The National University of Singapore (NUS) has emerged as the top university in Asia in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Globally, it is in 22nd place with the University of Toronto in Canada while Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has occupied 52nd position.
NUS has taken the top position in Asia for the third consecutive year and is the only institution from Asia in the top 25 this year.
The engineering and technology course offered by NUS has occupied 7th rank while physical science course has been placed on the 18th position.
Tan Chorh-Chuan, President of NUS, said that he was “delighted by this strong endorsement of the global reputation, high quality and deep impact of NUS’ education and research”.
He said that he will focus on preparing graduates for the future economy and strengthening lifelong education.
NTU has come on the fourth position among the top Asian universities. Its computer course has emerged as the popular course as it occupies 14th position followed by engineering and technology course occupying 18th position.
The Times Higher Education World University rankings uses 13 indicators – including research, knowledge transfer to industry and international outlook – to assess a university.
Interestingly, NUS and NTU have performed better than some leading universities in the USA. NUS has overtaken Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania, placed at 23rd while NTU has beaten the University of California, Davis.
Phil Baty, editorial director of the Times ranking, said, “NUS and NTU have surpassed leading varsities in the United States this year. While NUS has risen to become Asia's leading university in recent years, the 26-year-old NTU has leapt a staggering 122 places since 2010-11, thanks to continued high levels of investment, outstanding research and a highly international outlook.”
Top universities
1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge
3. California Institute of Technology
3. Stanford University
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
6. Harvard University
7. Princeton University
8. Imperial College London
9. University of Chicago
10. ETH Zurich
10. University of Pennsylvania
22. National University of Singapore
52. Nanyang Technological University