PETALING JAYA: Universiti Malaya (UM) has climbed two spots to 58th place in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026.
This latest achievement cements its position as Malaysia’s top university, and the only Malaysian institution in the global top 100.
The country’s oldest university, which ranks 16th in Asia, also leads nationally in five of the nine QS indicators, notably placing 58th for Academic Reputation and 40th for Employer Reputation.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia came in second, rising 12 spots from 138th to 126th.
In third place, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia tied at 134th globally after climbing 14 and 12 spots, respectively.
Rounding out Malaysia’s institutions in the global top 200 is Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, which jumped 28 spots to place 153rd.
In the top 300, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) rose 18 places to secure 251st, making it the highest-ranking private institution in Malaysia, followed by Taylor’s University at 253rd and UCSI University at 269th.
Meanwhile, Sunway University and Universiti Utara Malaysia climbed into the top 500, placing 410th and 491st, respectively.
In total, 10 Malaysian universities are now ranked in the top 500 – up from eight last year.
UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the university is expanding its global presence by attracting top talent worldwide to drive positive change.
“With programmes such as postdoctoral offerings, grants and global partnerships with key countries and institutions, the university continues its unwavering drive to be among the world’s best,” he said.
UTP president Mohamed Firouz Asnan said this latest global recognition strengthens the university’s resolve to become not only Malaysia’s leading university, but also a world-class, hyper-focused, cutting-edge engineering institution anchored in societal impact, sustainability and industry-driven innovation.
Meanwhile, Taylor’s University vice-chancellor and president Prof Barry Winn said the university is expanding its student community, investing in staff, and strengthening innovation and partnerships to help solve global issues and contribute to nation-building.
UCSI University vice-chancellor Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir said the university’s milestone reflects its commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, global engagement and consequential graduate outcomes.
Sunway University president and vice-chancellor Prof Sibrandes Poppema said the university is committed to sustaining its momentum and continuing to contribute meaningfully to Malaysia and the global community.
SEGi University achieved Malaysia’s highest rank in any individual indicator, placing 13th globally in International Students Ratio – the third-highest ranking in Asia.
A total of 32 Malaysian higher education institutions were ranked this year, of which 19 rose, five remained stable in their ranks, five featured for the first time, and three dropped.
Malaysia also achieved the world’s highest rate of improvement with 70% of its 32 institutions rising in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
In a statement, QS said Malaysia outperformed the global average in five indicators, most notably in International Student Ratio.
“Malaysia also improved overall in five indicators, most prominently in Academic Reputation and International Research Network. It dropped overall in four indicators, with the sharpest drop seen in Employment Outcomes,” it said.
The full 22nd edition of the rankings, released yesterday, can be found at https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings.
