Universities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Featured in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
As the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK), we are pleased to share the growing international visibility and academic competitiveness of the higher education system in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) year after year.
According to the 2025 results of the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, one of the most reputable global university ranking institutions, three universities operating in our country were ranked in the 601–800 band globally.
Cyprus International University, Eastern Mediterranean University, and Near East University achieved overall scores ranging between 38.2 and 43.2. The universities’ performances in specific subcategories were as follows:
• Cyprus International University: Teaching: 15.0, research environment: 11.4, research quality: 81.9, industry income: 17.1 and international outlook: 72.6
• Eastern Mediterranean University: Teaching: 23.1, research environment: 14.8, research quality: 74.8, industry income: 35.9 and international outlook: 84.9
• Near East University: Teaching: 24.0, research environment: 19.3, research quality: 70.0, industry income: 54.1 and international outlook: 93.1
In addition, Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD) was listed as a “reporter” in this year’s rankings. This status indicates that the university has started sharing data with THE and is a potential candidate for future inclusion in the ranked list.
The fact that TRNC universities have stood out particularly in the areas of research quality, industry collaboration, and international outlook is a clear indication of the global competitiveness of our higher education system. As YÖDAK, we remain committed to supporting all our universities in line with the goals of quality assurance, sustainable development, and internationalization.
We sincerely congratulate the universities that represented our country on the global stage in the THE World Rankings and thank all academic and administrative staff who contributed to this success.
TRNC Universities Excel in THE Impact Rankings 2025 on Sustainability
As YÖDAK, we are pleased to share the international recognition of the contributions made by TRNC universities toward global sustainability goals.
According to the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, which measure universities’ performance based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), five universities from the TRNC succeeded in being included in this year’s list.
Near East University - Ranked 43rd Worldwide
Near East University achieved an outstanding global rank of 43rd and demonstrated remarkable results in the following areas:
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): 82.5
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): 86.7
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): 89.8
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): 95.2
• Overall sustainability score: 92.8
Cyprus International University – Ranked in the 301–400 Band
• SDG 3: 63.4–66.2
• SDG 4: 60.8–66.9
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): 88.3
• SDG 17: 77.4–81.7
• Overall sustainability score: 76.2–79.3
Eastern Mediterranean University – Also in the 301–400 Band
• SDG 1 (No Poverty): 62.5–70.6
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): 54.8–62.0
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): 57.3–62.4
• SDG 17: 86.7–91.8
• Overall sustainability score: 76.2–79.3
ARUCAD – First-time Entry in the 1501+ Band
As an institution specializing in arts and design, ARUCAD made its debut in the 2025 Impact Rankings and was placed in the 1501+ band. Notable SDG contributions include:
• SDG 8: 38.7–45.8
• SDG 10: 31.1–40.4
• SDG 11: 34.4–43.5
• SDG 17: 2.1–44.7
• Overall sustainability score: 1.7–49.7
Final International University – Also Ranked in the 1501+ Band
• SDG 3: 45.1–50.5
• SDG 4: 61.9–64.7
• SDG 11: 34.4–43.5
• SDG 17: 2.1–44.7
• Overall sustainability score: 1.7–49.7
These results not only reflect the academic strength of TRNC universities but also highlight their meaningful societal impact, commitment to sustainability, environmental awareness, and active contributions to global cooperation and health.
As YÖDAK, we wholeheartedly appreciate and support the projects, academic programs, and institutional strategies of our universities that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We sincerely congratulate all the universities ranked in THE Impact Rankings 2025, and commend the academic and administrative staff whose dedicated efforts made this success possible.
TRNC Universities Featured in QS World University Rankings 2026
As YÖDAK, we are proud of the increasing global recognition of our higher education institutions and their growing presence in prestigious international rankings.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, announced by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), one of the most esteemed ranking organizations in the world, two universities from the TRNC have been successfully included in the global list.
Eastern Mediterranean University – Ranked 691st
Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) secured the 691st place globally and became the highest-ranked university from the TRNC in the 2026 QS rankings. The university achieved an overall score of 25.4, with the following highlights:
• Academic Reputation: 9.2
• Citations per Faculty: 31.3
EMU demonstrated a balanced and strong performance across categories such as QS Stars Rating: ★★★★ (4 Stars), research & discovery, learning experience, employability, global engagement, and sustainability. This success affirms the university’s consistent advancement in research excellence, international collaboration, and academic productivity.
European University of Lefke – Ranked in the 851–900 Band
European University of Lefke (EUL) entered the QS World Rankings for the first time and was placed in the 851–900 band, maintaining strong global visibility.
• Academic Reputation: 6.7
• Citations per Faculty: 11.5
EUL earned positive scores in areas such as QS Stars Rating: ★★★★★ (5 Stars), learning experience, sustainability, employability, and global engagement. The five-star rating reflects the university’s robust infrastructure in student satisfaction, teaching quality, and sustainability strategies.
TRNC universities included in the QS rankings are becoming globally recognized academic institutions beyond the borders of our country. These achievements clearly reflect the importance placed by our universities on quality education, research, internationalization, and sustainability.
As YÖDAK, we will continue to support every effort that enhances the international visibility of our universities, and we reaffirm our commitment to quality assurance and global competitiveness through sustainable development.
We sincerely congratulate Eastern Mediterranean University and European University of Lefke for their accomplishments, and extend our appreciation to all academic and administrative staff who contributed to this success.
As YÖDAK, we remain committed to advancing the TRNC higher education system toward a structure that is internationally aligned, high-quality, transparent, and sustainable. The achievements of our universities in these global rankings are not only milestones for today but also important steps toward building a resilient and competitive higher education system for the future. We wholeheartedly celebrate all institutions that represent our country on the world stage and wish them continued success.
Respectfully,
Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK)
