Swinburne continues its strong performance in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

Swinburne University of Technology continues its strong performance in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, with 17 subjects placing in the prestigious rankings. 

Art and Design remain the best performing subject for the third consecutive year, placing in the top 150 in the world and climbing up a spot to place in the top six in Australia this year. 

Among the other subjects ranked, Communication and Media Studies and Physics and Astronomy placed in the top 250 in the world while Architecture and Built Environment placed in the top 275.

Swinburne’s Engineering subjects continue to perform well, with Engineering – Civil and Structural ranking in the top 275 while Engineering – Electrical and Electronic and Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing placed in the top 300, along with Materials Science. 

Among the broad subject areas analysed, Engineering and Technology continues to be the best performing, climbing up 12 places to 321 this year. 

Swinburne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Karen Hapgood says the QS Subject ranking results are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our teaching and research staff. 

“Our continued strong performance across multiple subject areas reflects the commitment and passion of our teaching and research staff to advance knowledge and drive innovation. While we are more than our rank, we are proud to see Swinburne recognised on a global stage,” says Professor Hapgood. 

The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 analysed the reputation and research output of over 6,000 institutions. 

This year, universities were ranked across 55 disciplines and five broad subject areas which include Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences and Management.