Three Saudi universities have improved their positions in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, highlighting continued progress across teaching, research, international outlook and industry engagement.
Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University ranked in the 401-450 band globally, placing it among Saudi Arabia’s top five universities. Shaqra University moved into the 801-1000 band, while Al-Baha University ranked in the 1201-1400 band.
For students and families considering higher education options in the Kingdom, the results offer another indication of how Saudi universities are strengthening their academic and research performance.
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University Among Saudi Arabia’s Top Five
Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University secured a place in the 401-450 global band in the 2027 rankings.
The university’s result places it among the top five Saudi universities in the latest Times Higher Education ranking. Its progress reflects work to strengthen education quality, research, innovation and international partnerships.
The university has also focused on developing its academic and research environment in line with international standards.
For students, stronger performance in global rankings can provide an additional point of reference when comparing universities. However, rankings are only one factor to consider alongside programmes, accreditation, teaching, facilities, student support and career opportunities.
Shaqra University Moves Into The 801-1000 Band
Shaqra University advanced into the 801-1000 band globally.
The university’s progress reflects continued work to improve academic and research performance, institutional efficiency and educational outcomes.
Meanwhile, its stronger position contributes to the growing representation of Saudi universities in international rankings.
For prospective students, this wider presence provides more information when exploring higher education options across different regions of the Kingdom.
Al-Baha University Shows Progress Across Key Measures
Al-Baha University was placed in the 1201-1400 band in the 2027 rankings.
The university also recorded improvements across several assessment areas compared with the previous year.
Its teaching score increased from 19.5 to 20.3 points. The research environment score rose from 9.1 to 10.9.
Industry recorded the largest increase, moving from 21.9 to 29.6 points.
International outlook was the university’s strongest category at 75 points, while research quality stood at 52.8.
These measures are significant because the Times Higher Education methodology looks beyond teaching alone. It also considers research performance, international engagement and relationships with industry.
What The Rankings Measure
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 include 2,297 universities from 118 countries and territories. This compares with 2,191 institutions from 115 countries in the previous edition.
The ranking uses 17 performance indicators grouped into five areas.
Research quality accounts for 30 per cent of the overall score, followed by teaching at 29.5 per cent and research environment at 29 per cent.
International outlook accounts for 7.5 per cent, while industry contributes 4 per cent.
This means a university’s position is shaped by a combination of teaching, research, knowledge exchange and international engagement rather than a single measure.
What This Means For Saudi Students
The latest results show continued movement among Saudi universities in a global higher education landscape.
For students choosing where to study, rankings can help provide a broad comparison between institutions. However, a higher overall position does not automatically mean a university is the best choice for every student.
Students should also look at the strength of their preferred subject, programme accreditation, teaching approach, campus experience, research opportunities and links with employers.
Parents may also want to consider graduate outcomes, student support and the university’s location when helping young people make their decision.
Saudi Arabia’s growing representation in international rankings also gives students more opportunities to consider universities within the Kingdom when planning their higher education journey.
Saudi Higher Education Continues To Expand Its Global Presence
The 2027 results form part of a wider expansion in Saudi Arabia’s international higher education presence.
Times Higher Education reported that King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals was the highest-ranked Saudi university in the 2027 edition at joint 176th globally. King Saud University followed at 216th, while King Khalid University ranked in the 301-325 band.
The Islamic University of Madinah also recorded a significant rise, moving from the 1001-1200 band in 2026 to 701-800 in 2027.
Together, these results point to a higher education sector with an expanding presence in global comparisons.
For students and families, the key takeaway is to use rankings as one source of information rather than the sole basis for choosing a university.
For more education related updates, please visit
Further Reading
- Is Your Child In The Right Learning Environment? What Parents Should Look For
- Why Children Need To Recharge At The Weekend And Where Jeddah Families Can Go