University of Nizwa Rises in QS Regional Rankings for 2026

The University of Nizwa has strengthened its position among Arab higher education institutions after climbing to 58th place in the QS Arab Region University Rankings 2026, securing second place in Oman and first among private universities.

The ranking places the university among the region’s stronger performers in a field that this year included 298 institutions, reflecting growing competition across the Arab world. Eleven Omani institutions took part in the assessment, four of them for the first time.

University officials say the result marks another step in a period of sustained progress. It follows the institution’s recent performance in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, where it was the highest-ranked university in Oman and placed in the 401–500 band globally.

Prof Ahmed bin Khalfan Al Rawahi, the university’s chancellor, received the official certificate during the QS Arab Forum 2025, hosted at Sultan Qaboos University on 18 October. The event drew representatives from universities across the region and specialists in the higher education sector.

The University of Nizwa says its improved standing reflects years of investment in research, teaching quality and institutional development. Over the past decade, the institution has gradually climbed the QS regional tables, moving from the 81–90 band in 2022 and 2023, to 61–70 in 2024 and 2025, before reaching its current position.

According to the university, progress has been particularly notable in areas such as academic reputation, employer perception, and research output, including citation performance. Officials say initiatives across colleges and research centres have helped to build a more supportive environment for students and researchers, with a growing focus on innovation and scientific production.

In a statement, the university reaffirmed its commitment to advancing academic excellence in line with national priorities and Oman Vision 2040. It said it would continue to expand opportunities for Omani students and academics and strengthen its contribution to national development.

The University of Nizwa described its mission as remaining “a beacon of knowledge and guidance”, emphasising its role in supporting education, research and sustainable development under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.