UTAR climbs to #109 in Asia and #26 in Southeast Asia in
QS Asia University Rankings 2026

This significant regional placement highlights UTAR’s expanding influence across Asia’s higher education landscape and reaffirms its commitment to delivering quality education, impactful research, and global engagement.

Further adding to its achievements, on 6 November 2025, UTAR was honoured with the QS Rating 5 Plus Stars Outstanding Award by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) at the QS Higher Education Summit – Asia Pacific held in Seoul, South Korea. UTAR is the only university receiving the 5 Plus Stars Outstanding Award at this ceremony — the highest distinction granted to institutions achieving 5 stars across the maximum nine categories assessed. These include Teaching, Research, Employability, Facilities, Global Engagement, Good Governance, Environmental Impact, Arts and Culture, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

The dual achievement, ranking advancement and elite 5 Plus Stars recognition, demonstrates UTAR’s strong performance across strategic indicators such as international research partnerships, student and staff mobility, employer reputation, and sustainable institutional practices. These markers reflect the University’s commitment to fostering a globally connected, research-driven, inclusive and sustainable learning environment.

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat shared his thoughts on this accomplishment, he said, “UTAR’s steady advancement in the QS rankings is a reflection of the collective dedication of our staff, students, alumni and partners who continue to uphold the University’s vision and mission. This recognition affirms our ongoing pursuit of excellence through innovation, research and service to the community. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to our vision of becoming a global university of educational excellence with transformative societal impact. This achievement marks another meaningful step in UTAR’s progress, strengthening its position as a reputable institution in Malaysia and an emerging presence in higher education across Asia.”

As UTAR continues to rise in the regional and global arena, the University remains steadfast in its mission to nurture talents who contribute meaningfully to society. Through international collaborations, service-oriented research and a culture that values integrity, compassion and innovation, UTAR continues to shape graduates who make a difference; not only in Malaysia, but across the region and beyond.

These latest honours are more than numerical benchmarks; they represent the collective effort, resilience and vision that define UTAR’s journey. With each new milestone, the University reaffirms its place among Asia’s developing leaders in higher education, an institution built on excellence, driven by purpose, and guided by the heart.