Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 were published on 30 September 2026 and covered 2,297 institutions across 118 countries and territories. The rankings assess research-intensive universities on five core missions: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry.

Ranking Framework

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings use a methodology based on performance indicators across teaching, research, citations, international outlook, and industry income. The 2027 edition introduced more granular ranking bands for institutions outside the precisely ranked top tier.

Global Top Positions

The University of Oxford retained the number one position globally for the 11th consecutive year. UC Berkeley was ranked as the top public university in North America and tied with Yale University for ninth place globally.

Asia in the 2027 Rankings

Asian universities continued their upward movement in the 2027 edition. Tsinghua University rose to 11th place, the National University of Singapore entered the top 15, and three Asian universities appeared in the top 15 for the first time. Asia also ranked ahead of continental Europe in the table.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Times Higher Education World University Rankings are published annually by Times Higher Education.
• The 2027 edition included institutions from 118 countries and territories.
• The University of Oxford has held the global number one position for 11 consecutive years.
• The rankings use five core missions: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry.

New Entrants and Country Representation

Albania and Malawi appeared in the rankings for the first time in 2027. The University of Tirana entered the 2,001+ band, and Kamuzu University of Health Sciences entered the 1,201–1,400 band.

Macao Institutions

The University of Macau was placed at 154th position, and the Macau University of Science and Technology was placed at 269th position. City University of Macao moved from the 601–800 band to the 451–500 band.