39 UNSW subjects in global top 100

UNSW ranked first in Engineering & Technology nationwide for the ninth consecutive year of the QS Subject Rankings.

Published on the 08 April 2026

UNSW has maintained its strong global standing in several disciplines in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

In total, 39 UNSW subjects placed in the global top 100, with rankings based on academic reputation, employer reputation and research citations.

UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise) Professor Bronwyn Fox AO said the rankings reaffirmed UNSW’s position among the world’s best across a broad range of subjects.

“UNSW’s strong performance in these rankings demonstrates the dedication and efforts of our entire UNSW community,” Prof. Fox said. “It’s especially encouraging to see several disciplines maintain a spot in the top 100 of this highly competitive international ranking, which highlights our strengths in research and teaching.

“Importantly, we’re proud of the broader impact UNSW has through innovation, industry collaboration, student experience, and our shared commitment to advance progress for all.”

A decade in the top 10 and #1 in Australia

"It’s especially encouraging to see several disciplines maintain a spot in the top 100 of this highly competitive international ranking, which highlights our strengths in research and teaching."

Professor Bronwyn Fox AO
UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Enterprise

For the ninth year in a row, the University topped the nation in the broad category Engineering & Technology, with UNSW’s highest-ranking subject, Mineral & Mining Engineering (ranked 3rd globally), in the global top 10 for the tenth year.

Dean of UNSW Engineering, Professor Julien Epps, said the ranking reinforced that the faculty continued to offer the top program in the country.

“Our continued place as Australia’s leading university for engineering is a testament to the dedication of our outstanding researchers, educators, professionals and students, who ensure our disciplines stay at the forefront of the field,” Prof. Epps said. “By conducting pioneering research, translating it via strong industry partnerships and providing practical learning experiences, we’re shaping the next generation of engineers who will make a meaningful impact on industry and society, now and into the future.”

Achievement across the University

UNSW achieved success across the University’s faculties. Law ranked equal 13th globally, UNSW Science Faculty subjects, including Environmental Sciences, Psychology and Earth & Marine Sciences, placed in the top 50, while Architecture / Built Environment was ranked 33rd.

20 UNSW subjects ranked in the top 50

Engineering – Mineral & Mining Engineering (3)
Petroleum Engineering (13)
Law (=13)
Engineering – Civil & Structural (=22)
Environmental Sciences (=25)
Psychology (26)
Engineering - Electrical & Electronic (29)
Accounting & Finance (29)
Materials Science (=31)
Architecture / Built Environment (33)
Geophysics (=33)
Geology (34)
Earth & Marine Sciences (37)
Chemistry (=38)
Mathematics (=42)
Marketing (=43)
Education (=44)
Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing (=46)
Business & Management Studies (48)
Engineering – Chemical (50)

Launched in 2011, the global QS Subject Rankings are based on academic reputation, employer reputation and research citations. The 2026 league table analysed the reputation and research output of 6273 institutions across 55 subjects in five broad subject areas. 

The full results for 2026 can be found on the QS World University Rankings by Subject website.