The Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) defend their leading position in Germany in the QS World University Ranking 2026. TUM remains unchallenged in first place, with LMU following in second place in the national comparison. In the global ranking, TUM makes a remarkable leap from 28th place to 22nd place, making it the number one within the European Union for the first time - a historic success. LMU also slightly improves and now ranks 58th (previously 59th).

Other Bavarian universities are also making progress: FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg is ranked 232nd (up from 224th the previous year), the University of Würzburg is at 416th (up from 428th the previous year), Bayreuth at 448th (up from 527th the previous year), and Regensburg at 691st (up from 741st the previous year).

Minister of Science Markus Blume appreciates the successes as evidence of Bavaria's long-term science policy, strategic talent promotion, and efficient framework conditions - both essential factors for success.