QS World University Rankings: The Ultimate Guide
The QS World University Rankings is one of the globally recognised ratings of the performance of higher education institutions. The QS World Rankings is a ranking of higher education institutions that analyses 1,000 institutions in 79 countries using the most extensive methodology. This one evaluates each university on four critical pillars, including academic reputation, employer reputation, impact of research and internationalisation. The QS World University Rankings includes over 1,500 institutions listed in 106 countries in 2026, making it one of the richest in comparison to similar rankings.
This article provides a detailed overview of the QS World University Rankings 2026, including the QS Ranking by Subject, QS Sustainability Rankings, Computer Science QS Ranking, QS Engineering Ranking, QS MBA Ranking, and other relevant rankings. We will also outline the acquisition of universities such as Deakin University, Northumbria University, and Western Sydney University, as ranked by QS.
What Are the QS World University Rankings?
The QS World University Rankings. The QS World University Rankings are a set of university rankings published annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). These are academic reputation (40%), employer reputation (15%), faculty-to-student ratio, citations per faculty member, international faculty ratio, international student ratio, international research network, and employment outcomes (5% each). The 2026 edition added International Student Diversity (ISD) as an indicator that is not weighted to determine the diversity among international students.
The QS University Rankings are trusted by students, academics, and others, like employers, because they provide reliable and evidence-based assessments. They help incoming students make better decisions about their college and career choices, such as the QS World University Rankings in Computer Science, the QS World University Rankings in Engineering, or even the QS Global MBA Ranking.
Why Are QS Rankings Important?
The QS World Rankings can be used as a solid comparison of universities against key factors necessary to students, like academic quality, graduate employment, and international outlook. An example is the QS World MBA Rankings and QS Business School Rankings, which are essential sources of information for a career path that requires the best business education. Additionally, the QS Sustainability Ranking highlights institutions that are making a positive environmental and social impact.
These rankings allow universities such as Deakin University and Western Sydney University to benchmark their performance and attract international students. It will also enable institutions to showcase their strengths and areas for improvement, promoting competition and cooperation globally, as seen in the QS Top Universities list.
Why do the QS World University Rankings matter?
They provide an authoritative platform for comparing more than 1500 institutions in 104 destinations around the globe.
The QS methodology is transparent and strong and is globally recognised among students and other professionals.
The Methodology Behind QS Rankings
Key Ranking Indicators
QS is a multifactor approach to allocation where KPI factors are assigned different weightings.
Indicator | Weight | Description |
Academic Reputation | 30% | Based on a global survey of academics |
Citations per Faculty | 20% | Measures research impact, productivity, and reach |
Employer Reputation | 15% | Surveys employers on university graduates’ employability |
Employment Outcomes | 5% | Focuses on graduate employment rates |
International Faculty Ratio | 5% | Proportion of international academic staff |
International Research Network | 5% | Collaboration and co-authorship with global peers |
International Student Ratio | 5% | Attractiveness to students from around the world |
Faculty Student Ratio | 10% | Commitment to teaching quality |
Sustainability | 5% | Environmental, social, and responsible policies and outcomes |
International Student Diversity | 0% | New unweighted metric introduced |
Latest methodology changes for 2024:
Additional measures include sustainability, employment outcomes, and an international research network.
They are measured based on an analysis of 17.5 million academic articles and the opinions of over 240,000 academics and business professionals.
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QS World University Rankings: Key Highlights
The QS World University Rankings will be the largest in both size and scope, and so far includes 1,501 universities in 106 countries. Some of its central ideas can be seen as follows:
Top 10 Universities in QS World University Rankings 2026
Rank | University | Score |
1. | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 100 |
2. | University of Cambridge | 99.4 |
3. | University of Oxford | 98.9 |
4. | Stanford University | 97.9 |
5. | Harvard University | 97.7 |
6. | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 97.2 |
7. | Imperial College London | 97.1 |
8. | ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology | 96.7 |
9. | National University of Singapore (NUS) | 95.9 |
10. | University College London (UCL) | 95.8 |
Other countries, such as India, China, and the UAE, also demonstrated promising results in the QS World Rankings, with 41% of Indian institutions experiencing a rating increase.
The universities are leaders in QS World University Rankings indicators such as academic reputation, research output, and internationalisation, and are thus preferred by students in different parts of the world.
QS Ranking by Subject: A Closer Look
The QS World University Subject Ranking is a measure of the performance of universities by subject. According to the QS Ranking by Subject 2025, 55 subjects related to five broad segments are being covered, with notable growth in areas such as QS computer science, QS engineering, QS economics, and QS law ranking.
QS World University Rankings in Computer Science
QS World University Rankings in Computer Science rank universities based on the reputation of their academic programs, the reputation of employers regarding the university, and the research and impact of their work in the profession. The ranking of the Top 5 computer science programs is as follows:
MIT – This is a reputable institution known for pioneering studies in computer science/artificial intelligence and computer engineering.
