Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) continues to make remarkable progress in international higher education benchmarks, securing a spot in the prestigious QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026. Released on November 4, 2025 by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the latest edition places PUP at #671 overall in Asia, ranking #116 in Southeast Asia, #8 among Philippine universities, and #2 among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the country.
This milestone comes amid a record-breaking expansion of the rankings, which now feature 1,526 institutions across Asia—up from 984 in 2025, 856 in 2024, and 760 in 2023. Despite the addition of hundreds of new universities each year, PUP has shown remarkable relative improvement in its standing. In proportional terms, accounting for the expanding pool of ranked institutions, PUP’s position has advanced significantly: from 76% in 2023 (midpoint 575.5/760) to 67% in 2024 (575.5/856), 56% in 2025 (550.5/984), and now 44% in 2026 (671/1,526). This progress highlights PUP’s ability to strengthen its global competitiveness amid growing regional participation. A total of 35 Philippine institutions were featured in the 2026 rankings, with PUP maintaining its position as a key player in the national higher education ecosystem and excelling as the #2 SUC behind University of the Philippines.
Sustained strong QS Stars ratings from 2023 to 2026 Complementing its success in the QS Asia rankings, PUP has also maintained consistent performance in the QS Stars Ratings from 2023 to 2026, sustaining its 3-Star overall rating while earning high distinctions in several key areas. Amid the shift from the QS Stars Version 5.2 (v5.2) to the updated Version 6 (v6) criteria, PUP demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience—upholding its institutional strengths and identifying areas for strategic growth under the new global assessment framework.
Throughout the four-year period, PUP showed exceptional stability in Employability, consistently earning 5 Stars (2023–2026)—a reflection of the University’s strong industry linkages, job-ready graduates, and alignment of academic programs with labor market needs. Similarly, Facilities and Online Learning maintained a 5-Star rating across all four years, highlighting PUP’s effective digital learning systems and accessible educational environment.
The University also achieved 5 Stars in Good Governance in both 2025 and 2026, marking a milestone in its commitment to transparent, accountable, and participatory leadership. These sustained ratings affirm PUP’s institutional maturity and dedication to continuous improvement.
As the QS Stars v6 methodology took effect in 2024, new weightings placed greater emphasis on the “Learning Experience”, research productivity, sustainability, and internationalization. Under this revised evaluation, PUP’s Teaching rating, which stood at 4 Stars from 2023 to 2025, adjusted to 3 Stars in 2026, reflecting the more rigorous standards and expanded criteria that now include student engagement, pedagogical innovation, and global learning exposure.
In the area of Global Engagement, PUP recorded a modest improvement—from 1 Star (2023–2025) to 2 Stars in 2026—indicating progress in establishing international linkages, mobility programs, and global collaborations. The University also maintained a 4-Star rating in Research and Academic Development since its inclusion in 2024, showcasing a growing research culture and faculty scholarship.
Meanwhile, Social Impact ratings fluctuated from 3 Stars (2023–2024) to 4 Stars (2025) before returning to 3 Stars (2026) as the assessment criteria expanded under v6 to include sustainability and community outcomes.
In elective categories, Inclusiveness maintained 4 Stars (2023–2025)—affirming PUP’s role as a socially responsive and inclusive public institution—while the Arts category debuted in 2025 with a 3-Star rating, sustained through 2026. PUP’s specialized programs also earned specialist criteria rating in Program Strength, with commendations for the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (2024) and Computer and Information Systems (2026).
Commitment to Quality and Global Alignment The Polytechnic University of the Philippines voluntarily participates in international rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and QS Stars to benchmark its performance against global standards, identify areas for improvement, and enhance its visibility on the world stage. Guided by its vision to be the National Polytechnic University—a university of transformation and excellence—and its mission to provide inclusive and equitable quality education while promoting lifelong learning opportunities through excellence in instruction, research, extension, and production, PUP remains steadfast in its commitment to national and global development.
Through these initiatives, the University strengthens its capacity to attract international partnerships, foster research collaborations, and develop globally competitive and socially responsible graduates. This effort also reflects PUP’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—affirming its role in advancing inclusive, innovative, and sustainable education for all.
Please click/tap the appropriate link to help you in your navigation of our services
Applicant Student Faculty Member or Employee Researcher or Extensionist Alumni Campus Life Institutional Accreditation Back to Homepage