In a historic shift, China has surpassed the United States in the number of universities featured in the 2025 World University Rankings by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR).
The list, released on June 2, marks a turning point in global higher education, with China emerging as the most represented nation among the top 2,000 institutions worldwide.
According to CWUR data, China now has 346 universities on the list, representing 17% of the total. This marks an increase of 22 institutions compared to last year. Meanwhile, the United States, which had traditionally dominated the rankings, saw its number of listed universities drop to 319, a decline of 10.
China’s upward trajectory in global academia is also reflected in the improved rankings of many of its leading universities. Tsinghua University climbed six places to reach the 37th spot globally, while Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences moved up three and four places respectively, now standing at 44th and 46th.
Other notable Chinese institutions making strong appearances include Shanghai Jiao Tong University (61st), Zhejiang University (68th), and Fudan University (73rd). Sun Yat-sen University, the University of Science and Technology of China, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Nanjing University also featured prominently within the top 150.
Despite China’s surge, the United States still maintains a dominant presence at the very top of the list. Eight of the world’s top ten universities are American, led by Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Stanford University. However, 83% of U.S. institutions on the list experienced a drop in their rankings this year.
The United Kingdom continues to hold its ground in the upper echelon, with the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford securing the fourth and fifth places globally. These institutions, known for their rich academic heritage, remain strong competitors in the international education landscape.
CWUR, based in Saudi Arabia, is recognized as one of the major global ranking bodies alongside QS, Times Higher Education (THE), and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) from China. This year, CWUR evaluated more than 21,400 universities and ranked the top 2,000 using a methodology that includes education quality, alumni employability, faculty achievements, and research performance.
CWUR President Nadim Mahassen emphasized that China’s rise in the rankings is the result of sustained investment in its higher education system. He noted that increased government funding has played a pivotal role in boosting the global competitiveness of Chinese universities.
In contrast, Mahassen warned that the decline in U.S. rankings reflects deeper challenges. These include reduced federal funding and growing debates around academic freedom and free speech. He cited past controversies, such as the Trump-era attempt to revoke international student visas, as contributing to the instability facing American institutions.
China’s academic dominance also extends to the regional level. In the 2025 Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings, published in April, seven Chinese universities secured spots in the top 10. Tsinghua University and Peking University retained the top two positions in Asia for the sixth consecutive year.
As China continues to assert its influence in global education, the shift signals a rebalancing of academic power. The 2025 rankings serve as a clear indicator that strategic investment and national policy can dramatically reshape the global landscape of higher learning.
