Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has steadily reinforced its position as one of Germany’s top research universities, especially in STEM disciplines. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, KIT climbed to #102, improving from #119 in 2024. In THE World University Rankings, KIT holds the #166 spot, a slight drop from #140 in 2024, but remains firmly within the global top 200. Subject-wise, KIT shines in Natural Sciences and Engineering Sciences, ranked #36 and #53 globally, and #2 and #3 nationally, respectively.

KIT’s subject-specific rankings reflect both global excellence and national leadership. It ranks among the top 100 worldwide in disciplines like Mechanical Engineering (#45), Chemical Engineering (#25), and Physics (#57), while leading Germany in fields such as Petroleum Engineering (#19 globally, #1 nationally) and Materials Sciences (#25 globally, #1 nationally). Although traditionally known for STEM, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is making strides in non-STEM areas, debuting in Business & Economics (#151–175) and improving in Arts & Humanities (#201–250).

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Karlsruhe Institute of Technology World Ranking

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is ranked among the top 200 universities globally. In 2025, it is ranked #102 in the QS World University Rankings, improving its position from #119 in 2024. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology world ranking places it in #166 position in the Times Higher Education rankings (THE 2025). Explore the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology world ranking trend to know about the development of KIT rankings.

Ranked By 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank 2022 Rank 2021 Rank
QS #102 #119 #141 #136 #131
THE #166 #140 #189 #180 #201-250
US News and World Report - #289 #226 #216 -

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Subject-Wise Rankings

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology offers more than 100 degree programs in natural and engineering sciences, economics, humanities, social sciences and teaching. Explore the latest subject-wise rankings of KIT in the following categories.

Explore: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Courses and Fees


Karlsruhe Institute of Technology QS Rankings 2025

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has demonstrated strong global and national performance in both Natural Sciences and Engineering Sciences. KIT is ranked 36th internationally and 2nd nationally in Natural Sciences, affirming its global excellence and leadership within Germany in scientific research and education. In Engineering Sciences, KIT secures the 53rd spot globally and ranks 3rd nationally, showcasing its consistent reputation as one of Germany's top technical universities.

Subject Group International Rank 2025 National Rank 2025
Natural Sciences #36 #2
Engineering Sciences #53 #3

Subject Wise Rankings

Subject International Rank 2025 National Rank 2025
Architecture #51–100 #3–5
Biology #251–300 #`18–23
Business and Management #301–350 #10–12
Chemical Engineering #25 #1
Chemistry #55 #3
Civil Engineering #51–100 #2–4
Computer Science #110 #4
Economics #351–400 #14–16
Electrical Engineering #62 #3
Environmental Sciences #75 #2
Geology #51–100 #1–6
Geophysics #51–100 #1–6
Earth & Marine Science #51–100 #1–6
Library & Information Management #51–100 #1–3
Materials Sciences #25 #1
Mathematics #151–200 #7–10
Mechanical Engineering #45 #3
Physics #57 #4
Petroleum Engineering #19 #1
Statistics and Operational Research #51–100 #5–6

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology THE Rankings 2025

In THE World University Rankings by Subject, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) continues to show strong performance across multiple disciplines in 2025. Engineering and Computer Science remain KIT’s flagship strengths, ranked #71 and #78 respectively in 2025, maintaining top-100 global positions despite slight drops from the previous year. In Physical Sciences, KIT holds the #88 spot. Meanwhile, Business and Economics makes a notable appearance with a solid debut in the #151–175 band, indicating growing prominence in non-STEM fields. Arts and Humanities also improved to #201–250, up from last year’s #251–300. Additionally, Life Sciences entered the rankings for the first time in the #176–200 range. Explore KIT rankings as per the Times Higher Education rankings 2025 in table below.

Subjects 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank
Arts and Humanities #201-250 #251-300 -
Business and Economics #151-175 - -
Computer Science #78 #67 #71
Engineering #71 #64 #64
Life Science #176-200 - -
Physical Science #88 #86 #100

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has strengthened its global standing with a significant jump in the QS World University Rankings 2025 to #102 (up from #119) and continued top-tier performance in THE 2025 at #166. With global top-100 positions in Engineering (#71), Computer Science (#78), and Physical Sciences (#88), and a national #1 rank in Chemical, Materials, and Petroleum Engineering, KIT confirms its dominance in STEM. Its rising presence in Business and Economics (#151–175) and Arts and Humanities (#201–250) signals well-rounded academic excellence.


FAQs

Ques: Is Karlsruhe Institute of Technology a good university?

Ans: Yes, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of the top public universities in Germany, particularly renowned for its excellence in STEM fields. In 2025, KIT ranked #102 in QS and #166 in THE, with global top-100 subject rankings in Engineering, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. It also ranks #1 nationally in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, and Petroleum Engineering, underscoring its academic strength and research output.

Ques: What is the rank 1 university in Germany?

Ans: As of the 2025 rankings, Technical University of Munich (TUM) is typically regarded as the top-ranked university in Germany across global frameworks like QS, THE, and US News. However, KIT stands out as one of the top three technical universities in the country, especially in engineering and natural sciences.

Ques: What is Karlsruhe ranked in the world?

Ans: In 2025, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is ranked #102 globally in the QS World University Rankings and #166 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings. It also holds strong subject-wise rankings such as #25 in Chemical Engineering, #45 in Mechanical Engineering, and #57 in Physics.

Ques: Why is Karlsruhe famous?

Ans: Karlsruhe is famous for being a leading hub of science, technology, and innovation, home to KIT—one of Europe’s top research institutions in engineering and natural sciences. The city is also known for its role in Germany’s constitutional and legal system, hosting the Federal Constitutional Court, and for its well-planned fan-shaped urban layout.