Globally-ranked Philippine higher education institutions continue to increase as six HEIs are now ranked in the newly released 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

From five HEIs featured in the previous year’s rankings, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) broke into the rankings for the first time joining the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), University of the Philippines (UP) De La Salle University (DLSU), Mapua University, and the University of Sto. Tomas (UST).

The six Philippine HEIs secured the following place in the 2025 rankings:

Ateneo de Manila University (1001 – 1200)
University of the Philippines (1201 – 1500)
De La Salle University (1501+)
Mapúa University (1501+)
Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (1501+)
University of Santo Tomas (1501+)

“The continuing annual increase in the number of Philippines HEIs that are subjecting themselves to international assessment and ranking is indeed outstanding. The fact that these HEIS are joining the list of the top universities not just in THE rankings but also in the other international ranking bodies shows the globalized outlook and competitiveness of our public and private universities,” CHED Secretary Popoy De Vera III said.

“The collective efforts of Philippine HEIs, assisted by CHED and the national government, are now showing results. Rest assured, we will continue accelerating internationalization, assist university-to-university linkages, and foster partnerships to bring more HEIs in international rankings,” he added.

This year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recognized the significant increase of HEIs included in various global rankings, from 52 last year to 87 as of June 2024.

Notably, Philippine HEIs have improved their global academic reputation resulting in a 67.3% increase in the number of HEIs globally ranked.

Last May, during the first National Higher Education Summit, the President instructed the Commission to craft a comprehensive and all-encompassing strategy for internationalization.

In response, the Commission is currently developing a national strategy that will provide a roadmap for enhancing the country’s performance in global rankings and ensuring the continued growth and development of its higher education system.

“The commission will continue to work closely with universities and other stakeholders to further elevate the Philippines’ standing in the global higher education arena,” De Vera said.