UNITAR climbs 20 places in Southeast Asia in QS Asia 2027 rankings

UNITAR International University has strengthened its regional standing in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027, placing in the 851–900 band in Asia and rising 20 places in the Southeast Asia results

UNITAR ranks 141in Southeast Asia, up from rank 161 in 2025. QS institution-specific announcement also places UNITAR 46th in Malaysia.

Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Dr. Sahol Hamid bin Abu Bakar, Vice-Chancellor of UNITAR International University and Chief Academic Officer of UNITAR Education Group, said the advancement marks a significant milestone and provides fresh momentum for the University’s continued development.

“This is an achievement we can take pride in and a clear encouragement to aim higher. Moving up the regional rankings strengthens our determination to build a university which students, academics, and partners can choose with confidence.”

“Our ambition is to bring accessible education and academic excellence together. As we advance, our responsibility is to ensure that progress translates into a stronger learning experience, employable and entrepreneurial graduates and opportunities for advancing knowledge, empower talent and transform lives,” he said.

Professor Dr Yap Bee Wah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), UNITAR International University, said sustained academic development would require continued attention to academic and research quality, internationalisation and collaborations.

“We want to build a research culture in which academics can pursue impactful research, work across disciplines and create value for the industry and society.”

“UNITAR will continue to strengthen its institutional capabilities, embrace innovation, and pursue greater regional and international recognition in line with its vision of becoming a leading university for accessible, quality, and transformative education.”

“Our focus is on research and industry alignment that enriches teaching and fosters  the development of useful knowledge, talent and careers. Developing these capabilities will be important as UNITAR pursues further progress and a stronger academic presence in the region,” she said.

E Way Chong, Regional Partnerships Director, QS, said: “We congratulate UNITAR International University on its advancement in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027. This milestone marks an encouraging step in its development and regional standing. As UNITAR builds on this progress, continued attention to research excellence, international engagement, and academic reputation will be important to sustaining its momentum.”

“UNITAR International University’s rise of 20 places in Southeast Asia is a notable achievement in a competitive university landscape. Rankings provide an external benchmark that helps institutions assess their position and identify priorities for improvement. For UNITAR, this progress offers a useful foundation for setting its ambitions and measuring further advancement,” said Ben Sowter, Senior Vice-President, QS.