The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) released the QS World University Ranking (QS WUR) 2025 on Wednesday (June 5). In this publication of the world’s best universities ranking, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is ranked 239th globally, an improvement from the previous year’s position of 263rd. This means UGM has risen 24 places from its last rank.
The Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, expressed gratitude for this ranking improvement. Although ranking is not the ultimate goal, she added, it reflects the learning process at UGM.
“We are very grateful for this ranking improvement. This result can serve as both a motivation and a mirror for further improvement,” Rector Emilia stated.
The rector emphasized that UGM will continually enhance its learning processes and ensure that the university remains committed to providing education, conducting research, engaging in community service, and preserving and developing knowledge that benefits society.
The Head of the UGM Quality Assurance and Reputation Unit (SPRMU), Professor Indra Wijaya Kusuma, explained that an increased academic reputation supports UGM’s ranking. UGM is now ranked 145th globally, up from 152nd.
“In this regard, UGM remains the leader in Indonesia,” he said.
Professor Kusuma elaborated that the improvement in academic reputation reflects the global academic community’s recognition of UGM. Additionally, UGM’s employer reputation ranks 91st worldwide, up 27 places from the previous position of 118th.
According to the professor, this increase underscores the employability of UGM graduates and the international recognition of its alumni.
“The improvement in employer reputation reflects the rising quality of UGM alumni,” he remarked.
Professor Kusuma noted that UGM has improved in 8 of the nine indicators used for the QS WUR 2025. The internationalization indicator shows an increase in the number of international faculty and students and an increase in international research collaborations.
Regarding research productivity, UGM has produced 13,844 articles in reputable international journals over the past five years, with these papers being cited 65,608 times during the same period.
“This citation count has increased by 31% from the previous year,” he explained.
Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching Professor Wening Udasmoro mentioned that UGM’s tri-dharma activities (education, research, and community service) not only support international reputation and recognition but also provide greater impact and benefit to society and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We will continue to enhance activities related to sustainability and the SDGs,” she said.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto