Delft University of Technology Ranking

Do You Know? TU Delft recently hosted the 7th International Symposium on Space Sailing in early summer 2025. This event showcased advancements in space sailing missions and technology, reflecting the university's leadership in space exploration research.

In the latest world university rankings, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) holds the 47th place in QS rankings 2026, as well as #191 in US ranking and #56 in THE rankings for the year 2025.

Additionally, TU Delft's international presence is notable, with 25% of its student body coming from abroad. This diverse community enriches the academic environment and fosters global collaborations.

For Indian students, the Delft University of Technology ranking proves it a compelling option for pursuing advanced studies in engineering and technology, and to study in the Netherlands.

Delft University of Technology Rankings 2025-26

Understanding Delft University of Technology's position in global and national rankings offers valuable insights into its academic reputation and visibility. 

TU Delft is consistently recognized in major international rankings, including QS World University Rankings, where it holds a strong position at #47, cementing its reputation for excellence among the top universities & colleges in the Netherlands.

Below is a breakdown of its recent performance across select ranking agencies:

Ranking Agency	2023 Rank	2024 Rank	2025 Rank	2026 Rank
QS World University Rankings	#61	#47	#49	#47
U.S. News & World Report (Best Global Universities)	#169	#187	#191	NA
Times Higher Education World University Rankings	#70	#48	#56	NA

TU Delft is successful on a global scale as it is regularly featured in the rankings, especially for engineering and technology. In the QS World University Rankings, it increased from #61 in 2023 to #47 in 2024, and then remained the same in 2026, giving it decent credibility. U.S. News & World Report positions it at #169 in 2023 and then to #191 in 2025, but the metrics are less compelling, suggesting it experienced some marginal issues. 

Times Higher Education had TU Delft at its highest at #48 in 2024 and then #56 in 2025. Overall, fluctuations were to be expected for all these times of schools, and TU Delft's main virtue is that all schools show it in the top echelons of world institutions. In particular, the QS rankings show TU Delft is a world-class university.

Now that you've reviewed TU Delft’s general ranking, let’s take a closer look at how the university performs in individual subjects.

Subject-wise Rankings of the Delft University of Technology

Subject-wise rankings assess academic quality and program reputation, guiding students in making informed decisions about college and programs. Delft University of Technology ranks among the world's top universities, excelling particularly in engineering and architecture. 

It holds the 3rd spot in Architecture and Built Environment, 6th in Engineering: Civil and Structural, and 13th in Mechanical Engineering according to the QS World University Rankings.

Below are some TU Delft's program-wise rankings for 2025-26 across QS, THE, and U.S. News rankings.

QS Subject-Wise Rankings 2025

TU Delft excels across a broad range of disciplines in the QS rankings by Subject, often securing top positions, such as #3 in the QS WUR ranking by subject. These rankings are based on academic reputation, employer reputation, and research citations per paper. 

Here are some top Delft University of Technology courses according to QS rankings:

Subject	QS Ranking (2026)
Architecture and Built Environment	3
Civil Engineering	6
Art and Design	11
Geophysics	13

Note: Rankings can vary based on specific programs or departments within the university.

Next, let’s see Delft’s rankings in the US News and Reports. 

U.S. News Subject-Wise Rankings 2025

In the U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings, TU Delft's impressive rankings are particularly notable in the fields of arts (#49), social sciences (#43), and many more. These rankings are based on factors such as graduation rates, student debt, and student-faculty ratio. 

Here are some top programs' positions according to US news rankings:

Subject	U.S. News Ranking (2026)
Civil Engineering	32
Social Sciences and Public Health	43
Arts and Humanities	49
Geosciences	83

Note: Rankings can vary based on specific programs or departments within the university.

Further, let’s explore where Delft stands in THE rankings.

Times Higher Education (THE) Subject-Wise Rankings 2025

The THE rankings by subject reflect TU Delft's dominance across numerous disciplines, especially in education studies (#101-125) and engineering (#17), where it holds its position year after year. These criteria are based on teaching, research, citations, and industry income indicators. 

Here’s some top programs' position according to THE rankings:

Subject	THE Ranking (2026)
Engineering	17
Computer Science	45
Physical Sciences	66
Medical & Health	201-250

Note: Rankings can vary based on specific programs or departments within the university.

These program-specific recognitions reflect the university's dedication to providing high-quality education and ensuring strong connections to employment opportunities in each region.

Now, let’s take a look at how the Delft University of Technology performs in other diversified rankings.

Miscellaneous Ranking 2025

Beyond its top-tier global rankings, TU Delft has been recognized for its high employability ratings, with a 5-star rating for research, facilities, and employability from QS Stars. Furthermore, the university is a prominent member of the IDEA League, a prestigious group of European technical universities that promotes academic collaboration and innovation. 

