ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµsecond among Australian universities for number of subjects in global top 20

26 Mar 2026

Almost uniquely among Australian universities, the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµperforms strongly across a range of HASS and STEM academic disciplines.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ (ANU) leads the nation in 11 academic subjects and only one other Australian university has more subjects in the global Top 20 of the competitive QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.

Nine academic subjects at the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµwere ranked in the global Top 20, compared to 11 at the first-placed University of Melbourne.

The ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµhad three subjects in the global Top 10 – more than any other Australian university.  

The ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµwas ranked in the global Top 20 for the following subjects:  

  • Philosophy #4  
  • Anthropology #9  
  • Archaeology #10  
  • Development Studies #14  
  • Politics & International Studies #14  
  • History #17  
  • Sociology #19  
  • Earth & Marine Sciences #20
  • Geophysics #20

Among Australian universities, ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµwas first in the broad field of Natural Sciences (ranked 36th globally) and first for 11 narrow subjects:

  • Philosophy (#4 globally)
  • Anthropology (#9 globally)
  • Archaeology (#10 globally)
  • Development Studies (#14 globally)  
  • Politics & International Studies (#14 globally)
  • History (#17 globally)
  • Earth & Marine Sciences (#20 globally)
  • Geophysics (#20 globally)
  • Social Policy and Administration (#21 globally)
  • Geology (#24 globally)
  • Physics and Astronomy (#48 globally)

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµInterim Vice-Chancellor Professor Rebekah Brown said the QS World University Subject Rankings by Subject reflected the University's research and academic excellence.  

“Almost uniquely among Australian universities, the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµperforms strongly across a range of HASS and STEM academic disciplines,’’ Professor Brown said.

“We have been consistently ranked among the top two per cent of universities worldwide. This is a celebration of the capability and commitment of our people to the quality and impact of our teaching and research, and to the experience of our staff and students.’’  

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµsecond among Australian universities for number of subjects in global top 20