This milestone marks a continued upward trajectory for NUS, with the number of subject placements in the top 10 rising from 14 subjects in 2023 to 19 in 2024, 22 in 2025, and now 28 in 2026 — effectively doubling over three years.

“We are delighted that NUS has achieved its strongest performance to date in the QS World University Rankings by Subject―with a record 28 subjects placed in the global top 10, among which seven are in the global top three. This broad-based recognition is a stellar testament to the talent and dedication of our faculty, researchers, staff, students and alumni,” said Professor Aaron Thean, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost.

“While rankings are one measure of excellence, this upward trajectory reflects our continued focus on delivering world-class education and driving research that creates real-world impact. It is heartening to see both our established strengths in areas like Engineering, Computing and Social Science, as well as significant progress in disciplines such as History, Environmental Sciences and Design, being recognised on the global stage.”

Seven subjects topping the leaderboard

Among the seven subjects in the global top three, five are in Engineering & Technology, underscoring NUS’ long-standing strength in the discipline. The University maintained its #3 global position in Social Policy & Administration and continued its upward momentum in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, climbing four places to enter the global top three.

Several NUS subjects recorded notable improvements to enter the global top 10 in 2026. Anatomy & Physiology and History both climbed eight places to rank 7th and 9th, respectively. Accounting & Finance rose two spots to 10th, while Communication & Media Studies and Sociology advanced four and five places respectively to secure 10^th position globally. 

Broad-based improvements across disciplines

NUS was ranked in 42 subjects, with 39 subjects placed in the global top 20 – up from 36 last year – reflecting sustained, broad-based excellence across disciplines. New entrants to the top 20 include Arts & Design and Dentistry, both ranked 19th, rising significantly from 30^th and 32^nd respectively in 2025.

Across the five broad subject areas in the QS WUR by Subject, NUS placed 8^th globally in both Engineering & Technology and Social Sciences & Management. NUS was also ranked 13th in Natural Sciences, 14th in Life Sciences & Medicine and 17th in Arts & Humanities.

NUS also recorded notable gains in the arts. Performing Arts rose significantly to 27^th globally (up from 44^th last year), while Music made its debut in the 26-50 band in the QS WUR by Subject.

Leading the pack in Asia and among the world’s most improved universities

The QS WUR by Subject is an independent comparative analysis of academic offerings by universities worldwide. This year’s edition evaluated more than 21,000 academic offerings from 1,912 institutions across 100 countries, spanning 55 academic disciplines and five broad subject areas.

Singapore continues to stand among the world’s leading higher education systems, with 42 academic offerings ranked in the global top 10 – the third highest globally, behind only the United States (US, 271) and the United Kingdom (UK, 171) and more than triple its closest regional competitor, China, with 15.

NUS is the leading institution in Asia and among the best globally, with the sixth highest number of top-three subject entries worldwide – and the highest outside the US and UK. It is also among the most improved institutions, with 35 of its 45 previously ranked subjects climbing the tables. Among the 53 subject and broad subject area entries from Singapore, NUS emerged as the top-ranked university locally in 46 entries.

For a second year, NAF will explore the theme Crossroads, delving deeper into encounters, intersections, and turning points that shape our existence. Running from 6 Feb to 17 Apr 2026, the festival features 28 programmes led by 33 student groups, making it the University’s largest arts event.

Using unconventional performance spaces

The move towards unconventional performance spaces reflects a broader shift in how the arts are being practised and experienced on the NUS campus. By situating programmes within high-traffic environments, NAF signals an intentional rethinking of where and how artistic encounters can take place. Gone are the days when the arts are confined to theatre halls and accessed only by ticket holders.

Ms Ebelle Chong, who heads the Centre for the Arts (CFA) team within the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), is a strong advocate of using the arts to build community and camaraderie. “Using YIH as an unconventional performance space is very much aligned with OSA's intention to bring the arts to the people. Creating works in non-theatre settings allows for greater opportunities for one to ‘accidentally walk in’ on a performance that might be a catalyst for growing an interest in the arts. The space at YIH allows for many possible interpretations and responses in terms of heritage, social interactions and architecture,” she said.

Exploring returning concepts

The decision to retain the Crossroads theme allows programmes that first appeared last year to evolve, offering their creators a second iteration to explore their subject matter in greater depth.

One such programme is Crossings: A Dance Dialogue on Love and Loss. Performed by NUS Dance Synergy, the programme made its debut at NUS University Town during NAF 2025. Like its predecessor, this year’s iteration invites audience members to move through the performance space alongside the dancers. By moving in tandem with the dancers, audience members become part of the narrative rather than passive observers.

This year, the performance will take place at the Level 2 Social Commons, a multi-purpose activity space characterised by six iconic arches, a heritage trademark of YIH, which was first built in 1977.

“The experience of rehearsing at YIH so far has been really fulfilling,” said Megan Neo, President of NUS Dance Synergy and second-year NUS Law student. “The architecture and colour scheme of the space create a sense of warmth and calm, with the arches and soft beige tones giving the environment a gentle, grounded quality. What stands out most is how many elements there are to work with — the stairs, pillars and seats are constantly present in our rehearsals and have become integral to the piece.”