With numerous awards in research and teaching, including the 2022 AIAA Aircraft Design Best Paper Award, TU Delft continues to solidify the status of the education system in the Netherlands.

Here are some of the miscellaneous positions of TU Delft in different areas: 

Ranking Category	Ranking Description
QS Stars Rating	TU Delft has been awarded a 5-star rating by QS Stars, signifying excellence in various areas: Overall Rating: 5 stars, reflecting high standards across multiple criteria.   Subject Ratings: 5 stars in Engineering & Technology, Architecture, and Art & Design, demonstrating specialized strengths.   Research: 5 stars, underscoring its commitment to impactful research initiatives.   Employability: 5 stars, indicating strong graduate employability outcomes.   Facilities: 5 stars, highlighting state-of-the-art facilities supporting academic and research activities.
Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers (HEEACT)	Civil Engineering: Ranked 5th globally, focusing on infrastructure and environmental engineering research. Chemical Engineering: Ranked 7th globally, notable for contributions to energy and fuel research.
IDEA League Membership	TU Delft is a founding member of the IDEA League, an alliance of top European technology universities, enhancing research and academic collaboration.
Research Excellence Awards	2022 AIAA Aircraft Design Best Paper Award: Recognized for outstanding aircraft design research. 2022 IEEE Best Paper Award: Awarded for advancements in industrial electronics. 2022 IFAC HMS Best Paper Award: Honored for innovative work in human-machine systems.
Teaching and Learning Recognition	Francesco Maffioli Award by SEFI: Recognizes excellence in developing engineering education. Marina van Damme Scholarship: Awarded to talented female alumni from TU Delft, supporting further academic endeavors.

These diverse rankings and recognitions highlight TU Delft's multifaceted excellence in research, education, and campus development, reinforcing its position as a leading institution in the global academic community.

Now, let's explore the academic and extracurricular achievements TU Delft promotes among student campus life and beyond.

Delft University of Technology: Excellence and Achievements

Delft University of Technology stands as a beacon of innovation and academic excellence in Europe. Established in 1842, it has evolved into the Netherlands' premier technical university, renowned for its modern research, state-of-the-art facilities, and a rich student community. 

With a student body of approximately 27,000, including many international students, TU Delft offers a learning environment that encourages critical thinking and personal growth.

Let's explore the university's achievements across three core areas: academic excellence, community life, and cultural creativity.

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

TU Delft's commitment to academic excellence is evident through its numerous accolades and recognitions. The university consistently ranks among the top universities in the world, particularly in engineering and technology.

Its faculty members are recipients of prestigious awards, such as the Professor of Excellence Award (Leermeesterprijs, reflecting their contributions to research and education.

Here are some significant recognitions: 

Category	Recognition
National Research Recognition	Faculty members have received the KNAW Early Career Award, recognizing innovative and original research contributions.
Teaching Excellence	The Professor of Excellence Award (Leermeesterprijs) is bestowed upon professors who excel in both research and education.
Sustainability Initiatives	The GreenTU Sustainability Label is awarded to student associations demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability.
Engineering Innovation	The TNW Excellence Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
Research Fellowship	The AMS Research Fellowship supports innovative research projects in urban development.

Next, let's see how Delft has been developing its student community as an inclusive one.

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions

Beyond academics, TU Delft is celebrated for its rich community and student life. The university shares an inclusive environment, offering a plethora of extracurricular activities that enrich the student experience. 

Student associations play a pivotal role in organizing events such as the GreenTU Sustainability Label, promoting sustainability, cultural exchange, and supporting personal development.

Here are some of Delft's community development initiatives:

Category	Recognition
Student Life	TU Delft's student associations are integral to campus life, offering a range of activities and support networks.
Cultural Engagement	The university hosts various cultural events and festivals, celebrating diversity and fostering a global community.
Sustainability Efforts	Initiatives like the GreenTU Sustainability Label highlight the university's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Now, let’s explore how the university promotes creative and cultural initiatives for international students.

Cultural and Creative Excellence

TU Delft encourages students to explore interdisciplinary fields and project-based learning, leading to groundbreaking work in design, architecture, and technology. 

Its campus, highlighted by the award-winning Echo building, reflects the university's commitment to providing world-class educational environments. Collaborations with industry and participation in global competitions further underscore its creative prowess.

Some notable creative initiatives include:

Category	Recognition
Architectural Design	The Echo building at TU Delft's Mekelpark campus won the World Prix Versailles 2023 in the Campuses category, recognizing architectural excellence in educational facilities.
Student Innovations	Teams like Formula Student Team Delft and Eco-Runner Team Delft have achieved significant milestones, including world records and international competition victories.
Cultural Collaborations	TU Delft's involvement in projects like RoboValley fosters innovation in robotics and technology, promoting a culture of creativity and collaboration.

For Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in a dynamic and innovative environment, TU Delft offers a unique blend of academic rigor, cultural diversity, and creative opportunities.

Now, let's understand the relationship between ranking and acceptance rates.

Delft University of Technology: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate

The relationship between program rankings and acceptance rates varies across disciplines at Delft University of Technology. While the university maintains an overall acceptance rate of around 82%, certain programs may exhibit more competitive entry requirements due to their global prestige and demand. 

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for prospective students, particularly those from India, aiming to align their academic interests with realistic admission prospects.

Though specific program acceptance rates are not available, here are some of the top courses and their estimated acceptance rates:

Course	QS World University Ranking (2026)	Estimated Acceptance Rate
Engineering and Technology	14	Around 82%
Materials Sciences	15
Environmental Sciences	16
Geology	16
Mineral and Mining Engineering	17
Electrical and Electronic Engineering	18
Chemical Engineering	21

Note: All programs have the same acceptance rate.

By understanding the interplay between program rankings and acceptance rates, prospective students can make informed decisions and tailor their applications to enhance their chances of admission to TU Delft.

Next, let's explore the methodology of the rankings.

Ranking Methodologies

Delft University of Technology rankings are shaped by the methodologies used by different ranking bodies. Each platform focuses on indicators such as research output, teaching quality, global engagement, and student outcomes. 

Understanding these frameworks helps you interpret what a high or low ranking reflects. Knowing how each ranking is calculated will help guide your decision whether you target global exposure or strong graduate outcomes.

Let’s now examine how major ranking agencies evaluate institutions like Delft.

QS World University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings focus on academic reputation, global research impact, employability, and international diversity. Delft's standing on this list reflects its strengths in research and global presence. 

For example, academic reputation and citations per faculty together make up 50% of the total score, which heavily influences the university's position.

Here’s how QS measures university performance:

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Research and Discovery	Academic Reputation	30%
	Citations per Faculty	20%
Employability and Outcomes	Employer Reputation	15%
	Employment Outcomes	5%
Global Engagement	International Faculty Ratio	5%
	International Research Network	5%
	International Student Ratio	5%
	International Student Diversity	0%
Learning Experience	Faculty Student Ratio	10%
Sustainability	Sustainability	5%

Next, explore how THE Rankings evaluate institutions differently, with more weight on teaching and research quality.

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings

THE Rankings prioritize teaching, research quality, and international outlook. Delft performs strongly in citation impact and teaching reputation; these contribute to more than 30% of the score. This methodology helps compare universities focusing on academic excellence and research leadership.

Below is the complete breakdown of THE ranking criteria:

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Teaching	Teaching Reputation	15%
	Staff-to-student ratio	4.5%
	Doctorate-to-bachelor's ratio	2%
	Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio	5.5%
	Institutional income	2.5%
Research Environment	Research reputation	18%
	Research income	5.5%
	Research productivity	5.5%
Research Quality	Citation impact	15%
	Research strength	5%
	Research excellence	5%
	Research influence	5%
International Outlook	Proportion of international students	2.5%
	Proportion of international staff	2.5%
	International collaboration	2.5%
Industry	Industry income	2%
	Patents	2%

Now, take a closer look at the U.S. News & World Report Rankings, which center more on student outcomes and financial strength.

U.S. News & World Report Rankings

U.S. News & World Report Rankings emphasize student success, graduation outcomes, and faculty quality. Peer assessment and graduation rates are major contributors, making up 36% of the score combined. This methodology suits applicants focused on long-term academic performance and career planning.

Check the full set of indicators used by U.S. News:

Focus Indicators	Weightage
Graduation Rates	16%
First-year retention rates	5%
Graduation rate performance	10%
Pell graduation rates	5.5%
Pell graduation performance	5.5%
College grads earning more than a high school grad	5%
Borrower debt	5%
Peer assessment	20%
Financial resources	8%
Faculty salaries	8%
Full-time faculty	3%
Student-faculty ratio	4%
Standardized tests	5%

Now, let's bring this section to a close and summarize what we know.

Conclusion

Delft University of Technology consistently ranks among the top global institutions, particularly excelling in engineering and technology. Its QS World University Ranking has improved from #61 in 2023 to #47 in 2026, showcasing its rising stature, especially in specialized fields like Mechanical Engineering and Architecture. 

Despite minor fluctuations in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings and a slight dip in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, TU Delft remains a stable presence in the upper echelons of global universities. Beyond rankings, TU Delft is recognized for its academic and research achievements, with faculty winning prestigious awards like the AIAA Aircraft Design Best Paper Award and IEEE Best Paper Award.

Overall, TU Delft remains an excellent choice for ambitious students pursuing advanced engineering, architecture, and sustainability studies. However, success in gaining admission requires careful preparation and a strong academic record.