The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir has ascended to the ranks of the world's top 400 universities, as per the Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 rankings. After breaking into the Top 500 in the 2025 rankings, UM6P has solidified its status as the premier university in Morocco and North Africa, and the fourth leading institution on the African continent. This achievement underscores its growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation, according to a press release from the University. The 2026 edition of the THE rankings assessed over 2,191 universities from 115 countries, using 18 indicators categorized into five key areas: teaching (learning environment), research quality (volume, income, and reputation), research environment (reputation, income, and productivity), international outlook (international students, staff, and collaborations), and industry relations (income and patents). Within this framework, UM6P has been placed in the 351st to 400th range globally, the release noted. This accolade highlights the university's dynamic scientific progress in recent years. From 2020 to 2025, UM6P produced over 6,600 indexed scientific publications, with 85% featured in Q1 journals, garnering nearly 84,000 citations. The university boasts a faculty of over 379 permanent professors and 1,300 doctoral candidates, reflecting its strengthened research and doctoral training capabilities. Currently, UM6P hosts 8,756 students from 40 countries, with women making up 55% of the student body across 45 educational programs. In terms of innovation and entrepreneurship, UM6P's network of incubators and accelerators has supported more than 1,600 startups and project leaders across the continent. Additionally, 5,500 young people have been trained through its incubation and acceleration programs, the statement concluded.
