Top QS Ranking German Universities in 2025 by Subject

Germany has once again proven its place as a global academic powerhouse, ranking 5th internationally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Known for its research excellence and innovative education system, Germany continues to attract students worldwide this year, with even more reason to celebrate.

The highlight of the rankings? 

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU München). With recognition across 37 subjects, LMU emerged as Germany’s top-performing institution. The university earned impressive global positions, 6th in Philosophy and 14th in Classics & Ancient History, marking it as a beacon of excellence in the humanities.

“Germany’s academic excellence is once again affirmed... The country remains a powerhouse in Philosophy, Classics & Ancient History, and Theology & Religious Studies.”—Ben Sowter, Senior Vice President, QS

Top-Ranked German Universities in 2025:

• LMU München – Leading the country with top-100 placements in 37 subjects.
• Heidelberg University – Ranked 7th in Classics & Ancient History and 11th in Theology, up from 13th in 2024.
• Humboldt University of Berlin – Maintains 11th place in Philosophy and a top-10 spot in Classics & Ancient History.
• University of Tübingen – Strong global showing with 12th in both Theology and Archaeology.
• KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) – Earned 19th place for Petroleum Engineering.
• Technical University of Munich (TUM) – Rose significantly in Data Science & AI, from 35th to 20th globally.

Mixed Results Across the Board

Despite stellar performances by some institutions, the broader picture was mixed:

• 36% of German subject entries declined in ranking.
• 45% saw a drop, while 314 remained stable.
• Positively, 75 entries improved, and 51 were newly ranked in 2025.

The bottom line is,

For international students, these rankings signify not only academic quality but also opportunities for specialized learning and global recognition. Germany’s strength in the humanities, theology, and emerging tech fields, such as AI and biotech, makes it an attractive destination for diverse academic pursuits.

Whether you're planning a future in Philosophy or Data Science, these rankings help highlight where Germany and its universities continue to lead on the world stage.

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