Ranking Web of Top 50 Asian Universities

In 2008, the Webometrics Ranking Web of World Universities assessed institutions worldwide based on their online presence, research output, and visibility, in addition to academic performance. The ranking is a reflection of how universities have leveraged the internet and digital platforms to enhance their visibility, engage in research collaboration, and communicate their academic achievements. Among the top universities in Asia, the rankings revealed the strong academic prowess and global reach of institutions from Japan, China, Taiwan, and Singapore.

The University of Tokyo, located in Japan, was ranked as the top university in Asia in 2008. UTokyo has long been recognized as the leading institution in Japan and one of the most prestigious universities in the world. With a rich history dating back to 1877, the university has earned its position through a combination of academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and international collaborations. UTokyo is known for its world-class programs in engineering, medicine, social sciences, and natural sciences. Its role in shaping both Japanese and global innovation has made it a key player in higher education across Asia and the world.

The second spot in the 2008 Webometrics ranking went to National Taiwan University (NTU), marking its strong academic and research performance in Asia. NTU is Taiwan's premier institution and is recognized for its contributions to science, technology, engineering, and medicine. Established in 1928, NTU has fostered a long tradition of excellence and has produced many leaders in academia, politics, and industry. Its focus on research, particularly in the areas of engineering and the sciences, along with its growing digital and international presence, has helped solidify its position as one of Asia’s top universities.

Beijing University (Peking University), ranked third in Asia in 2008, is one of China’s oldest and most influential academic institutions. Founded in 1898, Peking University is a symbol of academic tradition and innovation in China. It is especially well-regarded for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Peking University’s commitment to research and intellectual development has made it a center of academic excellence in China and beyond. As China's educational landscape continues to grow in prominence, Peking University remains at the forefront of academic and research achievements in Asia.

The National University of Singapore (NUS), ranked fourth in Asia in 2008, is Singapore’s oldest and most prestigious university. Founded in 1905, NUS has consistently ranked among the top universities globally, with particular strengths in engineering, business, law, and the sciences. NUS's international appeal, diverse student body, and cutting-edge research initiatives have helped solidify its place as one of the leading institutions in Asia. The university’s research output and global collaborations contribute to its growing reputation as a top academic institution.

Kyoto University, ranked fifth in Asia in 2008, is another powerhouse of Japanese higher education. Founded in 1897, Kyoto University has produced a number of Nobel laureates and is internationally recognized for its contributions to the fields of science and technology. The university is known for its interdisciplinary approach to research, with notable strengths in physics, chemistry, and biology. Kyoto University’s commitment to academic freedom and pioneering research has made it one of the most respected institutions in Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

The University of Hong Kong (HKU), ranked sixth in Asia, is Hong Kong’s oldest university and is widely regarded as one of the leading institutions in Asia. HKU has a rich academic history dating back to 1911 and has earned a strong global reputation, particularly in the fields of medicine, law, and business. Its international collaborations, especially in research and higher education, have helped HKU maintain its place as one of Asia's top universities. The university’s commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and fostering a global perspective makes it an influential educational institution in the region.

Keio University, ranked seventh in Asia in 2008, is one of Japan’s most prestigious private universities. Founded in 1858, Keio University has played a significant role in shaping Japan's academic and intellectual history. Known for its strong programs in business, economics, and law, Keio University also boasts a strong reputation in the social sciences and natural sciences. With its commitment to research and international engagement, Keio University continues to be a key academic institution in Japan.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), ranked eighth in Asia, is another prominent institution from Hong Kong. Established in 1963, CUHK has gained a strong reputation for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research. The university excels in fields such as business, medicine, and the sciences, and it is recognized for its research initiatives, particularly in the areas of public health and biomedical sciences. CUHK’s global reach and strong academic performance contribute to its standing as one of Asia’s top universities.

National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) in Taiwan, ranked ninth in Asia in 2008, is renowned for its engineering and technology programs. Founded in 1896, NCTU has long been recognized as one of Taiwan’s top universities, with particular strengths in computer science, electrical engineering, and telecommunications. The university’s focus on research and innovation has contributed to its growing international reputation and its impact on the development of Taiwan’s high-tech industry.

Rounding out the top ten is the University of Tsukuba, ranked tenth in Asia. Established in 1973, Tsukuba University is known for its strong programs in education, sports sciences, and the natural sciences. The university’s focus on interdisciplinary research, combined with its academic collaborations with institutions around the world, has helped it build a strong international presence. Tsukuba University’s emphasis on technological innovation and academic collaboration continues to drive its academic standing in Asia.

Top 50 Universities in Asia by Webometrics Ranking Web of World Universities:

Asian Rank, Institution, Country

1 U OF TOKYO JAPAN

2 NATIONAL TAIWAN U TAIWAN

3 BEIJING U CHINA

4 NATIONAL U OF SINGAPORE SINGAPORE

5 KYOTO U JAPAN

6 U OF HONG KONG HONG KONG

7 KEIO U JAPAN

8 CHINESE U OF HONG KONG HONG KONG

9 NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNI TAIWAN

10 UOF TSUKUBA JAPAN

11 NATIONAL SUN YAT-SEN UNI TAIWAN

12 SEOUL NATIONAL UNI KOREA

13 OSAKA UNI JAPAN

14 TSINGHUA U CHINA CHINA

15 NAGOYA U JAPAN

16 TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY JAPAN

17 TOHOKU U JAPAN

18 KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY KOREA

19 PRINCE OF SONGKLA U THAILAND

20 NATIONAL CHENG KUNG U TAIWAN

21 HONG KONG UNI OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY HONG KONG

22 NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL U TAIWAN

23 KYUSHU U JAPAN

24 ZHEJIANG U CHINA

25 NATIONAL TSING HUA U TAIWAN TAIWAN

26 SHANGHAI JIAO TONG U CHINA

27 CHULALONGKORN U THAILAND

28 U OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY OF CHINA CHINA

29 NATIONAL CENTRAL U TAIWAN

30 NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL U SINGAPORE

31 KASETSART U THAILAND

32 FUDAN U CHINA

33 UNITED NATIONS U JAPAN

34 HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC U HONG KONG

35 RITSUMEIKAN U JAPAN

36 CITY U OF HONG KONG HONG KONG

37 KOBE UNIV JAPAN

38 NATIONAL CHENGCHI U TAIWAN

39 INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOMBAY INDIA

40 TAMKANG U TAIWAN

41 POHANG UNI OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY KOREA

42 NATIONAL CHUNG CHENG U TAIWAN

43 HIROSHIMA UNIV JAPAN

44 HONG KONG BAPTIST U HONG KONG

45 I-SHOU U TAIWAN

46 YONSEI U KOREA

47 WASEDA U JAP.

48 INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE BANGALORE INDIA

49 KOREA U KOREA

50 SHANDONG U CHINA

Source: Webometrics 2008