FAU among the top 20 most sustainable universities in the world
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg has performed well once again in the QS Sustainability Ranking 2025, significantly improving its position both on a national and an international level. At place 200 internationally (#229 in the previous year) and place 12 in Germany (#14 last year), FAU has consolidated its position as one of the most sustainable universities in the world.
Strong performance in the area of “Social Impact”
We are particularly pleased with our results in the area of “Social Impact”. Here, FAU gained 158th place internationally and 10th place in Germany. This parameter measures the contribution a university makes to social sustainability. It focuses on the social impact of a university going beyond research and teaching, in particular in view of equal opportunities, education and social responsibility. Aspects taken into consideration include equal opportunities, for instance FAU’s comprehensive Gender Equality Plan, knowledge transfer, for instance through the FAU Academy, or health and wellbeing, for example with programs such as university sports or FAUgesund for members of staff.
Good results for environmental impact and climate action
FAU also did well in the area of “Environmental Impact”, ranking 224 internationally and 14 in Germany. In this section, QS assesses the contribution a university makes to environmental protection and climate action on the basis of research, education and sustainable actions. This includes excellent environmental research, for example in FAU’s key research priority “Targeting environmental and economic challenges”, environmental education incorporated into degree programs and continuing education, and structures and measures for reducing our impact on the environment with sustainable campus management.
One example is the Public Climate School (PCS). During the campaign running from November 24 to 30, educational institutions throughout Germany are incorporating topics concerning climate justice, sustainability and democracy into their teaching. Like in previous years, FAU’s Green Office has once more compiled a varied program, which not only students but also interested members of the general public are invited to attend.
Transparent and participative structures
In the area of “Governance”, FAU is ranked at place 393 internationally and 16 in Germany. This section assesses the transparency, ethics and participation within the university leadership and administration. The focus in on topics such as open and transparent decision-making processes, the involvement of students in central committees, clear sustainability structures with a Sustainability Officer and the Green Office, or regular financial and strategy reports.
About QS Sustainability Ranking
The QS Sustainability Ranking is split into three categories: Environmental Impact, Social Impact and Governance. These three categories have a total of nine sub-categories, consisting of 52 indicators. Each category contributes to the overall evaluation with a certain weighting, adjusted slightly from one year to the next. A total of 2002 international universities were evaluated for the ranking, with 65 of them from Germany.
Further information:
Dr. Amelie Feder
Data and Management Information
Phone: +49 9131 85 24881
amelie.feder@fau.de