Stanford University – One of the leaders in the QS Ranking of artificial intelligence and technical innovation is Stanford University.
Carnegie Mellon University is ranked as superb in the QS World University Rankings for Computer Science due to its strong industry links.
The QS World University Rankings in Computer Science are crucial for students interested in the tech sector, and the University of Washington's QS Ranking also ranks highly.
QS World University Rankings in Engineering
QS World University Rankings in Engineering include majors such as QS Mechanical Engineering Rankings, QS EE Ranking, and QS World Ranking for Engineering.
The best universities have the following:
MIT is ranked in the QS Engineering University Ranking due to its innovative programs.
Stanford University excels in the QS Engineering Ranking in terms of interdisciplinarity.
ETH Zurich – The university has also been ranked among the world's leading universities in the QS Ranking for Engineering in Switzerland, where it ranked in the top position in Switzerland in mechanical and electrical engineering.
Other Australian institutions, such as Deakin University and Western Sydney University, have also excelled in the QS World University Rankings in Engineering.
QS World University Rankings for MBA
Future business leaders cannot survive without the QS Global MBA Rankings and QS Business School Rankings. QS World MBA Rankings 2026 highlight the most prestigious programmes that are highly employable, possess a strong academic reputation, and offer good returns on investment. The main ones are
Harvard Business School is the best QS World MBA ranked, with an indisputable ranking in global reputation.
Stanford Graduate School of Business is recognised as the top in the QS Top MBA for entrepreneurship.
INSEAD is the school that leads the QS MBA Ranking in terms of international orientation.
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The specialised programmes are also recognised by the QS Business Analytics Ranking, with institutions such as Northumbria University QS Ranking gaining recognition as among the most innovative business school programmes.
At present, the QS Global MBA Rankings and business master's degrees make use of these indicators:
Employability (35% – 30% in Finance and Business Analytics)
Alumni Outcomes (15%–20% in Finance and Business Analytics)
Return on Investment (20%)
Thought Leadership (15%)
Class and Faculty Diversity (10%)
Additionally, QS publishes two other annual rankings of MBAs: the Online MBA Rankings [29] and the Executive MBA Rankings.
QS World University Rankings in Other Disciplines
Other notable subject rankings include:
QS Economics Ranking: Topped by universities such as Harvard University and LSE, which have been defending their actions in the QS World Ranking Economics.
QS Law Ranking: In the QS World University Rankings by Subject, the institutions regarded as the best performers in law include Harvard, Oxford, and Yale.
QS Architecture Ranking: There is a QS World Ranking that MIT and UCL lead in the field of architecture.
QS Psychology Ranking: Stanford and Harvard are in first place in the QS World University Rankings in Psychology
QS Physics Ranking: MIT and Caltech are ranked No. 1 in the QS World University Rankings in Physics.
QS World University Rankings: Sustainability
Academic excellence is no longer the sole criterion by which modern universities are measured, but also the positive impact they have on society and the environment. There are two fundamental dimensions regarding how different institutions can contribute to establishing a sustainable and equitable future, including environmental impact and social impact. These elements are assessed in this manner, which is why they are essential.
Environmental Impact (50%)
Environmental impact is one of the primary indicators, which constitutes half of the total effect of a university. In general, there are three sectors where it is measured:
Sustainable Institutions (17.5%)
This gauges the determination of universities to incorporate sustainability in their long-term planning and day-to-day operations. The focus is on policies, processes on campus, and initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, enabling institutions to take positive steps towards a greener future.
Sustainable Education (20%)
Sustainable Education investigates the extent to which a university prepares students to deal with environmental problems. This incorporates information in the curricula, student participation in sustainability projects, and opportunities to learn about environmental responsibility. This initiative aims to empower graduates to learn to read, study, and address ecological problems in the world.
Sustainable Research (12.5%)
This parameter is concerned with research aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are particularly environmentally oriented. The standards and significance of this research help the world in terms of climate change activities, preservation, and the proper utilisation of resources.
Social Impact (50%)
Social impact is the other side of the coin of the measured influence of a university, the impact it has on progress and inclusion in society. It talks about some of the significant indicators:
Equality (15%)
Equality measures research and projects in the fields of SDGs 5 and 10, focusing on gender equality and reducing inequalities. It also addresses diversity on campus, including facilitated facilities and open policies, and quantifies the extent to which the university is welcoming and inclusive to everyone.
Knowledge Exchange (10%)
This determines the level of cooperation in research, both nationally and internationally. Through exchanging expertise and outcomes, the university's scope helps achieve a higher level of academic excellence and collectively address global issues, thereby enhancing the dissemination of ideas internationally.
