UM & UTP Share the Top Spot in Malaysia According to THE Ranking
Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) and Universiti Malaya (UM) have emerged as joint top-ranked Malaysian universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026.
Both institutions are placed in the 201-250 band globally, with UTP retaining its position from the previous edition of the rankings.
For UM, this marks its best-ever performance, rising from the 251-300 band in the 2025 edition of the rankings, driven by a strong showing in the International Outlook pillar, where it climbed 37 places to 107th globally.
In a Facebook post on Thursday (Oct 9), the university said it also made gains across other indicators, ranking 167th in Teaching (up 30 places), 280th in Research Environment (up 41 places), 530th in Research Quality (up 75 places) and 632nd in Industry (up 55 places).
“UM will keep striving for excellence, fulfilling its role as the nation’s flagbearer in the higher education global arena,” the university said, adding that it is now placed amongst the top 10% of 2,191 universities worldwide.
Meanwhile, Sunway University climbed into the 301-350 band, up from the 400-500 bracket last year, sharing the same rank with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
Sunway University improved its performance across all five core indicators, notably in Research Quality, where it is now ranked 111th globally.
The institution has also distinguished itself with an exceptionally high International Outlook, supported by robust global alliances.
“This rise in the global rankings is not just a validation of our academic and research excellence, but of our values and our belief in education for the greater good.
“It is a proud moment for our faculty, staff, students and global partners,” said Sunway University president and vice-chancellor Prof Sibrandes Poppema in a press release.
Beyond UTP, UM, Sunway and UKM, the other top five Malaysian universities ranked include Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) all placed within the 401-500 band.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is ranked in the 501-600 band whilst Management and Science University (MSU), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) ranked in the 601-800 band.
The UK-based THE World University Rankings are one of the most globally respected and rigorous assessments of institutional excellence, ranking 2,191 universities worldwide across five key pillars: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, Industry and International Outlook.
List of 20 Top Universities in Malaysia for 2026 – Times Higher Education Rankings
| Malaysia Rank 2026 | World University Rank 2026 | University |
| 1 | 201–250 | University of Malaya |
| 1 | 201–250 | Universiti Teknologi Petronas |
| 3 | 301-350 | Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia |
| 3 | 301-350 | Sunway University |
| 5 | 401–500 | Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) |
| 5 | 401–500 | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia |
| 5 | 401–500 | Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) |
| 8 | 501–600 | Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) |
| 9 | 601–800 | Management & Science University (MSU) |
| 9 | 601–800 | Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) |
| 9 | 601–800 | Universiti Pendidikan Idris |
| 9 | 601–800 | Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) |
| 13 | 801-1000 | MAHSA University |
| 14 | 1001-1200 | Multimedia University (MMU) |
| 14 | 1001-1200 | Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) |
| 14 | 1001-1200 | Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) |
| 14 | 1001-1200 | Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin |
| 14 | 1001-1200 | Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) |
| 19 | 1501+ | Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM) |
| 19 | 1501+ | Lincoln University College |
| 19 | 1501+ | Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) |
| 19 | 1501+ | Universiti Malaysia Kelantan |
| 19 | 1501+ | Universiti Malaysia Perlis |