The results confirm Hertie’s academic excellence by ranking it among the top universities in Germany in Politics and in Social Policy and Administration.
The Hertie School secures leading positions in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject. In the newly released rankings, the Hertie School receives top marks, making it among the highest-ranked universities in Germany for Politics and for Social Policy & Administration. Two categories that particularly stand out are “Academic Reputation” and “Citations per Paper”, where the Hertie School received outstanding scores.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject are among the most widely respected university assessments globally, offering key insights into academic excellence and institutional reputation.
Cornelia Woll: Results reflect our dedication to high-impact research
“The results underscore our dedication to addressing global challenges through high-impact research and an innovative approach to education,” said Cornelia Woll, President of the Hertie School.
“In a fractured world, we are privileged to attract top-tier faculty and students who are eager to shape the future. The QS ranking confirms the top positions the Hertie School has achieved recently in other rankings such as the Shanghai Global Subjects Ranking and the German CHE ranking.”
A leading institution in Germany
This is the first time the Hertie School has taken part in the QS rankings, which features 1,758 universities, including 171 new institutions added in 2025 alone. This year’s rankings are particularly competitive, with over 400 universities included in the Politics & International Studies category and 150 universities ranked for Social Policy & Administration.
Hertie has placed among the top four universities in Germany in Social Policy and Administration and among the top seven in Politics. The QS rankings account for various indicators, including “Academic Reputation”, in which Hertie has ranks second in Germany in both subjects. The research excellence of the Hertie School faculty in Social Policy and Administration is demonstrated by “Citations Per Paper”, in which Hertie School ranks first in Germany and 4th worldwide.
About the QS World University Rankings by Subject
The QS World University Rankings by Subject provide a comprehensive evaluation of universities globally, helping students make informed decisions about their education. The rankings are based on extensive data, including insights from over 151,000 academics and 100,000 employers, as well as an analysis of 16.4 million academic papers. They assess key factors that matter most to students, such as teaching quality, research opportunities, global partnerships, and student experience.
For the full results of the rankings, visit the QS University Rankings by Subject page.