List of Best Universities in the World 2026 According to QS World Ranking

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings has arrived earlier than expected, offering a detailed glimpse into the best universities in the world. This year’s list evaluated more than 1,500 elite institutions, highlighting those making impressive strides in academic excellence and career-driven outcomes. Some universities even climbed the ranks significantly, marking a year of remarkable growth and global recognition.

Best Universities in the World 

According to QS World University Rankings, MIT is the best university in the world for the fourteenth consecutive year. Other reputable institutions sharing the triumph achievements also include: 

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States 

Leading the global education landscape, MIT continues to secure its place at the top, celebrated for its strength in technology, engineering, and science. Home to over 65 cutting-edge research centers and labs, the institute nurtures its 11,920 students through hands-on, career-driven programs designed to tackle real-world challenges.

With partnerships spanning nearly 700 companies, MIT has become a launchpad for innovation in producing some of the highest-earning graduates in the industry.

2. Imperial College London, United Kingdom 

Ranked as the second-best university in the world, Imperial College London stands as a beacon of excellence in science, technology, engineering, medicine, and business. Through its prestigious International Research Opportunities Programme, undergraduates are allowed to immerse themselves in hands-on research abroad, spending a minimum of eight weeks at partner institutions across the globe.

3. Stanford University, United States 

Rising three places in this year’s global rankings, Stanford University continues to uphold its tradition since its founding in 1885 to amplify the college’s influence on society through groundbreaking research. Stanford’s commitment to real-world impact is evident in its robust research ecosystem, where students are encouraged to dive deep into hands-on projects across diverse disciplines, nurturing both innovation and academic passion.

4. University of Oxford, United Kingdom 

Among the world’s best universities by QS World Rankings, Oxford is perhaps one of the most sought-after additions for international students. Its alumni network, now over 250,000 strong, is attributed to global achievements including 26 Nobel Prize laureates, more than 120 Olympic medalists, and upwards of 30 world leaders. As a testament to its intellectual depth, Oxford is home to 44 colleges and halls and boasts more than 100 libraries.

5. Harvard University, United States 

Founded in 1636, Harvard University remains one of the world’s most selective and prestigious institutions. With over 100 research centers and the largest academic library system to ever exist, students are immersed in a world of knowledge and innovation. Its legacy is reflected in world-renowned faculty, including Nobel Prize winner Gary Ruvkun for his discovery of microRNA.

6. University of Cambridge, United Kingdom 

The University of Cambridge stands as a timeless pillar of academic prestige, enriched by more than 800 years of history. With over 100 libraries and world-class museums spanning the arts, sciences, and culture, it offers students unparalleled access to learning and discovery. Backed by a formidable research budget of $1.98 billion, Cambridge continues to push the boundaries of knowledge as one of the best universities in the world. 

7. ETH Zurich, Switzerland 

ETH Zurich has long cemented its reputation as a global leader in science and technology, with 16 departments driving groundbreaking interdisciplinary research. For over 150 years, this Swiss institution has served as a national hub for innovation, inviting bright minds to dive deep into discovery through its dynamic research units and programs.

8. National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore 

Asia’s best university, NUS, commits to fostering innovation, as evidenced by a wide range of programs, from engineering and business to computer science, arts, and even music. NUS takes innovation to the next level by embracing a bold, multidisciplinary approach to research. Through strong partnerships with top industry leaders, the university fuels breakthroughs that make a global impact beyond its campus walls.

9. University College London (UCL), United Kingdom 

University College London (UCL) has long held global influence, reflected in its alumni roster, including visionaries like Alexander Graham Bell and Mahatma Gandhi. Across its 11 diverse faculties, from Brain Sciences and Engineering to Laws and the Institute of Education, UCL delivers a powerful, far-reaching academic experience that shapes leaders and pioneers across every field.

10. California Institute of Technology (Caltech), United States 

At the last spot, California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, enjoys a stellar reputation among top global employers, thanks to its rigorous academic standards and cutting-edge research. With an acceptance rate that remains among the lowest in the world, gaining entry is no easy feat. This exclusivity results in a tight-knit academic community, with only about 1,000 undergraduates and 1,200 postgraduates shaping the future of science and technology.

Whether through groundbreaking discoveries, influential alumni, or bold academic visions, the best universities in the world remain pillars of inspiration and destinations for those who dare to lead, learn, and change the world. For European powerhouses, read the latest findings of the region’s best institutions here.

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