The National University of Asunción (UNA) has successfully consolidated its position in the QS World University Rankings for 2027, maintaining its place within the 1201-1400 bracket. UNA stands as the only Paraguayan university to be featured in this prestigious international classification. The latest edition of the rankings involved the evaluation of 8808 institutions from 106 countries, making it a highly competitive global field.
Amidst this intense international competition, which saw 98 new institutions join the rankings, UNA has demonstrated clear advancements. The university has improved its standing in academic reputation, its international research network, and sustainability metrics. Furthermore, it continues to deliver a distinguished performance in employability outcomes, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence and preparing graduates for successful careers.
In the QS World University Rankings, QS stands for Quacquarelli Symonds. The QS World University Rankings methodology integrates several core dimensions for its evaluations. These include research and discovery, employability and outcomes, learning experience, global engagement, and sustainability.
Enhanced academic reputation on the world stage
One of the most notable gains for the university was in the Academic Reputation indicator. The institution’s score rose to 9.5 in the 2027 edition, a marked increase from the previous score of 7.6. This particular metric is highly influential, constituting 30% of the total weighting in the QS world rankings. Its value is derived from the perceptions of academics from numerous regions around the world, making it a powerful measure of peer esteem.
This upward trend reflects growing international recognition of the academic, scientific, and community engagement work being undertaken at the university. The concerted efforts of the faculties, centres, and institutes that comprise UNA are central to this enhanced reputation.
Strengthening the international research network
The National University of Asunción also recorded a substantial improvement in its International Research Network score. The latest ranking shows a score of 16.6, up from 13.1 in the previous edition. This dimension critically assesses the diversity and continuity of a university’s international research partnerships. It also measures the institution’s capacity to integrate effectively into global academic and scientific networks.
This positive development is a direct result of the dedicated work of teaching staff and research teams across all academic units. Their commitment to sustaining and strengthening collaborations with international peers and institutions has been pivotal. Consequently, this increased connectivity is crucial for advancing knowledge and addressing complex global challenges through shared expertise and resources.
In the area of Sustainability, UNA achieved a score of 38.2, which represents a rise from the 28.8 points recorded previously. This indicator evaluates the social and environmental impact of universities as centres for education, research, and institutional management. The result acknowledges the various initiatives developed across the university’s faculties, centres, and institutes.
Top-tier results for graduate employability
Another key indicator where UNA has demonstrated considerable strength is in Employability Outcomes. The university earned a score of 65.3, placing it in the top 25% of institutions globally for this measure. This metric considers an institution’s ability to foster the employability of its graduates. It also assesses the career trajectories of alumni who make a significant impact in various professional and social fields.
This consistently high performance is underpinned by the quality of the formation provided by the academic units. The dedication of its teaching staff and authorities, combined with permanent engagement with graduates, employers, and different sectors of society, ensures that UNA graduates are well-prepared to excel in their chosen careers and contribute meaningfully to the workforce.
Also read: Yumi Kikuchi: Paraguayan Who Led NASA Project Awarded Masters From US University.
