It is still a promising feat for the university!
In the recently released 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WUR), Caraga State University (CSU) has been included as a ‘Reporter’, one of only 48 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from the Philippines recognized among more than 1,000 universities worldwide.
According to THE’s database, being listed as a Reporter University means that while CSU has not yet received a rank due to unmet eligibility criteria, its participation signifies its growing readiness to compete on the global stage in academics, research, and innovation.
What is a ‘Reporter’ status?
The Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings (WUR) is one of the most respected global ranking systems that assesses research-intensive and impact-driven universities. To be ranked, participating universities must meet specific requirements, including a sufficient number of undergraduate programs, research output, and representation across broad subject areas. In CSU’s case, the university is actively working to increase its volume of research publications, one of the key benchmarks for eligibility. THE requires institutions to have at least 1,000 published research outputs within the past five years to qualify for ranking. As a steadily advancing university in this area, the university continues to strengthen its research culture and aims to meet this target soon.
Once qualified, universities are assessed in five key areas that represent the core missions of world-class institutions: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry income and patents. After evaluating performance across these indicators, THE releases the official global rankings. Those who have not yet fully met the criteria but have submitted valid data are listed as ‘Reporters’ and are still included in the official results portal.
Inspired to go further
The appearance of CSU’s name in the Times Higher Education is not new. In their 2025 Impact Rankings, Caraga State University placed 5th in the Philippines and 3rd within the 601–800 global bracket in its first attempt for assessment. The university also achieved Top 1 in SDG 1 (No Poverty), Top 3 in SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), Top 5 in SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and Top 6 in SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
THE’s Impact Rankings is another area of assessment of the said body focusing on the universities’ real-world impact towards the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With these statuses, CSU is inspired to advance its research and innovation capabilities and aims to secure a ranked position in the THE World University Rankings in the near future.
