QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026
London, January 29, 2026
Key Highlights
- University of Oxford rises to #1, reclaiming the top spot for the first time since 2024.
- ETH Zurich slips to #2, maintaining its position as continental Europe’s strongest performer.
- University College London (UCL) and Imperial College London tie at #3, underscoring London’s dominance in higher education.
- Over 950 universities are ranked, with 290 institutions debuting in this edition, reflecting the growing diversity of European higher education.
- The UK leads the table, with seven universities in the top 10, while Switzerland, France, and other nations also secure strong representation.
Top 20 Universities in Europe (2026)
| Rank | University | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oxford | United Kingdom |
| 2 | ETH Zurich | Switzerland |
| =3 | University College London (UCL) | United Kingdom |
| =3 | Imperial College London | United Kingdom |
| 5 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom |
| 6 | University of Edinburgh | United Kingdom |
| 7 | King’s College London | United Kingdom |
| 8 | Université PSL | France |
| 9 | University of Manchester | United Kingdom |
| 10 | EPFL – École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne | Switzerland |
| 11 | LMU Munich | Germany |
| 12 | University of Copenhagen | Denmark |
| 13 | University of Amsterdam | Netherlands |
| 14 | KU Leuven | Belgium |
| 15 | University of Helsinki | Finland |
| 16 | Stockholm University | Sweden |
| 17 | University of Barcelona | Spain |
| 18 | Trinity College Dublin | Ireland |
| 19 | University of Oslo | Norway |
| 20 | University of Geneva | Switzerland |
Regional Insights
- UK universities dominate, with Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, Edinburgh, King’s College London, and Manchester all in the top 10.
- Switzerland remains a powerhouse, with ETH Zurich and EPFL both ranked in the top 10.
- France’s Université PSL continues to rise, holding strong at #8.
- Germany’s LMU Munich leads among continental EU universities outside Switzerland and France.
- Nordic universities (Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo) showcase the strength of Europe’s northern academic hubs.
Why It Matters
The QS Europe Rankings provide students, policymakers, and institutions with a benchmark for academic reputation, employer recognition, research impact, and international collaboration. With nearly 300 new entrants, the 2026 edition reflects the expanding competitiveness of European higher education.
In summary, Oxford’s return to the top signals the UK’s continued dominance, while ETH Zurich, PSL, LMU Munich, and Nordic universities highlight Europe’s diverse academic excellence. For students worldwide, the 2026 QS Europe Rankings serve as a roadmap to the continent’s most prestigious institutions.
Surender Hastir 