Tarlac State University strengthened its standing in the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) after climbing to the 191st spot in the Global Top 500 Innovative Universities from its previous 256th rank.
Based on the official category results released by WURI, several university initiatives earned recognition across different innovation categories.
Among the university’s recognized entries is the “Consultancy and Research (CARE) on Localizing Child Protection Policy in the Province of Tarlac” under the category C2 - Interdisciplinary, Convergent, and Integrated Research, where TSU placed 36th globally. Implemented by the Center for Community and Local Governance Studies and Policy Development (CCLGSPD), the program provides multidisciplinary support to LGUs in strengthening child protection mechanisms through research, policy development, legal assistance, psychological support, and capacity-building initiatives.
TSU secured the 56th rank in category A1 - Student Support and Engagement with the “SPARK: Student Printing and Advocacy for Rights & Knowledge for Differently-Abled Students” program by the Office of Student Affairs and Services - International, Differently-Abled, Indigenous, and Marginalized Student Services (IDIMSS). The initiative established a student-led hub offering free printing, computer access, internet, and disability rights awareness activities for differently abled students.
TSU also earned the 64th global rank in the category C3 - Curricular Innovation for Future-Readiness through Project LUGUD 2.0 (Lift, Uplift, Generate, Uncover, Deepen Professional Development) of the Office of Graduate Studies and the College of Education. Implemented in partnership with the Tarlac South A District schools, the initiative focuses on strengthening teachers’ professional development through training workshops, mentoring programs, leadership development, action research, and the integration of 21st-century learning approaches to improve classroom instruction and educational outcomes.
Meanwhile, the university ranked 79th worldwide in C6 - Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved with “Karunungan sa Kulungan para sa Kinabukasan (KKK): Empowering Change Through Correctional Facility Education” by the College of Public Administration and Governance (CPAG). This program provides incarcerated women at BJMP Tarlac City Jail Female Dormitory access to higher education through the Bachelor of Public Administration as part of rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
The official results of WURI 2026 were announced during the 6th Hanseatic League of Universities Conference held at National Chi Nan University from May 6 to 8. The detailed category rankings and corresponding innovative programs were formally communicated to participating universities by the WURI Secretariat on May 11, 2026.
