Academic Ranking of World Universities

Choosing a university to study at is one of the most important decisions of one's life. So, when it comes to making this life choice, students are often faced with a daunting task: which university is the best fit for their academic goals and career growth?

Here university rankings come in. Among the most well-known and respected comes the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also called the Shanghai Ranking.

Published annually since 2003 by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the Academic Ranking of World Universities ranks the top 1,000 universities in the world based on various indicators, including research output, academic quality, and international collaborations.

In this blog, we will dive deeper into the Academic Ranking of World Universities and explore why this ranking has become a go-to resource for students seeking the best in global higher education. 

What is the Shanghai Ranking Based on?

The Shanghai Ranking, also known as the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), is one of the best ranking systems. This ranking system focuses on research output and its impact on science and technology, unlike other ranking bodies that consider only university performance.

This ranking was first published in 2003 by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China. Since then, it gets updated annually to help students, scholars, and policymakers evaluate and compare universities from everywhere.

This annual ranking is based on 5-indicators:

• Quality of Education: Quality of education is measured by the number of graduates from a university who won Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals. This indicator works on the assumption that the educational outcomes of the graduates serve as a measure of the calibre of education provided by the university. So this indicator recognises the universities that have produced outstanding graduates who have made a significant impact in their field and won meritorious awards and huge recognitions.

• Quality of Faculty: Quality of Faculty is measured by the number of faculty members from a university who have won Nobel Prizes/Fields Medals and the number of highly cited researchers across disciplines. This indicator recognises universities with the best talented and influential researchers who have made remarkable contributions.

• Research Output: Research output is measured by the number of research articles published by a university in leading journals like Nature and Science. This indicator recognises universities that have consistently published in leading journals and have had a significant research output.

• Research Income: Research Income is measured by the total research funding a university receives from government and private sources. This indicator recognises universities with a solid foundation and strong track record of securing funding and performing high-quality research.

• International Collaboration: International Collaboration is measured by the number of international co-authorships of research articles. This indicator recognises universities that have phenomenal international networks and collaborations. It allows researchers to share ideas, resources, and expertise and promotes worldwide engagement and cultural exchange.

Best Universities According to the Academic Ranking of World University

In the present world, with so many options available, students are often confused about which university to attend, and one of the best ways to evaluate universities is through rankings.

Rankings are based on several indicators, such as academic reputation, research output, student outcomes, international diversity, and more, so it provides students with a valuable and objective way of comparing universities and making informed career decisions.

Listed below are the top-ranked universities according to the 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities:

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Academic Ranking of World Universities has become a gold standard for evaluating academic institutions worldwide, and it's not hard to see why.

Academic Ranking of World Universities, developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, is highly regarded by many institutions, policymakers, and students. These rankings are based on 5-major indicators, including the number of highly cited researchers, Nobel laureates, and publications in prestigious journals, which ensures their unbiasedness and reliability.

However, it is worth noting that the rankings should not be the only factor when choosing the right university for higher education. One must consider their aspirations and career goals while making this big life decision.

Moreover, the rankings should be viewed as a tool for evaluating and identifying areas of improvement rather than a measure of absolute quality

Still unclear about anything? Well, not to worry. Contact AECC and get your queries answered today! AECC is one of the world's leading educational consultancies, with versatile expert professionals ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey to achieving your dream.