NUS was ranked among the world's 10 best universities in eight subjects including Environmental Sciences, Architecture, Chemistry and Materials Science in this year's Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject. The University is also among the world's top five universities in Civil and Structural Engineering, coming in at fifth position.
Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, said that the University's performance reaffirms its strong expertise in areas such as engineering and technology, natural sciences, and social sciences and management. "We will continue to deepen our efforts in delivering quality education and engaging in cutting-edge research, and strive towards creating distinct value for Singapore, the region and beyond," he added.
A full list of the eight subject areas where NUS emerged within the top 10 universities is as follows:
| Subject | World Ranking 2017 |
| Architecture/Built Environment | 9 |
| Chemistry | 7 |
| Computer Science & Information Systems | 10 |
| Engineering - Chemical | 8 |
| Engineering - Civil & Structural | 5 |
| Environmental Sciences | 9 |
| Materials Science | 8 |
| Statistics & Operational Research | 8 |
NUS was also ranked top in Asia for the following 16 subjects:
- Architecture / Built Environment
- English Language & Literature
- Computer Science & Information Systems
- Engineering - Civil & Structural
- Nursing
- Chemistry
- Geography
- Environmental Sciences
- Mathematics
- Business & Management Studies
- Communication & Media Studies
- Economics & Econometrics
- Law
- Politics & International Studies
- Sociology
- Statistics & Operational Research
The University was ranked in 36 subjects, with 26 subjects making it to the global top 20. NUS also achieved 35 top-50 finishes, making it the joint-highest number achieved by any Asian university alongside the University of Tokyo.
The subject areas considered for the Rankings span across engineering and technology, natural sciences, arts and humanities, social sciences and management, as well as life sciences and medicine. QS added four new subjects this year - Anatomy & Physiology; Hospitality & Leisure Management; Sports-related Subjects; and Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies, bringing the total number of subjects measured for the Rankings to 46.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject has been published annually since 2011 and is based on academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.
