Τhe University of Cyprus (UCY) has maintained its position among the top 401–500 universities worldwide, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE WUR) 2026.
According to an announcement from the University, "Out of 2,191 institutions evaluated globally, this achievement reinforces UCY’s strong international presence and reaffirms its recognition among the world’s leading universities. The University of Cyprus is also ranked as the top institution in Cyprus, among the four Cypriot universities included in the ranking. The University’s consistent success in recent years is evident, as it has been continuously featured in the THE WUR since 2016, maintaining a strong position among globally distinguished universities."
The THE WUR evaluation is based on five pillars: Teaching (29.5%), Research Environment (29%), Research Quality (30%), International Outlook (7.5%), and Industry (4%).
The University of Cyprus demonstrated particular excellence in two key pillars:
Research Quality: With a score of 69.2, this remains UCY’s strongest pillar.This score is significantly higher than the median of universities included in the ranking (53.0) and approaches the 75th percentile (72.4).UCY achieved high results in the Research Strength (82.5) and Research Excellence (80.4) indicators, reflecting the strong impact of its research activity.
International Outlook: UCY achieved a high score of 74.1, highlighting its strong internationalisation and global collaborations.
The Rector of the University of Cyprus, Professor Tasos Christofides, noted that while the quality of higher education institutions is not defined solely by their position in rankings, these evaluations provide a valuable benchmark for understanding the international environment in which universities operate.
He stressed that the impact and contribution of higher education institutions to society—particularly that of the country’s first public university—extend far beyond numerical rankings. He further emphasised that the University of Cyprus remains firmly committed to high-quality teaching, impactful research, and active engagement with society.
The University’s consistent inclusion among the world’s top universities, and its recognition as the leading higher education institution in Cyprus, reflect the collective effort of its academic community. The University’s dedication to excellence in teaching and research, to international collaboration, and to strong ties with society and industry remains steady and robust.
Released on 9 October, the THE WUR 2026 Final Rankings can be viewed here: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/latest/world-ranking
