The top 10 universities in Asia

Here is the list of top 10 universities in Asia now, as ranked by the World Economic Forum.

These universities are located in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea.

1. National University of Singapore

Started out as a modest medical school in 1905, founded by a determined group of businessmen led by Tan Jiak Kim, to serve the needs of the local community. Today, it is Singapore’s flagship university consistently ranked first in Asia and the world.

2. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Started as the Nanyang Technological Institute in 1981.

3. Peking University, China

Founded in 1898, Peking University was originally known as the Imperial University of Peking. It was the first national university covering comprehensive disciplines in China, and has been a leading institution of higher education in China since its establishment. It also served as the highest administration for education at the beginning of its founding.

4. University of Hong Kong

The University of Hong Kong, founded in 1911, is the oldest tertiary institution in Hong Kong. It was granted a shield and a motto by the College of Arms in 1913, and throughout its history the University's visual identity has been firmly based on their display, often coupled the University's name. 

5. Tsinghua University, China

Tsinghua University was established in 1911, originally under the name “Tsinghua Xuetang”. The school was renamed "Tsinghua School" in 1912. The university section was founded in 1925. The name “National Tsinghua University” was adopted in 1928.

6. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Founded in 1991, HKUST is an international research university with strong ties to global thought leaders, whilst having wide-ranging connections with Mainland China. It promotes interdisciplinary studies, dedicated to educating well-rounded students to acquire a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking – the necessary foundation and skills for the changing world.

7. University of Tokyo

Currently, the University of Tokyo is comprised of 10 Faculties, 15 Graduate Schools, 11 affiliated research institutes (including the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology), 13 University-wide centers, three affiliated libraries and two institutes for advanced study. Furthermore, the Faculties, Graduate Schools and research institutes have facilities associated with them; for instance, the University of Tokyo Hospital is one such facility.

8. Pohang University of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea

Despite its brief history, POSTECH has lit a spark in the nation’s higher education and scientific research to become a crown jewel as a top research university specialized in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Today, POSTECH shines bright as a beacon that guides brilliant minds around the world to POSTECH for advanced studies.

9. Seoul National University, Republic of Korea

The origin of Seoul National University (SNU) dates back to the late nineteenth century when Korean Emperor Gojong established modern higher education institutions which later became part of SNU.

10. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology was established in 1971 to model a research focused university and to foster elite human resources in science and technology needed by the nation.