A record-breaking 121 higher education institutions (HEIs) from the Philippines have made it to the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings released on June 18, marking a major milestone for the country’s academic and sustainability efforts.
This year’s tally more than doubles the Philippines’ 2024 count of 56 schools, giving the country the highest number of ranked institutions in Southeast Asia. Globally, the Philippines now ranks third in representation, trailing only India (147) and Pakistan (126).
The THE Impact Rankings, now in their sixth year, evaluate universities based on their progress toward the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Institutions are assessed across four main areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching.
Ateneo climbs in global rankings
Ateneo de Manila University remains the country’s top-performing institution, rising to the 101–200 bracket globally, an improvement from its 201–300 placement last year.
Tied for second among local schools are Batangas State University, Isabela State University, and the University of the Philippines, each landing within the 401–600 global range.
The University of Santo Tomas retained its position in the 601–800 band for the fifth consecutive year. It shares this ranking with regional institutions such as Caraga State University, Ifugao State University, and Mariano Marcos State University.
Meanwhile, eleven other Philippine universities were placed in the 801–1000 tier, including Benguet State University, Central Luzon State University, Mapúa University and De La Salle University, which slipped from its previous 401–600 placement.
Southeast Asia and beyond
The Philippines led all ASEAN nations in the number of ranked universities, ahead of Thailand (85) and Indonesia (76). In terms of individual performance, Universitas Airlangga of Indonesia reached the global top 10, tied at ninth, marking a historic first for the region.
Western Sydney University topped the 2025 global list, followed by the University of Manchester in the UK. Over 2,500 institutions from 130 countries participated in this year’s rankings.
To be included, universities must submit data on SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and at least three other SDGs. Scores are calculated based on performance in these categories, with SDG 17 weighted at 22% and the top three SDGs weighted at 26% each.
Education experts view this year’s results as a strong indication of the Philippines’ increasing alignment with international sustainability goals. The expanding presence of local universities in global rankings reflects a broader push to integrate academic work with pressing global challenges—from poverty and inequality to environmental sustainability.