The 20 Best Universities in the Middle East to Study Law in 2026

Preliminary Note: Ranking Methodology

The preparation of this ranking has been based on a combined analysis of different aspects that help us better understand each university and the education it provides. We have examined their curricula, the structure of their programmes and the way each institution organises teaching, paying particular attention to the quality and up-to-date nature of the content, as well as its connection to students’ needs and the challenges facing society.

We have also taken into account the teaching methods, resources and facilities available at each university. These elements help shape the environment in which academic life takes place and can directly influence students’ experiences. In addition, we have reviewed information published on the institutions’ own websites, their news and their presence in the media, as complementary ways to understand their initiatives, development and the image they project.

The analysis has been complemented by exploratory consultations conducted on a random basis among young people and students. The aim was to understand how they perceive the education they receive and what they think of the university they attend. These impressions offer a perspective rooted in students’ everyday experiences and complement the examination of institutional information. We have also considered, as supplementary material, assessments and references produced by other institutions and specialised organisations, without allowing them to replace our own analysis.

The competitiveness of universities and their ability to respond to current academic and professional demands also form part of the assessment. However, we believe that the quality of an institution cannot be measured solely by its market position, resources or international profile. We have therefore chosen to pay particular attention to the human dimension: honesty, a humanistic approach to education, ethics, learning and the transmission of values.

In our view, a university fully fulfils its purpose when, in addition to preparing students for professional practice, it contributes to their personal and civic development. Academic excellence is inseparable from responsibility, respect, critical thinking and the ability to act with integrity. With this approach, the ranking seeks to offer a broad view of universities, considering both the strength of their educational offering and the principles that guide the education they provide.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem leads the ranking compiled by Impact Lawyers, followed by Tel Aviv University and Koç University.

Countries covered by the ranking

Impact Lawyers uses an editorial definition of the Middle East comprising fifteen countries and territories: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Egypt is assessed with Africa and Cyprus in the Portugal, Greece and Cyprus ranking, so neither is duplicated. Geographic inclusion does not guarantee a top-20 university: Iraq, Syria and Yemen were considered, but no institution enters this edition after combining comparable academic performance, internationalisation and continuity of provision.

How the ranking was compiled

This editorial selection considers the diversity of academic models alongside institutional profiles in legal education. It includes a review of programmes, research, clinics, employability, English-medium study, international reach and routes to professional qualification.

This editorial evaluation examines institutions offering legal education in 2026, focusing on core areas such as teaching, research environment, institutional engagement, and international outlook. The selection reflects the academic diversity and regional development of law faculties, highlighting curricular depth alongside professional preparation.

Hebrew University and Tel Aviv lead

1. Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem occupies first place in this selection. Its academic profile combines research, reputation and doctrinal breadth, and its Faculty of Law has played a historic role in Israeli legal education while producing influential work in public, private, international and criminal law and jurisprudence.

2. Tel Aviv University

Tel Aviv University ranks second. Its location in Israel’s principal commercial and technology centre strengthens corporate, technology, economic and international law. Both offer global academic opportunities, although professional qualification depends on the Israeli route and command of Hebrew.

Koç and Bilkent lead Turkey

3. Koç University

In this selection, Koç University occupies the third position, presenting a selective model, research, and an international orientation.

4. Bilkent University

Bilkent University is fourth, combining an international academic environment with strong preparation in Turkish law.

8. Istanbul University

Istanbul University represents one of Turkey’s major public legal traditions and benefits from the country’s largest legal and financial market.

9. Ankara University

Ankara University has longstanding links to state institutions and public law. Recognised study and fluency in legal Turkish are essential for domestic practice.

Iran and the Gulf systems

5. University of Tehran

The University of Tehran holds the fifth position in this editorial selection, representing the highest-placed Iranian institution included.

16. Shahid Beheshti University

Shahid Beheshti University adds strength in public, private and international law. Persian is essential to domestic education, while sanctions and mobility restrictions may affect payments, visas, exchanges and access to resources.

11. Qatar University

Qatar University is one of the leading Gulf institutions for faculty breadth, research and national institutional links.

12. United Arab Emirates University

United Arab Emirates University stands out for its relationship with the UAE’s legal and administrative system and its growing international reach.

14. King Saud University

King Saud University represents one of Saudi Arabia’s principal institutions for legal education.

17. Kuwait University

Kuwait University provides legal education closely connected with Kuwait’s institutional and economic environment.

18. Sultan Qaboos University

Sultan Qaboos University is the Omani institution included in this selection.

20. University of Bahrain

The University of Bahrain completes the top 20 and represents Bahrain’s university system.

Across these systems, civil legislation, Islamic principles and global sectors such as energy, construction, finance and arbitration interact.

Beirut, Amman and Birzeit

13. Saint Joseph University of Beirut

Saint Joseph University of Beirut contributes one of Lebanon’s best-established legal traditions. Its Faculty of Law and Political Science offers undergraduate, master’s and specialist study in public, private and business law.

15. University of Jordan

The University of Jordan is a central institution for Jordanian law and public life.

19. Birzeit University

Birzeit University occupies number 19 in this editorial selection. The institution holds significant importance for Palestinian legal education. Security, mobility and campus operations can change rapidly; applicants must verify current operations, visas and the practical availability of their programme directly.

Languages and admission to practice

There is no common Middle Eastern legal qualification. Hebrew, Turkish, Persian and Arabic are generally indispensable for domestic practice.

English is increasingly important in postgraduate education, arbitration, business, energy and finance, but an English-taught programme does not itself grant admission to the local bar.

Students should check accreditation, required degree length, traineeships, professional examinations, nationality or residence restrictions and recognition of foreign qualifications.

In federal states or special jurisdictions—such as the United Arab Emirates—it is also important to distinguish national courts from financial centres operating under separate frameworks.

Security and academic continuity

This ranking measures academic quality, not personal safety. Conflicts and tensions affecting Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Yemen can disrupt travel, teaching, visas and consular services.

Candidates should consult current official travel advice and confirm conditions directly with the university before deciding.

There is no perfect university for everyone

Hebrew University offers a comprehensive research profile; Tel Aviv emphasizes business and technology; Koç and Bilkent combine Turkish law with internationalisation.

Qatar University and UAEU are especially relevant to the Gulf, while Saint Joseph University, the University of Jordan and Birzeit serve very different national legal contexts.

The best choice depends on the intended country of practice, language, legal field, accreditation, cost, visa and security situation.

The overall position is a guide, but the specific professional pathway should come first.