The latest Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings indicate a significant rise in the prominence of Asian universities, with nearly half of the world's leading young research universities now based in Asia. Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, established in 1991, retains its top position for the second consecutive year, also ranking 32nd in THE's World University Rankings 2024.
Over the past five years, the number of Asian universities in the rankings has almost doubled, surging from 165 in 2020 to 327 in 2024, representing 49% of the total. This growth has been largely driven by Turkey, India, and Iran, with Turkey boasting 58 universities in the ranking, up from 23 in 2020, followed by India with 55 institutions, and Iran with 46.
Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris secures the second spot, climbing one place from the previous year. Established in 2010, the university aims to establish itself as a premier research institution globally. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, ranked second last year, slips to third place. Founded in 1991, it remains one of Hong Kong's top universities, emphasizing science and technology education.
Phil Baty, THE's chief global affairs officer, highlights the significance of THE's Young University Rankings 2024 in spotlighting both emerging institutions and those that have achieved excellence in teaching and research within a relatively short timeframe. These rankings offer recognition to universities that have excelled despite not having the centuries-long history of more established counterparts.