Experimentation across different genres

Another returning programme is Four Blank Walls: Experiments in Sound (Edition 5), which made its debut in 2024 as part of third space, the campus-wide arts initiative. A site-responsive, improvisation-led sound showcase guided by artist Syafiq Halid, each edition of Four Blank Walls brings student artists who practise different genres together to co-create unique performances.

The latest iteration takes place at the Level 3 Atrium steps of YIH, another iconic location which has stood the test of time.

“Instead of being presented as a ‘full’ show that arts audiences are used to, this edition of Four Blank Walls is broken into three short pop-up performances of 20 to 40 minutes across three days,” explained River Chua, Programme Manager of Four Blank Walls. “Each day features a different experience with a different duo. The intention is to introduce site-specific sound and performance interventions that transform YIH into a small, temporary ‘lab’, where performers are challenged to engage deeply with their set conditions, rather than escaping them.”

Interacting with and involving the audience

Also happening at the Atrium is Upstairs, Downstairs, and In Between, a collaboration between NUS Angklung Ensemble and NUS Fingerstyle Guitar. Touted as an immersive auditory experience, the performance makes use of the acoustic properties of the high ceiling, stairway and open corners to create layered melodies.

Devanrio Geofendra Chandra, President of NUS Angklung Ensemble and second-year NUS College of Design and Engineering student, welcomed the opportunity to be amongst the first groups performing at YIH. 

“Performing in an open and accessible venue allows us to connect more naturally with passers-by and create a more inclusive musical experience. We’re excited to help shape YIH into a lively gathering point where students can experience diverse art forms, including a culturally rooted and heritage-rich art form like Angklung,” he said.

Upstairs, Downstairs, and In Between includes an interactive session with the audience, where they can learn basic playing techniques on the instruments and participate in a combined finale.

The two student arts groups will come together again for Open Strings, Shared Paths, which also takes place at YIH, this time at Level 2 Social Commons. Participants will join jamming circles led by NUS Fingerstyle Guitar players and learn to play simple tunes together.

“It is a refreshing change to the conventional spaces that we used to organise our shows at, moving out of the concert theatres into an outdoor location. We hope that this can kickstart more events at YIH and cement it as a vibrant hub for student life,” said Hong Zhi Qiang Paul, President of NUS Fingerstyle Guitar and second-year NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences student.

“NAF is a powerful opportunity to reintroduce YIH to current students and help them form core arts memories here — memories that will become part of their student experience,” added Ms Chong.

By NUS Office of Student Affairs

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Other site-specific programmes taking place at YIH as part of NAF 2026:

·       Cupid’s Craft Fair Vol. 2 by NUS Makers’ Alley

·       Eye of the Witness by NUS Electronic Music Lab in collaboration with NUS Resonance

A key platform driving this effort is the NUS Career Fest, a biannual flagship event organised by the Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG). Taking place from 10 to 12 February 2026 at the Stephen Riady Centre, NUS University Town, the February edition of NUS Career Fest is expected to bring together more than 300 employers across multiple sectors and over 9,000 students from across the University.

The event’s theme “From Gen Z to Gen AI: The Future's Not Predicted, It's Created” reflects how today’s graduates are entering a workforce where generational strengths such as creativity, adaptability and digital fluency intersect with the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI).

“Employers have consistently shared that in an AI-enabled workplace, human-centred soft skills are what differentiate candidates,” said Ms Joan Tay, Senior Director, CFG.

Meaningful engagement with industry players

Students attending NUS Career Fest 2026 can expect to engage a strong mix of AI-forward, high-growth, and future-focused employers, spanning technology, sustainability, finance, healthcare, public service, and research-intensive sectors. Employers at the fair will be recruiting for a wide range of roles, from summer internships and graduate programmes to entry-level positions designed to support long-term talent development.

Beyond recruitment, NUS Career Fest also facilitates meaningful engagement through industry talks, on-site curriculum vitae (CV) critiques and micro-coaching sessions by CFG Career Advisors, offering students timely insights into how hiring expectations are evolving and how they can better position themselves to potential employers.

“NUS Career Fest is an invaluable platform that effectively meets our recruitment needs by connecting us with top-tier talent and significantly enhances our company's brand visibility among students,” said Ms Hilda Tham, Campus Recruitment & Employer Branding Recruitment Marketing Executive, L'Oréal. “Engaging with NUS students is always a highlight, as they consistently impress us with their intellectual curiosity, strong analytical skills, proactive attitude, and a remarkable blend of academic excellence with real-world preparedness.”

Strengthening human-centred soft skills

Recognising that effective career preparation begins well before students meet employers, NUS Career Fest is complemented by a curated suite of pre- and post-event workshops. Pre-event workshops such as Create a High-Impact Personal Brand (21 January), delivered in collaboration with NUSOne, guided students in articulating their strengths, values, and experiences with clarity and authenticity. Meanwhile, Gen AI Hacks: Supercharge Your Career Journey (21 January), introduced practical and responsible ways to leverage generative AI tools in career exploration, job applications and interview preparation.