Impact of Education (10%)
This indicator measures the effectiveness of a university's educational output in achieving SDG 4 (quality education). It takes into consideration the success stories of graduates, academic and alumni surveys, the Academic Freedom Index, mobility patterns, and graduation rates, all of which are practical implications of how the institution has a broader scope of influence in developing educated and responsible citizens.
Employability and Opportunities (10%)
It is not about learning but about what happens after graduating. This metric examines the performance of alumni and the way universities educate their students to fit into the labour market, in terms of securing employment, career opportunities, and long-term effects in the outside world.
Quality of Life (5%)
Quality of Life evaluates various conditions, including research dedicated to health and well-being, campus health programs, the Air Quality Index, and subjective well-being scores. These aspects highlight the university's contribution to the development of a vibrant, strong, and healthy community.
United Kingdom: Kingston and Northumbria
Kingston University and Northumbria University remain strong candidates in the QS ranking, particularly in areas such as employability, student diversity, and research collaborations.
They are also ranked in subject-focused lists, such as business analytics and law.
United States Highlights
QS Ranking University of Washington: Continues to perform strongly in both QS World Rankings and its subject tables.
Iconic Institutions: Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Berkeley lead in both overall and subject-wise, such as sustainability ratings.
Australia: Deakin University QS Ranking
There is significant improvement in the QS World University Rankings 2026, particularly in the QS World University Rankings for engineering, QS Computer Science, and QS Business School Rankings in Australian universities.
Deakin University QS Ranking (2025): #197 in the world—it's the highest ever.
Western Sydney University QS Ranking: WSU has achieved significant recognition in the QS World University Rankings in Engineering and Economics.
QS Sustainability Ranking (2024): 66th in the world; Deakin jumped to the 66th place, which reflects good green and societal credentials, a position that comprises 217 advancements in rankings.
University of Melbourne: Ranked 13th in the world, and it has a high-level QS World Ranking in Economics and QS Architecture Ranking.
Other Australian standouts include the University of Sydney and Western Sydney University, which also rank highly in the stickiness scores for core and sustainability measurements.
Western Sydney University QS Ranking:
It is known for being inclusive, student-satisfying, and environmentally friendly.
Criticisms and Limitations of QS Rankings
Critics, however, have taken a dig at the QS World University Rankings, noting that they are highly rated. QS World University Rankings are generally regarded as reliable, but they have faced criticism. Some argue that the methodology overemphasises internationalisation and underestimates research quality. For instance, a 2011 article in The New Statesman criticised the rankings as ‘flawed’ and pointed out that their use of indicators, such as academic reputation, was subjective.
Regardless of such criticisms, the QS World Rankings continue to provide valuable data to both students and universities, offering fact-based information on university performance.
How to Use QS Rankings to Choose a University
QS World University Rankings help students identify universities that can support their academic and career goals. Here is how to make them effective:
Explore Subject-Specific Rankings: In QS Ranking by Subject, you can search among ranked programs in a particular subject, e.g., you will be able to rank programs in QS Computer Science, QS Engineering, or QS MBA Ranking.
Consider Employability: Employability in terms of future job opportunities is highly valued within the QS World MBA Rankings and QS Business School Rankings, which any career-oriented student should take into account.
Prioritise Sustainability: QS Sustainability Rankings are deployed to profile institutions that are committed to making a social and environmental impact.
Compare Regional Performance: Compare the performance of regional institutions, i.e. Deakin QS Ranking or Northumbria University QS Ranking, in the comparison of regional schools.
Conclusion
The QS World University Rankings 2026 is a comprehensive guide that provides all the information required by students who intend to study at one of the world's best universities in various fields, including QS Computer Science, QS Engineering, and QS MBA Ranking, among others. The QS World Rankings, with their data-rich approach, enable students to make wise decisions and also provide universities such as Deakin University QS Ranking and Northumbria University QS Ranking with a source of information to improve their international position.
For more details, visit Top Universities or QS to explore the full QS World University Rankings 2026 and related resources.
FAQs
1. What are the QS World University Rankings?
The QS World University Rankings is an annual project of ranking world universities according to eight selection criteria, including academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, and many others. It helps students compare institutions worldwide.
2. How is the QS Ranking by Subject different from the overall rankings?
The QS Ranking by Subject evaluates universities on their performance in specific fields of study, such as QS Computer Science, QS Engineering, or QS Law Ranking. It compares them with their counterparts using criteria including academic reputation and research output.
3. Which university topped the QS World University Rankings 2026?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) was ranked the top university in the QS World University Rankings 2026 for the 13th consecutive year.
4. What are the QS Sustainability Rankings?
Institutions such as the University of Toronto are recognised as sustainability leaders in environmental, social, and governance performance, as evaluated by the QS Sustainability Ranking of universities.
5. How do Australian universities perform in the QS World Rankings?
QS World University Ranking has also displayed exemplary performance in the engineering and economics programs of Australian universities, such as Deakin University, Western Sydney University, and the University of Melbourne.
