Caraga State University (CSU) has been recognized as part of the emerging higher education ecosystem in Southeast Asia, following its inclusion as a reporter institution in the recently released Times Higher Education (THE) South-East Asia Pilot Ranking 2026.
The pilot ranking, published by Times Higher Education (THE) on March 11, 2026, offers a focused regional perspective on ASEAN universities using the same rigorous methodology as the World University Rankings. Institutions are evaluated across teaching, research, knowledge transfer (industry income), and international outlook, using 17 performance indicators.
The university is among the 91 reporting institutions in Southeast Asia that submitted institutional data but have not yet met the publication threshold required for full ranking eligibility. This inclusion highlights CSU’s growing research engagement and commitment to global benchmarking, positioning the university within the evolving ASEAN higher education landscape.
Philippine HEIs in the ASEAN ranking
The Philippines continues to strengthen its presence in regional rankings, with several universities gaining recognition across different tiers:
- Ateneo de Manila University ranks 28th in Southeast Asia, emerging as the country’s top-performing institution in the pilot ranking
- University of the Philippines is placed within the 1201–1500 global band (43rd in SEA), reflecting its continued research contributions
- University of Santo Tomas (61-70), De La Salle University (71-80), Mapua University (80+) and Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (80+) are also represented in the rankings, demonstrating a broad national academic base
In addition, 43 Philippine universities—including Caraga State University—appear as reporter institutions, signaling a pipeline of universities preparing to enter full ranking status in future editions. In total, only 49 of the 2000 universities and colleges from the Philippines are included in the list.This reflects a growing but still developing research ecosystem, where increased investment, publication output, and international collaboration remain key drivers for global competitiveness.
What this means for CSU
The university’s participation in the THE rankings ecosystem aligns with its vision of becoming a globally recognized RDIE institution by 2030. More than a pathway toward full inclusion in future THE rankings, the inclusion provides benchmarking opportunities against ASEAN and global peers, strategic insights to improve research productivity and impact, and increased visibility for international partnerships and collaborations.
The ranking also highlights the need to scale Scopus-indexed publications, a key eligibility requirement for full ranking.
Propelling further, Caraga State University continues to expand its contributions through strengthening research centers and innovation ecosystems, advancing technology transfer and community engagement, and aligning research outputs with national priorities and SDGs. These initiatives position CSU as a key driver of research and innovation in Mindanao, contributing to regional and national development.
Caraga State University recognizes the dedication of its faculty, researchers, students, and staff whose collective efforts continue to elevate the institution’s global standing. As Southeast Asia gains prominence in global higher education, CSU remains committed to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and shaping sustainable futures—locally and globally.
