A total of 48 universities from Pakistan have earned a place in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, marking a strong representation of the country’s growing academic and research standards on the global stage.
Leading the list once again is Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, which has secured a position in the 401–500 band worldwide. Close behind is Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan, which made remarkable progress by climbing nearly 400 points to enter the 601–800 range.
Several other institutions have also shown notable performance. Universities such as Air University, COMSATS University Islamabad, Government College University Faisalabad, NUST, Sukkur IBA, University of Lahore and University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences share positions within the 601–800 band, reflecting Pakistan’s strengthening academic base.
Fifteen more universities, including LUMS, GIKI, GCU Lahore, IIUI, and UMT, appear in the 801–1000 range, while Bahria University, Hazara University, and UET Peshawar rank between 1001–1200. Eight universities fall in the 1201–1500 band, and six appear in the 1501+ category.
Globally, the University of Oxford continues to hold the top spot for the tenth consecutive year, followed by leading institutions such as Harvard and Princeton, while China and India continue to rise in the global rankings.
According to BZU Vice Chancellor Dr. Zubair Iqbal, the university’s improved ranking reflects the dedication of its faculty and the emphasis placed on high-quality research and innovation.
Pakistan’s overall performance in the 2026 THE rankings highlights the nation’s steady progress toward becoming a stronger force in higher education and research across the world.
