Iranian Universities Surge in QS Asia University Rankings: A Rising Academic Powerhouse!
The latest QS Asia University Rankings 2026 has spotlighted the academic prowess of Iranian universities, listing 48 institutions as top universities in Asia, a notable increase from the previous year’s 32. This annual ranking, which has been published since 2009, is an essential indicator of educational excellence across the continent.
The University of Tehran emerges as the leading institution in Iran, achieving a global rank of 93. Following closely are the Sharif University of Technology at 142 and the Amirkabir University of Technology at 169, as reported by ISNA.
Top Iranian Universities in QS Asia Rankings 2026
- University of Tehran – Global Rank: 93
- Sharif University of Technology – Global Rank: 142
- Amirkabir University of Technology – Global Rank: 169
- Iran University of Science and Technology – Global Rank: 172
- Isfahan University of Technology – Global Rank: 212
- University of Tabriz – Global Rank: 212
- Shahid Beheshti University – Global Rank: 214
- Shiraz University – Global Rank: 241
- Ferdowsi University of Mashhad – Global Rank: 261
- K.N. Toosi University of Technology – Global Rank: 287
- University of Isfahan – Global Rank: 293
The methodology behind the QS rankings is akin to that of the QS World University Rankings, enriched by additional indicators and tailored weightings. This comprehensive framework, developed with insights from regional experts, aims to encapsulate the priorities relevant to Asian universities, leveraging extensive data.
In the broader context of Asia, the University of Hong Kong has claimed the top spot in this year’s rankings, which feature 1,529 remarkable academic institutions.
Key Indicators for QS Rankings
The QS Asia University Rankings employs 11 critical indicators to assess universities:
- Academic Reputation – 30%
- Employer Reputation – 20%
- Faculty/Student Ratio – 10%
- International Research Network – 10%
- Citations per Paper – 10%
- Papers per Faculty – 5%
- Staff with a PhD – 5%
- Proportion of International Faculty – 2.5%
- Proportion of International Students – 2.5%
- Proportion of Inbound Exchange Students – 2.5%
- Proportion of Outbound Exchange Students – 2.5%
Latest Rankings Overview
In addition to the QS rankings, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 has acknowledged 101 Iranian universities, a rise from 85 in 2025. This ranking encompasses 2,191 universities from 115 countries, with 99 new entries compared to the previous year.
Leading Iranian Universities in Times Higher Education Rankings
- Amirkabir University of Technology – Global Rank: 351-400
- Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences – Global Rank: 351-400
- Sharif University of Technology – Global Rank: 351-400
- Iran University of Science and Technology – Global Rank: 401-500
- University of Tehran – Global Rank: 401-500
- Shiraz University of Technology – Global Rank: 501-600
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences – Global Rank: 501-600
The 2024 World University Rankings report by the Islamic World Science Citation Center (ISC) has recognized 72 Iranian universities, an increase from 69 in 2023. The ranking includes a total of 426 universities across 31 Islamic countries, with Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan leading the list.
Top Universities in Islamic Countries
Among the top universities from Islamic nations:
- Turkey – 102 universities
- Iran – 72 universities
- Pakistan – 39 universities
In the updated rankings, Tehran University has improved from 501-600 in 2023 to 401-500 in 2024, securing its position as the top university in Iran. The Tehran University of Medical Sciences ranks second and has also seen an uplift from 601-700 in 2023 to 501-600.
Moreover, the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences has improved its ranking from 801-900 in 2023 to 601-700 in 2024, making it the third-best university in the country.
Shanghai University Rankings
According to the Shanghai University Rankings 2025, six Iranian universities have been included in the top 1,000 institutions worldwide, a decline from nine in 2024. The Tehran University of Medical Sciences and University of Tehran are both positioned among the top 500 globally, while Tarbiat Modares University ranks 701-800.
In addition, the Times Higher Education has recognized 34 Iranian universities for their commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs), up from 33 in 2024. The Iran University of Medical Sciences ranks first in the country, achieving a global ranking of 301-400.
These rankings not only highlight the progress of Iranian institutions in higher education but also reflect their commitment to global standards and academic excellence. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, Iranian universities are making significant strides on the international stage.
