Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has advanced to the 153rd position in the QS World University Rankings (QSWUR) 2026, marking a notable rise of 28 places from 2025 and an impressive 50 place climb since 2023.
For the record, this is also UTM’s highest and best performance in the QS rankings to date, placing the university close to the top 10% of the world’s universities and highlighting its growing global academic and research stature.
The QS WUR 2026 assessed over 8,467 institutions worldwide, publishing rankings for 1,501 universities based on rigorous metrics that evaluate institutional performance across teaching, research impact, academic reputation, employer engagement, internationalisation, and sustainability.
UTM’s improved standing reflects consistent, strategic gains across several key performance indicators. The university recorded an impressive rise of 112 places in the International Research Network, while Citations per Faculty rose by 45 places, with both indicators now ranked 3rd in Malaysia.
Additionally, Academic Reputation improved by 8 places. This metric, which accounts for 31.1% of the overall QS score, reflects the growing international recognition of UTM’s academic excellence.
Enhancements in the Faculty-Student Ratio, with a 28-place climb, signal a stronger commitment to quality teaching and academic support. Complementing these achievements, UTM now ranks 132nd globally for International Student Diversity, with a vibrant community representing 85 nationalities.
Whereas on the national front, UTM remains firmly positioned among the top five Research Universities (RU) in Malaysia across several core metrics, demonstrating consistent excellence in areas aligned with both national and global priorities.
“This recognition affirms UTM’s trajectory as a research-intensive, innovation-driven university with deep roots in science, technology, and engineering,” said Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, Vice-Chancellor of UTM.
“However, at the heart of our mission is a firm commitment to humanising and democratising knowledge and ensuring that our innovations in science, technology and engineering serve people and communities. This progress reflects a purposeful strategy to link scholarly rigour with societal impact.”, he added
As global rankings evolve to include broader indicators such as sustainability and diversity, UTM’s upward momentum demonstrates its commitment to impactful research, inclusive education, and international engagement.
This achievement reflects UTM’s dedication to ‘Menginovasi Penyelesaian Lestari’ (Innovating Sustainable Solutions), a principle rooted in its motto ‘Kerana Tuhan untuk Manusia’, and embodies the belief that the pursuit of knowledge is ultimately a service to both humanity and the divine.
UTM extends its deepest appreciation to its faculty, staff, students, alumni, and international collaborators whose shared dedication continues to elevate the university’s global standing.