Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Oxford Tops QS Europe Rankings 2026
The University of Oxford is now the best university in Europe according to the QS Rankings 2026.
It moved up from third place last year.
ETH Zurich is second, and two universities from London, Imperial College and UCL, share the third spot.
The University of Cambridge is fifth.
Other top universities include Edinburgh, King's College London, PSL in Paris, Manchester, and Ecole Polytechnique.
QS ranks universities based on research, learning, global reach, jobs after graduation, and how well they're known.
This list helps students pick the best place to study in Europe.
University of Oxford tops QS World University Rankings Europe 2026, rising from third place in 2025.
ETH Zurich secures the second spot in the rankings.
Imperial College London and University College London (UCL) share the third rank.
University of Cambridge is ranked fifth.
Other notable institutions in the top 10 include The University of Edinburgh, King's College London, PSL in Paris, The University of Manchester, and Ecole Polytechnique.
- Who
- Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)
- What
- Released QS World University Rankings Europe 2026
- When
- January 28, 2026
- Where
- Europe
- Why
- To guide students seeking to study abroad
- Top University
- University of Oxford
- Second University
- ETH Zurich
- Third Universities
- Imperial College London, University College London (UCL)
- Fifth University
- University of Cambridge
- Ranking Organization
- Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)
- Ranking Year
- 2026
- Evaluation Criteria
- Research, Learning Experience, Global Engagement, Employability, Academic Reputation