Pakistan’s higher education sector has achieved a historic milestone, with dozens of universities featured in the QS World University Rankings Asia 2026. The list highlights the growing academic strength and global recognition of Pakistani institutions.
The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) continues to lead the country, securing 68th position in Asia. Islamabad’s Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) retained its second spot nationally at 89th, while Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) claimed 129th place, known for its strong programs in business and management.
This year’s rankings demonstrate an expanded footprint of Pakistani universities across the nation. Institutions from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar have all made notable gains, showcasing a blend of academic excellence and research output.
Top 10 Pakistani Universities in QS World University Rankings Asia 2026
| # | University | City | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NUST | Islamabad | 68 |
| 2 | Quaid-i-Azam University | Islamabad | 89 |
| 3 | LUMS | Lahore | 129 |
| 4 | COMSATS University | Islamabad | 150 |
| 5 | University of the Punjab | Lahore | 151 |
| 6 | University of Lahore | Lahore | 187 |
| 7 | UET Lahore | Lahore | 192 |
| 8 | University of Peshawar | Peshawar | 226 |
| 9 | Agriculture University Faisalabad | Faisalabad | 232 |
| 10 | PIEAS | Islamabad | 238 |
Other notable institutions include Aga Khan University in Karachi, Air University in Islamabad at 328, University of Karachi at 298, and Government College University Lahore at 410.
The QS World University Rankings assess universities on multiple criteria, including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-to-student ratio, international research collaboration, citations per paper, research output per faculty, proportion of staff with PhDs, and the ratio of international faculty and students.
Pakistan’s universities have shown progress across these indicators, highlighting improvements in research quality, academic reputation, and international engagement. Experts say this reflects the nation’s increasing commitment to higher education and global competitiveness.
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The 2026 rankings mark a significant step for Pakistan, encouraging further investment in research, faculty development, and student mobility programs.
