UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has strengthened its standing as one of Asia’s leading universities, according to the QS Asia University Rankings (AUR) 2026. In the latest results released Monday (Nov. 4, 2025), UNAIR placed 54th in Asia and maintained its position as the second-best university in Indonesia.
This upward trend over the years has now secured UNAIR a position in the Top 3.5 percent of universities across Asia. The recognition underscores continuous gains in academic reputation, research output, and sustained collaboration at national and international levels.
Commitment to educational excellence
UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, S.E., M.Si., M.Fin., stated that the university’s success is the result of contributions from the entire academic community, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and institutional partners. He emphasized that collective effort is crucial for achieving recognition regionally, nationally, and globally.
“I extend my highest appreciation to all members of the academic community who consistently deliver quality research and teaching, to staff who provide excellent services, and to students who bring achievements and enthusiasm to the university. Our gratitude also goes to alumni and partners for their constant support,” he said.
High scores in 7 QS AUR indicators
Prof. Madyan explained that QS evaluates universities using 11 indicators grouped into four pillars. The first, research and discovery, includes academic reputation, citations per paper, and papers per faculty, metrics grounded in Scopus data and reflective of research quality and productivity.
The second, employability and outcomes, assesses employer perceptions of graduates. The third, learning experience, is based on faculty-to-student ratios and the share of faculty with doctoral degrees, both of which signal teaching quality and academic expertise. The fourth, global engagement, measures international research networks, student mobility, and the proportion of international faculty and students.
UNAIR earned high marks in seven of the 11 indicators, scoring above 90 out of 100. “What stands out most is UNAIR’s employer reputation score, which reached 99.7 out of 100,” he noted.
He reminded the UNAIR community that the achievement should not lead to complacency. Instead, it should inspire reflection and ongoing improvements across all sectors of the university.
“We will continue ensuring that our education, research, and community service improve consistently, sustainably, and with meaningful impact for society, the nation, and humanity.”
Progress and future challenges
Dian Ekowati, S.E., M.Si., M.AppCom(OrgCh), Ph.D., Head of UNAIR’s Planning and Development Board (BPP), said that UNAIR will move forward with long-term efforts to strengthen its performance. She outlined several strategic priorities, including:
Expanding staff and student mobility programs and developing stronger global research collaborations.
Increasing international publications and enhancing research quality to strengthen the Citations per Paper and Papers per Faculty indicators.
Growing the number of faculty members with doctoral degrees and building stronger academic and employer reputation through alumni engagement and partnerships with industry.
“These efforts reflect UNAIR’s commitment to strengthening its visibility and expanding its global impact,” Ekowati said.
UNAIR’s rising national and regional ranking also serves as a timely gift ahead of the university’s 71st anniversary on November 10. The achievement affirms UNAIR’s continued progress across multiple areas, especially in advancing the university’s core missions reflected in the Tridharma of higher education.
Author: Khefti Al Mawalia
