Chinese mainland universities are strengthening their positions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), says the 2024 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject.
Chemistry shines as the most successful field among mainland universities, with 49 institutions listed. Peking University jumps five spots to rank 13th globally, leading mainland universities.
Biology follows closely, with 48 mainland universities listed. Tsinghua University climbs eight spots to rank 24th globally and tops mainland universities in the field.
Materials science emerges as the third strongest field, with 46 institutions featured. Tsinghua maintains its top position, ranking 12th globally.
Computer science follows, with 43 mainland universities listed. Tsinghua progresses four spots to rank 11th globally.
Overall, the Chinese mainland ranks third globally in participation, with 882 programs across 54 subjects, up from 851 last year.
Peking University shows a 25 percent improvement in its ranking across 44 subjects, followed by Fudan University and Tsinghua. However, Tsinghua outshines Peking University in subjects in the global top 10.
Tsinghua’s highest global ranking, fifth, is in art history, showcasing diversification. The Shanghai Conservatory of Music’s inclusion in the rankings reflects the expanding academic landscape.
Many mainland institutions gain recognition for specific programs. China Agricultural University’s agriculture and forestry program ranks in the global top 10 for the first time, while Sichuan University’s dentistry program jumps to 12th globally.
The United States leads in the number of fields, with 32, followed by the United Kingdom with 16. Harvard University ranks first globally in 19 programs, followed by MIT with 11.
QS highlights the depth and excellence of higher education on the Chinese mainland. China’s growing prominence in data science and artificial intelligence is also notable, with four mainland universities ranking in the global top 50 for these fields, solidifying China’s role in driving the fifth industrial revolution.
