a-index Global University Rankings 2025-26

Discover the world’s most competitive universities for fully funded PhD positions with the a-index Global University Rankings. The a-index Global University Rankings system is currently designed and optimized only for PhD, not undergraduate, master’s, or professional doctorates (e.g., EdS, EdD, DBA, DHSc, EngD, DNP, and DrPH). Now in its second year, the a-index ranks over 750 universities across 28 countries. The United States is the most represented, with over 200 ranked universities and institutions, followed by the United Kingdom with 90. For the second consecutive year, ETH Zurich holds its position as the world’s toughest university. Stanford University climbs five places to take second, while MIT and the University of Cambridge rank third and fourth, respectively. Harvard University rounds out the top five.

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  • Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/iran.webp
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  • Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pakistan.webp
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  • Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pakistan.webp
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  • Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/united-arab-emirates.webp
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  • Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen, Thailand //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/thailand.webp
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  • Kaunas, Kaunas County, Lithuania //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/lithuania.webp
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  • Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/argentina.webp
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