The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 are here, but there’s something missing from the methodology – the students themselves.
Though the organisation’s ranking can tell you which universities have the highest institutional income or research influence, it gives little insight into the actual student experience at the world’s top institutions.
To rectify that, we’ve looked into student review data on EDUopinions to find out what students really say about their universities. Do they actually recommend their institutions? And what would the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings look like if only students had their say?
How we created The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027: Decided by Students
The THE World University Rankings are an annual ranking of 2,297 global institutions. For our student-focused version, we’ve focused only on European universities that have ranked among the global top 50: a total of 14 universities.
The following rankings are based on verified and approved student reviews of each of the 14 universities posted between 1st January 2025 and 1st October 2026. Three of these were excluded for having fewer than 5 student reviews (University of Heidelberg, Imperial College London, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne).
Universities have been ranked according to the average overall rating given by reviewers. Where universities tie for average rating (for example, London School of Economics and ETH Zürich), the ranking has been decided by the average rating of all individual factors (accommodation, professors, location etc.).
Additionally, we’ve noted each university’s original THE 2027 global ranking, so you can see where they sit based on a more traditional ranking methodology.
THE World University Rankings: EDUopinions Version
11. Delft University of Technology – TU Delft (overall rating: 4.08/5 | THE 2027: 50th)
TU Delft is known for its top-class engineering, architecture and design programmes, with particular strengths in aerospace and water management – a natural specialism in a country that has spent centuries working with the sea. Learning is hands-on, the student community is international, and many master’s programmes are taught in English – all factors that make this one of the best-rated universities in the Netherlands on EDUopinions. In fact, TU Delft climbs three spots in our student-focused ranking.
Student Review – Adult Nursing
Amazing opportunity to review TU Delft, great heart-warming university, great people and such a cozy place to study.
This is the one and only university where I felt welcomed by everyone, the studies they offer have a long range of variety aswell
Student Review – aerospace engineering
Mechanical Engineering at TU Delft is a broad programme with lots of different subjects. The facilities and campus of TU Delft are nice. Teachers and professors are excellent. Only downside is the lack of personal guidance, because the huge amount of mechanical engineering students.
10. The University of Edinburgh (4.09/5 | THE 2027: =29th)
The University of Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s ancient universities, set in a capital city famous for its festivals and buzzing student scene. Edinburgh is particularly strong in areas like medicine, AI and the humanities, and THE gives it a score of 95.2 for international outlook, so expect classmates from all over the world. EDUopinions reviewers are equally positive about the university; though it drops a few places in our ranking, the university earns high scores for location (4.82) and student life (4.45).
Student Review – Artificial Intelligence
The course structure, the faculty members and the facilities are excellent. I studied AI, and I had 24-hour access to any lab/high-end machine with my university card. The library is huge and has excellent collections of books. The campus is mix of old and new buildings with a feeling of 17th century Scotland. The activities you can enroll as a student is wide and varying.
Student Review – Health policy
The university is based in a beautiful city providing a wonderful, rich cultural experience. It can be expensive and it is a little limited on ethnic diversity though; which is a shame. As the university itself it is resting on prestige without putting in imput to drive improvements in the student experience. My programme fell short of expectations, and I wouldn’t recommend it.
9. KU Leuven (4.21/5 | THE 2027: =45th)
KU Leuven, one of Belgium’s oldest and largest universities, manages to climb two spots in our student-led version of the THE World University Rankings. In addition to a strong academic heritage, much of its appeal for students is in the location – Leuven is a lively, bike-friendly student town, just a short train ride from Brussels, and reviewers give it a 4.42 for location.
Student Review – Engineering/Technology
The academic side at KU Leuven was absolutely amazing but there was too little time to do anything else. I studied Electronics engineering and the couse-works was very extensive. There was mot much social activities inside the university but there were a few by Erasmus committee. Overall, It was a great experience.
Student Review – International Business and Law
The staff and organization of KU Leuven is quite good. Course schedule are quite intensive for one year master, the time flies really fast when you realize it. But it is good for learning knowledge and skill, you can learn a lot from classes and peers.
8. Technical University of Munich (4.25/5 | THE 2027: 25th)
Technical University of Munich is Germany’s top-ranked university in THE’s 2027 table, but on EDUopinions, the school’s rating of 4.25 means it drops two places, becoming the second-best German university in the top 50. Its science and engineering focus, plus Munich’s strong job market, helps explain a perfect score from THE for industry connections, and our reviewers agree, giving it a 4.25 for career prospects.
