The Australian National University has been ranked Australia’s top university for Social Sciences and Physical Sciences in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, cementing its position among the world’s leading research institutions.
ANU placed 35th globally in Social Sciences and 60th in Physical Sciences, making it the highest-ranked Australian university in both fields.
The university also ranked third nationally in Arts and Humanities and Law, placing 53rd and 39th globally.
Arts and Humanities recorded one of the strongest improvements, rising 12 places compared with last year. Business and Economics rose 11 places.
Overall, ANU improved its position in four subject areas in the 2026 rankings. Its full global subject rankings were:
- Social Sciences: 35th
- Law: 39th
- Arts and humanities: 53rd
- Physical Sciences: 60th
- Business and Economics: 70th
- Computer Science: 83rd
- Life Sciences: 87th
- Medical and Health: 91st
- Psychology: 96th
- Engineering: 101st -125th
Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Rebekah Brown said: “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.”
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Ann Evans said the rankings showed ANU progressing in important disciplines.
“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 assesses 11 subject areas using the same methodology as the overall World University Rankings, which ranks more than 2,000 institutions from 115 countries and territories.
Full results are available on the Times Higher Education website.
