QS rankings expose Pakistan’s higher education divide

Pakistan’s latest performance in the QS World University Rankings 2027 has highlighted both progress and persistent challenges in the country’s higher education sector, with 18 universities earning global recognition but none managing to secure a place among the world’s top 350 institutions.

The rankings, released by global higher education analysts Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), paint a mixed picture of Pakistan’s academic landscape. While several universities maintained respectable positions and one recorded a notable jump, the overall results underscored widening regional and institutional disparities across the country.

Despite slipping in the global standings, remained Pakistan’s highest-ranked university. The institution fell to joint 381st position from 354th last year, reflecting increasing competition among universities worldwide.

Close behind was , which dropped to 384th place from 371st in the previous rankings. Although both universities remain among the country’s leading academic institutions, their decline means Pakistan still lacks representation in the global top 350.

One of the most encouraging developments came from , which achieved a significant rise in the rankings. The university climbed from the 721–730 range to joint 560th position, making it Pakistan’s third-highest-ranked institution and one of the strongest performers this year.

Other universities featured in the rankings included at 588th place, followed by at 608th. secured 629th position, while ranked 639th globally. also made the list, placing 691st.

Education experts say the rankings reflect a growing divide between a handful of well-funded universities and many institutions that continue to struggle with limited resources, research funding and international visibility. The results also raise questions about Pakistan’s ability to compete with regional rivals that have steadily improved their positions in global rankings.

While the inclusion of 18 universities demonstrates the expanding reach of Pakistan’s higher education sector, the absence of any institution from the top 350 suggests there is still considerable work to be done. Analysts believe greater investment in research, innovation, faculty development and international collaboration will be essential if Pakistani universities are to climb higher on the global academic stage.

The latest rankings serve as both a milestone and a reminder that achieving world-class status remains one of the biggest challenges facing higher education in Pakistan.