Student Review – Electrical Engineering
TUM offers excellent engineering and research programs, modern campuses, and strong industry connections. Munich is exciting but costly. Competitive, international, and career-focused. Top choice.!! really good
Student Review – Civil engineering
Studying at the Technical University of Munich has been academically challenging but very rewarding. The professors are knowledgeable, and the research opportunities are excellent. While administrative processes can be slow, the university offers strong industry connections and great career prospects. Overall, it’s a great place for ambitious students who value high-quality education.
7. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (4.29/5 | THE 2027: 41st)
Known as LMU, this Munich institution overtakes TU Munich to become the best-rated German university, climbing three spots overall. With no strict specialism, it’s a true all-rounder, offering everything from humanities and law to economics and medicine across 18 faculties. With around 34,000 students in the heart of Bavaria’s capital, LMU offers tradition, variety and a vibrant city life – reviewers score the university 4.43 for student life.
Student Review – Applied Statistics
The „campus“ is distributed all over Munich.. so it’s not the traditional „campus-life“. But it has its own flavor. There are lots of activities going on besides studying. Everything is very well organized.
Student Review – History
Studying History at LMU let’s you choose between a lot of different areas of study, from different epochs and regions. The various libraries and archives/institutions offer a opportunities to research in depth and build up a network for later career steps.
The only thing that could be better is to have more books and articles accessible online, subscriptions only cover a part of the content of large databases like Jstor.
6. University College London (4.42/5 | THE 2027: =17th)
University College London‘s iconic Bloomsbury campus puts you in the middle of central London, and its connections to the city’s job market is part of the reason the university climbed back into THE’s top 20 this year for the first time since 2022. Our reviewers are just as impressed with the academic quality and student life at this historic London institution – it receives high scores for facilities (4.38), internationality (4.77), and student life (4.5). Overall, it’s a great fit if you want world-class teaching, a huge choice of subjects and a big, global city on your doorstep.
Student Review – Economics
Loved my years at UCL, the education was outstanding and you will be surrounded by many smart people that are going to challenge what you think.
I came as an international student and found a community at UCL who never made me feel alone. The campus location is amazing to experience London. The professors were also great and knowledgeable
Student Review – Administration
My experience at the university was overall very positive. The course content is up to date, and the professors show strong knowledge of their subjects, while also being approachable and open to discussion. Classes require dedication but contribute significantly to both academic and professional growth.
One of the things I appreciated most was the diverse and welcoming environment, with people from different cultures, making the experience more enriching. On the other hand, administrative processes could be more organized and efficient, especially regarding deadlines and communication.
Despite these points, I believe the university provides a good overall experience and a solid education. I would recommend it, especially for those who value an international environment and want to grow academically.
5. King’s College London (4.43/5 | THE 2027: 40th)
London universities are well represented in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings – but they get even better scores in our student ranking. King’s College London, another centrally-located institution, rises four places in our ranking, with an overall rating just shy of 4.5. The university has particular strengths in health and life sciences, law, and the humanities, and offers outstanding learning facilities (reviewers give it a 4.5 facilities rating) and vibrant location.
Student Review – education
I really enjoyed my time at King’s College London. I liked the supportive professors, interesting courses, and the diverse international community. Sometimes administrative processes were a bit slow, but overall the experience was great. I would definitely recommend it to other students.
Student Review – Philosophy
There is a very high academic level and discussions in seminars are fruitful. There is also a vibrant community and social life, however, being a non-UK student you can find it harder to assimilate. There are fewer contact hours than expected and so as a student the burden falls more on you to seek out professors for advice.
4. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (4.5/5 | THE 2027: 12th)
ETH Zürich isn’t only the highest-ranked Swiss university in the THE ranking – it’s also the highest-ranked university in continental Europe. Of course, it’s easy to see why; ETH Zürich can name over 20 Nobel laureates among its graduates, and receives high scores from THE for its research environment and reputation. As a result, students can expect rigorous, research-led teaching in fields ranging from engineering to architecture, in one of the world’s most liveable cities – our reviewers give the university a 4.8 for value and 4.5 for student life.
Student Review – Computer Science
It’s a great place to study if you value a good education and good additional student programs in your spare time. There is ASVZ, which offers a wide variety of sports for free to any student, theres VSETH, the student association that makes sure that the work life balance stays in tact and helps you with all your problems, and their “sub” associations that offer specific help and events depending on your field of studies.
Student Review – Computer Science
The university offers a very high quality education. However, this comes with a very high workload as student.
The Master level courses always have a practical aspect to them, too, thus also giving some hands on experience.
There is a wide variety of very active student associations that make sure you have great opportunities for affordable pricing. From fun over party to company connections, they offer everything.
