The University of Szeged has once again demonstrated its academic weight on the international stage. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities rankings, released on June 16, SZTE emerged as Hungary’s top-performing university in both chemistry and physical chemistry, underscoring its world-class research achievements and growing global impact.
The U.S. News & World Report has released its 2026 Best Global Universities rankings, one of the world's most widely followed international higher education lists. This year's edition evaluated 2,250 universities from more than 100 countries using 13 indicators related to research performance and academic reputation. Beyond overall global and regional standings, the U.S.-based ranking also highlights excellence across a broad range of academic disciplines.
The latest ranking further underscores the University of Szeged’s position among Hungary’s leading higher education institutions, placing third nationally in 2026. SZTE also ranked among the top 14% of universities in Europe and the top 40% worldwide.
The University of Szeged emerged as Hungary’s highest-ranked university in two subject areas in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. In Chemistry, SZTE retained its national lead while making an impressive 60-place jump internationally, rising to 652nd worldwide and placing it among the top 29% of ranked institutions. The University also ranked first in Hungary in Physical Chemistry, securing 745th place globally and positioning itself among the world’s top 33%.
The University of Szeged also achieved outstanding results across several life science disciplines. In Pharmacology and Toxicology, SZTE climbed 24 places internationally to 273rd worldwide, placing it among the top 13% of ranked institutions and making it Hungary’s second-highest-ranked university in the field. The University also delivered strong performances in Neuroscience and Behavior, where it ranked 419th globally, and in Biology and Biochemistry, where it placed 436th worldwide. Both results positioned SZTE among the top 20% of ranked institutions globally, while securing second place among Hungarian universities in each discipline.
The University of Szeged also demonstrated strong performance in Clinical Medicine, ranking 665th worldwide and placing third among Hungarian higher education institutions.
At the top of the global U.S. News & World Report ranking were Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, and Stanford University.
Source: SZTEinfo
