Each year the QS World University Rankings by Subject analyzes around 14,000 study programs worldwide. In addition to surveying 150,000 respondents, including researchers and employers, on aspects such as academic reputation and the employability of graduates, the international comparison also takes scientific publications into account. The results form the basis for respected international rankings in 51 disciplines, which are grouped into five broad subject areas (Arts & Humanities, Engineering and  Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences & Management). 

Vienna – a leading science and research center 

This year, Vienna's universities put in another strong showing in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. The University of Vienna, one of the oldest and largest universities in Europe, finished in 47th place out of 502 in the Arts & Humanities category. The Medical University of Vienna ranked 91st out of 502 Life Sciences & Medicine candidates. 

In all, 12 of the study programs offered by the city's universities featured in the top 50 in their particular category. The University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna (mdw) achieved the highest rating, with its Performing Arts course rated seventh out of 101 programs. Six programs offered by the University of Vienna achieved top 50 finishes, the highlights being the Communication Science (24th out of 221) and Linguistics (30th out of 301) courses. 

The Agriculture and Forestry program at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) came in 30th out of 402. True to its roots, the BOKU has been holding classes in the city’s first timber seminar and research building since 2020. The Vienna University of Business and Economics likewise ranked highly, with its Business and Management program placing 42nd out of the 556 courses covered by the survey.  

Meanwhile, Central European University (CEU), which transferred to Vienna in fall 2019, also did well in the rankings with its Political Science and Philosophy programs. Each competing in a field of 200 candidates, they finished in 25th and 35th place respectively. In the rankings CEU is still listed as a Hungarian university with a campus in Vienna. 

Besides its strong overall performance in the Life Sciences & Medicine category, the Medical University of Vienna’s Medicine degree program was listed in 77th place out of 650. The Vienna University of Technology’s highest finish in the rankings was delivered by its IT program which finished 89th in a field of 651.  

Alongside their strong results for individual study programs, two of the city's universities also excelled in the overall QS World University Ranking, which looked at almost 1,200 universities in around 80 locations. The University of Vienna finished 150th and the Vienna University of Technology 191st. The successful performance of Vienna’s universities once again confirms the city’s standing as a leading science and research hub.

See the 2021 QS World University Ranking by Subject