3. London School of Economics and Political Science (4.5/5 | THE 2027: 47th)
While ETH Zürich and the London School of Economics (LSE) may have received the same overall rating, LSE places higher in our ranking due to its higher individual ratings. In particular, students give the university high scores for location (4.79), internationality (4.71), and facilities (4.57). The school’s positive reputation among real students means that it climbs a hefty nine positions compared to the THE ranking (in fact, THE has just returned LSE to the top 50 after a five-year slide).
Student Review – Economics, Politics and International Studies
It has been a rewarding adventure, offering a supportive learning environment. The lecturers are extremely knowledgeable approachable. The lessons did not only equip one with theory but also real life experience, which prepares the student fully for the real world.
This university’s commitment to research and innovation stood out. What can point out to future prospective students is that the facilities such as libraries, labs and online resources are world class.
Student Review – Administration and Social policy
Overall, I had a positive experience in this programme. The lecturers were knowledgeable and approachable, and the coursework provided a good balance between theory and practical application. What stood out most was the supportive learning environment and the opportunity to develop skills that are relevant to real-world situations. While there were some challenging modules, the experience was rewarding and helped me grow both academically and professionally. I would recommend this programme to students looking for a solid and engaging educational experience.
2. University of Oxford (4.6/5 | THE 2027: 1st)
The University of Oxford may have taken the top spot in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (as it has for the last 11 years), but it has to settle for second place in our student-led ranking. Nevertheless, it still garners positive reviews from students, with a strong overall rating of 4.6 out of 5, and strong individual ratings in professors (4.45) and value (4.6). The school’s unique college system offers a close-knit community within a global university, and its location means London is just a short train ride away.
Student Review – psychology
I have absolutely loved my first year at the University of Oxford! It has been a surreal experience, like that you would get at no other university, and although challenging at times, was all worth it.
One of the best things about Oxford is the college system – you are assigned to a college which is where you live, eat, attend tutorials (classes) etc. This means that you really feel like you are part of a community within your college and makes it so much easier to make friends.
Obviously Oxford is an academic challenge, and I have definitely had to do so much more work than any friends at any other universities (1-2 essays and a statistics assignment a week, involving long reading lists as a psychology student). You have to be interested in your subject, dedicated, focused and put in the work – it’s not going to be easy. But you can also have a life outside of work as well – I have joined many societies, sports and also have a full social life as well!
Student Review – Computer Science
Studying at Oxford is a great experience. The courses are challenging, but the quality of education is top-notch. The professors are real experts in their fields and always push you to do your best.
The libraries and campus facilities are excellent, and the student community is very welcoming. The workload can be heavy, but it is definitely worth it for anyone looking for a strong education. I highly recommend it!
1. University of Cambridge (4.72/5 | THE 2027: 5th)
It’s little surprise that of all the universities to knock Oxford off the top spot, it’s the University of Cambridge that tops our student-rated ranking. Founded in 1209, this historic university has a reputation for nurturing the world’s greatest thinkers, especially in fields like physics, philosophy, and literature. EDUopinions reviewers rate Cambridge slightly better than Oxford for career prospects – students benefit from the nearby ‘Silicon Fen’ tech cluster, as well as close links to London companies.
Student Review – Law
Studying Law at the University of Cambridge has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The course is academically challenging, but the teaching is exceptional, particularly through the supervision system, where small-group sessions with academic experts provide personalised feedback and encourage critical thinking. The Faculty of Law is home to world-leading academics, making lectures both engaging and intellectually stimulating. Beyond academics, there are countless opportunities to get involved in mooting, student societies, networking events, and college life, creating a well-rounded university experience. While the workload is demanding, the support available and the skills you develop make it an experience I would highly recommend.
Student Review – Applied Computer Science
Cambridge was intense but inspiring. Long nights in historic libraries, challenging lectures, and brilliant peers made it unforgettable. I learned a lot, but the workload was relentless. overall pretty good.
Conclusion
What happens when students have their say in a university ranking? Well, the very top hardly changes: Oxford and Cambridge still lead, proving their international reputation as academic powerhouses. Further down, though, it gets more interesting.
London institutions are the winners among students: The London School of Economics jumps nine places and King’s College London climbs four. Meanwhile, LMU overtakes TU Munich as Germany’s best university.
As our results show, while traditional university rankings are a useful starting point when making a university decision, but they only tell part of the story. Student reviews show what everyday life is really like, from lectures to location, and that can help you choose with confidence.
Have you studied at one of the universities on this ranking? Write a review about your experience and help future students make a more confident, informed decision on where to study.
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