NUS had 28 subjects ranked in the global top 10 in the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject 2026, with seven placing in the global top three.
The National University of Singapore (NUS) has achieved its strongest performance in the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (QS WUR) by Subject since the subject rankings were introduced in 2011. In the 2026 edition released on 25 March 2026, a record 28 NUS subjects were placed in the global top 10, with seven ranked among the global top three.
This milestone marks a continued upward trajectory for NUS, with the number of subject placements in the top 10 rising from 14 subjects in 2023 to 19 in 2024, 22 in 2025, and now 28 in 2026 — effectively doubling over three years.
“We are delighted that NUS has achieved its strongest performance to date in the QS World University Rankings by Subject―with a record 28 subjects placed in the global top 10, among which seven are in the global top three. This broad-based recognition is a stellar testament to the talent and dedication of our faculty, researchers, staff, students and alumni,” said Professor Aaron Thean, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost.
“While rankings are one measure of excellence, this upward trajectory reflects our continued focus on delivering world-class education and driving research that creates real-world impact. It is heartening to see both our established strengths in areas like Engineering, Computing and Social Science, as well as significant progress in disciplines such as History, Environmental Sciences and Design, being recognised on the global stage.”
Seven subjects topping the leaderboard
Among the seven subjects in the global top three, five are in Engineering & Technology, underscoring NUS’ long-standing strength in the discipline. The University maintained its #3 global position in Social Policy & Administration and continued its upward momentum in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, climbing four places to enter the global top three.
Across STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Humanities, 28 of NUS’ 42 ranked subjects were placed among the world’s top 10.
Several NUS subjects recorded notable improvements to enter the global top 10 in 2026. Anatomy & Physiology and History both climbed eight places to rank 7th and 9th, respectively. Accounting & Finance rose two spots to 10th, while Communication & Media Studies and Sociology advanced four and five places respectively to secure 10th position globally.
Broad-based improvements across disciplines
NUS was ranked in 42 subjects, with 39 subjects placed in the global top 20 – up from 36 last year – reflecting sustained, broad-based excellence across disciplines. New entrants to the top 20 include Arts & Design and Dentistry, both ranked 19th, rising significantly from 30th and 32nd respectively in 2025.
Across the five broad subject areas in the QS WUR by Subject, NUS placed 8th globally in both Engineering & Technology and Social Sciences & Management. NUS was also ranked 13th in Natural Sciences, 14th in Life Sciences & Medicine and 17th in Arts & Humanities.
NUS has consistently improved across all five broad subject areas, with these now being ranked in the top 20.
NUS also recorded notable gains in the arts. Performing Arts rose significantly to 27th globally (up from 44th last year), while Music made its debut in the 26-50 band in the QS WUR by Subject.
Leading the pack in Asia and among the world’s most improved universities
The QS WUR by Subject is an independent comparative analysis of academic offerings by universities worldwide. This year’s edition evaluated more than 21,000 academic offerings from 1,912 institutions across 100 countries, spanning 55 academic disciplines and five broad subject areas.
Singapore continues to stand among the world’s leading higher education systems, with 42 academic offerings ranked in the global top 10 – the third highest globally, behind only the United States (US, 271) and the United Kingdom (UK, 171) and more than triple its closest regional competitor, China, with 15.
NUS is the leading institution in Asia and among the best globally, with the sixth highest number of top-three subject entries worldwide – and the highest outside the US and UK. It is also among the most improved institutions, with 35 of its 45 previously ranked subjects climbing the tables. Among the 53 subject and broad subject area entries from Singapore, NUS emerged as the top-ranked university locally in 46 entries.
