Koya University Secures Top Spot in Kurdistan Region for Mathematics and Engineering in SCImago Rankings

Koya University has recorded a major scientific achievement in the latest 2026 SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR). The university has successfully attained the first rank among all public and private universities in the Kurdistan Region in the vital fields of Engineering and Mathematics.

According to the new international rankings, Koya University’s success extends beyond these disciplines; it has also secured the first rank in the Innovation Rank among all public universities in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Data-Driven Scientific Success

The SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) is a globally recognized evaluation system that uses data-driven metrics to assess universities, academic institutions, and research centers worldwide. Utilizing data indexed in Scopus, the ranking evaluates institutions through a comprehensive framework based on three main pillars:

1. Research Performance (50%): This is the core pillar, accounting for half of the total score. It focuses on scientific output, citation impact, excellence in high-impact publications (Q1 journals), and institutional leadership in research.
2. Innovation Output (30%): This pillar measures technological impact, innovation-related research references, and knowledge transfer capabilities.
3. Social Impact (20%): This focuses on digital visibility, open-access publishing, and the institution’s global online presence and availability.

Strategic Impact and Institutional Leadership

Securing the first position in Engineering and Mathematics demonstrates that Koya University has successfully generated robust research output while increasing the impact of its published resources. It also highlights the university's active presence in top-tier quartile journals and underscores the strength of its institutional research leadership.

In a statement to the Koya University Media Office, the Head of the University Rankings Unit, Dr. Ahmed A. Maaroof, commented:

"This achievement aligns directly with the second pillar of Koya University's Strategic Plan, which emphasizes strengthening scientific research, improving publication quality, increasing citation impact, and expanding international academic collaborations."

Dr. Ahmed emphasized that the university’s research policies, support for high-impact publications, and development of global partnerships have been the keys to achieving measurable progress in international rankings. He noted that the university has seen significant growth in recent years, highlighting its successful debut in the QS Arab Region University Rankings this year. These accomplishments reflect the rising quality, visibility, and international recognition of Koya University’s academic performance.

Global Perspective and Strategic Core

This success is a vital part of Koya University's efforts to reach high academic standards and solidify its position as a leading institution in the Kurdistan Region. The university operates under a comprehensive seven-pillar strategic plan. The pillars of "Research and Innovation" and "Internationalization and Global Status" are central to the university's drive to increase its global research footprint and create an environment conducive to multinational academic exchange.

The second pillar of the Strategic Plan, dedicated specifically to "Research and Innovation," views these elements as vital sources for serving both local and global communities. This pillar also considers their role in creating new job opportunities in the fields of education and industry. It consists of four main objectives and fourteen strategic actions.

The Presidency of Koya University extends its warmest congratulations to all professors, academic and administrative staff, and students on this remarkable success.