A Comparison Study of Prominent International University Ranking Systems: Exploring the Potential of Yemeni Universities for Rankings

Specifically targeting Yemeni universities, the focus lies on their potential to enter these rankings and enhance their positions such as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Ranking (QS), Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Webometrics Ranking, Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking, and SCImago Institutions (SIR) Rankings. Its objective is to encourage Yemeni universities to prioritize the criteria outlined in these rankings and view them as a means to access other international rankings. The research tackles the challenge of comprehending the criteria and application process required for Yemeni universities to participate in these rankings, as well as the rankings they have achieved. The study underscores the importance of this research by providing Yemeni university administrators with valuable insights into the criteria used for international rankings and the rankings obtained by Yemeni universities. This understanding can facilitate efforts to enhance the quality of higher education within these institutions. The findings of the study reveal that there are two Yemeni universities listed in the QS. The University of Science and Technology, ranks 151-170, while Thamar University, ranks 171-200 for 2023. While in 2024, the University of Science and Technology ranked first locally and the University of Aden ranked second. This paper investigates the participation of Yemeni universities in global ranking systems such as ARWU, THE, QS, and SIR, with the aim of enhancing their international standing. It highlights the challenges and opportunities for Yemeni universities to meet ranking criteria, offering insights that can help improve the quality of higher education.