University’s Computer Science and Engineering subjects soar in QS rankings
The University of Melbourne's Computer Science and Information Systems, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering subjects have been ranked first in Australia in the 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject.
The ranking caps off impressive results for computing and engineering subjects in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT).
The University is the only Australian university to rank in the global top 50 across all five broad subject areas in 2026: Engineering and Technology, Arts and Humanities, Life Sciences and Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences and Management.
The QS subject rankings are highly prestigious and globally recognised. They evaluate institutions on several key indicators, including academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.
FEIT Dean Professor Thas Nirmalathas congratulated staff on the excellent results for the Faculty.
“I am thrilled to see that our strategic, Faculty-wide efforts to boost our research and teaching excellence, global networks and industry connections have paid dividends across the board, to strengthen our position amongst the world’s leading universities,” Professor Nirmalathas said.
In the School of Computing and Information Systems (CIS), the subject Computer Science and Information Systems jumped 15 places from 2025 to 2026 in its global ranking, from equal 46th to 31st globally, and from third to first in Australia. The subject Data Science and Artificial Intelligence held its position as first in Australia and jumped from 33rd to 31st globally.
Head of the School of Computing and Information Systems Professor Uwe Aickelin is delighted with the result.
“This means Computer Science and Information Systems, and Data Science and AI ranked top in Australia across all major rankings, both for our subject, as well as for the Global University ranking overall,” he said.
“I congratulate our staff for their commitment to transformational research and exceptional education, which has allowed us to achieve this. I am extremely proud that we have the academic expertise, distinctive curriculum and innovation ecosystem to offer our students the breadth and depth of learning they will need to thrive in their careers.”
In the engineering disciplines, the Faculty rankings improved for all major subject areas:
- Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering jumped from third to first in Australia and from equal 59th to 45th globally.
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering rose from fourth to second in Australia and equal 63rd to 43rd globally.
- Civil and Structural Engineering jumped from third to second in Australia and equal 31st to equal 29th globally.
- Chemical Engineering jumped from 52nd to 39th globally and fourth to third in Australia.
More details can be found here: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026