Ankara University deepens QS ties after rising in global rankings

Ankara University has signed a collaboration agreement with QS in Glasgow after climbing to 731–740 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The deal follows four straight years of improvement and supports the university’s push to strengthen its global profile in rankings, research and internationalization.

Why it matters: - Ankara University’s new agreement with QS comes after four years of ranking gains, signaling a push to sustain momentum in global visibility. - The university’s progress matters for Türkiye as 25 Turkish universities appear in QS World University Rankings 2027, most in the 1201–1400 band. - Ankara University sits above most ranked Turkish institutions and remains part of the country’s small group inside the top 1000.

What happened: - Ankara University signed a collaboration agreement with QS Quacquarelli Symonds in Glasgow during EAIE 2026. - The signing took place at the 36th Annual Conference and Exhibition of the European Association for International Education, held at the Scottish Event Campus from Sept. 8 to 11, 2026. - The agreement was signed by Ankara University Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Ünüvar and QS European Director Leonardo Andrade. - Ankara University said the agreement is intended to help maintain and improve its current position.

The details: - Ankara University placed in the 731–740 band in QS World University Rankings 2027. - The university was in the 1001–1200 band in the 2023 edition. - Ankara University entered the global top 700 for the first time in 2026, at =697. - The university ranks 10th in Western Asia in the QS Europe University Rankings. - Ankara University is listed at =658 globally in the QS Sustainability Ranking. - The university is in the 51–150 band worldwide for Dentistry in QS World University Rankings by Subject. - QS indicator-level analysis shows Ankara University scores strongest in Employment Outcomes, Sustainability and International Research Network. - Employment Outcomes reflects graduate employability and alumni impact across academia, business and public administration. - Sustainability covers environmental, social and governance commitments, including campus activity, diversity programs and research tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. - International Research Network measures recurring cross-border collaboration through co-authored publications over a five-year period. - Ankara University operates across 36 campuses with 19 faculties, 14 graduate schools, 11 vocational schools, a state conservatory and 48 research and application centers. - Türkiye’s Council of Higher Education designated Ankara University a Research University in 2017, and the institution still holds that status. - Ankara University is a member of the International Association of Universities, the European University Association and UNICA. - The university maintains student and staff mobility through the Erasmus program. - QS institutional data lists Ankara University with 42,778 students, including 2,032 international students, and 3,843 academic staff. - Ankara University was founded in 1946 as the first higher education institution of the Republic of Türkiye in the capital. - The university offers programs across the social sciences, medicine, natural and applied sciences, the arts and sport, plus associate, undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, distance and continuing education. - QS publishes the World University Rankings, World University Rankings by Subject, Sustainability Rankings and regional rankings. - QS provides data, analytics and advisory services to the global higher education sector.

Between the lines: - The ranking gains suggest Ankara University is building strength in areas QS rewards for long-term reputation and international reach. - Strong performance in research networks and sustainability can help a university rise beyond traditional academic metrics. - The Glasgow agreement also places Ankara University closer to QS’s ranking ecosystem, which may support its next phase of visibility.

What’s next: - Ankara University will try to preserve its current ranking position and push higher in future QS results. - The university is likely to use the QS partnership as part of a broader internationalization strategy. - Future gains will depend on whether Ankara University can keep improving graduate outcomes, sustainability and research collaboration.