QS World University Rankings: Politecnico di Milano ranks 98th
For the first time, an Italian university has entered the Top 100 of the QS World University Rankings, one of the most prestigious global academic rankings. Politecnico di Milano achieved 98th place in 2026, marking a historic milestone that represents a national record and international recognition of the excellence of Italian higher education and research.
With this achievement, Politecnico ranks among the world’s top six per cent of universities. The university’s leap from 111th to 98th place reflects the strength of its consistent growth over time. In the past decade, it has climbed 89 positions, including 41 in the last three years (from 139th in 2023), to establish itself as a benchmark in the Italian university system and an emerging leader among global academic institutions.
In Italy, Politecnico di Milano is the top university based on its performance and the quality of its key indicators.
Among the indicators that were decisive in achieving the Top 100 position are Employer Reputation and Academic Reputation: Employer Reputation, which gauges the esteem held by international employers towards graduates, highlights the Politecnico’s ability to train highly qualified professionals, who are ready to face labour market challenges. Academic Reputation, which reflects the perceived prestige of the university within the global academic community, confirms the university’s outstanding quality of research and teaching.
Further strong results came from the Employment Outcomes indicator, which shows high employment rates among graduates and the significant impact of their careers in their fields. Also showing clear improvement is the Citations per Faculty metric, which measures the average number of scientific citations per academic staff member, indicating the growing international relevance of Politecnico’s research output.
These positive outcomes were underpinned by a significant increase in scientific productivity, a tangible sign of a dynamic, innovative, and internationally attractive academic community.
This is a meaningful achievement. Italy has finally entered the top 100 of the QS World Rankings, like the other G7 countries. It proves the quality and prestige of Politecnico di Milano, and the Italian higher education and research system. A leap forward that began ten years ago. This is the outcome of a clear growth strategy, the Politecnico community’s passion and dedication, careful planning and resource management, and effective partnerships with businesses and local stakeholders.
Donatella Sciuto, Rector of Politecnico di Milano
The QS World University Rankings 2026 evaluated more than 8,400 universities in 106 countries. Of these, 1,501 made it into the ranking, including 43 Italian universities. Politecnico di Milano’s result is a turning point for Italian higher education and a strong indicator of its ability to compete, innovate, and grow on a global scale.
Global Ranking: 98th place out of more than 8,400 evaluated universities. First-ever Italian university to enter the QS Top 100.
National Ranking: First in Italy.
Universities analysed: 8,467 institutions from 106 countries. 1,501 entered the ranking. 43 Italian universities ranked.
Excellence Indicators:
- Employer Reputation: 90.1/100
- Academic Reputation: 83.4/100
- Employment Outcomes: 72.0/100
- Citations per Faculty: 53.9/100
- International Faculty: 74.4/100
Ten-year trend: +89 positions gained in ten years. Politecnico has risen from 187th place in 2016 to 98th in 2026.
Scientific productivity: more than 27,000 publications and 270,000 citations recorded in the 2019–2024 period (source: Scopus/QS).
