USM’s Chemical Engineering Among Subjects Advancing into Top 150–200 in the World

March 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to strengthen its global academic standing as Chemical Engineering emerges as one of the subjects that has advanced into the 150–200 band worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.

The latest rankings highlight USM’s growing academic excellence, with 19 subjects ranked within the global top 200, reflecting the university’s sustained commitment to quality education, impactful research, and international visibility. Notably, Chemical Engineering is listed among the disciplines placed in the 151–200 category, positioning it competitively on the global stage.

This achievement is further supported by strong performance across multiple disciplines, including a Top 50 placement (#48) in Pharmacy & Pharmacology, as well as several subjects ranked within the 101–150 band, such as Chemistry and Materials Science—fields closely aligned with chemical engineering research and innovation.

Rising Momentum Across Broad Subject Areas

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In addition to subject-specific success, USM has demonstrated significant upward momentum across broad academic areas. The Engineering & Technology category, which encompasses Chemical Engineering, improved to 157th in the world, marking a 20-place leap from the previous year.

These improvements reflect a holistic strengthening of USM’s academic ecosystem, driven by interdisciplinary research, global collaborations, and continuous enhancement in teaching and learning practices.

A Testament to Academic Excellence

The inclusion of Chemical Engineering in the top 150–200 global band underscores the School of Chemical Engineering’s dedication to advancing research in areas such as sustainable processes, advanced materials, green technology, and biotechnology. It also reflects the collective efforts of academic staff, researchers, and students in contributing to impactful and globally relevant work.

This recognition aligns with USM’s broader mission of “Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow”, reinforcing its position as a leading institution in engineering education and research within the region and beyond.

Looking ahead, the School of Chemical Engineering is poised to further strengthen its global standing through strategic collaborations, high-impact research, and innovation-driven education, ensuring continued progress in future international rankings.

Text by : ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR. MOHAMAD HEKARL UZIR