Akdeniz University in Antalya has solidified its position as one of the world's top academic hubs with significant climbs in prestigious 2026 international rankings, achieving new successes in research and education indicators.
Strong Rise in URAP and CWUR Rankings Akdeniz University has taken major steps toward internationalization and improving research quality in 2026. According to reports published in June 2026, the university climbed 40 places compared to the previous year to reach 1182nd globally in the URAP (University Ranking by Academic Performance) for the 2025-2026 period [1]. This success reflects a significant increase in the number of scientific articles, citation rates, and international collaborations of this educational center.
Furthermore, in the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) published in June 2026, Akdeniz University ranked 1446th among 21,000 evaluated institutions [3]. By placing among the top 47 universities in Turkey on this list, the university has proven its capability in indicators such as quality of education and graduate employment.
Leadership in Specialized Fields and QS Rankings One of the brightest parts of Akdeniz University's record this year is its performance in the QS Subject Rankings. In the field of "Hospitality and Leisure Management," the university succeeded in taking the first rank among all Turkish universities and secured a premium global position in the 101-150 band [2]. This achievement presents Antalya not only as a tourist destination but also as a leading scientific center for training industry professionals.
In the overall QS 2027 rankings published in June 2026, the university maintained its position in the 1401+ band, appearing on this prestigious list for the fourth consecutive year [2]. The focus on international research networks and sustainability indicators are cited as the main factors for the university's continued presence among the world's best.
Success in Times Higher Education (THE) and Medical Sciences Akdeniz University also performed brilliantly in the 2026 Times Higher Education Subject Rankings, placing among the top 1000 universities in the world in 7 different scientific fields [4]. In areas such as Engineering, Education, and Arts and Humanities, the university secured a global rank of 601-800. Additionally, in Clinical and Health, which is one of the university's historical strengths (especially in organ transplantation), it achieved a global position of 801-1000 [4].
Impact on Antalya's Scientific Standing Recent achievements of Akdeniz University indicate Antalya's transformation into a scientific and research hub in the Mediterranean region. By increasing investment in research infrastructure and attracting international students, the university has been able to function beyond a local educational institution. University administrators have announced that their next goal is to enter the top 1000 universities in all general indicators and improve rankings in technology and innovation fields [3].
Akdeniz University demonstrated its scientific power in the Mediterranean region by rising in the 2026 international rankings.
linkSources
- Akdeniz Üniversitesi URAP 2025-2026'da 40 sıra yükseldi — Yeni Alanya (2026-06-23)
- Akdeniz Üniversitesi QS 2027 Dünya Sıralamasına Adını Yazdırdı — Akdeniz Gerçek (2026-06-19)
- Akdeniz Üniversitesi, dünyanın en iyileri arasında — Antalya Ekspres (2026-06-02)
- Akdeniz Üniversitesi 7 Alanda Dünyada İlk Bin Üniversite Arasında — Akdeniz University Official (2026-01-21)



