Adelaide University has achieved strong results in the 2026 Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, with 21 disciplines placing among the top 100 globally, including nine in the world’s top 50.
The University has also been ranked number one in Australia for two subjects: Dentistry & Oral Sciences and Chemical Engineering, highlighting the strength and international standing of its research and academic expertise.
Among the University’s nine top-50 subjects, Dentistry & Oral Sciences ranked 18th globally, followed by Mining & Mineral Engineering (19th), Nursing (27th), Business Administration (41st), Artificial Intelligence (45th), Civil Engineering (47th), Automation & Control (48th), Public Health (48th) and Chemical Engineering (49th).
Adelaide University also recorded 41 subjects in the top 10 nationally.
The 2026 Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects provides an international comparison of universities across individual academic disciplines, recognising research performance and academic strengths across a range of fields.
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Professor Anton Middelberg, said the results reflected the quality and global impact of research being undertaken across the University.
“These results demonstrate the depth and breadth of research excellence at Adelaide University, and the contribution our researchers are making to address important challenges facing society,” Professor Middelberg said.
“Achieving global top-50 rankings across nine disciplines, alongside number-one positions in Australia for Dentistry & Oral Sciences and Chemical Engineering, is a significant achievement.
“Our researchers are working across disciplines to generate knowledge, develop solutions and create impact locally and internationally. These rankings recognise that strength and reinforce our commitment to delivering research that makes a difference.”
The results are particularly significant given that Adelaide University was only established in January 2026, through the merger of the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide.
“For a university formed just months ago, these results are an important early demonstration of the strength and scale of the research community we have brought together.
“They provide a strong foundation for Adelaide University’s ambition to be a globally connected, research-intensive institution that delivers meaningful benefits for our communities and the world.”