AppliedHE Unveils Groundbreaking University Ranking in Asia
In a significant move for higher education, AppliedHE has launched the AppliedHE Public & Private University Rankings: ALL ASIA. This innovative ranking system is the first of its kind to acknowledge both public and private universities throughout Asia, emphasizing the importance of student feedback and employability as central to their evaluation process.
Creating Value Through Student-Centric Rankings
The launch event for the ALL ASIA Rankings occurred during the AppliedHE Xchange, an annual gathering aimed at uniting leaders from the education sector, policymakers, and industry experts. The conference showcases critical discussions around higher education progress and development in the region.
What sets these rankings apart is their strong commitment to a more meaningful framework that prioritizes student experiences and real outcomes. This approach not only distinguishes between public and private institutions but also provides a comprehensive view of institutional effectiveness across a varied educational landscape.
Comprehensive Evaluation Methodology
This year, 493 universities across 41 countries participated in the rankings. The evaluation utilized a balanced methodology spanning six key areas: Community Engagement, Employability, Student Satisfaction, Research Excellence, Internationalisation, and Peer Recognition. Together, these indicators form a holistic measure of both academic excellence and the overall student experience in higher education.
This year’s results revealed that Indonesia tops the list with 73 universities included, followed closely by the Philippines with 60, and Malaysia with 44. Other nations contributing to this rich educational tapestry include India with 29 universities and South Korea with 28. The rankings illustrate the widespread access to quality education and the emergence of academic excellence across the continent.
Leading Universities Highlighted
In terms of overall performance, Yonsei University stands out as the leading private university in Asia, with other notable institutions including Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) and Korea University following closely. For public universities, the University of Hong Kong ranks highest, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Peking University from mainland China close behind. Notably, Sunway University maintains its status as the premier private university in Southeast Asia, ranking 6th overall in Asia.
Top 10: Private Universities in Asia
- Yonsei University – South Korea
- Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) – South Korea
- Korea University – South Korea
- Hanyang University – South Korea
- Waseda University – Japan
- Sunway University – Malaysia
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) – South Korea
- American University of Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
- UCSI University – Malaysia
- Kyung Hee University – South Korea
Top 10: Public Universities in Asia
- The University of Hong Kong – Hong Kong SAR
- National University of Singapore (NUS) – Singapore
- Peking University – Mainland China
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU) – Singapore
- King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) – Saudi Arabia
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) – Hong Kong SAR
- Tsinghua University – Mainland China
- City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) – Hong Kong SAR
- Qatar University – Qatar
- Fudan University – Mainland China
A Mission Driven by Student Voices
Founded in 2020 by Ms. Mandy Mok, AppliedHE seeks to fill the void left by traditional university rankings that often overlook the importance of student experiences. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the educational journey of students by emphasizing employability and real-world learning opportunities.
"Our aim with ALL ASIA is to present a globally recognized ranking that is distinctly shaped by student needs and focuses on measurable outcomes rather than mere prestige," said Mandy Mok. This unique perspective ensures that universities are evaluated not only on their institutional reputation but also on their actual contributions to student success.
A Balanced Approach to Rankings
In comparison to conventional ranking systems, which typically favor either public institutions or combine both sectors into one ranking, the AppliedHE ALL ASIA rankings provide distinct metrics for public and private universities, enabling a fairer comparison.
Through these rankings, both sectors are recognized for their unique contributions to higher education. Public universities often operate under national goals, while private universities provide innovative solutions and flexibility in education, fostering employability and collaboration with industries.
Incorporating Student Feedback
One of the hallmark characteristics of the ALL ASIA ranking is the systematic inclusion of student feedback through surveys focused on crucial aspects such as teaching quality, support services, and career guidance. By doing so, the rankings ensure that the authentic voices of students are an integral part of the evaluation process, ultimately shaping how universities are recognized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the AppliedHE ALL ASIA Rankings?
The purpose of the rankings is to provide a more meaningful evaluation of higher education institutions in Asia, emphasizing student feedback and employability outcomes.
How many universities participated in this year’s rankings?
A total of 493 universities from 41 countries participated in the inaugural rankings.
What are the eight dimensions used to evaluate universities?
The eight dimensions include Community Engagement, Employability, Student Satisfaction, Research Excellence, Internationalisation, and Peer Recognition.
Which university ranked as the top private university in Asia?
Yonsei University was ranked as the top private university in Asia.
What sets the ALL ASIA rankings apart from other rankings?
ALL ASIA uniquely separates public and private university rankings, focusing on student experiences and providing a fair comparison based on distinct institutional missions.
