Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia achieve top 10 spots in the THE Impact Rankings 2026 for SDG performance
JAKARTA: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) have been listed among the world’s top 10 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026, which assesses the contributions of higher education institutions towards achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
USM ranked fifth out of 1,603 higher education institutions assessed, improving from 14th place in 2025, while UKM climbed 46 places to rank seventh globally, up from 53rd last year.
The awards were announced by Times Higher Education (THE) in conjunction with the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2026 here on Tuesday night.
Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) Chief Marketing Officer Shahrill Sabarudin said the recognition received by both universities would have a positive impact on efforts to promote Malaysia’s higher education sector internationally.
“The achievements of USM and UKM in the THE Impact Rankings 2026 demonstrate the quality and excellence of Malaysia’s higher education institutions on the global stage. This recognition will certainly make it easier for EMGS to promote Malaysia as a preferred education destination for international students,” he told Bernama.
USM also retained its position as the world’s top-ranked university for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, further strengthening its reputation as a global leader in developing strategic partnerships that support the sustainable development agenda.
Shahrill said the success of Malaysian universities in global rankings would not only enhance the country’s reputation but also strengthen international students’ confidence in the quality of Malaysia’s higher education.
As part of efforts to expand the promotion of Malaysian education in Indonesia, he said EMGS would organise the “MEGA Ayo Kuliah di Malaysia” Education Fair on July 11 and 12, 2026 at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta.
The programme is expected to serve as an important platform for strengthening educational ties between Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as attracting more international students to pursue studies at Malaysian higher education institutions that are recognised globally.
