UTAR rise in four subjects in THE World University Rankings 2026 by Subject

UTAR marked a strong performance in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 by Subject, recording notable improvements in four subject areas—Business and Economics, Education Studies, Engineering, and Physical Sciences—compared to the previous year, reflecting UTAR’s commitment to global excellence.

The eight recognised subjects and their rankings among private universities in Malaysia are:

•	Business and Economics	–  Top 3
•	Computer Science	–  Top 5
•	Education	–  Top 2
•	Engineering	–  Top 5
•	Life Sciences	–  Top 2
•	Medicine	–  Top 4
•	Physical Sciences	–  Top 3
•	Social Sciences	–  Top 2

This reflects the university’s strong performance across key indicators such as teaching environment, research productivity, citation impact, international collaboration, and industry engagement.

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tong expressed, “The improved performance of these subjects in the rankings enhances the values of the university’s qualifications, instilling greater confidence among our students, while strengthening graduate employability and global mobility. More than that, this recognition serves as an important strategic benchmarking tool for the university, enabling UTAR to improve our teaching quality, research output, academic influence, and international outlook.”

He added, “Such recognition is also instrumental in supporting the university’s effort to expand global collaborations, including joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and industry partnerships, as we continue to position UTAR as a globally engaged institution of higher learning.”

Adding to this achievement, UTAR celebrated another milestone in November 2025 when the university secured the 109th position in Asia and 26th place in Southeast Asia in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026. The leap to #109 in 2026 reflects a steady climb – one that is the result of sustained dedication and strategic growth.

In December 2025, the university rise from its 2025 ranking of #301–350 to #189 in the Times Higher Education’s (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings (ISR) 2026. It testifies of UTAR’s continuous commitment to navigating emerging global challenges through diverse research to shape a transformative and sustainable future. This affirms the university’s long-standing vision of driving interdisciplinary collaborations that better serve global communities.

These achievements are more than just present-day recognition; they testify of the university’s sustained progress, reflecting UTAR’s resolve, resilience, and vision to become an institution defined by excellence, driven by purpose, and guided by values.

Guided by forward-looking international collaborations, impactful and service-driven research, and a campus culture rooted in integrity, compassion and innovation, UTAR strengthens its position among Asia’s emerging leaders in higher education, and continues to prepare graduates to lead, innovate and create meaningful change — in Malaysia, across the region and on the global stage.