The University of Edinburgh is a well-known hub for academic innovation and quality. It is located in Scotland's historic capital. Established in 1582, it holds a distinguished legacy of scholarly endeavors and breakthroughs. Known for its stringent academic criteria and dynamic research community, Edinburgh presents a wide array of programs spanning various fields, drawing students and researchers from across the world. Its scenic campus, embellished with impressive architectural structures, serves as an inspiring setting for academic pursuits and collaborative work. Committed to nurturing critical thinking and pushing boundaries, the University of Edinburgh continues to shape the future through its unwavering commitment to education, research, and societal influence.
The University of Edinburgh is ranked #24 globally by the QS World University Rankings 2026 and placed at #29 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026.
The University of Edinburgh upholds its prestigious standing among the elite global universities, as indicated by recent evaluations. There is a marginal decrease in the 2025 US News & World Report Global Universities rankings, where it is positioned #39 globally, in comparison to previous years.
The University of Edinburgh Rankings 2026
Enlisted below are the various global rankings for the University of Edinburgh:
|
Ranking Type |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
QS - World University Rankings |
22 |
27 |
34 |
|
THE (Times Higher Education) University Rankings |
30 |
29 |
29 |
|
US News & World Report - Global Universities |
38 |
39 |
NA |
University of Edinburgh Course Rankings 2025
Recent rankings have shown that the University of Edinburgh remains one of the world's top universities. Its position of 29th in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Rankings 2026 is evidence of its ongoing excellence. Although it has consistently been ranked highly in THE over the years, its ranking in the US News & World Report Global Universities 2025 has slightly decreased from prior years, standing at 39th. In a similar vein, 2026 QS rankings show a drop from 2021. Edinburgh's dedication to academic excellence and global influence endures in the face of changes, solidifying its position as a preeminent university.
The University of Edinburgh Rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds Rankings 2026
The University of Edinburgh ranks #34th according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. Despite these fluctuations, Edinburgh's dedication to academic distinction and worldwide influence remains resolute, solidifying its reputation as a premier institution of higher education. The university's QS Sustainability Ranking for 2026 is #4.
As per the 2025 QS subject rankings, the University of Edinburgh demonstrates strong global performance, with Veterinary Science securing an impressive #5 position, while English Language and Literature and Linguistics both achieve solid placements within the top 10 worldwide.
Here is the list of the University of Edinburgh course rankings as per the QS World Rankings.
|
Course |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Veterinary Science |
8 |
9 |
5 |
|
English Language and Literature |
9 |
9 |
7 |
|
Linguistics |
4 |
5 |
7 |
|
Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies |
16 |
10 |
8 |
|
Arts and Humanities |
10 |
12 |
10 |
|
History |
21 |
22 |
13 |
|
Modern Languages |
7 |
10 |
13 |
|
Social Policy and Administration |
8 |
7 |
13 |
|
Anthropology |
16 |
15 |
17 |
|
Nursing |
28 |
42 |
46 |
|
Education and Training |
13 |
12 |
17 |
|
Life Sciences and Medicine |
23 |
21 |
19 |
|
Geography |
19 |
22 |
21 |
|
Sports-Related Subjects |
24 |
16 |
18 |
|
Medicine |
22 |
22 |
20 |
|
Engineering and Technology |
59 |
51 |
58 |
|
Philosophy |
21 |
20 |
22 |
|
Pharmacy & Pharmacology |
41 |
38 |
37 |
|
Law and Legal Studies |
17 |
20 |
21 |
|
Communication and Media Studies |
45 |
38 |
40 |
|
Politics & International Studies |
32 |
29 |
31 |
|
Sociology |
20 |
23 |
30 |
|
Performing Arts |
51-100 |
51-100 |
51-100 |
|
Art & Design |
51-100 |
51-100 |
51-100 |
|
Physics and Astronomy |
49 |
44 |
52 |
|
Biological Sciences |
20 |
21 |
23 |
|
36 |
33 |
32 |
|
|
46 |
46 |
49 |
The University of Edinburgh Ranking by THE (Times Higher Education) Rankings 2026
According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2026, the University of Edinburgh is placed at the #29th position globally.
Here are the University of Edinburgh course rankings as per THE.
|
Course |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PG Business and Economics |
41 |
58 |
56 |
73 |
|
Engineering |
89 |
86 |
83 |
76 |
|
PG Computer Science |
25 |
24 |
26 |
29 |
|
Medical and Health |
28 |
21 |
23 |
21 |
|
Psychology |
18 |
29 |
25 |
23 |
|
Arts and Humanities |
10 |
9 |
12 |
11 |
|
Life Sciences |
31 |
29 |
28 |
29 |
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Frequently Asked Questions on the University of Edinburgh Rankings 2024
1. In the QS World University Rankings from 2024 to 2026, how did the University of Edinburgh fare?
A. The University of Edinburgh’s ranking in the QS World University Rankings showed a noticeable downward trend between 2024 and 2026. In 2024, the university stood at #22, but this position dropped to #27 in 2025 and further declined to #34 in the 2026 rankings. While Edinburgh continues to rank among the top global institutions, the gradual decline over these three years indicates increasing competition and potential shifts in QS evaluation metrics or institutional performance during this period.
2. In the THE (Times Higher Education) University Rankings from 2024 to 2026, what patterns may be seen in the University of Edinburgh's rankings?
A. From 2024 to 2026, the University of Edinburgh has demonstrated remarkable stability in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Rankings. In 2024, the university was ranked 30th, and this position improved to 29th in both 2025 and 2026. This consistent performance highlights Edinburgh’s strong global reputation, steady academic output, and continued excellence in research and teaching quality.
3. Over the previous three years, how has the University of Edinburgh fared in the US News & World Report - Global Universities rankings?
A. In the US News & World Report – Global Universities rankings, the University of Edinburgh displayed a gradual decline in performance from 2023 to 2025. The university was ranked 34th in 2023, followed by a drop to 38th in 2024, and further declined to 39th in 2025. Although these shifts indicate increasing global competition and possible changes in ranking methodologies, the University of Edinburgh continues to hold a strong global standing, maintaining its reputation for academic excellence and impactful research.