Tel Aviv University continues to strengthen its position at the forefront of global academia. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2026, the University recorded a significant rise, ranking 216th worldwide — an improvement of 12 places compared to last year’s ranking of 228. In addition, the University retains its position as Israel’s top-ranked institution for another consecutive year.
This achievement is particularly notable given that this year’s ranking is the most comprehensive in its history, encompassing 2,191 research institutions from 115 countries. The rise in ranking — placing Tel Aviv University within the top decile of ranked institutions worldwide — reflects its strong research and academic performance amid intensifying global competition.
Excellence in Research and Core Indicators
The ranking is based on 18 performance indicators that evaluate institutions across five key areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook.
This year’s improved global standing is driven by strong performance across core metrics. Tel Aviv University stands out especially in Research Quality, which measures the scientific impact of researchers’ publications and citation volume, as well as in Research Environment. In both indicators, the University ranked first in Israel.
Achievements by Subject (Subject Rankings)
Alongside the overall ranking, Tel Aviv University recorded impressive achievements across a range of disciplines. Among the leading fields ranked at the global forefront for 2026:
Computer Science and Law: continue to lead globally, ranked 101–125
Psychology: ranked 126–150
Medicine & Health Sciences and Education: ranked 151–175
Arts & Humanities: ranked 176–200
Innovation and Industry Engagement
In the area of industry engagement, the University demonstrates significant strength, reflecting its international reputation among employers and its ability to translate academic research into applied innovation. This complements additional international rankings that position Tel Aviv University among the world’s leading universities (outside the United States) in producing entrepreneurs and founders of unicorn companies.
The rise to 216th place marks another milestone in a series of recent international achievements for the University and further reinforces its standing as a leading force in research and teaching in Israel.
