University of Nizwa Ranks Among Top Global Universities in QS World Rankings 2026
The University of Nizwa has secured a notable position in the QS World University Rankings 2026, placing within the 671–770 band globally and retaining its second place nationally—a significant milestone that underscores the University’s growing international presence and academic distinction.
This achievement aligns with the University's strategic plan to enhance its global standing and contribute meaningfully to Oman Vision 2040, particularly in support of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation’s goal of having Omani institutions listed among the world’s top 300 universities by the year 2040.
In this year’s edition, 8,467 universities from 106 countries were assessed, with only 1,501 institutions making it to the published list. The University of Nizwa stands out as one of the newly listed institutions, reflecting a remarkable leap in performance across education, research, and international partnerships.
The ranking follows the University’s consistent presence in the QS Arab Region Rankings, where it was ranked 64th in the Arab world, 2nd in Oman, and 1st among private universities in the QS 2025 indicator.
The University showed strong performance across the nine metrics used in the QS World Rankings, including academic reputation, citations per faculty, faculty-to-student ratio, international research collaborations, faculty and student diversity, employer reputation, and graduate employability outcomes.
In terms of research output, the University recorded 1,514 published papers over the last five years, amassing 20,548 citations. Its research contributions span a wide range of disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, management, humanities, and the arts—reflecting a comprehensive and multidisciplinary research approach.
Dr. Waleed bin Khalid Al-Rajhi, Dean of Planning and Quality Management at the University, described the ranking as the result of years of institutional development, strategic planning, and investment in human capital.
“Being ranked for the first time among the world’s top 700 universities is a clear indicator that the University’s long-term vision is bearing fruit,” he said.
“As we move into the implementation of our new strategic plan for 2026–2030, enhancing our international ranking will remain a core priority—across academic, research, and societal impact dimensions.”
He further noted that the University is actively investing in technological infrastructure, integrating AI-focused academic programs, and aligning curricula with the evolving needs of the labor market.
The University’s strong performance in graduate employability metrics highlights the competence and readiness of its alumni to enter the workforce, supported by high employment rates across both public and private sectors. Its ranking in international diversity also reflects the University’s growing global reputation and its ability to attract students from various nationalities, bolstered by its partnerships with leading educational institutions worldwide.
This recognition in the QS World Rankings reaffirms the University of Nizwa’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, research leadership, and contributing to a robust higher education ecosystem that meets the aspirations of Oman and prepares students to lead in a globally competitive landscape.
