Pakistan’s higher education institutions continue to excel globally. Recently, several universities earned significant recognition in the latest international rankings across various disciplines. These impressive Pakistani university rankings highlight the nation’s growing academic prowess.
According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Pakistani universities secured strong positions in categories such as engineering, business, sciences, and social sciences. This demonstrates steady progress in research, teaching, and innovation across the country. Furthermore, these rankings assess universities based on key metrics. These include academic reputation, research output, international collaboration, and industry impact. Consequently, they offer valuable insights for students, educators, and policymakers alike.
Understanding the Pakistani University Rankings: A Closer Look at Disciplines
Below, we present a comprehensive overview of the latest rankings for Pakistani universities in their respective subjects. This provides valuable insight into the strengths of these institutions and their contributions to global academia.
Business and Economics Achievements
In the realm of Business and Economics, several Pakistani institutions have made a notable impact. Their consistent performance showcases a commitment to developing future economic leaders. For instance, universities like COMSATS and LUMS consistently rank among the top in this field.
| Rank | University |
|---|---|
| 401–500 | COMSATS University Islamabad |
| 401–500 | Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) |
| 401–500 | National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) |
| 401–500 | Quaid-i-Azam University |
| 501–600 | Iqra University |
| 501–600 | Sukkur IBA University |
| 501–600 | University of Management and Technology |
| 601–800 | Air University |
| 601–800 | Bahauddin Zakariya University |
| 601–800 | Bahria University |
| 601–800 | Government College University Faisalabad |
| 601–800 | International Islamic University, Islamabad |
| 601–800 | Riphah International University |
| 601–800 | The Islamia University of Bahawalpur |
| 601–800 | University of Central Punjab |
| 601–800 | University of Lahore |
| 601–800 | University of the Punjab |
| 801–1000 | University of Education, Lahore |
Advancements in Computer Science
Pakistan’s Computer Science programs are also gaining international recognition. This reflects the nation’s growing expertise in technology and innovation. Notably, institutions such as NUST and UET Taxila have secured top positions in this competitive field.
| Rank | University Name |
|---|---|
| 401–500 | National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) |
| 401–500 | University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila (UET Taxila) |
| 501–600 | Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan |
| 501–600 | Air University |
| 501–600 | COMSATS University Islamabad |
| 501–600 | Quaid-i-Azam University |
| 601–800 | Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI) |
| 601–800 | Government College University Faisalabad |
| 601–800 | International Islamic University, Islamabad |
| 601–800 | Riphah International University |
| 601–800 | The Islamia University of Bahawalpur |
| 601–800 | University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar (UET Peshawar) |
| 601–800 | University of Management and Technology (UMT) |
| 601–800 | University of the Punjab |
| 801–1000 | Bahria University |
| 801–1000 | Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro |
| 801–1000 | National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES) |
| 801–1000 | University of Engineering & Technology (UET) Lahore |
| 801–1000 | University of Lahore |
Excellence in Education Studies
Education Studies is another area where Pakistani universities are gaining prominence. The University of the Punjab, for example, has shown consistent strength in this vital discipline.
| Rank | University Name |
|---|---|
| 401–500 | University of the Punjab |
| 601–800 | Sukkur IBA University |
Growth in Engineering Disciplines
Pakistani engineering programs continue to expand their global footprint. Institutions across the country are dedicated to producing skilled engineers and innovators. Capital University of Science and Technology, along with LUMS, consistently appear in these significant Pakistani university rankings.
| Rank | University Name |
|---|---|
| 501–600 | Capital University of Science and Technology |
| 501–600 | Lahore University of Management Sciences |
| 501–600 | PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi |
| 501–600 | Riphah International University |
| 501–600 | Sukkur IBA University |
| 501–600 | University of Gujrat |
| 501–600 | University of Management and Technology |
| 501–600 | University of the Punjab |
| 601–800 | Bahria University |
| 601–800 | Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology |
| 601–800 | International Islamic University, Islamabad |
| 601–800 | Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology |
| 601–800 | National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences |
| 601–800 | University of Central Punjab |
| 601–800 | University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila |
| 601–800 | University of Lahore |
| 601–800 | University of Sargodha |
| 801–1000 | Mirpur University of Science and Technology |
| 801–1000 | University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar |
| 801–1000 | University of Engineering & Technology (UET) Lahore |
| 1001–1250 | Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) |
| 1001–1250 | Institute of Space Technology |
| 1001–1250 | Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan |
| 1001–1250 | National Textile University |
| 1251+ | NED University of Engineering and Technology |
Prominence in Life Sciences
Life Sciences is a critical field where Pakistani universities are demonstrating significant capability. Institutions like The Islamia University of Bahawalpur and the University of Lahore are leading the way, fostering crucial research and development.
