QS World University Rankings 2026, Release Date, Parameters

QS World University Rankings 2026 show which universities are recognised for teaching, research, and international presence. In addition, the rankings give an idea about the strengths of universities in different subjects to help students compare their options clearly.
authorImageAmit kumar Singh1 Dec, 2025
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QS World University Rankings 2026

QS World University Rankings 2026 is a trusted source for students planning higher education. It ranks universities based on teaching, research, international diversity, and employer reputation. Students can use these rankings to see which universities are recognised for their work in education and research.

This edition includes over 1,500 universities worldwide. The QS World University Ranking 2026 list also provides regional rankings and subject-wise lists, which help students choose universities that fit their field of study. It is a simple way to compare universities globally and regionally.

QS World University Rankings 2026 Overview

QS World University Rankings 2026 provides an overall view of universities globally. It considers teaching, research, reputation, and internationalisation to rank universities. Further, students can see which universities are leading in education and research worldwide.

Furthermore, this ranking helps students understand global trends in higher education and guides them to compare universities in different countries. Here are the quick details of QS World University Rankings: 

QS World University Rankings 2026 Overview

Metric

Information

Total Universities Ranked

Over 1,500 institutions

Global Representation

100+ countries

Top-Ranked University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Release Date

19 June 2025

Number of Indian Universities Listed

54

Top Indian University

IIT Delhi

 

Note: The above-provided table provides the list of the top five universities in the QS World Rankings 2026 for universities. Students can visit the official website to learn more about the ranks of different universities.

QS World University Rankings 2026 Parameters

QS World University Rankings place universities based on clear factors. These include teaching quality, research output, international students and faculty, and employer reputation. Furthermore, students can use these parameters to see how universities are ranked. Here are the details of such parameters:

QS World University Rankings 2026 Parameters

Parameter

Description

Academic Reputation

Feedback from academics worldwide about teaching and research

Employer Reputation

Views of the employers on the skills of the graduates

Research Citations per Faculty

Measures research influence and productivity

International Faculty & Students

Shows diversity of faculty and student body

Additional Indicators

Other university achievements or teaching outcomes

 

Note: These parameters explain how QS World University Ranking 2026 evaluates universities. They guide students in understanding the ranking results.

QS World University Rankings 2026 List

QS World University Ranking 2026 list shows which universities are recognised globally. Students can use it to compare institutions based on the overall performance and reputation of universities. It also shows how universities have improved or maintained their positions. Further, this can help students consider which universities have stable performance in teaching and research.

QS World University Ranking 2026 List

Rank

University

1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

2

Imperial College London

3

Stanford University

4

University of Oxford

5

Harvard University

QS World University Rankings 2026 India

Several Indian universities appear in QS World University Ranking 2026. This helps students become aware of the Indian institutions which are recognised internationally. By looking at this ranking, students can compare Indian universities with global standards and explore options that match their learning goals.

QS World University Rankings 2026: India

Rank

Indian University

123

IIT Delhi

129

IIT Bombay

180

IIT Madras

185

IIT Kharagpur

201

IISc Bangalore

Note: These are the top Indian universities in QS World University Ranking 2026. Students can use this list to consider higher education options within India.

QS Asia University Rankings 2026

QS Asia University Rankings 2026 can help students learn about the top universities in Asia. Students can use it to find institutions recognised for teaching, research, and international collaboration in this region. It is helpful for students who prefer universities closer to home or in Asia while still following international standards.

QS Asia University Rankings 2026

Rank

University

1

The University of Hong Kong

2

Peking University, China

=3

National University of Singapore (NUS)

=3

Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore

5

Fudan University, China

 

QS World University Rankings 2026 by Subject

Learning about the QS World University Rankings 2026 by subject allows students to explore universities recognised for specific areas. Students can focus on subjects such as engineering, medicine, and law. It helps students find universities with strong programmes in their preferred field and make guided decisions. 

QS World University Rankings 2026 Engineering

Learning about the QS World University Rankings 2026 for Engineering shows which universities are recognised for teaching and research in engineering. This helps students find universities where engineering programmes are strong and supportive for learning and projects.

QS World University Rankings 2026 Engineering

Rank (Engineering)

University

1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

2

Stanford University

3

University of Cambridge

4

ETH Zurich

5

University of California, Berkeley

QS World University Rankings 2026 Medicine

QS World University Rankings 2026 in the Medicine field lists universities that are recognised for research, clinical learning, and life sciences. Students can use it to explore institutions that provide good support for medical studies.

QS World University Rankings 2026 Medicine

Rank (Medicine)

University

1

Harvard University

2

University of Oxford

3

University of Cambridge

4

Stanford University

5

University College London (UCL)

QS World University Rankings 2026 Law

By going through the QS World University Rankings 2026, students can find institutions that are recognised for teaching, research, and legal studies. It helps students find programmes with experienced faculty and good learning support.

QS World University Rankings 2026 Law

Rank (Law)

University

1

Harvard University

2

Yale University

3

Stanford University

4

University of Cambridge

5

University of Oxford

 

QS World University Rankings 2026 FAQs

When is the QS World University Rankings 2026 release date?

The QS rankings for universities were published on 19 June 2025. They provide students with the latest view of university performance globally, helping in planning higher education.

How many universities are included in the QS World University Ranking 2026?

More than 1,500 universities from over 100 countries are included in the QS rankings for universities. This helps students to compare institutions from different parts of the world easily.

What parameters are used in QS World University Ranking 2026?

Academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations, and international faculty and students are used to prepare the QS World University Rankings. These give students a balanced view of university performance.

Which Indian universities are included in the QS World University Ranking 2026?

IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IISc Bangalore, and IIT Kharagpur are listed in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. Students can use this ranking to see how Indian universities rank internationally.

Does QS publish rankings by subject in 2026?

Yes, subject-wise QS rankings are available in engineering, medicine, and law. Students can explore universities that are recognised for their chosen field.
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