- Nearly 45% of Chinese mainland universities improved their positions in the 2026 QS World University Rankings.
- Peking University ranked 14th globally; Tsinghua and Fudan also saw significant upward movement.
- Asia now leads in number of ranked institutions, signaling a shift in academic power towards the East.
Higher education institutions from the Chinese mainland have demonstrated strong upward momentum in the 2026 QS World University Rankings released by Quacquarelli Symonds, with nearly 45 percent improving their positions compared to the previous year. This rise reflects China's growing prominence in global academia, underpinned by sustained investment in education, research, and international collaboration.
Peking University retained its top position among Chinese mainland institutions, ranking 14th globally. Tsinghua University rose seven places to 17th, while Fudan University climbed nine spots to secure the 30th position. Nanjing University also achieved a personal best, ranking 103rd globally due to improvements in academic reputation, employer perception, and faculty research impact.
The rankings, which evaluated over 1,500 universities from 106 countries and regions, continue to be led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the 14th consecutive year. Imperial College London and Stanford University followed in second and third places, respectively. Among other strong performers from China, Zhejiang University and Tongji University stood out for their efforts in international faculty recruitment and global collaboration.
According to Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, China’s steady ascent illustrates a shift in academic influence globally. "The sustained rise of China's universities demonstrates their growing influence in global higher education. This year’s 32 upward movers and Peking University’s continued excellence are a testament to strong national momentum", Sowter noted.
Faculty research impact and employer reputation emerged as key factors in this year's rankings, with 71 percent of mainland Chinese universities improving their citations per faculty and 64 percent advancing in employer reputation. However, some top-tier institutions, including members of the C9 League, saw a decline in areas such as international student ratio, faculty diversity, and graduate employment.
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In the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, institutions also performed strongly, with the University of Hong Kong climbing to 11th place globally its highest-ever ranking.
The latest data reflects a shifting center of gravity in global higher education, with Asia now home to the largest number of ranked universities worldwide. As China cements its status as a research powerhouse, its next steps involve attracting global talent and deepening international academic partnerships.
