Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) has reaffirmed its position as a leading academic institution by achieving significant progress in the latest edition of the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, published in July 2025. The university maintained its standing as the second-ranked Palestinian university and made notable global advancements, securing a rank of 1,359 out of over 30,000 institutions worldwide. Regionally, it attained 83rd place among 1,300 Arab universities.
Published biannually in January and July by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the Webometrics ranking evaluates universities based on three primary criteria: Visibility (web content impact), Transparency/Openness (number of citations), and Excellence (volume of high-quality research publications).
Professor Dr. Asad Asad, President of Islamic University of Gaza, extended his congratulations to the university community and the Palestinian people for this substantial achievement. He emphasised that this success was attained amidst the most severe circumstances in Gaza, which are characterised by widespread destruction, deprivation, and conflict.
President Asad stated that the university’s attainment of an advanced position in this global ranking—despite the overwhelming challenges facing the Gaza Strip in general and the specific, extensive destruction inflicted upon the IUG’s buildings and facilities—demonstrates the unwavering commitment of its administration, faculty, and students. This commitment, he noted, is to fulfil their noble mission of advancing higher education, a system built upon three foundational pillars: academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement.
Prof.Dr. Asad attributed this success to the concerted efforts of all components of the university, including its administration, academic and administrative staff, the workers’ union, and students. He highlighted their determination to sustain the university’s educational mission despite the devastation it has endured.
He further stressed that, notwithstanding the destruction and the extremely difficult conditions faced by students and staff during the hostilities, the university has persevered in its educational role. This continuity was aided by the robust e-learning infrastructure successfully developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, which provided a critical foundation for remote education.
The President pointed out that the university’s adherence to the core standards and pillars of the Webometrics ranking directly contributed to its advanced standing. He expressed his hope that IUG would continue its progress and contributions in the face of ongoing challenges and difficulties, and concluded with a prayer for swift relief for the Palestinian people, particularly the residents of Gaza.
It is noteworthy that this accomplishment adds to a series of significant achievements by the university during and since the 2023 hostilities. These include numerous qualitative awards for students and faculty, active participation in international scientific conferences, the establishment of global academic partnerships, countless scholarly discussions, and other prestigious international recognitions. Among these are: IUG being ranked joint first in Palestine within the Times Higher Education (THE) Arab University Rankings, securing an advanced position in the 2024 Webometrics ranking, and achieving an advanced standing in the QS Arab University Rankings 2025.
