Times Higher Education world rankings by subject: French institutions stand out in science subjects

Though American and British institutions lead the ranking with the first spots in the Times Higher Education’s subject rankings, French institutions stand out in many areas. Present in the Top 100 in 6 subjects, PSL University is the best represented French institution in this ranking.

France occupies top spots in scientific subjects

Physical sciences

France particularly stands out in physical sciences, with 31 institutions, including 5 ranked in the top 100:

• PSL University (20th position);
   
• Institut Polytechnique de Paris (26th); 
   
• Paris-Saclay University (41st); 
   
• Sorbonne University (49th); 
   
• Paris Cité University (61st).

Life sciences

4 French institutions manage to be ranked in the Top 100 in life sciences

• PSL University (53rd position);
   
• Sorbonne University (56th); 
   
• Paris-Saclay University (71st); 
   
• Institut Polytechnique de Paris (83rd);

Computer sciences

4 French institutions appear in the Top 100 in computer sciences

• PSL University (38th position); 
   
• Institut Polytechnique de Paris (46th); 
   
• Paris-Saclay University (66th); 
   
• Sorbonne University (72nd); 

Sciences Politiques takes a leaps in social sciences

France is also well represented in the humanities and social sciences. This year, Sciences Politiques reaches the 39th position worldwide, up 11 positions in one year (29 in two years). PSL University is the second French institution in the Top 100 (75th).

In humanities, PSL University (21st), Sorbonne University (51st) and University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne (58th) are all in the Top 100

French institutions in other Top 100 rankings

French institutions are also present in other Top 100 subjects.

Law

• University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (70th)

Business and economics

• Federal University of Toulouse (100th)

Engineering Sciences

• PSL University (85th)

Education sciences

• Sorbonne University (92nd)

Health and Medicine

• Sorbonne University (72nd);
   
• Paris Cité University (83th)

The publication of the thematic ranking by subject is in line with the British newspaper’s World University Ranking featuring a record number of 42 French institutions, a figure that shows the influence of French higher education internationally.