UKM Achieves Major Leap In Two World Rankings
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has once again achieved remarkable success by rising to 126th place in the QS World University Rankings (QS WUR) 2026, an improvement of 12 places from its 138th position the previous year.
In a statement today, UKM announced that the accomplishment has established the university as the second-best university in Malaysia, while further strengthening its standing in the top 10 per cent of universities in the world.
“This achievement is not merely a rise in numbers, but a reflection of UKM’s academic excellence, global competitiveness and international reputation in the higher education landscape.
“It is also supported by improvements in key indicators such as Employment Outcomes and Sustainability, positioning UKM as an institution that not only produces high-quality graduates, but also actively champions sustainable development,” read the statement.
In addition, UKM’s commitment to sustainability was further recognised when it climbed an impressive 215 places to 53rd in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, up from its previous position in the 201–300 band, marking the university’s highest-ever rise since participating in the ranking.
“Of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) assessed, 15 of UKM's SDGs are in the top 100 globally, with two securing positions in the world’s top 10, namely SDG 1: Zero Poverty and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, both ranked eighth worldwide.
"This further cements UKM's position as a progressive university actively advancing the global humanitarian and sustainability agenda," according to the statement.
The success is even more meaningful as it coincides with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of UKM. Founded in 1970, UKM was born from a national movement rooted in the struggle for the Malay language and has since evolved into a leader in research, innovation and transdisciplinary education.
Today, UKM stands on a solid footing to continue strengthening its position as a regional centre of excellence, committed to producing ethical, visionary and sustainability-driven future leaders, while strengthening educational diplomacy and international networks.
"As a university founded on national aspirations and the spirit of intellectualism, UKM will continue to progress, upholding the spirit of 'Aspirasi Rakyat, Keunggulan Negara’ (People's Aspirations, National Excellence)," read the statement.
Meanwhile, UKM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Sufian Jusoh described the achievement as the result of the collective synergy and commitment of UKM staff in strengthening academic excellence, world-class research, and high-impact innovation.
"It proves that a national university can compete on the global stage without compromising our identity and scientific principles," he said in the statement.
He also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the UKM Strategy Centre, led by UKM pro-vice-chancellor (Strategy & Governance) Prof Datuk Dr Roslee Rajikan, as well as the strong collaboration with industry players, including Kaneka Malaysia, which has congratulated UKM for its continuous academic and research achievements.
An international student from South Korea, Sangwook Yoo, currently in his third year at the Faculty of Science and Information Technology, shared that UKM offers an excellent platform to embrace cultural diversity and meaningful international experiences.
-- BERNAMA
