The University of Northern Philippines secured a place in the 121–130 ranking band among 161 public universities in the region in the AppliedEdu University Rankings 2027: ASEAN Public Universities released on October 20, 2026.
The recognition marks a significant milestone in the University’s pursuit of academic excellence and regional prominence, with the rankings evaluating institutions in six key areas: Employability, Internationalization, Community Engagement, Teaching and Learning, Research, and Institutional Reputation.
Leading the University’s achievements are its strong performances in Employability and Internationalization, ranking second nationally in both categories and placing 68th and 71st in Southeast Asia, respectively. These distinctions highlight UNP’s capacity to prepare graduates for employment and professional advancement while expanding international academic linkages and collaborations. The results further reinforce the University’s commitment of producing globally competitive graduates, strengthening cross-border academic partnerships, and elevating its presence in the regional and international higher education landscape.
Beyond its achievements in employability and internationalization, the University demonstrated its growing contributions to research, ranking 20th in the Philippines and 149th in Southeast Asia. As research continues to shape the global higher education landscape, UNP remains committed to advance scholarly publications, strengthen research collaborations, and promote innovations that contribute to scientific and technological progress. Its inclusion in the regional rankings further provides an opportunity to enhance research productivity, broaden the reach of its scholarly outputs, and establish stronger connections with the international research community.
In community engagement, UNP secured 12th place nationally and 67th regionally, reflecting its continuing role in advancing community development and extending the benefits of higher education beyond the campus. The University also ranked 20th in the Philippines and 124th in Southeast Asia in Teaching and Learning, while placing 21st nationally and 106th regionally in Institutional Reputation. These results demonstrate the University’s performance in key areas of higher education, encompassing academic instruction, research, community service, and institutional development.
These accomplishments reflect the University’s continuing pursuit of academic excellence and international competitiveness under the leadership of University President Dr. Erwin Cadorna. His administration continues to advance internationalization, strengthen research capabilities, and promote academic development while expanding the University’s global connections through international partnerships and collaborative initiatives.
Rooted in Ilocos Sur, the University of Northern Philippines continues to strengthen its presence in the Southeast Asian higher education landscape while pursuing broader international recognition. Through sustained academic development, expanded institutional partnerships, and research that reaches beyond geographical boundaries, UNP continues to open opportunities for its students, faculty members, and researchers while advancing its mission of delivering quality education and contributing to the development of future generations of UNPians.
