QS rankings: US and UK unis lead but Asian countries excel
The rankings, which analyse more than 18,300 academic offerings at over 1,700 universities across 100 locations worldwide, have highlighted strong global competition.
Asian countries are performing exceptionally well, with Singapore, China, and Hong Kong seeing significant growth in their universities’ subject entries among the world’s top 50.
While US universities lead in 32 subjects, with Harvard topping 15 and Massachusetts Institute of Technology leading 11, UK universities excel in 18 subjects, with Cambridge ranking first in four.
Moreover, the University of Leeds has made remarkable progress, securing 53 subject entries – more than any other UK institution, according to a statement by QS.
The UK has 1,831 entries from 104 institutions this year, up from 1,797 in 2024.
Of these, 20% (384 entries) have risen, 33% (627 entries) have remained stable, and 39% (731 entries) have dropped, while 141 new UK entries featured in the QS World University Rankings by Subject this year.
“The UK’s enduring leadership in fields such as performing arts — with eight institutions in the global top 20 — and development studies — with seven — reflects the country’s deep-rooted academic strengths and its global reputation for excellence in education that drives cultural and societal impact,” said Ben Sowter, vice-president, QS.
“However, as the global economy pivots towards AI, data science, and sustainability, the UK’s future competitiveness will increasingly depend on its ability to lead in these emerging, high-impact fields.”
Asian countries stand out in QS Subject Rankings
But Asian universities have outpaced their UK counterparts in their rate of improvement in terms of subject entries this year.
China, for example, had 100 entries in the top 50 in 2020. That number has now risen to 231, marking a 131% increase over five years. Its presence in the top 10 has also surged, jumping from five to 21 entries – a staggering 320% increase.
Hong Kong has also seen significant growth, with its top 10 entries rising from two to six. Its top 50 representation has expanded from 76 to 108, reflecting a 42% increase.
Singapore has experienced even more dramatic gains, with top 10 entries soaring from eight to 34 – a remarkable 325% increase.
The countries that have traditionally led international university rankings, despite continuing to dominate the top places, are beginning to be challenged by developing higher education markets.
Ben Sowter, QS
Hong Kong’s University of Hong Kong leads with 55 subjects ranked in the global top 200, the highest among all institutions. It also recorded the most ranking improvements this year with 47, while The Chinese University of Hong Kong saw 43 rises.
China had the highest number of new university entries this year, with Sun Yat-sen University and Xiamen University each adding 13 more ranked subjects.
Peking University saw 43 of its 50 subject entries climb in the rankings, making it the joint second-highest globally for ranking increases.
“Our largest-ever subjects rankings continue to illuminate factors influencing the quality of higher education institutions globally. The countries that have traditionally led international university rankings, despite continuing to dominate the top places, are beginning to be challenged by developing higher education markets,” stated Sowter.
“This is evident in the strong performances of countries in Asia and the Middle East this year – a trend that is likely to only continue given the financial hardships universities in the US, UK, Australia and Canada are facing.”
European countries shine
Besides the US and the UK, universities in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Italy had the highest number of #1 subject entries, while institutions in Singapore, China (Mainland), Canada, Australia, and France secured five, four, two, three, and one top-three rankings, respectively.
Canada boasts two top-three global subject entries, with the University of British Columbia ranking joint highest worldwide for the number of subjects featured this year, with 52 mentions.
Switzerland leads in four top-ranked subjects, with ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology claiming the top spot in three of them.
The Netherlands and Italy are the only other locations home to world-leading subject entries.
Sapienza University of Rome retains its number one ranking for classics and ancient history, while the University of Amsterdam leads in communication & media studies, and Wageningen University & Research holds the top spot in agriculture & forestry.
Indian institutions make their mark despite decline
Meanwhile, nine Indian universities and institutions have secured spots among the world’s top 50 in the QS subject-wise rankings.
However, several top institutions, including Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, and Jawaharlal Nehru University, experienced a decline in their rankings.
The Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, stands out as India’s top performer in the QS subject rankings, securing the 20th position globally in engineering – mineral and mining.
Meanwhile, computer science and information systems has emerged as India’s most widely represented subject, with the number of ranked entries increasing from 28 last year to 42 this year.
This achievement places India fourth worldwide in this discipline, trailing only the United States (119 entries), the United Kingdom (62), and China (58).
Why “big four” universities need to be cautious
Universities in the “big four” are dealing with increasing policy changes in their respective countries, financial deficits, and an overeliance on international students.
While universities in the US are staring at the abolition of the country’s Department of Education, universities across Australia are seeing falling enrolments and funding cuts.
Back in the UK and Canada, universities are eyeing major financial deficits and job cuts in light of increased operational costs and rules concerning international students.
According to Jessica Turner, CEO, QS, such challenges could particularly threaten the UK’s position as a “global higher education powerhouse”.
“This edition of the rankings reaffirms the UK’s position as a global higher education powerhouse, with UK universities claiming the top spot in 18 subjects — more than four times the number of Switzerland, the next most successful country after the US and the UK,” stated Turner.
“However, this success comes at a time when the UK higher education sector is navigating significant financial pressures, raising important questions about how to sustain and strengthen its global competitiveness.”
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