The world’s leading institutions shaping the future of computing
As technology continues to advance at extraordinary speed, computer science has become one of the most influential and in-demand fields of study globally. From artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, software engineering to data science, graduates with strong computing skills are powering the next wave of digital innovation.
Each year, the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject offer a comprehensive look at the universities driving excellence in teaching, research and industry collaboration. The 2025 computer science rankings highlight a familiar but dynamic group of global leaders, with the United Kingdom and the United States continuing to dominate the top positions.
- The UK strengthens its global position
The United Kingdom continues to perform exceptionally well, with Oxford retaining its #1 position for the second consecutive year. Cambridge makes one of the biggest leaps in the rankings, rising from 7th to 2nd place, reflecting its growing impact in areas such as AI, machine learning and computational research.
- US universities remain a dominant force
The United States secures six of the top ten places, with MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Princeton, UC Berkeley and Harvard all featuring prominently. These institutions are renowned for their strong ties to industry, world-leading research output and highly competitive computer science programmes.
- ETH Zurich continues to shine in Europe
As the top-ranked university in continental Europe, ETH Zurich maintains its reputation for excellence in engineering and computer science, climbing to 4th place in the world.
- Notable shifts among elite institutions
While some universities moved down slightly—such as Stanford (2 → 5) and Harvard (6 → 10)—they remain unquestionably influential. Meanwhile, Princeton rises impressively from 9th to 6th, reflecting growing recognition of its research strengths.
Why These Rankings Matter
Computer science is one of the most competitive and rapidly evolving academic fields. Choosing where to study can have a significant impact on career opportunities, research pathways and global recognition. The universities on this list stand out for:
Cutting-edge facilities and research excellence
Strong industry partnerships, especially in AI, data science and software development
High employability outcomes for graduates
Global reputations that provide international mobility and career advantage
Whether you’re interested in academia, industry or entrepreneurship, these institutions represent the forefront of computer science education and innovation.
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