Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) has once again achieved international recognition. Based on the results of the QS Asia University Rankings (AUR) 2026, announced by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in early November 2025, UNISMA secured a position in the 1101–1200 band in Asia and ranked 173rd in Southeast Asia. This achievement represents a 21.6% improvement compared to the previous year’s results, reflecting UNISMA’s sustained commitment to strengthening its global competitiveness.
This milestone further confirms UNISMA’s standing as one of Indonesia’s leading private Islamic universities, demonstrating consistent progress in academic quality, research performance, and internationalization. Among 93 Indonesian public and private universities included in QS AUR 2026, UNISMA ranks 50th nationally, placing it above several well-established institutions in the country.
Even more remarkably, UNISMA has made history as the top-ranked Nahdlatul Ulama-affiliated university (PTNU) and one of only two PTNU institutions nationwide to enter the QS Asia University Rankings 2026. This distinction symbolizes UNISMA’s success in enhancing its academic reputation, research impact, and international network within the Nahdlatul Ulama higher education ecosystem.
The QS Asia University Rankings is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious higher education ranking systems. QS employs a comprehensive methodology based on 11 indicators grouped into four main dimensions:
- Research and Discovery, including Academic Reputation, Citations per Paper, and Papers per Faculty;
- Employability and Outcomes, assessing Employer Reputation;
- Learning Experience, including Faculty-Student Ratio and Staff with PhD qualifications;
- Global Engagement, covering International Research Network, Inbound and Outbound Exchange Students, International Faculty, and International Students.
UNISMA Rector, Prof. Drs. H. Junaidi, M.Pd., Ph.D., expressed gratitude for the achievement.
“UNISMA’s performance in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 is tangible proof of the hard work, collaboration, and dedication of our entire academic community. It represents international recognition of our commitment to delivering high-quality and globally competitive education,” he stated.
He further emphasized that this accomplishment not only highlights institutional progress but also strengthens UNISMA’s position among Islamic universities in Southeast Asia. In recent years, UNISMA has actively expanded its international partnerships, enhanced its reputable research ecosystem, and developed global programs such as student exchanges, overseas internships, and international community engagement initiatives.
With this strengthened reputation, UNISMA is steadily advancing toward its vision of becoming a globally recognized university, future-oriented in science, technology, and culture for the benefit of society. The QS Asia University Rankings 2026 milestone serves as a powerful momentum for UNISMA to further reinforce its role as an Islamic university contributing to the advancement of knowledge and global civilization. As embodied in its spirit, UNISMA continues to soar toward becoming a truly world-class institution.
