Ankara, June 7 – The 2026 report from the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) has once again underscored Ankara’s strength in higher education. In a comprehensive evaluation of over 21,000 higher education institutions from 95 countries, 47 Turkish universities made the list, with Ankara-based institutions achieving remarkable results in global competition.
Ankara University’s Notable Ascent in National Rankings
The report reveals a significant climb for Ankara University within the Turkish rankings, positioning it ahead of both Middle East Technical University (METU) and Boğaziçi University. According to CWUR data, Ankara University secured the 733rd spot globally, closely followed by METU at 736th and Boğaziçi University at 785th. This outcome signifies Ankara University’s enhanced performance in academic productivity, research impact, and scientific contributions.
Hacettepe University Tops Turkish Universities Globally
The pinnacle of the Turkish segment of the rankings was also claimed by an Ankara institution. Hacettepe University achieved a global ranking of 666th, making it the highest-ranked university in Turkey. This achievement, coupled with Ankara University’s rise, solidifies Ankara’s position as a powerful center for higher education. Hacettepe University has consistently maintained its top position in Turkey in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 CWUR rankings.
Ankara’s Academic Competitiveness Strengthens
Ankara’s higher education ecosystem, featuring institutions like Hacettepe, Ankara University, METU, and Bilkent, excels not only in education but also in research, health sciences, engineering, technology, public policy, and international academic visibility. The strong representation of Ankara universities among the top 1000 globally demonstrates that the capital is reinforcing its identity as a scientific and research hub, beyond its traditional role as a “bureaucracy city.”
Strategic Message for the Capital
The published rankings underscore that Ankara’s university infrastructure stands out not merely due to student numbers or historical roots, but also through its academic quality and research prowess. The global visibility of Ankara’s universities provides a significant competitive advantage for the city in terms of qualified human resources, R&D investments, technology initiatives, and the urban economy.
