Manila Central University (MCU) continues to strengthen its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), earning a higher position in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026. The University improved from the 1501+ band in 2025 to the 1001–1500 band globally in 2026, reflecting its growing contributions to education, healthcare, sustainability, research, and community engagement.
The THE Impact Rankings assess universities worldwide based on their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In 2026, 1,603 institutions from around the world were ranked, recognizing higher education institutions that are making meaningful and measurable contributions toward addressing global challenges.
Among MCU’s strongest performances was SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, where the University achieved a global ranking of 201–300, making it MCU’s highest-performing SDG and placing it among the top-performing institutions in the Philippines. Significant improvements were also recorded in SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, both of which advanced to the 401–600 global band.
The University also distinguished itself as the highest-performing institution in the CAMANAVA area in both overall ranking and SDG performance, further reinforcing its commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable development.
Key Highlights
– Improved Overall Global Ranking from 1501+ (2025) to 1001–1500 (2026)
– Ranked 28th among private higher education institutions in the Philippines
– Ranked 10th among private universities in the National Capital Region (NCR)
– Highest-performing university in the CAMANAVA area in both overall ranking and SDG performance
Strongest Global SDG Performances
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
– Ranked 201–300 globally
– 3rd among Philippine HEIs
– 3rd in NCR
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
– Improved from 1501+ (2025) to 401–600 (2026)
– 5th among Philippine HEIs
– 4th in NCR
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
– Improved from 601–800 (2025) to 401–600 (2026)
– 7th among Private Philippine HEIs
– 3rd among Private NCR HEIs
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
– Ranked 401–600 globally
– 9th among Philippine HEIs
– 6th in NCR
SDG 13: Climate Action
– Ranked 401–600 globally
– 8th among Philippine HEIs
– 4th in NCR
Notable Improvements from 2025 to 2026
– Overall Ranking: 1501+ ➜ 1001–1500
– SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): 301–400 ➜ 201–300
– SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): 601–800 ➜ 401–600
– SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): 1501+ ➜ 401–600
– SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): 801+ ➜ 601+
– SDG 4 (Quality Education): 1501+ ➜ 1001+
– MCU’s Performance Across the Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 1 – No Poverty
– Ranked 801+ globally
– 33rd among Private Philippine HEIs
– 8th among Private NCR HEIs
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
– Ranked 601+ globally
– 17th among Private Philippine HEIs
– 7th among Private NCR HEIs
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
– Ranked 201–300 globally
– 3rd among Philippine HEIs
– 3rd in NCR
SDG 4 – Quality Education
– Ranked 1001+ globally
– 38th among Private Philippine HEIs
– 8th among Private NCR HEIs
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
– Ranked 601–800 globally
– 17th among Private Philippine HEIs
– 7th among Private NCR HEIs
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
– Ranked 401–600 globally
– 7th among Private Philippine HEIs
– 3rd among Private NCR HEIs
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
– Ranked 801+ globally
– 22nd among Private Philippine HEIs
– 8th among Private NCR HEIs
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
– Ranked 801+ globally
– 23rd among Private Philippine HEIs
– 8th among Private NCR HEIs
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
– Ranked 601–800 globally
– 13th among Private Philippine HEIs
– 6th among Private NCR HEIs
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
– Ranked 401–600 globally
– 9th among Philippine HEIs
– 6th in NCR
SDG 13 – Climate Action
– Ranked 401–600 globally
– 8th among Philippine HEIs
– 4th in NCR
SDG 14 – Life Below Water
– Ranked 401+ globally
– 14th among Private Philippine HEIs
– 6th among Private NCR HEIs
SDG 15 – Life on Land
– Ranked 601+ globally
– 19th among Private Philippine HEIs
– 7th among Private NCR HEIs
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
-Ranked 801+ globally
– 31st among Private Philippine HEIs
– 6th among Private NCR HEIs
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
– Ranked 401–600 globally
– 5th among Philippine HEIs
– 4th in NCR
These results reflect Manila Central University’s continued commitment to advancing sustainable development through transformative education, impactful research, responsible stewardship, and meaningful community engagement. Through its academic programs, healthcare initiatives, sustainability efforts, and strategic partnerships, MCU remains dedicated to creating positive change and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
As the highest-performing institution in the CAMANAVA area, MCU continues to empower future generations while strengthening its role as a leading Filipino university sharing talents to the world.
View the full rankings here: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/impactrankings
