STIRLING University has been recognised as one of the world's best institutions under 50 years old.
The university was the top-ranked Scottish institution in the international league table, coming eighth in the UK and 50th in the world. Strathclyde University, in Glasgow, came second in Scotland and 71st in the world in The Times Higher Education table. Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, was ranked 72nd.
Officials at Stirling, which was established by Royal Charter in 1967, welcomed the new ranking.
Professor Gerry McCormac, the university principal, said: "I am delighted that Stirling's achievements have been recognised in this new assessment of universities worldwide.
"We provide one of the best all-round student experiences, with innovative and high- quality teaching programmes that produce intellectually able graduates who are highly sought by employers."
The university said the ranking reflected the focus the institution has placed on developing high academic standards and internationally-recognised research.
Although a small institution, the university has punched above its weight by collaborating across its core areas of health and wellbeing, the environment, enterprise and economy, and culture and society.
Stirling has also developed a key strength in sport with Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.
The centre includes world-class facilities such as the National Swimming Academy and the National Tennis Centre.
Stirling was also the first Scottish university to offer sports scholarships in 1981, and former students include 2009 Women's British Open golf champion Catriona Matthew and Olympic swimmer Todd Cooper.
A spokeswoman for Strathclyde University said: "Scotland is a global player in higher education and, as the announcement of its partnership with the world-renowned Fraunhofer Institute demonstrates, the University of Strathclyde is recognised as one of the world's leading international technological universities."
Overall, the UK has the most universities in the list of the world's best higher education establishments under the age of 50, although it fails to rank in the top five.
The University of York, Lancaster University and the University of East Anglia come in at eighth, ninth and tenth place respectively.
The league table is headed by Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea, followed by Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Only one US university makes it into the top 10 – the University of California in seventh place.
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