Saint Mary’s University (SMU) has reaffirmed its position as one of Region 2’s leading private higher education institutions after earning impressive distinctions in the AppliedHE All Asia 2026 Rankings, a respected independent assessment of universities across Asia.

In the 2026 ranking cycle, SMU achieved outstanding placements:

• 1st in the Cagayan Valley Region
• 20th among 41 private universities in the Philippines
• 190th among 240 private universities across Asia

AppliedHE, a Singapore-based education technology and ranking organization established in 2021, evaluates universities using a comprehensive methodology that draws from institutional data, bibliometric data, statistical data, an online student survey, and a peer-nomination survey.

This performance highlight SMU’s continuous commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, strong student support services, and regional leadership in delivering quality education.

See ranking here: https://appliedhe.com/all-asia-private-university-ranking-2026/

4 (Quality Education)
8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth)
9 (Industry, Innovation, & Infrastructure)

Written by: IDQAO
Photo by:  IDQAO