UM Achieves 56th In QS World University Rankings, Highest-Ever Position

By Zarul Effendi Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaya (UM) has achieved its highest-ever position in the QS World University Rankings, rising two places from 58th to 56th.

The achievement reinforces UM's position as Malaysia's top-ranked university and places it among the top 3.7 per cent of universities worldwide.

Among Malaysian institutions, UM ranked first in Academic Reputation, Employer Reputation, Employment Outcomes, and Sustainability. Globally, UM ranked 56th, 61st, 184th, and 166th respectively in these key indicators.

Additionally, the university also achieved strong global positions in International Research Network (125th) and International Students (153rd).

Universiti Malaya Vice-Chancellor Datuk Seri Professor Ir Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman described the achievement as a landmark moment of institutional pride and national significance.

“It is the outcome of a university that has chosen discipline over complacency, execution over rhetoric, and collective purpose over mere conventional normalcy,” he said.

He said the success reflected the strength of a mission-led and values-driven institution, powered by the hard work and commitment of its academics, researchers, students, staff, and leadership teams.

“It affirms that when strategic vision is matched with clarity, cohesion, courage, and sustained action, Universiti Malaya will not merely participate in the global higher education landscape, we are there to define it,” he said.

Paying tribute to the entire UM community, Noor Azuan said the achievement was the result of clear planning, institutional alignment, teamwork, and a steady focus on critical sectors shaping the future.

“It is written in the quality of our research and new focus areas, the ambition of our students, the dedication of our academics, the professionalism of our staff and the relentless work of every faculty, centre, department, and team that has carried the UM name with pride and distinction.”

He said UM is driven by sustained efforts in frontier research, digital transformation, sustainability, talent excellence, innovation, industry relevance, and global partnerships. He said as the world is increasingly being defined by volatility, disruption, and intense competition, institutions must become more agile, resilient, and courageous in pursuing reforms.

Noor Azuan said rankings matter as they reflect quality, trust, and impact, and the university will seek an even greater ascent. However, he stressed that UM's broader mission is to spearhead the nation, uplift mankind, and help shape the future of the world.

“We will continue to spearhead our national duty in shaping Malaysia’s growth, strengthening national resilience, and producing the knowledge, talent, and solutions needed by humanity and the world,” he said.

UM's overall score for the 2027 edition stands at 81.2 across the key QS performance lenses of Research and Discovery, Employability, and Outcomes, Sustainability, Learning Experience, and Global Engagement.

The university recorded scores of 92.8 for Academic Reputation and 93.1 for Employer Reputation in recognition of its academic excellence and highly employable and industry-ready graduates, while a score of 93.4 for International Research Network, 93.1 for International Students, and 83.7 for International Faculty reflect its growing international profile and extensive global collaborations.

The QS World University Rankings 2027 evaluated 8,808 institutions worldwide, including 32 from Malaysia. Only 1,504 institutions were published in the final rankings across 106 locations. 

Universiti Malaya is celebrating its 121st anniversary in 2026. Throughout its proud history, the university has produced numerous leaders and scholars who have made an impact at both the national and global levels.

-- BERNAMA