When choosing which college to attend, students often weigh a multitude of factors, including location, climate, campus atmosphere, reputation and available resources including equipment.

Another aspect to consider is the school's position in international rankings such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by U.S.-based Times Higher Education, the QS World University Rankings by British company Quacquarelli Symonds, and the Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News and World Report (U.S. News for short). These rankings are especially important for students worldwide who wish to pursue higher studies abroad.

U.S. News released its list for the 2024-25 academic year on June 25, featuring 2,250 higher education institutions from 104 countries. The elements that determine the ranking include publications, research reputation, frequency of academic quotations and contributions to international cooperation.

The number of institutions on the list reflects a country's educational resources. The latest ranking includes 445 Chinese institutions, nine of which rank among the top 100 institutions globally. Among Chinese universities on the list, the top five are Tsinghua University, Peking University, Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Having over 400 institutions on the list highlights the extensive educational infrastructure and resources available in China. This achievement is strong evidence of the country's efforts to promote higher education. Since the restoration of the gaokao, or the national college entrance exam, in 1977, the country's higher education system has come a long way, from lacking means and guidance to gaining international recognition.

Sharpening skills

During the late 1990s to early 2000s, China launched two major programs to establish a group of world-class universities. The Ministry of Education allocated special funds, consolidated existing research resources and encouraged international academic cooperation for these universities, which went on to earn nationwide recognition for cultivating talent.

During a press conference on July 19, following the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, held from July 15 to 18 this year and centered on the country's further comprehensive deepening of reform, Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng made remarks highlighting China's educational achievements since the country first embarked on its journey of reform and opening up in 1978. He outlined measures to develop more world-class universities and disciplines with Chinese characteristics. These measures aim to align educational institutions with social trends and support major national policies, including supply-side structural reform, technological reform and the nurturing of new quality productive forces. The latter refers to the shift toward innovation-driven growth, technological advancement and high-quality development in different sectors of the economy.

"So far, China has built the world's largest education system, with education coverage at all levels reaching or exceeding the average level of middle and high-income countries. The gross enrollment rate of higher education has exceeded 60 percent and the number of people who have received higher education has reached 250 million. China has cultivated a strong research team, with research expenditure ranking second in the world last year," Huai said.

"The ministry will guide future reforms in universities, encourage them to leverage their strengths in different disciplines, and accelerate technological breakthroughs in key areas through updates and adaptations of advanced disciplines in higher education institutions," he added.

According to the latest U.S. News rankings, Beijing-based Tsinghua University has set a new record for Chinese mainland universities by ranking 16th globally, the highest position ever achieved by a Chinese educational institution. It also secured the top spot among all Asian universities.

Tsinghua's success is driven by its strong research resources, with the "research resources" index accounting for over 30 percent of its total score.

The university also ranked first in certain fields such as artificial intelligence, chemical engineering, computer science, ecology and materials science. Last year, Tsinghua won nine major national science awards, surpassing all other higher education institutions in China.

Beyond research, the school's faculty have integrated their academic achievements into everyday teaching, providing students with cutting-edge knowledge and fostering critical thinking skills.

"Most of the scientific breakthroughs in my team are achieved through the collective efforts of students," said Zhang Yihui, a professor of engineering mechanics at the School of Aerospace Engineering at Tsinghua, in an interview with Beijing Review. "We have two weekly academic gatherings. One is a team meeting where students share updates on their latest achievements in experiments or theory; the other is a brainstorming session where they can discuss the challenges they face and their thoughts on research. This setup allows students to receive support and inspiration from their peers and mentors."

For undergraduate students who are not deeply involved in advanced research, Zhang strives to involve them in his research projects as much as possible.

"I want to keep their passion for their majors alive and help them realize their potential," he explained. In his lectures, the professor aims to provide insights into state-of-the-art technologies and innovations in the field. He also encourages students to ask questions and share their ideas during his office hours.

Outside the classroom, students have a wide array of programs they can join to enhance their research skills.

Shinni Chen, a Malaysian student at Tsinghua's School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, participated in an overseas exchange program at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, Australia, last summer. This experience prepared her for her doctoral studies, which will begin this fall.

Chen believes that early exposure to research during her undergraduate studies motivated her to pursue further education. "My teachers integrate their academic programs with daily classes, which gives us a basic understanding of research," she said. "In my third year at Tsinghua, the university provided ample overseas exchange opportunities to do research, helping us to figure out whether we wanted to delve deeper into the academic world."

The whole package

According to Wang Jingjing, a third-year history major at Tsinghua, the comprehensive general education course system allows students from all majors to develop interdisciplinary and systematic thinking.

"The course system covers social sciences, arts and humanities, science and engineering. Students are required to earn at least two credits from courses in other categories," Wang explained. "I developed an interest in topics related to ecology and the environment."

Chen is most impressed by the university's facilities and resources that cater to the requirements of international students.

"One of my junior classmates was from the Republic of Cameroon and could barely read Chinese. But our professors and administrative staff are all very attentive to the needs of international students, and they provided her with course materials in English. Language barriers do not hinder an international student's endeavors at Tsinghua," Chen said.

The university has also made sure that students have access to a range of extracurricular activities. By the end of 2023, more than 250 student organizations were operating on campus, covering areas such as culture, arts, sports, science and innovation, and public welfare.

These organizations not only bring students entertainment and relaxation but also offer them opportunities to participate in events, enhancing their overall abilities in planning and communication.Additionally, the university's alumni associations and career centers connect students with ample internship and job opportunities.

Chen was appointed head of the Association of Student International Communication in her third year, giving her the chance to interact with students and institutions collaborating with Tsinghua.

"Studying at Tsinghua is a valuable opportunity for me. I have benefited greatly from the university's resources and welcome those who will become my peers in the future," she said.

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon

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