Latin America University Rankings 2018

The Times Higher Education Latin America University Rankings lists the best universities in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

It is based on the same 13 rigorous performance indicators as the THE World University Rankings, but with special modifications to better reflect the characteristics of Latin America’s universities. We judge universities across all their core missions – teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.


View the Latin America University Rankings 2018 methodology


The 2018 table has been expanded to include 129 universities spanning 10 nations – up from 82 institutions across eight countries last year. It includes 49 first-time entrants.

Brazil dominates the list, claiming a third of all places and six of the top 10 spots. It has 43 universities represented, up from 32 last year. State University of Campinas holds on to the top spot for the second year, while the University of São Paulo – in second place overall – is top for research environment.

Argentina is another strong performer with all seven of its institutions making the top 60, and Peru rejoins the ranking this year, with three representatives, led by the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru at 18th.


Read our full analysis of the Latin America University Rankings 2018 results
Download a copy of the Latin America University Rankings 2018 digital supplement


Meanwhile, Jamaica features for the first time, with the University of the West Indies breaking into the top 40 at 37th. It is ranked fourth in the table for international outlook.

Venezuela is the only country with fewer representatives than last year, with two universities ranked, down from three.

Several notable Latin American universities are not ranked because they chose not to submit data. Submitting data is entirely free of charge, but institutions that do not participate cannot appear in our rankings.

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