Bugsay on and on!
Despite being a new entrant, Caraga State University (CSU) is already ranked 18th among Philippine HEIs, 223rd in South-Eastern Asia, and within the 1401-1500 bracket for Asia in the recently-released Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026.
CSU received the recognition today, November 4, 2025, as part of the Philippine delegation selected by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to attend the QS Higher Education Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. Dr. Michelle V. Japitana, Vice President for Executive Operations, represented the university at the event.
The QS World University Rankings evaluate seven key indicators of institutional performance worldwide to determine and compare their academic reputation, teaching quality, research impact, and international engagements. Once accepted, QS assesses an institution’s performance through academic and employer surveys, institutional submissions, and third-party data.
The rankings are categorized into five main categories to establish fairness across all institutions operating in diverse academic contexts and priorities. CSU’s inclusion falls under Regional Rankings, which compare universities within specific geographic areas that share similar cultural, economic, and educational contexts. This year, CSU is among 557 new entrants, comprising a total of 1526 ranked universities.
This is the second time this year that the university has joined the roster of internationally recognized institutions and earned a ranking in its first attempt for assessment. In June, CSU also made its debut in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, placing 5th in the Philippines and 3rd within the 601–800 global bracket. It has achieved Top 1 in the Philippines for 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). Following this feat, CSU was also recognized in October by the Times Higher Education World University Ranking as one of the Reporter Universities. It is one of only 48 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from the Philippines and among more than 1,000 universities worldwide.
With this recognition, CSU is fueled to further elevate the quality of its teaching, research, and community service, solidifying its leadership in Caraga and aiming to become one of the Philippines’ emerging ‘innovation’ university for higher learning.
Congratulations, CSU!
