International rankings, a key management metric, significantly influence how universities allocate resources. This drive to improve higher education quality is especially critical for developing countries with limited resources. For these institutions, systematic resource management is essential to boost efficiency and overcome unique challenges. This study aims to identify benchmark strategies. These strategies will help institutions adopt best practices from leading “frontier institutions” to enhance operational efficiency. We propose a three-stage program efficiency model. This model uses a data envelopment analysis approach. It specifically focuses on program diversification, internationalization, and social contributions. We assessed management practices across 18 countries to determine their efficiencies and identify areas for improvement. Our analysis derived stage-specific efficiency levels and strategic benchmarking orders for inefficient countries. This study highlights the critical role of resource management and performance evaluation in making universities more competitive. Academically, this research contributes to the construction of an analytical model. Practically, it advances the understanding of managerial efficiency in higher education.