For the first time in its history, Kazan Federal University is included in Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The University placed in 301-350 rank group holds the 4th place amongst 18 Russian universities that also appeared present in the list.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, founded in 2004, provide the definitive list of the world's best universities, evaluated across teaching, research, international outlook, reputation and more. THE's data is trusted by governments and universities and is a vital resource for students, helping them chose where to study.

The methodology includes the weighting signed to each of the 13 indicators grouped under 5 categories: industry income – innovation, international diversity, teaching – the learning environment, research – volume, income and reputation, citations – research influence. The last group represents 32.5% of final score and entering the ranking became possible as a result of very high citation impact demonstrated by Kazan Federal University's scientists.

Ilshat Gafurov, Rector of Kazan Federal University:

“Such an outcome is a result of continuous comprehensive and meticulous work initiated in 2010 within the framework of the University's Development Plan. More than 7.4 billion rubles were invested to establish 415 research and education laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment. Russian Academic Excellence Project made a tremendous contribution to the progress of KFU by promoting intensive growth and internationalization.

4 key aspects notably influence ranking positions of Kazan University. The first one is publication activity: the amount of articles published in international journals has increased fivefold from 280 to 1543. Secondly, we have a significant shift both in quantity and quality of articles.  All mentioned above allowed KFU to become 95th in citation impact. Third area of focus is collaboration with industry. Revenues from R&D activity have grown by 3 times and currently we are holding 317th position in the world. Lastly, more and more international students choose Kazan Federal University for education and research. Thus, the proportion of international students in 2015 doubled from 3.1 to 7%".  

Phil Baty, the editor of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings:

“The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, now in their 12th year, apply rigorous standards, using tough global benchmarks across all of a global research university's key missions – teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook. The results are trusted by students and their families, academics, university leaders and governments. For Kazan Federal University to make 301-350 in the world is an outstanding achievement to be celebrated.”