KBSU Strengthens Its Position in the International «Three University Missions» Ranking

Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov (KBSU) was included in the ninth edition of the global «Three University Missions» ranking for 2025.

This year, the ranking, which covers 2,000 universities from 112 countries, includes universities from all federal districts of Russia. These include four universities from the North Caucasus Federal District: Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Khachatur M. Berbekov, North Caucasus Federal University, Stavropol State Agrarian University, and Chechen State University. Among Russian universities (156 in total in the ranking), Lomonosov Moscow State University remains the leader, while the Massachusetts Institute of Technology holds the global top spot for the second year in a row.

In compiling the ranking, higher education institutions were assessed based on three key parameters: quality of education, scientific achievements, and contribution to society.

KBSU’s improved ranking reflects its consistent work in all three areas: modernization of educational programs, increased research activity, and expanded engagement with businesses, government, and civil society. Particular attention is paid to the implementation of projects within the university’s development strategy and the federal program «Priority 2030,» aimed at improving the quality of staff training, supporting research, and strengthening the university’s role as a center for the region’s socioeconomic development.

The «Three University Missions» ranking is one of the most authoritative and objective international rankings, assessing the performance of universities based on official data and information from reputable international providers. A key distinction of the ranking is the absence of reputational surveys, making its results particularly meaningful and objective.

Dmitry Grishankov, Head of the Association of Ranking Compilers, Advisor to the President of the Russian Union of Rectors, and Deputy Chairman of the Public Council under the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, noted the improving positions of BRICS universities in the rankings:

«The gap between the Global North and the BRICS countries is narrowing: the dynamics of many indicators favor developing countries. The number of BRICS universities represented in the rankings is growing, including due to the association’s new partners. While the share of BRICS universities was 24% in 2021, it exceeded 32% in 2025.»
As a reminder, the «Three University Missions» ranking was initiated by the Russian Union of Rectors at the request of the President of the Russian Federation. Its methodology has undergone public discussion and independent audit, and the ranking is operated by the Association of Rating, Ranking, and Other Performance Assessment (ARPA), whose members include leading rating and research centers.