Three Spanish Universities Make their Mark in QS World University Rankings 2026
The 2026 QS World University Rankings have been released, highlighting the remarkable achievements of universities worldwide, with three institutions from Spain making their debut in this prestigious list. This year, the overall number of Spanish universities included has reached an impressive 38, placing the country as the tenth most represented in the world, surpassing Australia.
Leading the way for Spain is the University of Barcelona, which has claimed the top position in the national ranking for the first time since 2022, securing the 160th spot overall. This marks a significant improvement for the university compared to its ranking in 2018, which stood at 156. The University Complutense of Madrid, which had dominated the national rankings the previous year, slipped to third, with the Autonomous University of Madrid securing the fourth spot.
In addition to the University of Barcelona's success, two other universities made notable entries into the rankings: the European University of Madrid, ranked between 901-950, Universitat Jaume I, ranked between 1001-1200, and the UCAM Catholic University of San Antonio in Murcia, ranked between 1201-1400. These new additions further emphasize Spain's commitment to high-quality education and research.
The top ten universities in Spain according to the QS rankings are as follows:
1. Universidad de Barcelona - 160 (2026) 165 (2025)
2. Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona - 172 (2026) 175 (2025)
3. Universidad Complutense de Madrid - 187 (2026) 164 (2025)
4. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid - 206 (2026) 198 (2025)
5. Universidad de Navarra - 262 (2026) 249 (2025)
6. Universidad Pompeu Fabra - 265 (2026) Same rank (2025)
7. Universidad Carlos III de Madrid - 301 (2026) 285 (2025)
8. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid - 334 (2026) 321 (2025)
9. Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - 392 (2026) 371 (2025)
10. Universidad de Granada - 401 (2026) 431 (2025)
Ben Sowter, Senior Vice President of QS, expressed that, 'Spain is one of the most represented countries in the QS World University Rankings 2026, which is a testament to the academic excellence found in its institutions. These universities continue to enjoy a vibrant and diverse student community, along with an ever-growing international reputation.' What sets Spain apart this year is that it is the only European nation to have more than one university entering the rankings, while other countries like the UK, Italy, France, Belgium, and Portugal have only one institution making the cut.
In summary, the QS World University Rankings 2026 not only underscore the advancements of Spanish universities but also highlight Spain's prominent role in global higher education. As these institutions continue to evolve and enhance their educational offerings, they are likely to attract both national and international students in the years to come. The recognition earned through these rankings will certainly bolster their profiles and contribute to their missions of academic and research excellence.
Leading the way for Spain is the University of Barcelona, which has claimed the top position in the national ranking for the first time since 2022, securing the 160th spot overall. This marks a significant improvement for the university compared to its ranking in 2018, which stood at 156. The University Complutense of Madrid, which had dominated the national rankings the previous year, slipped to third, with the Autonomous University of Madrid securing the fourth spot.
In addition to the University of Barcelona's success, two other universities made notable entries into the rankings: the European University of Madrid, ranked between 901-950, Universitat Jaume I, ranked between 1001-1200, and the UCAM Catholic University of San Antonio in Murcia, ranked between 1201-1400. These new additions further emphasize Spain's commitment to high-quality education and research.
The top ten universities in Spain according to the QS rankings are as follows:
1. Universidad de Barcelona - 160 (2026) 165 (2025)
2. Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona - 172 (2026) 175 (2025)
3. Universidad Complutense de Madrid - 187 (2026) 164 (2025)
4. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid - 206 (2026) 198 (2025)
5. Universidad de Navarra - 262 (2026) 249 (2025)
6. Universidad Pompeu Fabra - 265 (2026) Same rank (2025)
7. Universidad Carlos III de Madrid - 301 (2026) 285 (2025)
8. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid - 334 (2026) 321 (2025)
9. Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - 392 (2026) 371 (2025)
10. Universidad de Granada - 401 (2026) 431 (2025)
Ben Sowter, Senior Vice President of QS, expressed that, 'Spain is one of the most represented countries in the QS World University Rankings 2026, which is a testament to the academic excellence found in its institutions. These universities continue to enjoy a vibrant and diverse student community, along with an ever-growing international reputation.' What sets Spain apart this year is that it is the only European nation to have more than one university entering the rankings, while other countries like the UK, Italy, France, Belgium, and Portugal have only one institution making the cut.
In summary, the QS World University Rankings 2026 not only underscore the advancements of Spanish universities but also highlight Spain's prominent role in global higher education. As these institutions continue to evolve and enhance their educational offerings, they are likely to attract both national and international students in the years to come. The recognition earned through these rankings will certainly bolster their profiles and contribute to their missions of academic and research excellence.
Topics Other）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.