PETALING JAYA: Universiti Malaya (UM) remains the most represented Malaysian university in this year’s QS World University Rankings by subject.
The 2026 edition of the global university rankings sees the country’s premier university leading with 40 ranked narrow subject entries, five ranked broad subject areas and 18 subjects in the global top 100.
Its most significant milestone is UM’s debut in Petroleum Engineering at 34th globally, which is also its highest-ranked subject.
The university also climbed from 113th to 93rd in Mathematics due to gains in international research collaboration, marking Malaysia’s highest ever rank in the subject.
In Computer Science and Information Systems, UM continues to lead the nation, ranking 86th globally and remaining the only Malaysian university in the global top 100.
UM has also strengthened its position in Business and Management Studies, improving to 104th globally while maintaining its status as Malaysia’s top-ranked institution in the field.
Its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman, said in a world of technological disruptions and global uncertainty, universities must lead with clarity and purpose.
“UM will continue to fulfil its national responsibilities while embracing its global obligations to humanity – advancing knowledge, fostering new strategic collaborations and contributing meaningful solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Looking ahead, he said the university remains firmly committed to pushing boundaries and shaping the future.
Meanwhile, UCSI University has recorded the most entries within the top 50 with four subjects ranked.
These include Music (24th), Performing Arts (24th) and Hospitality (47th).
It also rose significantly in Art and Design, climbing to 29th from last year’s top 150 placing.
UCSI University has also made an encouraging debut in the field of Marketing, placing in the 51-100 bracket.
Its president and vice-chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir, said the strong performance is the result of years of hard work.
“I’m very encouraged to see UCSI flying high in the latest rankings – Malaysian universities were placed in the top 30 for six subjects, and UCSI made it for three of them,” she said.
The University of Cyberjaya has been ranked in the 101–150 band globally for Art and Design.
Its vice-chancellor Prof Dr David Whitford said the recognition is a testament to the progress made in strengthening their academic offerings and ensuring they remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
“The inclusion of our Art and Design programme demonstrates our commitment to nurturing creative talent that is not only technically proficient but also adaptable and responsive to industry needs,” he said.
Universiti Teknologi Petronas is now Malaysia’s highest-ranking institution and the country’s only top 10 position, rising from 16th to ninth in Petroleum Engineering.
Another institution to enter the top 50 is Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Architecture/Built Environment.
Universiti Sains Malaysia breaks into the top 50 in Pharmacy and Pharmacology, climbing from 87th to 48th, achieving the country’s highest ever rank in the subject.
