Leipzig University, a prominent institution in Germany, has shown varied performance across global ranking systems in recent years. Below is a detailed breakdown of its rankings across QS World University Rankings, ARWU (Shanghai Ranking), and U.S. News & World Report, along with subject-specific achievements.

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Leipzig University Overall University Rankings

Leipzig University’s global standing varies across different ranking frameworks. Here’s a snapshot of its position over the years:

Ranking Body 2023 2024 2025
QS World University Rankings 420 479 527
ARWU (Shanghai) 201 201
U.S. News Global Universities 346 327

Key Observations:

  • QS Rankings show a decline from #479 in 2024 to #527 in 2025.
  • ARWU has consistently placed Leipzig at #201 in 2023 and 2024.
  • U.S. News highlights gradual improvement, moving from #346 (2023) to #327 (2024).

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Leipzig University Subject-Wise Rankings

Leipzig University excels in specific disciplines. Below are its notable subject rankings:

QS Subject Rankings (2025)

Subject 2024 2026
Communication & Media Studies 151 101
Medicine 201 201
Biological Sciences 251 251
Physics & Astronomy 401 351
Mathematics 351 401
Sociology 251 301

Highlights:

  • Communication & Media Studies jumped to #101 in 2025, up from #151 in 2024.
  • Medicine maintains a steady position at #201.
  • Physics & Astronomy improved from #401 (2024) to #351 (2025).

ARWU Subject Rankings (2024)

Subject 2023 2024
Mathematics 301 201
Sociology 151
Political Sciences 301 301

Highlights:

  • Mathematics climbed to #201 in 2024, up from #301 in 2023.
  • Sociology debuted at #151 in 2024.

Leipzig University Yearly Trends & Analysis

  1. QS World University Rankings Decline
    • Leipzig’s QS ranking dropped significantly from #420 (2024) to #527 (2025). Factors such as academic reputation, faculty-student ratio, or research impact might contribute to this trend.
  2. Stability in ARWU & U.S. News
    • ARWU’s consistent #201 ranking reflects Leipzig’s strength in research output and alumni achievements.
    • U.S. News’ upward trend (#346 to #327) suggests improved global research reputation and collaborations.
  3. Subject-Specific Strengths
    • Communication & Media Studies and Mathematics are standout programs, both showing upward mobility.
    • Medicine remains a strong discipline, retaining its QS position at #201.

Key Tables for Quick Reference

QS Sustainability Ranking 2025

Category 2025
Sustainability 568

U.S. News Global Universities 2024

Category 2024
Global Universities 327

Leipzig University demonstrates a mixed performance in global rankings. While its QS overall ranking has dipped, the institution holds steady in ARWU and shows improvement in U.S. News. Subject-wise, it shines in Communication & Media Studies, Mathematics, and Medicine, making it a compelling choice for students targeting these fields. Prospective applicants should weigh these rankings against their academic priorities to make informed decisions. (Data sourced from QS, ARWU, and U.S. News official rankings as of 2024–2025.)