Exeter achieves highest-ever position in QS World University Rankings
The University of Exeter has achieved its highest-ever position in the QS World University Rankings, rising 19 places to 136th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027, released today (June 18th 2026)
The result marks Exeter’s best-ever performance in the rankings and represents the University’s largest rise since the QS rankings were established. Exeter also moved up two places in the UK rankings to 21st, reinforcing its position among the country’s leading universities.
The QS World University Rankings 2027, compiled by global higher education analyst QS Quacquarelli Symonds, assess more than 1,500 universities worldwide across a range of measures, including academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, sustainability and international engagement.
Several of Exeter’s strongest improvements came in indicators that carry the greatest weighting in the rankings – with Academic Reputation, Citations per Faculty, and Employer Reputation all improved significantly.
Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “Our significant rise in the QS World University Rankings is fantastic recognition of the progress we are making as a global university, and of the outstanding contributions of our staff, students and alumni.
“At the heart of our Strategy 2030 is a commitment to excellence in education and research, and to tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing society and the planet. The strong gains we have seen in academic reputation, research impact and international collaboration reflect the growing reach and influence of Exeter’s work and our partnerships around the world.
“Rankings such as this provide an important indication of how universities are perceived globally. We are delighted to see Exeter’s reputation continuing to grow as we pursue our mission to create a greener, healthier and fairer world through world-class education, research and innovation.”
The rankings highlight Exeter’s growing global reputation among academics and employers, alongside the increasing influence of its research. The University’s record rise and highest-ever ranking reflect continued progress in areas that matter most to the global higher education community, including academic excellence, research impact and international collaboration.
Earlier this year, Exeter also recorded significant, double-figure improvements across all five broad subject areas in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.
The University improved in 22 of the 39 disciplines in which we ranked, with 11 subjects placed in the global top 50 and 18 in the top 100. Arts & Humanities entered the global top 100 at 76th, Life Sciences & Medicine rose to 131st, and Natural Sciences made the biggest gain, climbing to 151st.
Sport remained our highest-ranked subject at 18th, with strong performances in Geology (20), Geophysics (22) and Environmental Sciences (23).
