Shanghai Ranking 2026: Toulouse Capitole University’s performance contributes to France’s scientific standing

This trend illustrates the growing visibility of French research against a backdrop of particularly intense international scientific competition.
 

Toulouse Capitole University is one of the French institutions recognised in the Shanghai Ranking. In the 2026 edition of the overall ranking, it is placed in the 401–500 bracket of the world’s best universities, confirming its position amongst the 500 highest-ranked institutions internationally.

This recognition is based, in particular, on a commitment to excellence in a number of fields, including law, economics, management, mathematics, political science, computer science, public administration, languages and communication. The University currently has seven research units and more than 770 academic staff and researchers, who contribute each year to scientific output that is recognised both in France and internationally.

It also reflects the institution’s strategy, which places scientific excellence, international outreach and the impact of research at the heart of its mission.

One of the most iconic achievements of the University of Toulouse Capitole is that of its constituent institution, the Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
In the Shanghai Ranking by subject, published in November 2025, the University of Toulouse Capitole, thanks to TSE, was ranked 15th in the world for economics. It thus remains the top institution in France and continental Europe in this subject.
This achievement places Toulouse Capitole University amongst the world’s leading institutions in the field of economics. It reflects the quality and visibility of the research carried out over several decades and, through the publications and scientific impact of its research teams, contributes to the University’s overall performance in the Shanghai General Ranking.

Beyond the rankings achieved, these results highlight the ability of Toulouse Capitole University, alongside the University of Toulouse, to produce and disseminate high-calibre research addressing major contemporary societal challenges.
The Shanghai Ranking is based primarily on research-related indicators: scientific accolades, the most-cited researchers, publications in high-impact journals and the scientific performance of institutions.For the Toulouse Capitole University, this international recognition complements other accolades received in major international rankings and reaffirms its ambition: to make research a driving force for understanding and transforming society, for the benefit of students, socio-economic stakeholders and the local region.

The momentum continues: through its researchers, research organisations and constituent institutions, Toulouse Capitole University intends to continue strengthening its scientific influence and its position within the international academic landscape.