World University Rankings 2025: Oxford tops list fo record ninth consecutive time

Despite the global academic landscape shifting over the last two decades, the UK still retains a strong presence in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2025 with Oxford University topping the list for a record ninth consecutive year.

The World University Rankings, first launched two decades ago, have evolved significantly since their inception as a UK initiative.

Originally recommended in a 2003 report by Richard Lambert, the rankings aimed to assess the UK government's research funding efforts and foster competition among institutions.

The inaugural list, published by Times Higher Education (THE) in November 2004, featured two UK universities—Oxford and Cambridge—in the top ten, alongside a dominant presence of American institutions.

Fast forward to 2025, the latest rankings illustrate a dramatically transformed global university sector characterized by increased competitiveness and diversity.

While the UK and the US still hold prominent positions at the top, the number of ranked institutions has surged from 200 in 2004 to over 2,000 today.

The 2025 edition of the rankings reveals a significant shift in academic power dynamics.

The US now accounts for only 8% of all ranked universities, a sharp decline from 31% in 2004.

Similarly, the UK’s representation has decreased to 5% from 15%. This year’s rankings encompass 115 countries, a notable increase from just 29 in 2004.

Notably, India matches the UK with 107 ranked universities, while China has 94, and Hong Kong has six. Pakistan has 47 universities listed in the rankings.

Africa moves up in rankings

Africa is also witnessing an upward trajectory, with countries like Nigeria and Egypt increasing their representation.

Nigeria now boasts 21 ranked universities, while Egypt has 35. Seven countries—including Bahrain and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—are making their debut in the global rankings, highlighting the rise of emerging educational institutions.

The 2025 rankings reflect a robust representation of Far Eastern universities, particularly from China. With 13 institutions in the top 200, Chinese universities such as Tsinghua University and Peking University have reached record high positions of 12th and 13th, respectively.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong universities are consolidating their presence in the top 100, with the Chinese University of Hong Kong now in 44th place.

Conversely, several Western nations are facing challenges. The Netherlands has seen a decline, with seven of its 11 top-200 universities falling in the rankings.

Australia has also experienced a decrease, with only ten institutions remaining in the top 200, down from 12 in 2021.

In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is making strides, with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals debuting at 176th.

The United Arab Emirates also celebrates its first entry into the top 200, with Abu Dhabi University taking 191st place.