A recent global study quality index shows that while the United States remains the leader in higher education, China is quickly catching up, especially among universities beyond the elite level. Released by Renmin University of China, this index examines academic strengths across countries, focusing on 42 academic fields, including both the humanities and sciences.
US universities still dominate, making up 35% of the top 100 institutions. They excel in areas like humanities and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). However, Chinese universities are making impressive gains. While they account for 14% of the top 100, this number rises to 15% among the top 300 and 17% for the top 500. Most of these ranked institutions are based in mainland China.
In STEM fields, Chinese universities are competitive and improving, especially in materials science and computer science. But in humanities, they still lag behind, which experts attribute to structural issues in academic publishing and global discourse, often dominated by English. Zhou Guangli, from Renmin University, explains that existing rankings often favor research-heavy institutions, missing nuances across disciplines.
The index also ranks the best study destinations globally. The top ten include the US, China, and the UK, reflecting a diverse range of choices for international students. This distinction aims to shift the focus from rigid rankings to a broader understanding of educational quality.
Experts emphasize that education choices should consider different academic strengths. Qu Zhenyuan points out that universities like Renmin and Tsinghua each have unique focuses, making discipline-centered evaluations essential. Similarly, Wang Zhanjun suggests evaluating the “international education environment,” considering how global factors influence student choices.
Interestingly, trends show a decline in the number of Chinese students in Western countries over the past five years. Instead, many are opting for locations involved in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, like Thailand and Malaysia. This shift is driven by practical needs, like aligning studies with family business interests.
In summary, while the US still leads in higher education quality, China’s rapid advancements are reshaping the global academic landscape. Understanding this evolution helps prospective students make informed choices in an ever-changing educational world.
Source link
china news, art, visual, Beijing,ecns,cns
