Algeria has achieved a significant milestone in higher education, securing the top position in the Arab world and North Africa (Maghreb) in the prestigious QS Arab Region University Rankings for 2026. This achievement, announced by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, highlights the country’s growing commitment to academic excellence and research.
The ministry’s statement released on Saturday detailed the impressive progress made by Algerian universities. “In the context of the release of the QS Arab Region University Rankings for 2026, Algerian universities have achieved advanced and strong results through the progress of the number of national higher education institutions ranked,” the statement read. This year witnessed a substantial increase in the number of Algerian institutions featured in the rankings. A remarkable 46 Algerian higher education institutions were ranked in the 2026 edition, a significant jump from the 17 institutions ranked in 2025 and the 14 in 2024.
This surge in ranked institutions places Algeria first in the Maghreb region and the entire Arab world in terms of the sheer number of universities recognized by QS. Within Algeria, the University of Annaba emerged as the leading institution, achieving a remarkable leap forward from its previous ranking of 161-170 in the previous year. The ministry emphasized that this achievement reflects the dedicated efforts to enhance the quality of education and the visibility of scientific research at both regional and international levels. The enhanced standing of national higher education institutions in various global rankings is a testament to this commitment.
The QS Arab Region University Rankings, an annual publication by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a globally recognized higher education analytics firm, aims to evaluate and compare the performance of higher education institutions across the Arab region. The ranking employs a comprehensive framework comprising ten key indicators, each representing a fundamental aspect of university performance and competitiveness. These indicators include academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, research citations per paper, the proportion of international faculty, and the percentage of international students. These metrics provide a holistic assessment of each university’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Algeria’s success in the QS rankings underscores the country’s increasing focus on developing its higher education sector. By investing in research, attracting international talent, and improving the overall quality of education, Algeria is positioning itself as a leading hub for academic excellence in the Arab world. This achievement is expected to further enhance the reputation of Algerian universities and attract more students and researchers to the country, contributing to its continued growth and development. The Algerian government sees this ranking as a validation of their continuous investment and strategic planning to boost the country’s education system. This improved ranking is not only a source of national pride but also a catalyst for further development and innovation in Algerian higher education.
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