Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS) has made history by achieving an unprecedented milestone in Iran’s higher education system. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, KUMS ranked first among all Iranian medical universities for the second consecutive year and advanced 50 places globally, earning the top position among all universities in Iran, including those affiliated with both the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and the Ministry of Science.
This remarkable success marks the first time in the history of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education that a university under its supervision has attained the highest scientific rank in the country, positioning KUMS alongside leading institutions such as Sharif University of Technology and Amir Kabir University of Technology.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is recognized as one of the most prestigious global systems for evaluating higher education institutions. The 2026 edition assessed universities based on 18 performance indicators across five key areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry income and innovation. This year’s methodology included major changes to indicator weighting and the assessment of research quality, placing greater emphasis on the real-world impact of research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technological innovation.
Dr. Yadollah Bahrami, Director of Medical Information and Scientific Resources at KUMS, described this achievement as the outcome of years of strategic planning, focused effort, and collective synergy among the university’s faculty members, researchers, staff, and students.
“The 50-place leap in global rankings and the attainment of the top national position demonstrate that with faith, organizational cohesion, and a strong commitment to quality in education, research, and health services, it is possible to reach the heights of scientific excellence from any part of the country,” he said.
“This accomplishment paves the way for KUMS to further strengthen its presence among the world’s top 300 universities, showcasing the scientific and human potential of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It also highlights the growing capabilities of Iranian higher education and contributes to the internationalization of the nation’s universities, opening new opportunities for global collaboration, talent development, and scientific diplomacy.”
In conclusion, Dr. Bahrami expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts that led to this historic success:
“This distinguished achievement is the result of the tireless dedication of our faculty, researchers, staff, and students—particularly the Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology and the Management of Medical Information and Scientific Resources. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire medical sciences community across the country, especially to the honorable people and academics of Kermanshah Province. I am confident that this national honor will mark the beginning of a new era of scientific excellence and progress in Iran’s health higher education.”