ANU continues to shine as a global research and teaching powerhouse

The Australian National University (ANU) is the number one ranked university in Australia for the Social Sciences (35^thglobally) and the Physical Sciences (60^th globally) for 2026, according to the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject.  

ANU saw a rise in rankings across four subjects for 2026, continuing to position the University as a world leader in research and teaching. 

The University is ranked 3^rd in Australia for Arts and Humanities (53^rd globally) and Law (39^th globally). 

The University’s standings in the 2026 global rankings are as follows:  

• Social Sciences (35^th)  

• Law (39^th)  

• Arts and humanities (53^rd, rising 12 spots in 2026 compared to the previous year) 

• Physical Sciences (60^th)  

• Business and Economics (70^th, rising 11 spots in 2026)  

• Computer Science (83^rd)  

• Life Sciences (87^th)  

• Medical and Health (91^st)  

• Psychology (96^th)  

• Engineering (101-125^th)  

“The latest Times Higher Education global rankings by subject reinforce the University’s academic and research excellence. We are proud to be one of the world’s best universities – our students graduate from ANU armed with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues,” Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Rebekah Brown said.  

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Ann Evans said the rankings showcase how ANU continues to take important strides forward in key subject areas as the University continues to foster a culture of excellence.  

“ANU has a distinct responsibility to conduct transformative research and teaching, and these rankings reflect the hard work the University continues to do each and every day to fulfil its founding mission,” she said.  

“We remain committed to innovation and impactful change and providing an outstanding learning, teaching and campus experience for our students.”

The World University Rankings by Subject 2026 assesses 11 subject areas and uses the same broad methodology as the overall World University Rankings 2026, which ranks more than 2,000 institutions from 115 countries and territories. 

The full results for the 2026 subject rankings can be found on the Times Higher Education website.