Which universities hold the top three spots in QS 2026 for Computer Science and Information Systems if I am shortlisting for my masters?
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Computer Science and Information Systems, MIT ranks first, Stanford University second and Carnegie Mellon University third. Rankings can change between editions, so check the latest QS page before you build your shortlist.
MIT ranks first, Stanford University second and Carnegie Mellon University third for Computer Science and Information Systems in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Here is the full top 10 so you can see where each university stands and what it is known for.
QS 2026 Top 10 for Computer Science and Information Systems
| QS 2026 rank | University | Country | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USA | AI, robotics and computer science research |
| #2 | Stanford University | USA | Innovation, software engineering and Silicon Valley connections |
| #3 | Carnegie Mellon University | USA | AI, robotics and machine learning |
| #4 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore | AI and information systems |
| #4 | University of Oxford | UK | Computer science research and interdisciplinary innovation |
| #6 | University of California, Berkeley | USA | Computer science theory, AI and research |
| #7 | Harvard University | USA | AI and data science |
| #8 | University of Cambridge | UK | Engineering and computer science research |
| #9 | Nanyang Technological University | Singapore | Software engineering and information systems |
| #10 | ETH Zurich | Switzerland | Software engineering and information systems |
How to Use This Ranking
- NUS and the University of Oxford share the fourth position in this edition.
- Rankings are based on the QS subject edition and may change in future editions.
- The Known for column helps you match a university to your interest, such as AI, robotics or software engineering.
My Advice
Use the ranking to build a shortlist, not to pick a single university. Match each university's focus area to your goals, then check admission requirements, fees and the latest QS page before you apply.
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