UP tops list of 25 Philippine schools in 2025 QS Asia University Rankings 

At least 25 Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) recently made it into the 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings led by the University of the Philippines (UP), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) reported.

CHED noted that from 16 schools last year, nine HEIs entered the list this year. This outcome reflects the commission’s strengthened efforts to push Philippine schools toward advancement in terms of education quality and competitiveness.

“I congratulate our 25 PHEIs for their remarkable achievements in the 2025 QS Asia University Rankings,” CHED Secretary Prospero de Vera said in a statement.

“Their dedication and relentless efforts highlight the capabilities and potential of Philippine higher education on an international scale and deserve our highest commendation,” he added.

UP at 86th place leads the 25 Philippine HEIs in the rankings followed by Ateneo de Manila University (142^nd), De La Salle University (163^rd), and the University of Santo Tomas (181^st). 

Making their debut in the QS world rankings are the West Visayas State University, Angeles University Foundation, University of Southeastern Philippines, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, and University of Southern Mindanao made their debut in the QS Asia Rankings.

Meanwhile, the Central Luzon State University, Central Mindanao University, Central Philippine University and Cebu Technological University re-entered the list this year after a brief absence, according to CHED.

“The country is witnessing a growing presence of Philippine universities recognized not only in Asia but across the world. This trend aligns with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to internationalize Philippine HEIs and strengthen their global reputation,” De Vera stated.

The annual QS Asia University Rankings assess institutions with a broad spectrum of key performance indicators that includes international standards, academic reputation, employer reputation, and faculty-to-student ratios, among other metrics. 

The rankings also incorporate performance indicators tailored to the Asian context, such as research output, citations per faculty, and international research collaborations, which collectively reflect the region’s unique academic and research priorities.

“Philippine universities have built a strong reputation among international employers and exhibit a robust international agenda. Meanwhile, its skyrocketing academic renown represents a highlight for the country in this year’s ranking.” QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter said.

Included in the 2025 QS Asia Rankings are the following Philippine HEIs:

  University of the Philippines (86)

• Ateneo de Manila University (142)

• De La Salle University (163)

• University of Santo Tomas (181)

• Adamson University (411-420)

• University of San Carlos (481-490)

• Polytechnic University of the Philippines (541-560) 

• Mapua University (561-580)

• Silliman University (601-620) 

• Far Eastern University (681-700)

• Mindanao State University -Iligan Institute of Technology (701-750)

• Ateneo de Davao University (701-750)

• Saint Louis University (751-800)

• Mindanao State University (801-850)

• Xavier University (801-850)

• Lyceum of the Philippines University (801-850)

• Central Mindanao University (851-900)

• Cebu Technological University (851-900)

• Central Luzon State University (851-900)

• Central Philippine University (851-900)

• West Visayas State University (901+)

• Angeles University Foundation (901+)

• University of Southeastern Philippines (901+)

• University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (901+)

• University of Southern Mindanao (901+)