AUT climbs global rankings
AUT has broken into the world’s top 25 universities for sports-related subjects and has placed equal first among all New Zealand universities for hospitality and leisure management in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
The latest rankings saw AUT perform strongly, with 12 of the 18 subjects ranked improving on their 2025 position, three holding steady and three moving down a band.
Demonstrating the growing strength and breadth of AUT’s research, teaching and reputation across a wide range of subject areas, Architecture and Built Environment was ranked for the first time, while Art and Design, Communications & Media Studies, and Anatomy & Physiology returned to the rankings in 2026.
Each of the QS subject rankings are compiled using a core methodology that employs a range of factors including student experience, university partnerships, research activity and international collaboration.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa, said the results recognise AUT’s distinctive approach.
“These rankings reflect the strength of AUT’s commitment to research and teaching that is both excellent and connected to the world around us,” Professor Salesa said.
“To be ranked equal first in New Zealand for hospitality and leisure management, alongside our growing global standing in sport and other subjects, speaks to the work of our staff and the value of what we do, particularly our focus on knowledge that works, research with real-world impact, and delivering for our communities.”
Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism, Dr Warren Goodsir, said the result cements AUT’s position for excellence in hospitality and tourism education in New Zealand, while strengthening its global profile.
“This is a fantastic outcome and a testament to the dedication of our academic community. In a dynamic hospitality and tourism landscape, AUT continues to lead by ensuring our students graduate with the skills, experience, knowledge, and industry connections they need to succeed,” Warren said.
“Our approach is grounded in applied learning, strong industry partnerships and a clear focus on employability, and this recognition reflects that.”
About the QS Subject Rankings
The 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject provides independent comparative analysis on the performance of more than 18,300 individual university programmes, taken by students at more than 1700 universities in 100 locations around the world, across 55 academic disciplines.