Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, which include 2,191 institutions from 115 nations and regions. This ranking system is regarded as one of the most reliable resources for assessing institutions around the world.

This year, 99 universities from Pakistan made the list, demonstrating their substantial presence. 48 of these schools have received official rankings, with the remaining institutions receiving "Reporter" status—that is, participation in the evaluation without a precise rating.

Quaid-i-Azam University, which is ranked between 401 and 500 worldwide, continues to be the best university in Pakistan.

Following it are universities in the 601–800 range, including Air University, Bahauddin Zakariya University, COMSATS University Islamabad, Government College University Faisalabad, NUST, Sukkur IBA University, University of Lahore, and University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.

Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), GIKI, IIUI, and Iqra University are among the other noteworthy entries that fall within the 801–1000 range. In addition to being listed among Pakistan's top 10 universities for research quality and international outlook, this is Iqra University's first-ever appearance in the worldwide rankings, underscoring its expanding global reach and research influence.

For the eleventh straight year, the University of Oxford has remained the best university in the world on a global scale. Princeton University is now tied for third place worldwide, its highest ranking to date.

With five institutions currently ranked in the top 40, China is solidifying its position, while Hong Kong achieved its best-ever ranking of six universities in the top 200.

A significant advancement has also been made by India, which now ranks second in the rankings behind the US, setting a new record for its higher education system.

These rankings demonstrate Pakistan's rising academic and research standards, which are in line with the nation's higher education institutions' increasing emphasis on innovation, high-quality instruction, and international cooperation.