Islamabad: COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) has been ranked the highest-performing university in Pakistan in the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) 2026, securing the country’s top position and placing among the leading institutions globally.
According to the latest CWUR World University Rankings, CUI achieved a global rank of 635 with an overall score of 73.1. The university was also ranked 605th worldwide in research performance, placing it within the top 3 percent of more than 21,000 institutions evaluated internationally.
The ranking positions CUI ahead of all other Pakistani universities included in the CWUR Global 2000 list, an annual assessment that measures university performance across education, employability, faculty quality, and research output.
According to the rankings, Quaid-i-Azam University ranked second among Pakistani institutions at 793 globally, followed by Aga Khan University at 1,017, University of the Punjab at 1,084, and National University of Sciences and Technology at 1,092.
Global recognition
The CWUR Global 2000 list represents the highest-ranked universities among the institutions assessed worldwide. Universities included in the list receive annual recognition based on their performance across the ranking criteria.
The Center for World University Rankings evaluates institutions using indicators related to academic quality, graduate employability, faculty achievements, and research productivity. The methodology does not rely on surveys or institutional data submissions.
University response
Commenting on the ranking, CUI Rector Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar said the achievement reflects the collective contributions of the university’s faculty, researchers, students, staff, and alumni.
He said the university remains focused on preparing graduates with skills relevant to evolving academic and professional environments, including digital technologies, cybersecurity, communication, and innovation-driven disciplines.
The latest ranking adds to COMSATS University Islamabad’s international standing and highlights the growing presence of Pakistani universities in global higher education assessments.
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