By, Shafiy Nordin
GOMBAK, 28 March 2025: The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has reached a historic milestone, ranking among the top 25 universities globally for Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies in the newly released QS World University Rankings (WUR) by Subject 2026.
The prestigious listing also highlights IIUM’s dominance in the discipline, officially positioning the institution as the number one university in Malaysia, Asia, and the Muslim world.
Emphasising the importance of the recognition, IIUM Rector, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar, noted that the achievement is a direct testament to the university’s dedication to excellence. “This recognition reinforces IIUM’s commitment to academic excellence and its aspiration to be a value-based educational institution. It reflects the collective efforts of our academics, researchers, and students in advancing knowledge rooted in Islamic principles,” he stated.
This is not the first time IIUM has excelled in this discipline. In 2017, IIUM was ranked among the Top 50 globally for Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies, while also being recognised as No. 1 in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and the Muslim world. The 2026 ranking marks a significant leap forward, as IIUM has now broken into the global top 25, solidifying its reputation as a premier institution in Islamic studies.
For the IIUM community, the ranking upholds the quality and relevance of its academic programmes, subject-matter expertise, and research contributions. It also strengthens international collaborations, attracts high-calibre students, and further places the university as a leading centre for integrating human sciences with Islamic values.
At the national level, the achievement enhances Malaysia’s visibility in global academic rankings. Reports by national media outlets such as Bernama and Astro Awani and major outlets such as the New Straits Times and The Star have linked this achievement as an important benchmark of the increasing global competitiveness of the local higher education sector.
As the university continues to strengthen its academic excellence, this recognition reflects its core mission: to nurture scholars and leaders who acquire both intellectual quality and spiritual values.***
