Eighteen Pakistani universities have been featured in the prestigious QS World University Rankings 2026, showcasing the country’s growing presence in global higher education. The rankings, compiled by UK-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), evaluate over 1,500 institutions across 100+ countries based on academic reputation, employer recognition, research impact, and internationalization.
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Top Pakistani Institutions
- Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad – Ranked 354th globally, retaining its position as Pakistan’s top university.
- National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) – Close behind at 371st place.
- University of Punjab – Ranked 542nd, making it the third-highest in Pakistan.
- Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) – Secured the 555th spot.
Other Notable Rankings
- University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (654th)
- COMSATS University Islamabad (664th)
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS) (721–730)
- University of Engineering & Technology (UET) Lahore (801–850)
Wider Representation
Several other institutions, including Aga Khan University, University of Karachi, and Bahauddin Zakariya University, were ranked between 1001–1400, while The Islamia University of Bahawalpur appeared in the 1401+ category.
Key Ranking Factors
The QS assessment considers:
✔ Academic & employer reputation
✔ Faculty-to-student ratio
✔ Research citations per faculty
✔ International faculty & student diversity
✔ Sustainability efforts
This year’s rankings highlight Pakistan’s steady progress in higher education, with more universities gaining global recognition.
Full list of ranked Pakistani universities available in the QS 2026 report.
