25 Iraqi Universities In The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026

Baghdad / NINA /- Iraq's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced on Thursday that 25 Iraqi universities have been included in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, marking a significant step forward for Iraq’s academic presence on the global stage.

In a statement, the ministry said the 2026 Times World University Rankings evaluated 2,191 institutions from 115 countries worldwide. It explained that the number of Iraqi universities listed in the ranking rose to 25, compared to 22 universities in 2025 — reflecting measurable progress in the academic and research performance of Iraqi higher education institutions.

The ministry noted that universities are assessed based on 18 performance indicators across five key areas: Teaching (29.5%), Research Environment (29%), Research Quality (30%), International Outlook (7.5%), and Industry Income (4%).

The ranking also highlighted the Study in Iraq program, which aims to introduce international students to Iraqi universities that have earned competitive positions, thereby opening wider opportunities for academic cooperation and scientific exchange with higher education institutions around the world.

The ministry affirmed that this achievement strengthens the global standing of Iraqi universities and supports the government’s efforts to enhance the quality of education and scientific research./ End