Eleven Iranian Medical Universities Soar in Webometrics Rankings: A Significant Leap Forward!

In the latest Webometrics world ranking released in July 2025, 64 medical universities from Iran have maintained their positions since January, with notable advancements for 11 of these institutions. This ranking reflects the growing emphasis on academic excellence and web presence among Iranian universities.

Tehran University of Medical Sciences stands out as the only Iranian university ranked within the top 500 globally, securing the 485th position. Other universities that have made significant strides in their rankings include:

• Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences: Improved by 1002 positions
• Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences: Climbed 961 spots
• Yazd University of Medical Sciences: Advanced by 948 positions

In addition to these, several other universities have also seen notable improvements in their rankings, including:

• Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences
• Urmia University of Medical Sciences
• Ilam University of Medical Sciences
• Kashan University of Medical Sciences
• Alborz University of Medical Sciences
• Kordestan University of Medical Sciences
• Gonabad University of Medical Sciences
• Maraghe University of Medical Sciences

However, it is worth noting that some universities have experienced declines in their rankings compared to the previous edition.

The Webometrics Ranking has been published since 2004, aiming to promote open access to knowledge generated by universities worldwide. The July 2025 edition includes nearly 32,000 higher education institutions (HEIs) globally. The ranking methodology is based on a blend of webometric and bibliometric indicators sourced from reliable platforms such as Majestic, OpenAlex, and Scimago-Scopus.

Data for the web metrics is collected during the early days of July, while bibliometric information spans from 2020 to 2024. The July 2025 rankings consider three principal indicators:

• Visibility (50%): Assessing the impact of the university’s website
• Excellence (40%): Measuring the volume of highly cited research papers
• Transparency/Openness (10%): Evaluating the citation counts of researchers

The top ten global institutions in the July edition of 2025 are:

1. Harvard University
2. Stanford University
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
4. University of Oxford
5. University of Washington
6. University of Michigan
7. Cornell University
8. University of California Berkeley
9. Johns Hopkins University
10. Colombia University New York

In addition to Webometrics, the Times Higher Education (THE) has recognized 34 Iranian universities as leaders in pursuing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an increase from 33 in 2024. Notably, Iran University of Medical Sciences ranks between 301-400 globally, leading the national tally.

The rankings for other prominent universities include:

• Alzahra University: 401-600
• Kerman University of Medical Sciences: 401-600
• Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences: 401-600

Furthermore, Iran University of Medical Sciences ranks 48th in the category of good health and well-being, while also achieving 62nd position in quality education goals. Alzahra University and Kerman University of Medical Sciences hold the 85th and 89th positions in gender equality, respectively. In good health and well-being, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences ranks 30th.

In the realm of industry, innovation, and infrastructure, Amirkabir University of Technology and Shahid Beheshti University rank 46th and 60th, respectively.

The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings for 2026 has maintained the presence of nine Iranian universities among the world’s elite, consistent with the 2025 rankings. The University of Tehran leads with a global ranking of 322, followed by:

• Sharif University of Technology: 375
• Amirkabir University of Technology: 456
• Iran University of Science and Technology: 496
• Isfahan University of Technology: 571
• University of Tabriz: 578
• Shiraz University: 701-710
• Shahid Beheshti University: 741-750
• Ferdowsi University of Mashhad: 951-1000

According to the Round University Ranking (RUR) 2025, 36 Iranian universities have been listed among the top institutions globally, an increase from 32 in 2024. Islamic Azad University is ranked first in the country with a global position of 93.

The rankings continue with Tehran University of Medical Sciences at 125, University of Tehran at 202, and other notable institutions:

• Iran University of Science and Technology: 355
• Shiraz University of Medical Sciences: 371
• Sharif University of Technology: 389
• University of Tabriz: 422
• Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences: 440
• Qazvin University of Medical Sciences: 445
• Shahid Beheshti University: 454

Furthermore, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Islamic Azad University rank among the top globally in the Teaching Ranking index, holding first and second positions in Iran. Shiraz University of Medical Sciences ranks third globally in this index.

The Financial Sustainability index also highlights Imam Hossein University (155), Baqir al-Olum University (212), and Iran University of Science and Technology (245) as the top three universities in this category.

In a broader context, the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2025 has recognized 85 Iranian universities among the top institutions in Asia, a notable increase from 75 in 2024. Sharif University of Technology leads the national ranking, closely followed by:

• Amirkabir University of Technology: 70
• Iran University of Science and Technology: 77
• University of Tehran: 97
• Tehran University of Medical Science: 109
• Isfahan University of Technology: 115
• Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences: 121
• Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences: 154
• Shiraz University of Technology: 155

Additionally, the 15th edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 includes 17 Iranian universities across 21 subject entries, showing an increase from the previous year’s 17 universities. Iranian institutions excel in three primary areas: Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, and Natural Sciences, as reported by Mehr news agency.

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by international outlook for 2025 has also recognized 85 Iranian universities among the top institutions globally. Sharif University of Technology holds the 301-350 global ranking, leading the country. This ranking emphasizes the increasing prominence of Iranian universities in various fields.