Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has made history by being listed for the first time among the world’s top 801–850 universities in the QS World University Rankings (QS WUR 2026).

This proud achievement not only reflects the dedication and commitment of the entire UMT community to academic excellence and high-impact research, but also strengthens UMT’s position as a global leader in the fields of marine science and environmental sustainability.

UMT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, describes the success as the result of robust strategic planning and strong collaboration across the university ecosystem.

“This ranking is more than just a number, but it is a manifestation of UMT’s consistent growth in core areas such as marine science, environmental sustainability, and research. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all UMT lecturers, researchers, students, alumni, and staff for their invaluable contributions,” he said.

Previously, UMT was in the 1001–1200 group of world’s best universities for five consecutive years. The jump to the 801–850 group represents a significant improvement, showing that the university’s strategic direction outlined in the UMT Strategic Plan 2023–2027 (PSUMT5) has begun to bear fruit.

According to the QS WUR 2026 report, UMT recorded excellent achievements in several key indicators. Citations per faculty rose to the 596th position globally, an 89-place improvement compared to the previous ranking.

UMT also showed significant progress in the sustainability indicator, ranking 543rd in the world, thanks to ongoing green initiatives on campus.

A notable improvement was also seen in the international student indicator, with UMT now ranked 588th globally, a jump of 88 places. Its international students come from 44 countries, a fact reinforcing the university’s status as a preferred higher education destination in the region.

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Corporate Communications Office
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu