Asia's top five universities in 2021

 Asia's top five universities in 2021

Tsinghua University and Beijing, two institutions with much in common in China, topped THE's Asia university rankings.

1. Tsinghua University (China)

Rating: 84.9/100.

Tsinghua University was established in 1911, has undergone many changes and has become a multidisciplinary university for more than 30 years. The university offers 51 bachelor's degree programs and more than 200 graduate programs, and is known as one of China's most elite universities, admitting only students who score extremely well in national exams (gaokao). ).

Compared with other schools on a global scale, Tsinghua University is also highly rated. The university is ranked in the top 20 in the Times Higher Education (THE) world university rankings, and in the top 30 for engineering and technology, life sciences, physics, computer science and business. Many of its graduates are influential at home and abroad, especially in Chinese politics.

Tsinghua University campus is located in the northwest of Beijing. The buildings have a combination of traditional Chinese architecture and modern Western styles. Located on the former site of the Qing Dynasty imperial garden, the school garden is renowned as one of the most beautiful in the world.

A building belonging to Tsinghua University. Photo: Shutterstock.

A building belonging to Tsinghua University. Photo: Shutterstock.

2. Peking University (China)

Rating: 83.9/100.

It is the first modern national university in China, founded in the late 19th century. The scene is known as a center for progressive thought and research excellence with 216 research centers, along with the largest university library in Asia, containing 11 million books and other resources.

Many prominent thinkers in China are alumni of Peking University. Three Nobel laureates are also associated with this higher education institution.

After relocation in 1952, the main campus of the university now stands on the former site of the Qing dynasty gardens. Currently, the school still retains some of the original features and landscapes such as gardens, pagodas and historical buildings. The entrance to the grounds has murals on the ceiling and is a tourist attraction.

West Gate of Peking University. Photo: Shutterstock.

West Gate of Peking University. Photo: Shutterstock.

3. National University of Singapore - NUS (Singapore)

Rating: 83.1/100.

As the oldest institution in Singapore and the largest in terms of student population, the National University of Singapore combines research excellence and innovation. The university is ranked in the top 25 in the world with exceptionally high scores in research and international outlook, and outstanding achievements in the fields of engineering and technology. This is not difficult to understand because three decades ago this school formed a center dedicated to innovation and technology enterprise.

NUS uses British-style instruction through small-group instruction and American-style course credit to meet degree requirements. Flexible degree programs make it easy for students to choose and switch majors.

Famous alumni include four prime ministers and presidents of Singapore, two prime ministers of Malaysia, and many famous politicians and businessmen.

4. University of Hong Kong - HKU (Hong Kong)

Rating: 76.3/100.

The University of Hong Kong was founded by the British governor in 1911 but began to integrate Chinese culture and education into its courses in 1927, when the first degrees in Chinese were offered. However, up to now, the main language of instruction is still English.

Admissions are very selective. An international student has to compete with about 12 other students to get into the school. As for students from mainland China, only one in 31 applications is approved.

HKU graduates have basically been involved in the construction of China's modern political, economic and cultural landscape. Many are also holding senior positions in the private sector.