Subject rankings reflect depth of expertise

Students on campus

The University of Adelaide continues to stand in the top tier of the world’s best universities, demonstrated by outstanding results in the 2022 QS World University Subject Rankings.

The latest figures position the University in the top 100 in 14 subjects, which correlates more broadly with its consistent ranking among the top 1 per cent of the world’s universities and international recognition as one of the best-performing research institutions in Australia.

“The results in the latest QS rankings reinforce the University’s continuing academic excellence as one of the top universities in the world," Professor Peter Høj, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide, says.

“Our students, the nation’s future leaders who will shape the face of our society in the years ahead, will benefit from the outstanding education delivered here in Adelaide.

" . . . (the University's) education and research will continue to play a key role in the jobs and industries that are looking firmly to the future.”Professor Peter Høj, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide.

“As the world considers the broader impacts of the pandemic, the work of universities will play a crucial role in rebuilding the economic fabric and social wellbeing of this nation.

“As one of Australia’s most highly regarded universities and one of the best in the world, the University of Adelaide’s education and research will continue to play a key role in the jobs and industries that are looking firmly to the future.”

Universities around the world were ranked in 51 subjects across five broad subject areas. Professor Høj said he was pleased to see the University score very highly in the two broad subject areas of Life Sciences and Medicine and Engineering and Technology, consistent with our continuing strong growth in research income from a wide variety of sources.

The latest QS World University Rankings by Subject see the University of Adelaide ranked in the top 100 for:

  • Petroleum Engineering;
  • Engineering – Mineral and Mining;
  • Dentistry;
  • Veterinary Science;
  • Engineering – Civil and Structural;
  • Anatomy and Physiology;
  • Nursing;
  • Earth and Marine Sciences;
  • Geology;
  • Development Studies;
  • Agriculture and Forestry;
  • Pharmacy and Pharmacology;
  • Computer Science and Information Systems, and
  • Philosophy.


The University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Anton Middelberg, adds: “Universities everywhere have experienced tough times since the start of the pandemic. These latest rankings are a testament to the excellence and dedication of our researchers, and underline the value associated with having a top-ranked university in South Australia.

“Our strengths in key areas of learning and research at the University of Adelaide help to form the pillars that hold up key sectors of industry and the community and which shape the strategies of government.

“These offer new and ongoing opportunities for the state and the nation as we seek to enhance national and state sovereignty and look to the future with renewed confidence.”

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