18 Pakistani Universities Ranked Among World’s Best in QS 2026 Rankings
Pakistan’s higher education sector has achieved a significant milestone, with 18 universities featured in the prestigious QS World University Rankings 2026, released by UK-based education analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). The rankings assess over 1,500 universities across more than 100 countries, making them one of the most influential global benchmarks in academia.
Leading the pack for Pakistan is Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, which has retained its position as the country’s highest-ranked institution, securing the 354th spot globally. It is closely followed by the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), which is tied at 371.
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Two other Pakistani universities also made it into the top 600: the University of Punjab at 542 and the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) at 555.
The QS rankings evaluate institutions across multiple indicators, including academic and employer reputation, faculty-to-student ratio, research impact (citations per faculty), internationalization, and sustainability practices.
Below is the full list of Pakistani universities included in the QS 2026 World University Rankings:
- 354: Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad
- 371: National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)
- 542: University of the Punjab
- 555: Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
- 654: University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
- 664: COMSATS University Islamabad
- 721–730: Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS)
- 761–770: Government College University, Faisalabad
- 801–850: University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore
- 901–950: University of Peshawar
- 951–1000: The University of Lahore
- 1001–1200: Aga Khan University
- 1001–1200: University of Karachi
- 1201–1400: Bahauddin Zakariya University
- 1201–1400: International Islamic University, Islamabad
- 1201–1400: Riphah International University
- 1201–1400: University of Management and Technology
- 1401+: The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
The increasing number of Pakistani universities featured in global rankings highlights the country’s improving academic standards, growing research output, and enhanced international visibility. It also reflects ongoing efforts by higher education institutions to align with global best practices in teaching, innovation, and sustainable development.
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