Students seeking early-career opportunities, benefitted from sessions such as Network Smart, Pitch Confidently: Your Strategy for Landing the First Role (28 January) which equipped them with valuable tools to build meaningful connections and speak with clarity and confidence, while those considering research pathways gained insights from The PhD Experience: Challenges, Growth, and Life Beyond Academia (5 February), co-organised with the NUS Graduate School.

A year-round ecosystem of support

NUS Career Fest is one touchpoint within CFG’s broader, year-round ecosystem of career support, which includes personalised career coaching, structured career roadmaps, employer engagement initiatives and experiential learning opportunities. Together, these resources help students sustain momentum beyond individual events and make informed decisions at each stage of their career journey.

For many students, this integrated support provides both reassurance and a strategic approach to navigate an increasingly complex career landscape. “CFG’s support has been instrumental in my career preparation journey. Through Career Advisory sessions, I was able to identify industries that aligned closely with my interests and skill set, enabling a more focused and effective job search. The resume, cover letter and interview workshops strengthened my application materials and enhanced my overall readiness. Participating in the How to Ace Your Assessment Centre workshop, including a mock assessment centre, further built my confidence and preparedness for actual assessment centres encountered during the recruitment process,” said Dineru Priyalal Premasinghe, a Year 4 student at the NUS College of Design and Engineering. 

Students can continue building on their Career Fest experience through post-event workshops such as Harnessing Strengths for Workplace Success (26 February), Managing Job Offers and Salary Negotiation (13 March), and Mastering Presence and Charisma as an Introverted Professional (17 March), among others.

To view the full line-up of employers at NUS Career Fest 2026 and register for the event and upcoming workshops, visit: https://nus.edu.sg/cfg/nuscareerfest.  

By NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates

Prof Tan, NUS’ fourth President, has been the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Chief Health Scientist and concurrently Executive Director of the Ministry’s Office for Healthcare Transformation since 2018. At the ministry, he works with the healthcare and government sectors as well as industry and community partners to identify future-oriented concepts and care models to enhance patient care and ensure its cost-effectiveness and sustainability. He also guides the ministry’s research and development agenda, particularly in the health and biomedical sciences. 

Prof Tan has been a key figure at critical moments in Singapore’s public health. As Director of Medical Services at MOH, he oversaw the ministry’s battle against the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, receiving the Public Service Star in 2003 for his exemplary leadership. More recently, he was appointed member of the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination in 2020, which advises the government on Singapore’s vaccination strategy.

In 2018, Prof Tan was conferred the title of University Professor, the highest academic appointment accorded by NUS. He was recognised for serving the University with distinction – first as Provost and Senior Deputy President between 2004 and 2008, and subsequently as President from 2008 to 2017. In its citation, the University placed on record initiatives he spearheaded that helped NUS become one of the world’s leading universities with a reputation for innovative global education and world-class research. These included the opening of University Town, the expansion of NUS Overseas Colleges, and the growth of the University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Also lauded for his distinguished contributions was Mr Pillai, former Chairman of the Indian Heritage Centre Advisory Board.

Mr Pillai is known for playing a leading role in fostering Singapore-India relations, both as an investor in India and through his work as the founding Chairman of the NUS Institute of South Asian Studies from 2004 to 2021. Under his leadership, the institute has become one of the most influential think-tanks focusing on South Asia through initiatives such as the South Asian Diaspora Convention, which featured senior political and business personalities. For his efforts in advancing Singapore-India relations, Mr Pillai was conferred the Padma Shri Award by the Indian government in 2012.

A veteran diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Pillai has served as ambassador-at-large and was Singapore’s longest-serving Non-Resident Ambassador to Iran.

Rounding up the recipients of this year’s most prestigious National Day Award is Mr Lee, Chairman of the Public Service Commission since 2018.

A former member of the NUS Council and later, NUS Board of Trustees (2004 to 2010), Mr Lee was Chairman of Shell in Singapore until his retirement in 2014. He was conferred the NUS Outstanding Service Award in 2016. Mr Lee’s involvement with the Institute of Policy Studies started when he was invited to sit on the institute’s Board of Governors in 2002, a position he held until 2007. Since then, he has served as member of its Academic Panel from 2012 to 2018, and is currently a member of the S R Nathan Fellowship Committee.

The Meritorious Service Medal, the second-highest award this year, went to Dr Andrew Phang Boon Leong, Justice of the Court of Appeal and Chair of the NUS Law Advisory Council.

Several members of the NUS Board of Trustees also received awards. The Public Service Star went to Mr Chaly Mah, who is also Chairman of the Singapore Tourism Board, and Dr Sudha Nair, who is also a member of the Public Service Commission. Mr Lai Chung Han, Permanent Secretary for Education at the Ministry of Education, received the Public Administration Medal (Gold).