A record 48 Pakistani universities have earned a spot in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, marking a major achievement for the nation’s higher education sector. Out of 99 institutions evaluated, this milestone reflects Pakistan’s growing global academic presence and its ongoing commitment to improving research and teaching standards.
Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) leads the Pakistani contingent, ranking in the 401–500 band globally, followed by the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), COMSATS University Islamabad, and Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). These universities have maintained consistent performance in research output, innovation, and international collaboration.
The 2026 rankings show a noticeable improvement in citation impact and academic partnerships among Pakistani institutions, underscoring the country’s dedication to enhancing education quality and global engagement.
On the global scale, the University of Oxford continues its reign at the top for the tenth consecutive year, followed by Princeton University, while China’s top institutions, Tsinghua and Peking University, continue to rise through their exceptional research performance.
The participation of 48 Pakistani universities in these prestigious rankings represents a step forward for Pakistan’s education system, signaling progress in achieving world-class learning environments and global recognition for local academic excellence.
