University of Auckland records gains in subject rankings

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has recorded a solid result across multiple areas in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject.

The subject rankings compare universities worldwide across 11 major subject areas, and this year’s results include improved positions in a number of disciplines.

Psychology delivered one of the University’s strongest results, rising 20 places to 59th globally. Education Studies also improved its position, moving up to 33rd in the world and remaining within the global top 50. Business and Economics and Life Sciences both moved up the rankings, reflecting growing international recognition in these areas.

Across the rankings, the University continues to feature strongly in a wide range of subjects, with consistent results in areas including Engineering, Medical and Health, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences.

The subject rankings are drawn from such factors as teaching reputation, doctorate-staff ratio, research productivity and citation impact, among others.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater said the results reflected the hard work of the University community.

“The Times Higher Education subject rankings are highly competitive, and this year’s results highlight the contribution our people are making through research, teaching and impact.

“I’d like to thank our staff for the continued effort they bring to their work.”

Last October, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University retained its position as the No 1 university in Aotearoa New Zealand and was ranked 156th in the world. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, it was ranked 65th and was the only New Zealand university to place in the global top 100.