Saint Mary’s University continues to solidify its name in the international arena by making its official debut in the newly released Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026. In its very first year participating in the global assessment, SMU has successfully secured a spot in the 801-1000 bracket among 1,603 universities from 116 countries. 

This first-entry participation has been especially notable because SMU ranked as the Top Private Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Region 2, the only private university in the region to earn a place in that bracket. This makes SMU the highest among private HEIs and the top-performing university in the Province of Nueva Vizcaya. It is among the Top 40 Universities out of the 160 participating Philippine universities and among the Top 15 Private HEIs in the Philippines. This feat shows SMU did not just debut globally. It stood out as the leading private institution in Region 2. 

SDG Performances

In the methodology of THE Sustainability Impact Rating, the three strongest SDG performances and the mandatory SDG 17 will be included in the computation of the overall rank. SMU has demonstrated outstanding performance, particularly in peace, environmental, and health initiatives. The University ranked 301 out of 914 institutions in SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), placed 301-400  for both SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (partnership for the goals) out of the 826 and 914 universities, respectively, and secured the 401-600 out of 1,254 institutions in SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and 301-400 out of 914 institutions in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The University also ranked 801-1000 in SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 1000+ in SDG 4 (Quality Education), out of 1,003 and 1,335, respectively. 

SMU Sustainable Development Goals Breakdown

The university’s qualifying SDGs contributed to SMU’s placement in the THE Sustainability Impact Ranking. SMU achieved the highest in the governance and external relations under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). It scored an outstanding 88.5 in working with the government, 70.8 in university governance measures, and 63.6 for its output of graduates entering law and civil enforcement. The university scored 3.5 in SDG 16 research. 

In the area of Good Health and Wellbeing, the University received scores of 69.3 and 79.3 for its contributions to the number of health graduates and to collaborations and health services, respectively.  In the area of Climate Change, the university received a score of 0.7 in SDG 13 research, and impressive scores of 64.0, 73.3, and 57.5 in SDG 13 research, low-carbon energy use, environmental education measures, and commitment to carbon neutrality, respectively. 

Lastly, SMU secured an exceptional score of 83.3 for transparency in publishing SDG progress reports. It secured 76.6 for establishing relationships and partnerships to support the achievement of the goals, and 68.5 for its dedication to education for the SDGs. The university obtained a score of 7.8 in SDG 17  research.

This achievement sustains and intensifies Saint Mary’s University’s international presence and is a testament to the collective effort of the Marian Community. With its ongoing commitment to excellence and sustainable community services, SMU is well-positioned to maintain its global standing.