| Rank | University Name |
|---|---|
| 401–500 | The Islamia University of Bahawalpur |
| 401–500 | University of Lahore |
| 401–500 | University of Malakand |
| 501–600 | Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan |
| 501–600 | Bahauddin Zakariya University |
| 501–600 | The University of Haripur |
| 501–600 | University of Gujrat |
| 601–800 | Government College University Lahore |
| 601–800 | Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology |
| 601–800 | Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) |
| 601–800 | MNS University of Agriculture, Multan |
| 601–800 | PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi |
| 601–800 | University of Central Punjab |
| 601–800 | University of Education, Lahore |
| 601–800 | University of Management and Technology |
| 601–800 | University of Okara |
| 601–800 | University of Peshawar |
| 601–800 | University of Sargodha |
| 601–800 | University of the Punjab |
| 801–1000 | Hazara University Mansehra |
| 801–1000 | Riphah International University |
| 801–1000 | University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore |
| 1001+ | National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) |
| 1001+ | University of Karachi |
Contributions to Medical and Health Sciences
In Medical and Health Sciences, several Pakistani universities are making important contributions. Their dedication to healthcare education and research is helping to shape the future of public health. The University of Lahore and the University of Management and Technology are prime examples.
| Rank | University Name |
|---|---|
| 401–500 | University of Lahore |
| 401–500 | University of Management and Technology |
| 501–600 | Bahauddin Zakariya University |
| 501–600 | Government College University Faisalabad |
| 501–600 | The Islamia University of Bahawalpur |
| 501–600 | University of Sargodha |
| 601–800 | The University of Haripur |
| 801–1000 | Riphah International University |
| 801–1000 | University of Karachi |
| 1001+ | Bahria University |
| 1001+ | Dow University of Health Sciences |
| 1001+ | National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) |
Discoveries in Physical Sciences
Pakistani universities are also leaving their mark in the Physical Sciences. They contribute significantly to research and innovation in areas like physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Universities such as UET Taxila and the University of Lahore demonstrate strong performances in this field. Their strong performance further contributes to the overall positive trend in Pakistani university rankings.
| Rank | University Name |
|---|---|
| 501–600 | University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila |
| 501–600 | University of Lahore |
| 501–600 | University of Management and Technology |
| 501–600 | University of Okara |
| 501–600 | University of Peshawar |
| 501–600 | University of the Punjab |
| 601–800 | Government College University Lahore |
| 601–800 | Hazara University Mansehra |
| 601–800 | International Islamic University, Islamabad |
| 601–800 | Sukkur IBA University |
| 601–800 | The University of Haripur |
| 601–800 | University of Central Punjab |
| 601–800 | University of Gujrat |
| 601–800 | University of Sargodha |
| 801–1000 | Institute of Space Technology |
| 801–1000 | Kohat University of Science and Technology |
| 801–1000 | Lahore University of Management Sciences |
| 801–1000 | Mirpur University of Science and Technology |
| 801–1000 | National Textile University |
| 801–1000 | University of Education, Lahore |
| 801–1000 | University of Engineering & Technology (UET) Lahore |
| 1001–1250 | Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) |
| 1001–1250 | Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) |
| 1251+ | NED University of Engineering and Technology |
| 1251+ | University of Karachi |
Insights from Psychology
In Psychology, Pakistani universities are actively contributing to understanding human behavior and mental processes. The University of the Punjab stands out with its strong performance in this field.
| Rank | University Name |
|---|---|
| 401–500 | University of the Punjab |
Advancing in Social Sciences
Pakistani universities demonstrate considerable strength in the Social Sciences. Their research impacts areas like sociology, political science, and anthropology. Notably, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) shows strong leadership in this field.
| Rank | University Name |
|---|---|
| 401–500 | National University of Sciences and Technology |
| 501–600 | Quaid-i-Azam University |
| 501–600 | The Islamia University of Bahawalpur |
| 501–600 | University of Central Punjab |
| 501–600 | University of Lahore |
| 501–600 | University of the Punjab |
| 601–800 | Bahauddin Zakariya University |
| 601–800 | Bahria University |
| 601–800 | Government College University Faisalabad |
| 601–800 | Government College University Lahore |
| 601–800 | University of Management and Technology |
| 601–800 | University of Peshawar |
| 801–1000 | International Islamic University, Islamabad |
| 801–1000 | University of Sargodha |
Global Context and Future Outlook
Unfortunately, no Pakistani university is ranked in the Law and Arts and Humanities subjects in this latest report. This identifies areas for potential growth and development within the higher education sector.
The World University Rankings by Subject 2026 evaluate universities across 11 major subject areas. These cover 148 individual disciplines. Significantly, the rankings utilize the same core methodology as the overall THE World University Rankings 2026. This methodology is based on 18 performance indicators, spanning teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook. Consequently, it provides a comprehensive assessment of institutional performance.
Globally, US and UK institutions continue to dominate top positions across major disciplines. For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) leads in Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, and Social Sciences. Harvard University topped Engineering and Life Sciences. The University of Oxford led in Medical and Health and Computer Science, while Stanford University ranked first in Education Studies and Law. Caltech claimed the top position in Physical Sciences, and the University of Cambridge led Psychology. This global comparison provides context for the impressive advancements seen in higher education Pakistan. These results underscore the continuous improvement in Pakistani university rankings, signaling a bright future for higher education in the country.
