Universität Heidelberg Best German University in QS World University Rankings

Heidelberg University edged ahead to take the top spot in Germany in the QS World University Rankings, which were published today (10 September 2013). According to the list, Ruperto Carola is the best university in Germany and ranks 50th in the world, improving its previous ranking by five places. “The result of the ranking is impressive proof of Heidelberg University's preeminent position as an internationally recognized research university,” states Prof. Dr. Bernhard Eitel, university rector. “The efforts of the Excellence Initiative are certainly evident here, contributing significantly to the visibility of Heidelberg University.” In addition to Ruperto Carola, other German universities in the world's top 100 include Munich's Technical University (53rd) and Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich (65th).

In the QS World University Rankings 2013, Heidelberg University placed 6th in Continental Europe. In the results by subject area, Heidelberg took first place in Germany in the life sciences and medicine, as in previous years. These subjects are currently ranked 29th worldwide, representing a seven-point improvement over last year. Other subjects also making the world's 50 best list are the humanities (36th) and the natural sciences (39th).

The QS World University Ranking rates academic reputation, faculty/student ratio, citations per faculty, employer reputation and the proportion of international faculty and students. The analysis is based on statistics as well as surveys among academics and employers.