The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research reviewed that the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 revealed the inclusion of 32 Iraqi universities in its latest edition, up from 25 in the 2026 edition an increase of seven universities and a growth rate of approximately 28%.

Higher Education highlighted that the 2027 edition evaluated 2,297 universities across 118 countries and regions, compared to 2,191 universities from 115 countries and regions in the previous edition, this makes it the most extensive edition in the ranking's history to date, featuring more detailed ranking bands for universities outside the top tier, thereby enabling more precise comparisons and institutional performance measurement.

The Ministry demonstrated that the Universities competed based on the methodology adopted by Times Higher Education, which relies on 18 performance indicators distributed across five key pillars: Teaching and Learning Environment (29.5%), Research Environment (29%), Research Quality (30%), International Outlook (7.5%), and Industry and Knowledge Transfer (4%), results from the latest edition (https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/latest/world-ranking) indicate a continued expansion of Iraqi participation in the global ranking; the number of ranked Iraqi universities rose from 22 in 2025 to 25 in 2026, reaching 32 in 2027.

Higher Education also reviewed that the expansion reflects an increase in the number of Iraqi institutions meeting the criteria for inclusion in the ranking, future development efforts will focus on indicators regarding research quality, the research environment, and teaching, alongside enhancing international presence and expanding partnerships with the industrial sector and knowledge transfer initiatives.

Media & Government Communication Directorate

Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research

September 30, 2026