LHU climbs in WURI 2026 Rankings, secures Global Top 2 for Entrepreneurial Culture and Ecosystem

The Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU) has officially released the World Universities with Real Impact (WURI) Global Rankings 2026. According to the latest results, LHU continues its impressive rise, ranking 91st globally in the Global Top 500 Innovative Universities, up nine places from 2025. 

This year, LHU achieved several notable results in key ranking categories, including:

2nd place globally in A4 – Entrepreneurial Culture & Ecosystem

74th place globally in B2 – Empowerment-Based Management

The results were announced during the HLU Annual Conference 2026 and the WURI Global Rankings 2026 Announcement Ceremony, held from May 6–8, 2026, at National Chi Nan University. Representing LHU at the event was Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Lam, Vice Rector in charge of Quality Assurance.

WURI is an international ranking system that evaluates universities based on innovation, the implementation of new initiatives, and their practical impact on society. Unlike many traditional rankings that emphasize academic publications and research output, WURI focuses on how universities transform their education, research, governance, collaboration, and community engagement activities into real-world value and societal impact.

Since joining WURI in 2020, LHU has steadily improved its ranking over six consecutive years, reflecting the University’s sustained and systematic efforts to implement innovative initiatives, accumulate supporting data, and standardize evidence for evaluation.

Notably, LHU’s Top 2 global ranking in Entrepreneurial Culture & Ecosystem highlights the University’s long-term commitment to building a vibrant innovation and startup environment for students. This ecosystem has been developed through a range of coordinated initiatives, including student startup support programs, academic and creative clubs, innovation spaces, strong industry partnerships, and mentorship from faculty members and external experts, along with collaborative programs beyond the University.

Through these efforts, students are not only equipped with specialized knowledge but also develop innovative thinking, the ability to propose ideas, design projects, and engage with real market practices.

LHU’s ranking in Empowerment-Based Management reflects the University’s commitment to modern governance approaches that encourage autonomy, creativity, and accountability among faculty members, staff, and students. This management philosophy also serves as a key foundation for adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, particularly in the context of digital transformation and the growing impact of artificial intelligence.

The WURI 2026 results also highlight the University’s ongoing efforts to strengthen industry partnerships, demand-driven training programs, international accreditation activities, and experiential learning opportunities for students. LHU students now have increasing opportunities to participate in industry internships, applied research projects, international collaborations, student exchange programs, and overseas scholarship opportunities.

During the WURI 2026 evaluation process, the Office of Educational Testing and Quality Assurance served as the coordinating unit, guiding faculties and departments in understanding the ranking methodology, reviewing and selecting suitable innovation projects, compiling evidence, and preparing the University’s submission.

In the coming years, LHU will continue to leverage its strengths in practice-oriented training, applied research, industry collaboration, student startup support, and flexible, empowerment-based university governance. At the same time, the University will further accelerate digital transformation, standardize institutional data, and develop impactful initiatives that contribute more effectively to communities, businesses, and society.

The WURI 2026 results not only recognize LHU’s sustained efforts in innovation but also serve as motivation for faculty members, staff, students, and partners to continue working together in enhancing educational quality and advancing international integration.