The National University of Singapore (NUS) has once again proven its mettle by retaining its position as the eighth-best university globally in the latest QS World University Rankings 2025. This marks a significant achievement for NUS, which has consistently been a top performer in the global academic arena. Meanwhile, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has made a remarkable comeback, climbing from 26th to 15th place, re-entering the top 20.
The QS World University Rankings, a highly regarded annual publication by Quacquarelli Symonds, evaluates universities based on a comprehensive set of metrics. These include academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, and international student ratio. In recent years, the rankings have also incorporated new metrics such as sustainability, employment outcomes, and international research network, reflecting the evolving priorities in higher education.
NUS: A Beacon of Academic Excellence
NUS's sustained high ranking is a testament to its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation. The university has excelled in several key areas, including academic reputation, where it ranks 15th globally, and employment outcomes, where it stands at an impressive 6th place. This highlights NUS's ability to produce graduates who are highly sought after by employers worldwide.
Professor Tan Eng Chye, President of NUS, expressed his pride in the university's achievements, stating, "We are heartened that NUS has placed among the world’s top 10 and retained its lead in Asia in the QS World University Rankings 2025 – a collective achievement by our outstanding faculty, staff, students, and alumni." He further emphasized the university's progress in sustainability, noting, "This year, most notably, NUS has made considerable progress in the sustainability indicator, a testament to our whole-of-university approach to shape a sustainable future through interdisciplinary solutions across education, research, and campus operations."
NUS's commitment to sustainability is evident in its ranking of 26th globally in this category. The university's efforts to integrate environmentally and socially responsible practices into its operations and curriculum have been recognized on the global stage.
NTU: Rising Through the Ranks
NTU's significant leap in the rankings is a clear indication of its growing influence and reputation in the global academic community. The university's improvement in employer reputation and sustainability has been particularly noteworthy. NTU President Professor Ho Teck Hua remarked, "To be ranked in the top 15 shows that despite being a young university, NTU is internationally competitive." He highlighted the university's achievements in sustainability, mentioning NTU's eight zero-energy buildings and 100% Green Mark Platinum certification for all eligible building projects.
NTU's focus on sustainability extends beyond its campus infrastructure. The university has made significant strides in integrating sustainability into its research and educational programs, thereby contributing to global efforts to address environmental challenges.
Singapore's Commitment to Higher Education
The achievements of NUS and NTU underscore Singapore's dedication to fostering excellence in higher education. Senior Vice-President of QS, Ben Sowter, commented, "These achievements underscore Singapore’s commitment to excellence in higher education, particularly in areas such as employability and sustainability, which are critical for the future of global education."
Other Singaporean institutions have also made their mark in the QS rankings. Singapore Management University (SMU) and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have shown resilience despite facing stiff competition, with SMU ranked 585th and SUTD at 440th.
The continued success of NUS and NTU in the QS World University Rankings is a reflection of their dedication to academic excellence, innovative research, and sustainable practices. As these institutions continue to push the boundaries of higher education, they set a benchmark for universities worldwide, demonstrating that a commitment to quality education and sustainability can lead to global recognition and impact.
