Dr. Ali Najeeb, Vice Rector of Villa College | MV+ Exclusive

Villa College has achieved a major milestone by entering the global top 100 for Quality Education (SDG 4) in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, becoming the highest-ranked higher education institution in the Maldives. THE evaluates universities worldwide based on their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through teaching, research, stewardship, and community engagement.

Commenting on the achievement, Vice Rector Dr. Ali Najeeb said Villa College’s inclusion among the world’s top 100 institutions in the THE Impact Rankings for Quality Education was the result of years of dedication and sustained effort. He added that the milestone marks the beginning of the college’s role in leading a new era of high-quality education in the Maldives.

The college participated in five SDG categories this year and reported either improved or sustained performance across all of them. Its most significant achievement was securing a joint 82nd place among 1,335 universities in the Quality Education (SDG 4) category, marking the first time it has reached the global top 100. Villa College also improved its overall ranking to the 301–400 global band among 1,603 participating institutions, up from the 401–600 band in the previous rankings.

Beyond SDG 4, Villa College made notable progress in several other areas. Under SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), it moved from the 601–800 band to the 201–300 band. It maintained its 201–300 band ranking for SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), while improving to the 101–200 band for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

The college said the results reflect consistent institutional development across multiple areas rather than success in a single category. Dr. Ali Najeeb concluded by crediting the achievement to the collective efforts of students and staff, saying it demonstrates the institution’s ongoing commitment to delivering quality education, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening academic standards. The rankings are also expected to enhance the international profile and competitiveness of Maldivian higher education.