The University of Mindanao (UM) has achieved a significant milestone by making its first appearance in the prestigious 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings. The institution, recognized as Mindanao's largest private non-sectarian university, has been placed in the 1301–1400 bracket in its debut on the list published on November 8, 2025.
A Landmark Achievement for Mindanao
This inclusion marks a historic moment not just for UM, but for the entire Davao City and Mindanao higher education landscape. The university's entry into these prestigious rankings signifies its growing academic stature and places the region firmly on the international academic map. The UM community is celebrating this achievement, viewing it as a strong validation of their commitment to academic quality, robust research culture, and expanding regional influence.
UM's strong academic standing has been consistently reinforced over recent years. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has designated several of its programs as Centers of Excellence (COE) and Centers of Development (COD). This distinction gives UM the highest number of such accredited programs in Mindanao, a fact the university often highlights as evidence of its dedication to providing accessible, high-quality education.
Philippines and Mindanao Shine in 2026 Rankings
The 2026 edition of the QS Asia University Rankings showcased the Philippines' strongest performance to date, with a total of 35 universities earning a spot on the list. The University of the Philippines (UP) led the national contingent, holding the 104th position despite an 18-spot drop from the previous year. It was followed by Ateneo de Manila University at 141st and De La Salle University at 178th. The University of Santo Tomas (UST) maintained its position as the country's fourth-ranked institution, placing 184th out of the 1,530 universities evaluated across Asia.
A notable trend in this year's rankings is the impressive rise of regional universities outside Metro Manila, with Mindanao institutions showing remarkable progress. Alongside UM, other Mindanao-based universities that secured rankings include:
- Ateneo de Davao University in the 851–900 band
- Central Mindanao University and Mindanao State University in the 1001–1100 tier
- Caraga State University, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, University of Southern Mindanao, and Western Mindanao State University
This collective achievement powerfully demonstrates that international recognition for academic excellence is no longer concentrated solely in the nation's capital but is flourishing across Mindanao.
What This Means for UM's Future
The university sees its inclusion in the QS list as a major reinforcement of its strategic direction, particularly its focus on internationalization as a core long-term goal. With its growing portfolio of accredited programs and expanding research initiatives, UM anticipates a continued upward trajectory in its global standing in the years to come.
The QS Asia University Rankings, established in 2009, assess institutions based on 11 key indicators tailored to regional priorities. These metrics include academic and employer reputation, research productivity, global collaboration, and the presence of international faculty and students. The 2026 rankings were topped by the University of Hong Kong, followed by China's Peking University, with Singapore's Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore tying for third place.
UM's successful debut is a testament to the vibrant and competitive state of higher education in Southern Philippines, proving that world-class academic institutions are thriving far beyond the traditional educational hubs.
