Ilia State University once again upholds its position as Georgia’s leading university in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

In THE’s ranking methodology, research performance carries the greatest weight with the research environment and research quality together accounting for 59% of the overall score. Over the past five years, Ilia State University’s research quality indicator has shown steady growth, rising from 34.6 to 47.6.

By research quality, Ilia State University also ranks first nationally in THE’s World University Subject Rankings. In the fields of Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Life Sciences, the University stands alongside internationally recognized institutions such as:

• University of Nantes (France)
• University of Surrey (United Kingdom)
• Ruhr University Bochum (Germany)
• Charles Darwin University (Australia)
• University at Buffalo (USA)
• University of Alberta (Canada)

Subject Rankings:

• Physical Sciences, excluding Biology – ranked 358th among 1,447 institutions from 107 countries
• Social Sciences – ranked 361st among 1,093 institutions from 100 countries
• §  Life Sciences – ranked 440th among 1,143 institutions from 98 countries

In recent years, Ilia State University has significantly strengthened its international visibility, driven by a sharp increase in global research collaborations and consortia projects. The University has expanded partnerships with leading institutions across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, launched new double-degree programs, and enhanced opportunities for international mobility.

By its International Outlook indicator, Ilia State University ranks 814th worldwide.