UM6P Climbs to 14th in the Arab World and 1st in Morocco in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings 2026
A major regional milestone reflecting research excellence, innovation-driven growth, and a fast-rising scientific footprint. University Mohammed VI Polytechnic has marked a significant new achievement by ranking 14th in the Arab world and 1st in Morocco in the Times Higher Education (THE) Arab University Rankings 2026. This milestone reflects an impressive leap from 38th place in 2025, demonstrating the University’s accelerated rise among the region’s most impactful and research-driven institutions.
This progression consolidates UM6P’s position as a continental and regional hub for science, innovation, and knowledge production, and highlights the University’s growing contribution to addressing Africa’s and the world’s critical challenges.
A Rapid and Strategic Rise in Regional Visibility
The 2026 edition of the Arab Ranking includes 268 universities from 18 countries and territories, making it one of the most competitive and comprehensive regional evaluations. UM6P’s advancement to the top 15 testifies to the strength of its research ecosystem, its international collaborations, and its ability to deliver high-impact scientific output.
This recognition underscores UM6P’s core mission: to build a modern model of higher education rooted in excellence, relevance, and long-term societal impact.
Understanding the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings Methodology
A framework that values research strength, institutional performance, and international engagement
The THE Arab University Rankings use a methodology designed specifically for the region, integrating internationally recognized performance indicators from the THE World University Rankings with additional metrics reflecting Arab institutions’ realities and strategic priorities.
The 2026 methodology evaluates universities across five major pillars:
1. Teaching (Learning Environment)
Assesses the quality of learning and academic support through indicators such as:
- Staff-to-student ratios
- Doctorate-to-bachelor ratios
- Teaching reputation
- Institutional resources
2. Research Environment and Research Quality
A central component of the ranking, this pillar focuses on:
- Research volume
- Research reputation
- Field-weighted citation impact
- Research influence and scientific contribution
This year’s methodology places significant emphasis on reputation within the global research community, rewarding institutions producing influential and widely cited research.
3. International Outlook
Measures the extent to which universities are globally connected, looking at:
- Proportion of international students and staff
- International co-authored publications
- Strategic global partnerships
UM6P’s strong network of global collaborations — across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America — directly boosts its performance in this area.
4. Industry Engagement
Evaluates universities’ contributions to industry and applied research by assessing:
- Industry income
- Knowledge transfer activities
- Innovation capacity
- Collaborations with public and private sectors
UM6P’s deep ties with OCP Group and its network of research platforms significantly enhance results in this pillar.
5. Social and Regional Impact (Arab-Specific Enhancements)
The rankings also include indicators tailored to regional context, such as:
- Relevance of research to regional priorities
- Contribution to local development
- Applied research with socio-economic outcomes
This pillar rewards institutions addressing real-world challenges in agriculture, sustainability, climate resilience, and digital transformation — all central to UM6P’s mission.
What This Ranking Means for UM6P and the Region
UM6P’s ascent reflects:
- The maturation of its research ecosystem
- Its international scientific footprint
- Its targeted investments in priority fields such as AI, sustainable agriculture, green energy, health sciences, and engineering
- Its increasing influence as a regional model of innovation-driven higher education
As only its second participation in the THE Arab Ranking, UM6P’s rise confirms a trajectory of accelerated development and the University’s emerging role in shaping the future of higher education in the region.
This achievement also strengthens UM6P’s long-term vision:
to position Morocco and Africa as global contributors to science, technology, and sustainable development.
This regional achievement follows UM6P’s growing international visibility and continued progress in global rankings. Discover UM6P’s performance in the global Times Higher Education 2026 ranking here.
Dive more into the methodology :
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