HKU on a high as unis see world rankings bounce

Ayra Wang

Most Hong Kong universities jumped in their rankings in the latest QS World University Rankings after taking a sharp dive last year, with the University of Hong Kong reaching its highest-ever position at 17th overall.

It marks HKU's return to the world's top 20 after ranking 18th in 2007.

This year's rankings included the top 1,500 universities worldwide.

Six of seven public-funded Hong Kong universities included in the list saw their rankings climb from last year, as Baptist University soared 43 positions from 295th to 252nd.

Chinese University, which ranked second among the city's universities, climbed to 36th from 47th, while University of Science and Technology jumped from No 60 to 47 this year.

Polytechnic University improved from 65th to 57th, as did City University from 70th to 62nd. But Lingnan University dropped 70 positions from the 641 to 650 bracket to rank 711 to 720th.

QS senior vice president Ben Sowter said Hong Kong universities "stand out as one of the most improved in the world."

"The city's universities, spearheaded by the University of Hong Kong, achieved significant gains in its employer reputation and research," Sowter said.

Hong Kong and Singapore are the only two territories with an average academic reputation score above 50. HKU placed 27th in the category, making it the only SAR institution in the top 50.

However, none of the universities in SAR made it in the world's top 100 under the employer reputation indicator, with HKU ranking the highest at 124th.

"Hong Kong still faces challenges in improving employment outcomes for graduates and balancing these successes with the evolving economic and political landscape will be crucial for maintaining its global standing," Sowter said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States and two British universities - Imperial College London and University of Oxford - continued to hug the top three positions.

National University of Singapore stayed at eighth for a second consecutive year, the only Asian university in the top 10.

Peking University is at 14th from No 17 last year, and Tsinghua University ranked No 20, up from 25th.

CUHK said this year's ranking is a "significant milestone" since the ranking started in 2010.

"This recognition inspires us to build on our momentum and deepen our dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation," said vice-chancellor and president Rocky Tuan Sung-chi.

HKUST said the university will continue to adopt new technologies to enhance teaching experiences.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com