According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, no university from Pakistan has made it into the list of the top 350 universities in the world.
Quaid-e-Azam University came the closest, ranking 354 globally. The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) was also placed within the top 371. Other universities from Pakistan, including the University of the Punjab and LUMS, were ranked at 542 and 555, respectively. The University of Agriculture in Faisalabad was placed at 654.
The University of Karachi was ranked in the 1001+ category, making it the only university from Sindh included in the top 1,500 global rankings. However, within South Asia, the University of Karachi ranked 58th, and Aga Khan University followed closely at 62nd place.
On the global front, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) maintained its top position, followed by Imperial College London and Stanford University.
These rankings once again highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan’s higher education system, such as underfunding, outdated curricula, and limited global exposure.
Experts believe that with more focus on research, international collaboration, and quality faculty development, Pakistani universities can climb higher in future rankings. There is a growing need for both government and private institutions to work together to raise educational standards and improve global recognition.
Improving rankings is not just about numbers—it reflects the quality of education, innovation, and student outcomes, all of which are crucial for national development.
