Oxford named top university in Europe
Annual QS rankings see Oxford University claim the top spot
Oxford University has been ranked as the best university in Europe by the QS Europe University Rankings for 2026.
QS, which publishes rankings annually, evaluated over 950 universities from countries in the Council of Europe based on student experience, research activities, faculty qualifications, and partnerships. The Europe-specific ranking places a strong emphasis on research and discovery, alongside global engagement.
Oxford earned the top spot thanks to improvements in areas such as papers per faculty, international student diversity, and faculty-to-student ratio - key indicators highlighted in the rankings. The university also led in academic reputation, employer reputation, its international research network, and employment outcomes.
Professor Irene Tracey FRS, Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are delighted to see Oxford recognised as Europe’s leading university in the QS Europe Rankings.
"This reflects not only the strength of our academic reputation, but the deep value we place on global engagement — on welcoming international students and scholars, collaborating across borders, and ensuring our research and teaching serve society.
"At a moment when the UK is rightly seeking closer partnership with Europe, including renewed participation in programmes such as Erasmus, this recognition is particularly meaningful. It affirms Oxford’s long-standing role as a European university with a global outlook, committed to openness, collaboration, and public service.”
The QS Europe University Rankings were first launched in 2021, with its global equivalent running since 2004. The rankings aim to highlight leading universities based on factors that matter to students and educational institutions.