Top 10 Universities for Computer Science Degrees in 2026
Studying computer science is a smart choice in today’s digital world, offering expanding career opportunities for tech-savvy graduates. The field offers a broad array of university options worldwide.
In 2025, the Times Higher Education Computer Science Rankings featured 1,122 universities, including:
- 130 from the United States
- 63 from the United Kingdom
- 31 from Australia
- 28 from Canada
These rankings are based on the World University Rankings methodology, with more emphasis on innovation and less on citations.
2025 Computer Science University Rankings (Top 10)
| 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank | University | Country/Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | University of Oxford | United Kingdom |
| 2 | 7 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom |
| 3 | 3 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | United States |
| 4 | 5 | ETH Zurich | Switzerland |
| 5 | 2 | Stanford University | United States |
| =6 | 4 | Carnegie Mellon University | United States |
| =6 | 9 | Princeton University | United States |
| =8 | 8 | Imperial College London | United Kingdom |
| =8 | 10 | University of California, Berkeley | United States |
| 10 | 6 | Harvard University | United States |
University Profiles
1. University of Oxford (UK)
Oxford’s computer science department, one of the UK’s oldest, offers:
- Undergraduate programs: Computer Science; Mathematics & Computer Science; Computer Science & Philosophy
- Specialized courses: Quantum computing, software engineering, computational linguistics, and more
- A college-based system for living, studying, and socializing
2. University of Cambridge (UK)
Cambridge provides a comprehensive computer science education:
- Foundational modules in year one; specialization in later years
- Topics include programming (OCaml, Java, C/C++, Prolog), economics, and law
- Located near 1,000+ tech firms, providing excellent work experience opportunities
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (USA)
MIT fosters innovation and entrepreneurship:
- Flexible undergraduate curriculum
- Dual majors available (e.g., Computer Science and Molecular Biology)
- Alumni impact includes leading startups and working for tech giants
4. ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
Renowned for cutting-edge research and industry collaboration:
- Focus areas include networks, security, algorithms, and AI
- Partnerships with Microsoft, IBM, Google, SAP, and Disney
- Founded its computer science department in 1981
5. Stanford University (USA)
Located in Silicon Valley, Stanford emphasizes interdisciplinary research:
- Degrees: BSc, MSc, PhD
- Research includes AI, robotics, scientific computing, and linguistics
- Gates Computer Science Building was funded by Bill Gates
=6. Carnegie Mellon University (USA)
Pioneers in AI and human-computer interaction:
- Launched the US’s first bachelor’s in AI (2018) and HCI (2020)
- Broad undergrad and graduate offerings in robotics, HCI, and more
- Strong reputation for innovation and applied research
=6. Princeton University (USA)
Balanced theory and practice in its CS programs:
- Offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
- Topics include systems, AI/ML, theoretical CS
- Includes independent study projects and generous postgraduate fellowships
=8. Imperial College London (UK)
Diverse CS course options and student engagement:
- Undergraduate courses in software engineering, economics, and data science
- Postgraduate specializations in AI and biomedical engineering
- Active clubs like the Coding Club and Data Science Society
=8. University of California, Berkeley (USA)
Home to one of the most dynamic CS environments:
- Combined EECS (Electrical Engineering & Computer Science) department
- Vibrant student organizations: ML Club, Neurotech, Women in CS
- Proximity to Silicon Valley fuels internships and research links
10. Harvard University (USA)
Combines deep theory with real-world application:
- Programs: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
- Courses include AI, operating systems, and computational economics
- Hosts regular lecture series by global tech experts
Explore the full list of computer science universities on the Times Higher Education website.
