Montpellier University still ranks highly in the 2025 Shanghai subject rankings

[Press release] - Published on December 8, 2025 in Press room

In August 2025, the University of Montpellier consolidated its place among the world's top 200 universities in the Shanghai General Ranking. The thematic ranking has just been published. UM appears seven times in the top 100 (five in 2024). Once again, these excellent results demonstrate its ability to meet international standards of excellence in research and education in the key areas it promotes with its partners: feeding, caring for, and protecting people.

Published in November by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, this international ranking analyzes and ranks the world's best universities according to a list of academic subjects. More than 50 subjects (within five major sectors: natural sciences, engineering sciences, life sciences, medical sciences, and social sciences) are listed. Based on performance criteria such as scientific publications, their impact, international dimension, and quality of research, as well as international prizes and awards, this ranking places the University of Montpellier among the world's top 200 universities for the^eighth consecutive year.

Montpellier University ranks among the world's top 100 in seven subject areas 

This new edition of the Shanghai thematic ranking confirms the University of Montpellier's position among the most internationally recognized institutions in many fields. Ecology occupies a prominent place, ranking^14th worldwide and 1st in France.

National leadership also in the fields of robotics and water resources, both of which rank in the top 75 worldwide, with agricultural sciences coming in second place in France. These results illustrate the strength of the areas of expertise for which the institution is particularly renowned.

The global top 100 also recognizes Montpellier for remote sensing (top 4 nationally), statistics, and oceanography (both in the top 5 nationally). The latter has made significant progress since 2024, when it was ranked in the top 150. Other disciplines, such as food science and technology (ranked 2nd nationally) and chemistry, remain in the world's top 150, confirming the diversity and strength of the university's centers of excellence.

"I am delighted to see that, once again this year, the University of Montpellier ranks among the world's top-performing institutions in several major disciplines. The changes observed in the Shanghai 2025 thematic ranking demonstrate the strength and continuity of our scientific excellence, which is the result of our ongoing commitment to working alongside research organizations as part of our I-SITE program. These results are above all a reflection of the talent, hard work, and remarkable dedication of our teachers, Professors, and Professors, whom I would like to warmly congratulate " said Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier.

The University of Montpellier has also distinguished itself in a number of international rankings.

In addition to this ranking, UM has consolidated its position in the THE Impact Ranking, which measures the commitment and performance of higher education institutions in terms of sustainable development. In its^7th edition, UM maintains its first place among French institutions and ranks among the 101-200 best institutions worldwide for its long-standing commitment to sustainable development.

The University of Montpellier maintains its status in the CWTS Leiden Ranking. This ranking, which provides important information on the scientific performance of over 1,500 major universities worldwide, is based on scientific publications and their citations. In the 2024 world ranking, the University of Montpellier once again confirms its scientific influence at both national and international level, with a^4th place in France (first provincial university) and a ^203rd place worldwide.