MSU-IIT debuts in THE World University Rankings 2025, ranks 3rd in the Philippines

by Michelle Jeanne Casiple Caracut | Oct 09 2024

The Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) has proudly secured the third spot in the entire Philippines in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2025, the results of which were released today.

Joining MSU-IIT in the third spot among Philippine schools and the 1,501+ category globally are De La Salle University, Mapua University, and the University of Santo Tomas. Number one in the Philippine ranking is Ateneo de Manila University, placing in the 1,001-1,200, while the University of the Philippines holds the second spot, landing in 1,201-1,500.

This achievement makes MSU-IIT the youngest and second public university to be ranked in this system.

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WUR) is an influential global university ranking list published annually, well-regarded for its comprehensive assessment criteria that include several key performance indicators:

Teaching (Learning Environment) - 29.5%
Research Environment (Volume, Income, and Reputation) - 29%
Research Quality (Research Influence) - 30%
Industry (Knowledge Transfer) - 4%
International Outlook (Academic Staff, Students, Research Collaborations) - 7.5%

This significant achievement marks MSU-IIT's advancement as it previously held the status of a "reporter" institution still developing its global identity and research capabilities.

"We are immensely proud of our faculty researchers and students who have worked tirelessly to achieve this rank. Our strategic plan to focus on high-impact research and international collaboration has been integral to our success," commented Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan during the interview, expressing his enthusiasm and pride in the university’s accomplishments.

Under the leadership of Chancellor Ditucalan, MSU-IIT has emphasized strengthening policies to encourage academic publishing. "We deliberately worked hard to be in the rankings. That’s why there were policy reforms done particularly in incentivizing faculty and students who published in Scopus-indexed journals," he explained, highlighting efforts to enhance academic contributions and visibility.

Chancellor Ditucalan also said that in the strategic roadmap for MSU-IIT which was approved by the 猫咪AVBoard of Regents, the projection is for the University to debut in 2026. However, because of the strategic reforms implemented at the university, MSU-IIT made this early qualification ahead of the projected timeline.

Remarkably, in 2022, MSU-IIT recorded the highest number of scholarly publications in its history with 238 scopus-indexed publications, and surpassing it again in 2023 with 298. These achievements have fortified MSU-IIT’s standings in the THE WUR, a feat not expected to be replicated soon by other PHEIs due to its three key criteria that institutions must meet to be included in the ranking:

Publish a sufficient number of academic papers over a five-year period – this threshold is currently set at 1,000 papers
Teach undergraduates
Work across a range of subjects

The University has particularly excelled in the "International Outlook", an indicator of its effective strategies to widen global partnerships and boost its international presence.

This acknowledgment by the THE not only boosts MSU-IIT’s global standing but also motivates the University to aim for even higher achievements. “Our impressive ranking in International Outlook not only highlights our global engagement but also enhances our worldwide reputation," said Chancellor Ditucalan, emphasizing the importance of MSU-IIT’s internationalization initiatives and achievements.

Chancellor Ditucalan also remarked on the significant contributions that have aided this achievement, particularly highlighting the role of the university’s financial strategy and support framework. “We owe a great deal of this success to the Department of Budget and Management. Their unwavering support and strategic resource allocation have been instrumental in our achievements.”

“Thanks to their efforts, we have recently been granted 100 Assistant Professor IV plantilla positions and a provision that facilitates the promotional rank of Associate Professor that may be reclassified through National Budget Circular (NBC) No. 308. This has significantly enhanced our academic environment and faculty development. Their commitment ensures we continue to attract top talents and offer them promising career paths, further strengthening our academic offerings and research endeavors, as well as sustaining and further improving our ranking," he continued.

(Read the news here: /news/news-detail.php?id=1946)

Chancellor Ditucalan further noted the collaborative support from numerous partners and government bodies which have been crucial in reaching this current status and will continue to play a role in future developments. “The celebration of this achievement isn’t just limited to our university campus; we recognize our university partners and government agencies, such as the Philippine Senate, Congress, DOST, CHED, DTI, and other international, national and local agencies whom MSU-IIT has collaborated with on research initiatives and development programs,” he said.

As MSU-IIT looks forward, it plans to amplify its research capacities in emerging sciences and strengthen community engagement, ensuring the benefits of its academic achievements are broadly shared.

To learn more about MSU-IIT's ongoing projects and activities, the university encourages visits to their official website or following their social media platforms: www.msuiit.edu.ph, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: MSUIITPH

Topics : Times Higher Education World University Rankings