28 Iranian Universities Shine in the 2026 THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings!

28 Iranian Universities Shine in the 2026 THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings!

The latest Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings (ISR) showcase the remarkable achievements of Iranian universities in the realm of interdisciplinary research. In the 2026 rankings, a total of 28 Iranian universities have been recognized among the world’s leading institutions for their contributions to interdisciplinary science, a slight decrease from 29 universities in the previous year. This prestigious ranking, developed in collaboration with Schmidt Science Fellows, is the first of its kind to assess universities’ commitments to interdisciplinary scientific research, highlighting their impact on a global scale.

In 2026, the ISR evaluated 911 institutions across 94 countries, providing a comprehensive overview of interdisciplinary research performance worldwide. Leading the charge in Iran is Amirkabir University of Technology, achieving an impressive global ranking of 99, thereby securing its position as the top university in the country, as reported by ISNA.

Other notable Iranian universities and their respective global rankings include:

  • Shahid Beheshti University: 147
  • Shiraz University: 196
  • Golestan University: 351-400

Further down the list, several universities have ranked between 401 and 500 globally, including:

  • Bu-Ali Sina University
  • Razi University
  • University of Kurdistan
  • University of Mohaqeq Ardabili
  • Urmia University
  • Yazd University

The methodology behind the ISR comprises three primary pillars, reflecting different stages in the lifecycle of research projects:

  • Inputs: 19%
  • Process: 16%
  • Outputs: 65%

Each of these pillars is further dissected into metrics designed to evaluate various aspects of the research process, totaling 11 metrics in all. This year, in response to feedback from universities, the interdisciplinary scope has been expanded. It now encompasses any research project that combines multiple scientific disciplines or integrates one or more scientific disciplines with non-STEM fields, such as:

  • Social Sciences
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Law
  • Economics
  • Clinical and Health

In the global arena, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has maintained its leadership by securing the top position for the second consecutive year. Following MIT, the rankings include:

  • Stanford University: 2nd
  • California Institute of Technology: 3rd
  • University of California, Berkeley: Newly ranked 4th

In addition to the ISR, the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings for 2026 has noted significant progress for Iranian universities. This year, 48 Iranian institutions have made it to the list, a marked increase from 32 in 2025. The rankings have been published annually since 2009, shedding light on the top higher education institutions across Asia.

Among the Iranian universities featured in the QS rankings, the following stand out:

  • University of Tehran: 93 (global ranking)
  • Sharif University of Technology: 142
  • Amirkabir University of Technology: 169

Further rankings include:

  • Iran University of Science and Technology: 172
  • Isfahan University of Technology: 212
  • University of Tabriz: 212
  • Shahid Beheshti University: 214
  • Shiraz University: 241
  • Ferdowsi University of Mashhad: 261
  • K.N. Toosi University of Technology: 287
  • University of Isfahan: 293

Additionally, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2026 have included 101 Iranian universities among the world’s top institutions, an increase from 85 in 2025. Notable mentions include:

  • Amirkabir University of Technology: 351-400
  • Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences: Top tier
  • Sharif University of Technology: 351-400

Both Iran University of Science and Technology and University of Tehran are tied for the second position, ranking 401-500 globally. In addition, Shiraz University of Technology and Tehran University of Medical Sciences are collectively ranked 501-600.

In the Shanghai University Rankings for 2025, six Iranian universities made the cut within the top 1,000 institutions globally, a decrease from nine in 2024. Noteworthy rankings include:

  • Tehran University of Medical Sciences: 401-500
  • University of Tehran: 401-500
  • Tarbiat Modares University: 701-800
  • Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences: 801-900
  • Sharif University of Technology: 801-900
  • Iran University of Medical Sciences: 901-1000

Lastly, the July edition of the Webometrics World Ranking has identified 64 medical universities in Iran, with no change from the January edition. Notably, 11 institutions have improved their standings since January. Among these, Tehran University of Medical Sciences stands out as the only university ranked among the top 500 globally, according to the Mehr news agency.

The Times Higher Education has also recognized 34 Iranian universities for their commitment to pursuing sustainable development goals (SDGs), a small increase from 33 in 2024. Leading this initiative is the Iran University of Medical Sciences, which ranks 301-400 globally. Other notable institutions include:

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

The Iran University of Medical Sciences ranks 48th in achieving good health and well-being, alongside reduced inequalities, and 62nd in quality education goals.

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