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MALAYSIAN universities have recorded significant gains in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by subject, reflecting growing international recognition across a range of disciplines, with Universiti Malaya (UM) maintaining its position as the country’s most widely represented institution.
UM leads nationally with 40 ranked narrow subjects; five broad subject areas and 18 subjects placed within the global top 100. Among its most notable achievements is a first-time entry in Petroleum Engineering, where it ranks 34th globally, making it the university’s highest-performing subject.
The institution also marked a milestone in Mathematics, rising from 113th to 93rd globally, driven by stronger international research collaboration, and setting a new national benchmark in the discipline.
In Computer Science and Information Systems, UM remains Malaysia’s only university in the global top 100, ranked 86th, while it has also improved its standing in Business and Management Studies to 104th, retaining its position as the country’s top institution in the field.
Its vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman, said universities must remain focused amid rapid global change.
“UM will continue to fulfil its national responsibilities while embracing its global obligations to humanity – advancing knowledge, fostering new strategic collaborations and contributing meaningful solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges,” he said in a statement yesterday.
“Looking ahead, the university remains firmly committed to pushing boundaries and shaping the future,” he added.
Beyond UM, other Malaysian institutions have also made notable strides, particularly in specialised disciplines. UCSI University recorded the highest number of top 50 subject entries among local institutions, with four placements.
These include Music and Performing Arts, both ranked 24th, as well as Hospitality at 47th. The university also achieved a substantial rise in Art and Design, climbing to 29th from a previous position outside the top 100, and made its debut in Marketing within the 51–100 band.
Its president and vice-chancellor, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir, attributed the results to sustained institutional effort.
“I’m very encouraged to see UCSI flying high in the latest rankings – Malaysian universities were placed in the top 30 for six subjects, and UCSI made it for three of them,” she said.
The University of Cyberjaya also entered the rankings, placing in the 101–150 band globally for Art and Design. Its vice-chancellor, Prof Dr David Whitford, said the recognition reflects progress in strengthening academic relevance.
“The inclusion of our Art and Design programme demonstrates our commitment to nurturing creative talent that is not only technically proficient but also adaptable and responsive to industry needs,” he said.
In engineering, Universiti Teknologi Petronas achieved Malaysia’s highest subject ranking, rising to ninth place globally in Petroleum Engineering, making it the country’s sole top 10 entry this year.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia secured a place in the global top 50 for Architecture and the Built Environment, while Universiti Sains Malaysia reached a new national high in Pharmacy and Pharmacology, climbing from 87th to 48th.
The latest rankings underscore Malaysia’s continued progress in higher education, particularly in niche and industry-linked disciplines, even as institutions seek to expand their global competitiveness and research impact. - March 26, 2026