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QS World University Rankings 2025

The newly published QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2025 unveils some exciting results, showcasing the educational strengths of various countries. Among them, Switzerland emerges as a global leader in the fields of natural sciences, dentistry, and hospitality. With a solid reputation among employers, it is evident that Swiss universities continue to excel in these disciplines.

Germany also stands tall in the European landscape, especially in the humanities, including philosophy, classics, and theology. Its universities are recognized for their high international standing and outstanding research contributions, with Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich leading the charge.

Switzerland: A Hub for Sciences and Hospitality

In this year's rankings, Switzerland boasts an impressive 234 subject entries, with 13% increasing, 44% decreasing, and 34% remaining stable, alongside 22 new entries. The country holds a remarkable cumulative of 29 entries in the top 10 and four subjects securing the number one rank. Specifically, Switzerland excels in Geophysics, Geology, Hospitality Management, and Earth & Marine Sciences, demonstrating its diverse academic offerings.

Ben Sowter, the Senior Vice President of QS, emphasized the importance of supporting the education sector in ensuring innovation and social advancement amidst financial challenges faced by higher education institutions worldwide. As countries like those in Asia and the Middle East rise, universities in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada face increased financial pressure.

Germany: Leading in Humanities and Classics

Germany is notable for its robust academic contributions, especially in the disciplines of philosophy, classical philology, and theology. It ranks second in terms of total subject entries with 799 listings across 61 universities, trailing only France, which has 80 entries. This year, the country has seen 9% of its subject entries rise, while 45% have seen a decline, and 39% have maintained their position.

Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich leads the way in Germany with 37 subject entries, securing the sixth position in Philosophy, making it a formidable competitor in the European educational scene.

Austria: Excellence in Performing Arts

Austria also shines, particularly in the performing arts, with the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna at the forefront. The country ranks with 128 subject entries, showing an increase of 13% in certain areas while experiencing a decline in 40%. This shift signifies the evolving nature of arts education in Austria, which remains pivotal in the cultural scene. The University of Vienna is a significant player in the rankings, with 34 subject entries, while the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna is highly regarded, securing fourth place globally.

This comprehensive evaluation of over 21,000 academic programs across more than 1,700 universities in 100 countries allows prospective students and employers to identify leading institutions in various disciplines. The 15th edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject provides valuable insights into how universities are positioning themselves amidst ongoing challenges, ensuring that they continue to deliver quality education that caters adequately to future demands. The findings highlight not only regional strengths but also suggest a shifting global educational landscape that prioritizes adaptation and growth.

As we move forward, the implications of these rankings extend beyond academia, impacting global mobility, employment opportunities, and the overall advancement of societies engaged in knowledge-based economies. The ongoing support for education is more critical now than ever, as the solutions to many contemporary challenges can be found within scholarly pursuits.