The University of Queensland has reaffirmed its place as number one in Australia for Chemical Engineering and has risen to 36th in the world in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
The result represents a rise of three places globally and reflects UQ’s continued excellence across teaching, research and industry engagement in chemical engineering, a discipline central to challenges of the energy transition, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and sustainability.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject assess more than 1,900 institutions worldwide, using indicators including academic and employer reputation, research impact, H‑index and international research collaboration.
Head of the School of Chemical Engineering Professor Justin Cooper‑White said the ranking recognised the strength and relevance of UQ’s approach to education and research.
“This result reflects the depth and quality of UQ’s teaching, the global impact of our research, and our strong links with industry,” Professor Cooper‑White said.
“Our focus is on educating chemical engineers who are adaptable and equipped to contribute to tackling the complex challenges facing society.”
The ranking highlights UQ Chemical Engineering’s industry‑connected curriculum, internationally recognised research strengths and commitment to translating research outcomes into real impact.
The result also reinforces UQ Engineering’s broader standing as a global leader in engineering education and research, underpinned by close industry partnerships and a focus on addressing priority workforce and innovation needs for the decades ahead.
Our thanks to everyone across the UQ community and our partners for the collective effort behind this achievement. Their work continues to strengthen the quality of UQ’s education and research.
