NUS is tops in Asia in QS world university rankings, NTU climbs six spots globally

Singapore's two research universities edged up considerably in one of the two leading world university ranking systems this year, with both improving their positions in the global list.

Topping the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) university rankings for Asia this year is the National University of Singapore (NUS). The country's oldest university also shifted up one spot in global rankings to 24th in the world, from 25th last year.

Racing up the rankings is its counterpart Nanyang Technological University (NTU), which now sits at 41st place globally as compared to 47th last year. Factors like faculty citations, reputation among international employers and student-to-faculty ratio contributed to its improved score.

In Asia, NTU moved up to number 7 from 10th last year, and was ranked second among the world's young universities — those aged below 50.

Meanwhile, NUS placed ninth in the world for academic reputation and 16th for employer reputation, with significant improvements in numbers of research papers, and citations, published and generated.

Both universities' presidents responded positively to the news, saying the improved rankings are good developments "for the whole of Singapore".

"This is a reflection of our country's strong support for higher education and the ethos of continually seeking excellence," said NUS president Professor Tan Chorh Chuan.

"It is remarkable that Singapore, a small city-state, has two universities among the world's Top 41," added NTU president Professor Bertil Andersson.

See the full global university rankings here, and the rankings for Asian universities here.