University of Cyberjaya Ranked in Top 150 Globally for Art & Design

Recognition underscores growing strength in creative disciplines and global competitiveness

University of Cyberjaya (UoC) has been ranked in the 101–150 band globally for Art & Design in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, marking a significant milestone in the university's academic development.

This recognition reflects UoC’s growing strength in creative disciplines and highlights its ability to deliver programmes aligned with global academic and industry standards. It also signals the university’s expanding academic footprint beyond its traditional core areas, as it continues to diversify its offerings to meet evolving industry needs.

The rankings, published by global higher education analysts QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), evaluated nearly 6,277 institutions worldwide, of which only 1,912 were ranked across 55 narrow subjects and five broad subject areas — generating over 21,000 entries. In the Art & Design category alone, 550 institutions were analysed, with just 175 receiving a published rank. UoC’s placement in the 101–150 band positions it within the top tier of this competitive field, alongside established universities from across Asia, Europe, and beyond.

UoC’s Creative Arts and Design programmes have been developed with a strong emphasis on both creative exploration and industry relevance. By integrating practical learning, technical skills development, and exposure to real-world projects, the programmes aim to equip students with the competencies required in today’s rapidly evolving creative landscape.

Commenting on the achievement, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. David Whitford said the recognition reflects the university’s commitment to delivering quality, industry-aligned education.

“This recognition is a testament to the progress we have made in strengthening our academic offerings and ensuring they remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. The inclusion of our Art & Design programme in the QS World University Rankings by Subject demonstrates our commitment to nurturing creative talent that is not only technically proficient, but also adaptable and responsive to industry needs.

“At UoC, we place strong emphasis on equipping our students with the skills and mindset required to succeed in their chosen careers. As industries continue to evolve, particularly within the creative and digital economy, it is essential that universities remain agile and forward-looking in how they design and deliver their programmes,” he said.

The timing of this recognition is particularly meaningful. Malaysia’s digital creative industry has already generated RM92.5 billion in revenue and RM12.1 billion in exports, while attracting RM85.7 billion in investments and creating over 11,000 high-value jobs [source]. Budget 2026 further reinforces the sector’s national priority, with RM20 million allocated to strengthen the digital creative ecosystem spanning animation, gaming, and digital media [source]. As Malaysia accelerates towards its AI Nation 2030 ambitions, demand for skilled creative and digital talent continues to grow, making quality tertiary education in this field an increasingly strategic investment for students and the nation alike.

Against this backdrop, UoC’s QS subject ranking carries significance beyond institutional prestige. It is an external affirmation that the University’s creative programmes are being measured against (and holding their own alongside) leading institutions worldwide, at a time when Malaysia is actively investing in the growth of its creative economy.

This recognition also complements a broader pattern of external validation for UoC’s creative disciplines. Earlier this year, UoC’s Animation programme received the Talentbank 6-Star Employer Choice in the Talentbank Graduate Employability Index 2026, placing it in the Top 5 among private universities in Malaysia based on direct employer validation. Together, these recognitions reflect an institution where creative education is delivering results – in the classroom, in the rankings, and in the workplace.

As the university continues to build on this momentum, it remains focused on strengthening academic quality, expanding industry collaborations, and enhancing the overall student learning experience.