Nursing ranked 36th globally; Mining Engineering, Materials Science, Archaeology, Geography, Sports-related subjects also rank highly
The University of Wollongong (UOW) has been named as one of the world's elite universities for philosophy in the prestigious 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, ranking 6th globally. UOW's Nursing program also achieved a landmark result, ranking 36th in the world.
QS analysed the reputation and research output of 6,277 institutions. From this group, 1,912 were ranked across 55 narrow subjects and five broad subject areas. The subject rankings assess universities in terms of academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact and international research collaboration.
"These are exceptional results for UOW, reflecting the excellence and achievements not only of our Philosophy and Nursing academics, but of our programs across most subject areas. Behind every one of these results is a University-wide effort. I thank all UOW staff – in teaching, research, professional services or student support – for their dedication and contributions that make these improvements possible," UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor G.Q. Max Lu AO said.
UOW teaches Philosophy through the School of Liberal Arts, which offers the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation and this year introduced a new Liberal Arts major, and also the School of Creative Arts and Humanities, which offers a Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy).
UOW has long been recognised as a leader in Nursing research and teaching, ranking in the top 100 globally in each of the previous four years before climbing to 36th this year, reinforcing UOW's strength in health education and its contribution to addressing workforce needs in Australia and beyond.
Other highlights included ranking in the top 100 globally for Mineral & Mining Engineering, while Materials Science improved to =87th in the world, reflecting UOW's world-class research in advanced materials and manufacturing. The University was also ranked in the top 150 worldwide for Archaeology, Geography and Sports-related subjects.
Across the broad subject areas, UOW was ranked =201 for Natural Sciences, =221 for Engineering and Technology, =242 for Arts and Humanities, =242 for Social Sciences and Management, and =366 for Life Sciences and Medicine. The results highlight UOW's all-round strengths across engineering, technology, science and health as well as in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
