The last version of the Times Higher Education ranking for the Latin American region (THE Latam), which specializes in university evaluation, placed the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso at number 24 in Latin America and fifth at the national level. With a main focus on research, this ranking evaluates higher education institutions on various dimensions among which we can find Teaching, Industry, Research, Quality of Research and Technological Transfer.
Within the THE Latam ranking, PUCV stands out in the areas of Research and Research Quality. In Research, it places in the top 25% of Chilean institutions, while in Research Quality it ranks among the top five universities in the country. It is also important to note that, at the Latin American level, PUCV scores above the median for Chilean universities in all indicators.
For Jorge Mendoza, Vicerector of Development, “this prominent position in the ranking reflects our sustained commitment to quality and institutional excellence. We have a strategic plan that guides our work and allows us to respond decisively to the challenges and transformations of the knowledge society”.
During the last three years, the PUCV has observed sustained improvement of its ranking. At the Latin American level, it has escalated from number 43 in 2024 and number 39 in 2025, to number 24 in 2026. At the national level, it improved from the sixth place in 2024 and 2025, to the fifth place for 2026.
“Institutional planning and a continuous culture of self-evaluation have been fundamental in consolidating a university of excellence in the various areas of our work. These advances allow us to confidently position ourselves among the best higher education institutions in the country”, added the Vicerector.
Ranking Methodology
In order to create this ranking, Times Higher Education analyzed the performance of 223 universities in 16 countries, with data from the 2020-2025 period in five areas: quality of instruction, research environment, research quality, international projections and relationship with the industry.
The THE Latam ranking uses the same range of indicators as the global ranking, but these are calibrated to offer comprehensive and balanced comparisons within the region. The distinguishing feature here is the weighting of the indicators to reflect the specific characteristics of Latin American institutions.
For the second consecutive year, the University of São Paulo maintained its place as the best institution in Latin America. In global terms, Brazil leads the ranking, with 81 outstanding institutions, followed by Colombia with 39 Universities and Chile placing third (above Mexico), with 31 institutions.
By Erika Schubert
Strategic Communication Department
