The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced on Wednesday, Oct. 9, that globally ranked Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) continue to increase, with six HEIs now ranked in the newly released 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
CHED, in a statement, said that from five HEIs featured in the previous year's rankings, there are now six HEIs in the latest THE World University Ranking, with the inclusion of a public HEI.
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) broke into the rankings for the first time, joining Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), the University of the Philippines (UP), De La Salle University (DLSU), Mapúa University, and the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
The six Philippine HEIs secured the following places in the 2025 rankings:
1. Ateneo de Manila University (1001 - 1200)
2. University of the Philippines (1201 - 1500)
3. De La Salle University (1501+)
4. Mapúa University (1501+)
5. Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (1501+)
6. University of Santo Tomas (1501+)
Showing results
CHED Secretary Popoy De Vera said the continuing annual increase in the number of Philippine HEIs subjecting themselves to international assessment and ranking is “indeed outstanding.”
“The fact that these HEIs are joining the list of the top universities not just in THE rankings but also in other international ranking bodies shows the globalized outlook and competitiveness of our public and private universities,” he added.
De Vera also noted that the collective efforts of Philippine HEIs, assisted by CHED and the national government, are “now showing results.”
He assured that CHED will continue “accelerating internationalization, assisting university-to-university linkages, and fostering partnerships to bring more HEIs into international rankings.”
National strategy
CHED noted that this year, President Marcos recognized the significant increase in HEIs included in various global rankings—from 52 last year to 87 as of June 2024.
“Notably, Philippine HEIs have improved their global academic reputation, resulting in a 67.3 percent increase in the number of HEIs globally ranked,” CHED said.
During the first National Higher Education Summit in May, CHED said President Marcos instructed the Commission to craft a “comprehensive and all-encompassing strategy” for internationalization.
In response, CHED noted that it is in the process of developing a national strategy aimed at creating a roadmap for improving the country's performance in global rankings and fostering the ongoing growth and development of its higher education system.
“The Commission will continue to work closely with universities and other stakeholders to further elevate the Philippines' standing in the global higher education arena,” De Vera said.
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