The Islamic University of Madinah achieved a qualitative leap in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, moving from the 1001–1200 ranking band internationally in 2026 to the 701–800 band in 2027, thereby recording the largest progress among Saudi universities during the current ranking cycle.
The Islamic University achieves the largest leap among Saudi universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027
According to the comparative analysis of detailed ranking data, the university advanced by about 258 global positions, compared to an average increase of 6.8 positions for the remaining comparable Saudi universities (excluding the Islamic University), while the average rises to 14.9 positions when including the Islamic University within the general average of Saudi universities, which confirms the Islamic University's direct contribution to enhancing the national performance average of Saudi universities in this ranking cycle. It also came in third internationally for the magnitude of advancement in positions among universities that were within the top 1100 global universities in the 2026 ranking.
At the local level, the university advanced 6 positions among all Saudi public and private universities, from rank 24 to rank 18, and it also advanced 8 positions among Saudi public universities, from rank 21 to rank 13, reflecting the accelerated improvement in the university's position and competitiveness within the higher education system in the Kingdom.
At the level of Islamic universities internationally , the university advanced from the eighth rank to the fifth rank, thereby advancing ahead of a number of Islamic universities, among them the International Islamic University Malaysia, Al-Azhar University, and the Islamia University of Bahawalpur. With this accelerated progress, the university continues its journey towards achieving its strategic goal of being the first Islamic university globally according to rankings by the year 2030.
The improvement was not limited to the general rank; the university recorded progress in all five ranking indicators, with an average growth rate of 44.1%, compared to an average growth rate of 5.5% for the remaining Saudi universities. The university also achieved the highest growth rate internationally in the industry indicator at a rate of 99.4%, and came fifth internationally in the growth rate of the research environment indicator at a rate of 105%, reflecting the accelerated development witnessed by the university in the system of scientific research, innovation, partnerships, and linkage with developmental and industrial sectors.
This achievement comes consistent with the jump achieved by the university in the QS World University Rankings 2027 issued last May; as the university advanced by about 86 global positions compared to the previous year, recording the largest jump among Saudi universities in the QS ranking as well. Despite the differences in methodologies, indicators, and weights between the Times Higher Education and QS rankings, the results of both agreed on a single trend represented in the comprehensive and accelerated improvement in the academic, research, and institutional performance indicators of the university, and enhancing its presence and competitiveness locally and internationally.
This progress reflects the fruit of integrated institutional work witnessed by the university, and the initiatives and projects it implemented to develop the quality of education, enhance research production and impact, expand the scope of international partnerships, develop cooperation with the public and private sectors, and raise the efficiency of institutional performance, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the aspirations of the education, research, and innovation ecosystem in the Kingdom.
The university affirmed that these results represent an important station in its developmental journey, and enhance its orientation towards building a more competitive and globally influential university, while continuing work to raise the quality of educational and research outputs, maximize their scientific and societal impact, and consolidate its Islamic and global message originating from Madinah.
On this occasion, the Islamic University raises its highest expressions of thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect them – for what the education, university, research, and innovation sector receives from generous support and care that contributed to enhancing the competitiveness of Saudi universities and their global presence.
The university also expressed its deep appreciation for the support and backing it receives from His Royal Highness the Governor of Madinah Region and His Royal Highness his Deputy – may God protect them – and the care they show towards the university and its message, and its scientific, developmental, and global role.
The university valued the directives and follow-up of His Excellency the Minister of Education and his continuous support for the university and its developmental path, and also expressed its deep appreciation for what the General Secretariat of the Council of Universities, represented by the Secretary-General of the council, undertakes of follow-up, support, and empowerment for Saudi universities, in a way that enhances the quality of performance and raises the level of its competitiveness in global rankings.
The university affirmed that what has been achieved represents an incentive to continue working towards more advanced global positions, and to enhance its presence as a scientific institution with a global Islamic mission that contributes to producing knowledge, building humanity, serving society, and launching the message of Madinah to the world.
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