian university of applied sciences to have been featured in one of the prestigious Times Higher Education rankings in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The THE Impact Rankings 2025 evaluated 2,318 universities, making it the most comprehensive and diverse global sustainability ranking for higher education institutions.
The THE Impact Rankings are the only performance tables that assess universities against the 17 Sustainable Development Goals/SDGs of the United Nations. Carefully calibrated indicators are used to provide a comprehensive and balanced comparison across four main areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching. IMC Krems took part in the evaluation of six SDGs and is one of only two Austrian universities – and the only Austrian university of applied sciences – to be ranked among the world’s top institutions.
Evaluations in six SDGs
In the ranking for “SDG 4 – Quality Education”, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, IMC Krems is placed among the 401–600 best universities, showing an improvement on last year’s performance.
In the “SDG 5 – Gender Equality” ranking, which measures gender equality, relevant policies, and efforts in recruiting and promoting women, IMC Krems is ranked among the top 301–400 universities. This marks a significant improvement from last year’s ranking in the 401–600 bracket.
For “SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure”, which addresses innovation, the number of patents and spin-off companies, and research income from industry, IMC Krems is ranked among the top 601–800 universities.
The “SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities” ranking focuses on diversity beyond gender equality (such as first-generation students, students with disabilities, and anti-discrimination measures). This year, IMC Krems submitted data for this SDG for the second time and is now ranked in the 401–600 range worldwide (previously: 601–800).
In “SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production”, which deals with responsible use of resources, IMC Krems is again ranked among the top 401–600 universities, the same as last year. The publicly available sustainability report of IMC Krems received particularly positive feedback in this category.
“SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals” focuses on strengthening implementation means and revitalising global partnerships for sustainable development. IMC Krems is listed among the 1001–1500 best universities in this area.
“We are especially pleased with our strong placement in the THE Impact Rankings, which reflects the hard work, research, and commitment of our entire university,” says Martin Waiguny, Academic Director of IMC Krems. “Our goal remains to uphold the highest academic standards, offer innovative degree programmes, and always maintain a sustainable approach to resource use. The SDGs are embedded across all our bachelor and master degree programmes. Particular highlights include Sustainability Management, Umwelt- und Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement, and Sustainable Chemistry and Digital Processing.”
Sustainability Coordinator Victoria Englmaier also expressed her satisfaction: “Our position in the THE Impact Rankings shows that sustainability holds a central place at our university. We remain committed to further expanding and promoting sustainable practices throughout our institution.”
About the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
The Impact Rankings by the British magazine Times Higher Education assess universities’ efforts in relation to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. They examine how universities contribute to society beyond research and teaching, how they engage in knowledge and technology transfer, and how they fulfil their role model function with regard to working conditions, adherence to equality and diversity standards, and environmentally responsible action. Universities can choose which of the 17 goals they wish to be evaluated on. The Impact Rankings took place for the seventh consecutive time this year and included 2,318 institutions worldwide.
