Iraqi universities have made significant progress in global academic reputation rankings and developmental sustainability indicators (SDGs).
Ten Iraqi universities have secured important positions in the QS World University Rankings 2026, a ranking in which more than 1,500 universities worldwide competed. The results are as follows:
-
University of Baghdad ranked 741–750,
-
Al-Nahrain University ranked 951–1000,
-
Al-Mustansiriyah University and Anbar University ranked 1001–1200,
-
Tishk, Babylon, Basrah, Karbala, Kufa, and Mosul Universities ranked 1201–1400.
This ranking is based on a methodology that includes the following criteria:
-
Academic reputation (30%)
-
Employer reputation (15%)
-
Faculty/student ratio (10%)
-
Research citations (20%)
-
International faculty ratio (5%)
-
International student ratio (5%)
-
International research network (5%)
-
Employment outcomes (5%)
-
Sustainability metric (5%)
Meanwhile, the results of the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings 2025 highlighted Iraq’s strong presence, with 88 Iraqi universities participating. This ranking evaluates universities’ contributions toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through indicators related to scientific research, institutional governance, community engagement, and education.
In this context, Iraq achieved a major milestone as Al-Mustaqbal University ranked first globally in Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, placing it among the Top Universities by SDG.
QS World University Rankings 2026:
https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?countries=iq
Impact Rankings 2025:
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/depth/impact-rankings-2025-results-announced?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Department of Media and Governmental Communication
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
June 19, 2025