The University of Southampton has much to celebrate after once again being named one of the top 100 universities in the world.

The Times Higher Education’s world university rankings placed the city institution in 97th place out of nearly 2,000 others, cracking the top flight for the first time in well over a decade.

Southampton Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark E. Smith said he was delighted the university was competing with the very best in the world.

He added: “Our improvement to a top 100 ranking is an indication of our University’s outstanding quality, research excellence, and exceptional teaching.

"It is a real mark of quality that validates our hard work to empower our students who come here from across the world and shape our society for the better.

"It is a testament to the quality, dedication and hard work of colleagues across the University for which I am very grateful.”

READ MORE: University of Southampton ranked as second best in South East

The Times Higher Education’s world university rankings is seen as one of the most important higher education league tables globally. Now on its 20th edition, the rankings score institutions on their teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

The Russell Group member - the British equivalent of the US' Ivy League - is home to around 25,000 students from 130 countries.

Its alumni includes Dames and Knights, Turing award winners, and world leaders.

This comes as the university was also ranked highly in both the Guardian and Sunday Times league tables.

Students’ Union president Ed Brooker said: “It is fantastic to see the University of Southampton listed among the top 100 global universities, and demonstrates our dedication to excellence in research and education.

"I’m so pleased there is something to show for the commitment of all our people – students and staff.”

You can read the Times Higher Education’s 2024 world university rankings here.