Sunway University Named ASEAN’s Top Private University 2026

Sunway University Remains ASEAN’s Top Private University

In a major milestone, Sunway University has made a remarkable leap in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, moving up to the 301–350 band globally, a significant improvement from last year’s 401–500 position.

This achievement firmly places Sunway as Malaysia’s and ASEAN’s No.1 non-government-linked private university, underscoring its growing reputation for world-class teaching, impactful research, and strong industry collaboration.

What Makes This Ranking Special

The THE World University Rankings are among the most respected global assessments, evaluating 2,191 universities worldwide across five key pillars:

• Teaching
• Research Environment
• Research Quality
• Industry Engagement
• International Outlook

Sunway University showed improvement across all five indicators, with an especially impressive rise in Research Quality, where it is now ranked #111 globally, a reflection of the university’s dedication to producing high-impact, globally cited research.

A University With Global Connections

Sunway University’s success is strongly linked to its international partnerships. It has built a powerful network of academic collaborations that span across continents, from the UK and the US to Asia-Pacific.

Among its key global alliances:

→ Lancaster University (UK) – offering joint degree programmes and academic exchange

→ Arizona State University (USA) – collaboration in digital learning and innovation

→ University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, MIT, and Harvard University – active research collaborations driving advancements in health, AI, and sustainability

These partnerships reinforce Sunway’s identity as a truly global university, providing students and researchers access to world-class expertise and international learning opportunities.

A Strong Regional Presence

Sunway’s influence extends beyond Malaysia. With partnerships across ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific, the university continues to play a leading role in regional academic collaboration and innovation.

Its growing international outlook reflects a campus community that embraces diversity, welcoming students from over 60 countries, making it a hub for cross-cultural learning and global talent development.

Driving Impact for People and Planet

As a mission-driven 5th Generation University, Sunway University focuses not only on academic excellence but also on creating positive impact through research and sustainability.

From planetary health and green technology to AI and social innovation, the university’s research directly supports Malaysia’s and ASEAN’s long-term development goals.

Sunway’s commitment aligns with its partnerships under the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) — hosted at Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s first integrated green smart city.

At a Glance: Sunway University’s 2026 Ranking Highlights

• 301–350 band worldwide (THE World University Rankings 2026)
• #111 globally in Research Quality
• Top Private University in Malaysia & ASEAN
• Partnerships with Cambridge, Oxford, MIT, and Harvard
• SDSN Asia headquarters hosted at Sunway City Kuala Lumpur

What This Means for Students

For students and parents considering where to study, this ranking confirms what many already know, you don’t have to go abroad to get a world-class education.

At Sunway University, you’ll find:

• Globally recognised degrees (dual programmes with Lancaster University UK)
• Industry connections with over 180 top employers
• Research opportunities with international impact

A safe, connected campus in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, complete with housing, malls, and healthcare facilities nearby

Looking Ahead

As Sunway University continues to climb the global rankings, its mission remains clear; to deliver education and research that create real-world change for people and the planet.

With world-class academics, global partnerships, and a strong foundation in innovation, Sunway University is shaping the future of higher education in Malaysia and beyond.