In a landmark achievement for the nation’s higher education sector, Villa College has made history by becoming the first and only Maldivian institution to be featured in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025. The college secured a position within the 401–600 global band, with an overall score of 75.6 out of 100, placing it among the top 20–25% of academic institutions worldwide in terms of sustainable impact.
The THE Impact Rankings are widely recognised as the most comprehensive global framework for assessing universities’ contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These rankings evaluate performance across four critical dimensions: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching, offering a holistic view of a university’s real-world impact.
Strong Scores Across Key SDGs
Villa College submitted data in five SDG categories and received scores above the global average in all of them:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Recognition for initiatives improving community health through education and outreach.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Ranked among the top 200 of 1,975 institutions, with a score of 73.9, placing it in the top 10% globally.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Ranked in the top 300 of 1,559 institutions, with a score of 62.1, placing it in the top 20% worldwide.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Ranked in the top 300 of 1,265 institutions, with a score of 64.9, placing it in the top 25%.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Scored an impressive 86.5, ranking in the top 300 of 2,389 institutions, significantly above the global average.
A National First with Global Impact
According to the educational institution, this achievement not only marks a milestone for Villa College but also sets a new benchmark for the Maldivian higher education sector. It signifies the country’s growing presence in global academic rankings and reflects the increasing quality and ambition of local institutions.
Dr Ahmed Anwar, Rector of Villa College, expressed a deep sense of pride and responsibility, emphasising that this recognition is not only a validation of the college’s efforts but also a moment of pride for the Maldives.
“Being ranked in the THE Impact Rankings is a proud moment, not only for Villa College, but for the nation. We are honoured to be the first Maldivian institution to gain this recognition, and we remain committed to leading by example in delivering quality education that meets real-world impact,” he said.
Dr Ali Najeeb, Vice Rector of Villa College, highlighted that the institution’s strong performance across multiple SDGs—particularly in Quality Education and Partnerships for the Goals—reflects its holistic approach to education and its commitment to nurturing a generation of responsible global citizens. He affirmed that the college will continue to build on this success by further strengthening its initiatives in sustainability and social impact.
What This Means for Future Students
Villa College’s inclusion in the THE Impact Rankings signals its alignment with global standards in sustainable development and education. For future students, it suggests access to quality, practice-oriented learning with opportunities for growth in a globally relevant context.
