85 Iranian Universities Shine in THE Asia University Rankings 2025: A Comprehensive Overview
In a significant achievement for higher education in Iran, the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2025 has recognized 85 Iranian universities among the top institutions in Asia, a notable increase from 75 universities in 2024. This ranking evaluates research-intensive universities based on their core functions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.
The methodology for these prestigious rankings mirrors that of the global table, yet it has been adjusted to prioritize the unique needs and strengths of Asian institutions. The results showcase a growing commitment to academic excellence and innovation within Iranian universities.
Leading the pack, Sharif University of Technology has secured the top position in Iran, with an impressive global ranking of 69. Other notable universities in the top ten rankings include:
- Amirkabir University of Technology (70)
- Iran University of Science and Technology (77)
- University of Tehran (97)
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences (109)
- Isfahan University of Technology (115)
- Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (121)
- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (154)
- Shiraz University of Technology (155)
This year’s rankings include a total of 853 universities from 35 territories. Notably, China continues to dominate the rankings, occupying the first and second positions and securing five spots within the top ten. Furthermore, four countries—Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Mongolia, and Syria—are making their debut in the rankings.
In addition to the Asia University Rankings, Iranian universities have also made a mark in the 15th edition of the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2025. This year, 17 Iranian universities have been included in 21 subject entries, a growth from 17 entries in 2024. The institutions have been recognized across three major faculty areas:
- Engineering and Technology
- Life Sciences and Medicine
- Natural Sciences
Within the Engineering and Technology category, the University of Tehran leads nationally with a global ranking of 280. Significantly, in the field of Petroleum Engineering, the University of Tehran has improved its rank from 32 in 2024 to an impressive 22 in 2025. The rankings in Electrical and Electronic Engineering show:
- Sharif University of Technology: 151-200
- University of Tehran: 201-250
In the Life Sciences and Medicine broad subject area, the Tehran University of Medical Sciences ranks first in the country, climbing from 358 in 2024 to 309 in 2025. Other rankings of significance include:
- In Agricultural and Forestry: University of Tehran (101-150), University of Tabriz (251-300)
- In Anatomy and Physiology: Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (51-100), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (101-170)
- In Nursing: Iran University of Medical Sciences and Tehran University of Medical Sciences (151-225, jointly)
- In Pharmacy and Pharmacology: Tehran University of Medical Sciences (201-250)
- In Chemistry: University of Tehran (301-350), Sharif University of Technology (351-400)
- In Mathematics: Sharif University of Technology (301-350), University of Tehran (301-350)
- In Material Sciences: Sharif University of Technology (251-300), University of Tehran (251-300)
The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 have further highlighted the achievements of Iranian universities, with 85 institutions ranked among the top universities globally. The leading university in this ranking is again Sharif University of Technology, which holds a global position of 301-350.
In total, the THE World University Rankings 2025 features 81 Iranian universities recognized across ten out of eleven subject areas, a significant increase from 73 universities in 2024. The top rankings for Iranian universities are particularly strong in:
- Computer Science:
- Sharif University of Technology (151-175)
- University of Tehran (201-250)
- Amirkabir University of Technology (251-300)
- Engineering:
- Sharif University of Technology (151-175)
- University of Tehran (201-250)
- Iran University of Science and Technology (251-300)
This year’s rankings illustrate a remarkable trend in the advancement and global recognition of Iranian universities, showcasing their commitment to academic excellence and research innovation.
