Best Universities for Physics, Chemistry, and Maths Degrees in 2025: Top 10 Rankings
Choosing the right university for a degree in physical sciences is crucial for a strong academic foundation and career prospects. The latest Times Higher Education World Subject Rankings have identified the top institutions excelling in physics, chemistry, and mathematics worldwide. These rankings assess universities based on teaching, research, research influence, and international outlook.
Top 10 Universities for Physics, Chemistry, and Maths in 2025
1. California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA
Renowned for its strong focus on science and technology, Caltech offers exceptional programmes in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The faculty includes multiple Nobel laureates, and the university operates NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, contributing significantly to space exploration and scientific advancements. Physics is one of the most popular subjects, with courses covering astrophysics, quantum mechanics, and particle physics.
2. Harvard University, USA
Harvard provides a flexible curriculum for science students, allowing them to combine physics, chemistry, or maths with other disciplines. Undergraduate students get opportunities to conduct independent research and work as teaching assistants. The university is known for cutting-edge research in quantum optics, relativity, and high-energy physics. Harvard’s inclusive academic community fosters collaboration and innovation among students and faculty.
3. Stanford University, USA
At Stanford, nearly half of all undergraduates take at least one physics course during their studies. The university offers diverse programmes, including a chemical physics track for students with strong backgrounds in physics and mathematics. Stanford also encourages participation in maths competitions and research projects. Its PhD programmes in physical sciences are among the most prestigious, often taking six years to complete.
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
MIT’s Department of Physics is one of the largest in the world, with 75 faculty members and nearly 600 students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university has produced multiple Nobel Prize winners in physics and chemistry. MIT emphasises technology-enabled active learning in physics courses and integrates maths and applied sciences into interdisciplinary research.
5. Princeton University, USA
Princeton’s Department of Physics is known for its rigorous approach to scientific training, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on research. The chemistry department follows a similar structure, where undergraduate students engage in independent research projects. Mathematics courses cover advanced topics such as number theory, probability, and computational modelling. The university has strong links to international scientific research networks.
6. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), USA
Berkeley offers a variety of physical science majors, including applied mathematics, astrophysics, physics, and statistics. The university is home to the Berkeley Science Network, which provides mentoring and networking opportunities for students in STEM fields. UC Berkeley has a strong research focus, particularly in areas such as quantum computing, renewable energy, and computational physics.
7. University of Cambridge, UK
Cambridge has a rich history in the physical sciences, with alumni including Isaac Newton, James Clerk Maxwell, and Stephen Hawking. The university offers a broad natural sciences course, allowing students to specialise in physics, chemistry, or maths from their second year. The Cavendish Laboratory is a key research centre, producing significant discoveries in modern physics.
8. University of Oxford, UK
Oxford provides multiple physics degree options, including a three-year BA, a four-year MPhys, and an interdisciplinary MPhysPhil. The university offers a DPhil programme (equivalent to a PhD) in various fields, such as astrophysics, atomic and laser physics, and theoretical physics. Oxford also has one of the most challenging mathematics programmes, covering set theory, topology, and quantum mechanics.
9. ETH Zurich, Switzerland
ETH Zurich is one of Europe’s leading science and technology universities. It is located in Switzerland, home to the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in materials science, theoretical physics, and computational chemistry. More than 20 Nobel laureates, including Albert Einstein, have been associated with ETH Zurich.
10. National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
NUS is the only Asian university in the top 10 rankings for physical sciences. It offers ten undergraduate science majors, including physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The Undergraduate Professional Internship Programme provides students with industry experience in research institutions and tech companies. NUS has a strong global reputation for applied physics, quantum research, and mathematical modelling.
Conclusion
The US dominates the rankings, with six out of the top ten universities. The UK’s Oxford and Cambridge, Switzerland’s ETH Zurich, and NUS in Singapore are the other institutions making a mark. With increasing research opportunities and interdisciplinary programmes, these universities are shaping the future of physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
For students aspiring to excel in physical sciences, selecting one of these top-ranked institutions ensures access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and global career opportunities.