UP Still Leads 4 Other Philippine Schools in QS World University Rankings 2027

(SPOT.ph) Out of more than 1,500 universities worldwide, the University of the Philippines (UP) ranked 402nd in the 2027 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, making it the highest-ranked Philippine institution in this year’s list.

UP performed strongest in “Employment Outcomes,” “Sustainability,” and “Employer Reputation.” But before Iskos start celebrating, here's a reality check: UP may still be the highest-ranked in the country, but it dropped from its previous spots, 362nd in 2026 and 336th in 2025.

Four other universities made it to the rankings: the Ateneo de Manila University at Rank 581, the De La Salle University at Rank 751-760, the University of Santo Tomas at Rank 951-1000, and Adamson University at Rank 1201-1400. All four also fell from their standings in the previous edition.

“Rankings suggest that Filipino institutions are not keeping up with advances seen in other higher education systems globally,” QS noted in a press release.

This is because, as QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter explained, international competitors are moving faster, particularly in research impact, global network, and student outcomes.

“It is vital that institutions in the Philippines are supported with the right frameworks and government assistance to ensure that they keep up with the global advances seen elsewhere in the global higher education ecosystem,” Sowter added.

Also read: Ateneo Is Still No. 1 PH University at THE Asia Rankings 2025

• 402 (from 362): University of the Philippines

• 581 (from 511): Ateneo de Manila University

• 751-760 (from 654): De La Salle University

• 951-1000 (from 851–900): University of Santo Tomas

• 1201-1400 (from 1,001–1,200): Adamson University

Notably, two schools that appeared in recent QS rankings were missing from the 2027 list. Mapúa University did not make the list, despite debuting in the 1,401+ band in 2026 QS World University rankings. Additionally, the University of San Carlos failed to join for the second consecutive year, despite having been ranked in the 1201–1400 range in the 2025 QS World University Rankings.

The QS World University Rankings are released annually, featuring QS’ analyses and insights on the international higher education sector. For this year, the QS World University Rankings accounted for the following: Research and Discovery (50%), Employability and Outcomes (20%), Global Engagement (15%), Learning Experience (10%), and Sustainability (5%).

The rankings are widely regarded as one of the most influential and comprehensive assessments of higher education institutions in the world.

Also read: Mapúa and Adamson Enter QS World University Rankings for the First Time