The invention relates to a catalyst of methyl glycolate hydrogenation to produce ethylene glycol, and a preparation method and an application of the catalyst. The catalyst includes, on the basis thatthe total weight of the catalyst is 100 parts, a) 5-25 parts of an active component selected from at least one of nickel of nickel oxide; b) 0.5-8 parts of an additive, selected from at least one metal or oxide thereof of barium, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, cobalt, manganese or molybdenum; c) 67-94.5 parts of a supporter, selected from at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide and zirconium oxide after high-temperature roasting lanthanum modification. In the catalyst, the non-noble component nickel is low in cost, and the preparation method is relatively simple and controllable andis not liable to cause loss of active components. The catalyst is wide in temperature operation window and is not liable to be inactivated. The catalyst is used for methyl glycolate hydrogenation andhas high conversion rate of the methyl glycolate, is low in generation of side products, and has great stability.