In its very first appearance in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the International University of Rabat has made an impressive debut, securing the second spot nationally among Moroccan institutions. Out of roughly a dozen universities from Morocco evaluated in the 2026 edition of the global ranking, UIR stands out as one of the top performers.
On the global stage, the university has broken into the top 1000, out of 1,900 institutions assessed across 115 countries. The rankings are based on five key pillars: quality of teaching, strength of research, scientific impact, international outlook, and partnerships with industry.
This latest recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for the institution. For four consecutive years, UIR has ranked first in Morocco in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which highlight universities’ commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. According to the university, this success reflects its strong focus on innovation and applied research.
Founded in 2010, the International University of Rabat is marking its 15th anniversary this year, a milestone that underscores its rapid rise and growing influence. Today, it holds the distinction of being the leading university on the African continent in terms of patents filed. Its research teams have earned accolades internationally, including multiple gold medals at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.
The university’s momentum has also been boosted by a series of international accreditations. Its three engineering schools have now earned the EUR-ACE label and official certification from the French Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur. Meanwhile, Rabat Business School has completed the prestigious “triple crown” of global business education by obtaining EQUIS accreditation, placing it among the top 20 business schools worldwide.
