Best universities in Australia for physical science degrees 2026
Discover the Times Higher Education rankings for the best physical science schools in Australia 2026.
This list highlights the top-ranked universities for physics and maths in Australia, based on the Times Higher Education Subject Rankings: Physical Sciences 2026. These rankings provide valuable insights into the leading institutions for physical sciences education and research.
A total of 28 Australian universities have been ranked for their excellence in teaching, research, industry collaboration, and international outlook.
The rankings are based on a rigorous methodology designed by Times Higher Education’s data experts, ensuring accuracy and reliability for students, academics, and industry leaders worldwide.
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Top universities in Australia for physics and maths 2026
| Australia physical sciences rank 2026 | Global physical sciences rank 2026 | University | Overall | Teaching | Research Environment | Research Quality | Industry | International Outlook |
| 1 | 60 | Australian National University | 70.4 | 53 | 57.8 | 85.2 | 95.3 | 94.9 |
| 2 | =70 | The University of Sydney | 66.6 | 47.1 | 49.1 | 86.3 | 98.5 | 88.6 |
| 3 | =75 | University of Melbourne | 65.9 | 51.9 | 49.9 | 80.9 | 88.7 | 90.7 |
| 4 | 83 | UNSW Sydney | 64.9 | 38.2 | 43.1 | 92.2 | 99.5 | 90.8 |
| 5 | =90 | Monash University | 63.8 | 42.2 | 44.9 | 87.8 | 80.8 | 86.2 |
| 6 | =96 | The University of Queensland | 63.2 | 39.8 | 42.8 | 87.1 | 99.4 | 87.3 |
| =7 | 126–150 | Adelaide University | 56.7–59.2 | 26 | 29.9 | 90.7 | 96.5 | 90 |
| =7 | 126–150 | The University of Western Australia | 56.7–59.2 | 30.5 | 36.4 | 80.7 | 95.7 | 91.2 |
| =7 | 126–150 | University of Technology Sydney | 56.7–59.2 | 26.2 | 28.7 | 94.2 | 86.4 | 90.1 |
| =10 | 151–175 | Curtin University | 54.9–56.6 | 27.1 | 28.9 | 85.4 | 89 | 86.9 |
| =10 | 151–175 | Macquarie University | 54.9–56.6 | 27.3 | 30.2 | 87.3 | 93.9 | 91 |
| =10 | 151–175 | Queensland University of Technology | 54.9–56.6 | 30.9 | 26.8 | 89.8 | 89.4 | 74.5 |
| =10 | 151–175 | Swinburne University of Technology | 54.9–56.6 | 27.5 | 24.8 | 93.7 | 61.5 | 73.5 |
| =14 | 176–200 | RMIT University | 53.7–54.8 | 25.1 | 26.6 | 85.1 | 78.9 | 90 |
| =14 | 176–200 | University of Wollongong | 53.7–54.8 | 27.7 | 24.8 | 83.7 | 91.8 | 89.7 |
| =16 | 201–250 | Griffith University | 50.6–53.6 | 22.8 | 22.9 | 81.4 | 90.2 | 85.3 |
| =16 | 201–250 | University of Southern Queensland | 50.6–53.6 | 25.3 | 17.8 | 89.9 | 45.7 | 85.4 |
| =16 | 201–250 | University of Tasmania | 50.6–53.6 | 28.5 | 28.6 | 77.4 | 68.5 | 89.3 |
| =19 | 301–400 | Flinders University | 43.0–47.6 | 23.1 | 24.9 | 61.7 | 61.3 | 89.8 |
| =19 | 301–400 | James Cook University | 43.0–47.6 | 18.5 | 19.1 | 74.5 | 59.7 | 87.6 |
| =19 | 301–400 | Murdoch University | 43.0–47.6 | 19.7 | 16.1 | 74.9 | 51.2 | 91.3 |
| =19 | 301–400 | University of Newcastle | 43.0–47.6 | 19.9 | 20.9 | 73 | 76.7 | 75.7 |
| =23 | 401–500 | La Trobe University | 40.1–42.9 | 18.5 | 20.9 | 64.5 | 69.8 | 88.4 |
| =23 | 401–500 | Southern Cross University | 40.1–42.9 | 19.5 | 23.9 | 67.5 | 61.2 | 64.6 |
| 25 | 501–600 | Central Queensland University | 37.4–40.0 | 17 | 14.5 | 68.8 | 29.2 | 83 |
| =26 | 601–800 | Charles Sturt University | 32.8–37.3 | 13.9 | 10.3 | 66 | 30.3 | 51.5 |
| =26 | 601–800 | University of the Sunshine Coast | 32.8–37.3 | 10.1 | 15.7 | 62 | 46.3 | 54.2 |
| 28 | 801–1000 | Federation University Australia | 27.5–32.7 | 11.3 | 12.6 | 41 | 56.3 | 85.4 |
Key Insights into the top universities for physics and maths in Australia 2026
- The Australian National University takes the first place for physical sciences in Australia.
- There are 28 Australian universities ranked in total
- UNSW Sydney achieves a near-perfect score for its links to industry
- The physical sciences ranking ranks universities that offer courses in physics, chemistry, astronomy, maths, statistics, geology, environmental, earth and marine sciences.
Choosing the right university for physical sciences in Australia
The physical sciences covers a range of subjects including mathematics, statistics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology, environmental sciences and Earth and marine sciences.
A degree in one of these fields can lead to a range of careers. Beyond careers in teaching and research, an understanding of the physical sciences is essential for anyone concerned about how society is affected by the advancement of technology and climate change. Gaining this foundation from your college programme could lead to roles in areas such as computing, engineering, patent law and policy work or a job in a scientific institute.
In Australia the physical sciences are usually studied through a three-year bachelor of science degree, with the choice to do a fourth year for honours. Some universities offer a bachelor of mathematics or other specialised routes of study. Most universities encourage physical sciences students to partake in a placement or work experience during their studies.
Choosing the best school for physics, chemistry or maths is a crucial step for prospective students. The Times Higher Education Physical Science Rankings help identify universities with strong reputations in teaching, research, and industry collaboration.
The table for the best universities for physical sciences in Australia was derived from data collected for the THE World University Subject Rankings. The results are calculated using 18 performance indicators underlying five metrics: research environment, teaching (the learning environment), research quality, industry and international outlook. For more insights and a detailed breakdown of our ranking methodology, visit our methodology page. Use the ranking table above to explore the right institution for you.
