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Qs World University Rankings Top Global Universities

Leo Migdal
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qs world university rankings top global universities

Discover the top universities around the world with the QS World University Rankings 2026. Over 1,500 of the world's top universities are included in the 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings, with over 100 locations represented around the world. For yet another year, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been ranked as the best university in the world, while nearly 500 universities have improved their performance since last year. Of these, the biggest climber is Sunway University in Malaysia, which has risen over 120 places. Learn more about how the ranking is compiled by consulting our methodology. Being the first of its kind to incorporate both employability and sustainability factors into the methodology, the QS World University Rankings provides the higher education sector, governments and students a reliable rankings system that...

The 2025 Ranking is the largest – featuring 1,500 universities from 106 countries and territories across the globe. For the thirteenth consecutive year Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US placed first. 1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US 7. ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland

8. National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore This page shows the QS World University Rankings of the top universities around the world. Currently, it lists the Top 100 universities for 2026, but you can also view earlier years, such as 2025 and 2024. Each year, the table is updated with the latest results, while the older lists remain in the archive for reference and comparison. The QS World University Rankings is one of the most trusted sources for identifying top universities worldwide.

Their 2026 rankings feature over 1,500 institutions from over 100 different locations. Choosing a university is a big deal for any student. The QS rankings give a clear picture of which institutions stand out for teaching, research, and global reputation. But this list is more than just scores on a chart — it highlights universities that shape ideas, attract talent from every part of the world, and push innovation across different fields. Maybe you’re looking at options for study abroad, maybe you’re curious about how universities stack up against each other, or maybe you’re just exploring. Either way, the QS World University Rankings are a reliable place to start.

Scroll through the table and you’ll see familiar names that have long been leaders, alongside newer institutions making a strong impression. Here are the universities that were recognized in the QS Top 100 Universities list for the year 2026: Wondering how 2026 rankings compare to previous years? Use the dropdown menu below to access the previous years' QS Top 100 university rankings, from 2021 to 2025. QS released its World University Rankings for 2026. Explore top global universities alongside detailed insights into the latest results, and learn how to leverage these rankings to select the most suitable master’s program for you.

This year’s QS World University Rankings have reached yet another unprecedented scale, showcasing more than 1,500 universities spanning 105 higher education systems from 100 locations worldwide. Leading the pack, the United States boasts the highest number of institutions featured, with an impressive 192 entries. Followed by the United Kingdom with 90, mainland China is close behind at 72, highlighting the stronghold they have established in producing prestigious higher education institutions. Continuing its remarkable streak, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) secures the top position for the 14th year in a row. Imperial College London maintains second place, while the prestigious Stanford rose to third ahead of the University of Oxford and Harvard University in fourth and fifth, respectively, completing the elite top five. Here are the top ten universities according to the QS World University Rankings:

Discover scholarships from institutions worldwide. Learn more about loans and how they work. Discover how much it costs to be an international student. Connect with a knowledgeable education counsellor. Learn how English tests work and get yourself ready. QS World University Rankings places ASU 36th among top US schools; up nearly 30 spots globally

Professor Kelly Knudson points to locations where specimens have been collected for the Archaeological Chemistry Laboratory in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at ASU. The university has been ranked highly for its international research network in the latest QS World University Rankings. Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Arizona State University continues to be among the top-ranked institutions for university performance and employability of graduates. ASU is ranked 36th in the U.S. among top universities by QS World University Rankings for 2026 — up two positions from the 2025 rankings — and ahead of Dartmouth, Georgetown and Notre Dame.

Ranked 16th among U.S. public universities, ahead of UC Santa Barbara, Ohio State and University of Maryland-College Park. Discover the world's best universities with the QS World University Rankings 2025. This year’s ranking is the largest ever, featuring over 1,500 universities across 105 higher education systems. The United States is the most represented country or territory, with 197 ranked institutions, followed by the United Kingdom with 90 and mainland China with 71. For the 13th consecutive year, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) maintains its reign at the top.

Imperial College London jumps four places to take second and the University of Oxford and Harvard University are in third and fourth place respectively. The University of Cambridge rounds out the top five. Share your opinion of this year’s results and join the #QSWUR conversation onLinkedIn and Weibo. Explore, compare and choose the world’s best universities based on what matters most to you. We know choosing the right university is a big decision. That's why our rankings are built with care and precision.

We collect data from 16.4 million academic papers, and gather insights from over 151,000 academics and 100,000 employers. We focus on what matters most to students – things like student experience, global partnerships, research opportunities, and the quality of teaching. Our goal? To give you the clearest picture of the universities that can help you achieve your ambitions. We understand how important it is to feel confident in your choices. The QS World University Rankings are designed to guide you on your journey.

We use reliable research and feedback from students, academics, and employers to rank universities based on factors that really matter. Whether you're looking to study abroad, broaden your horizons, or kick-start your career, you can trust our rankings to help you find the right path. We're here to help you make the most of your future. The QS World University Rankings are here to help you make informed choices about your future. You can use them to explore universities based on factors that are important to you – whether it’s academic reputation, student life, research opportunities, or global connections. By comparing institutions across different categories, you’ll be able to identify which universities best fit your personal and career goals.

It’s all about empowering you to make the best decision for your journey. We’ve made it easy for you to find the universities that meet your needs. Use our filters to narrow down options by region, subject area, or specific factors like employability or international outlook. You can also dive into specific rankings, such as rankings by subject, or look at the performance of universities in areas like research or sustainability. By focusing on what matters most to you, the QS World University Rankings help you create a shortlist of universities that align with your aspirations. <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-57159 size-full" src="https://reporter.mcgill.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Arts-cupola-spring.jpg" alt="" width="950" height="534" srcset="https://reporter.mcgill.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Arts-cupola-spring.jpg 950w, https://reporter.mcgill.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Arts-cupola-spring-300x169.jpg 300w, https://reporter.mcgill.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Arts-cupola-spring-768x432.jpg 768w, https://reporter.mcgill.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Arts-cupola-spring-930x523.jpg 930w, https://reporter.mcgill.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Arts-cupola-spring-445x250.jpg 445w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" data-eio="l" />

McGill University is Canada’s top university, according to the 2026 QS World University Rankings. Worldwide, it placed 27th out of 1,500 universities ranked, putting it in the top two per cent of institutions globally. Recognized for its academic excellence, groundbreaking research and vibrant international community, McGill has been a leader year after year. This marks the fourth consecutive year McGill has moved up in the QS rankings. “McGill’s continued presence among the world’s top universities reflects the strength and resilience of our entire community – students, faculty, staff, and our alumni and friends,” said Deep Saini, McGill President and Vice-Chancellor. “Achieving this distinction, despite the many challenges facing higher education today, underscores the vitality of our academic mission, the remarkable talent we attract and the enduring, transformative impact of our teaching and research.”

The QS evaluation considers nine metrics, including academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations, sustainability, international faculty and student ratios, employment outcomes and global research collaborations. This year, QS evaluated almost 8,500 institutions around the world to determine the final rankings.

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Scroll through the table and you’ll see familiar names that have long been leaders, alongside newer institutions making a strong impression. Here are the universities that were recognized in the QS Top 100 Universities list for the year 2026: Wondering how 2026 rankings compare to previous years? Use the dropdown menu below to access the previous years' QS Top 100 university rankings, from 2021 to...