Top 5 Universities in Asia in 2014

#5. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)

Despite being the youngest statutory university in Hong Kong and Asia in general, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has established itself as one of the top universities in the world. The Times World Reputation Rankings considered it 51st–60th in 2014. It is particularly strong in Engineering and Technology subjects.

Specific rankings on business studies include the Financial Times EMBA rankings which have been topped by its Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA (EMBA) program for fifth consecutive years (2009—2013), and the Global MBA Rankings where HKUST Business School (MBA) program ranked 8th worldwide and the best in Asia in 2013. The MBA program was also ranked 58th which was the third in Asia and second in Hong Kong by the Economist's 2013 ranking.

HKUST ranks 16th worldwide and 1st in Hong Kong and in Greater China in Global Employability University Ranking 2014.

#4. Seoul National University

Seoul National University (SNU) is a national research university founded in 1946, located in Seoul, the capital of Korea. It is widely considered to be the most prestigious university in the country.

A study found that the university's name-value translates into wages that are on average about 12 percent higher than that of other Korean universities. SNU graduates dominate South Korea's academics, government, politics and business. Approximately one in four Korean university presidents studied for their undergraduate degree at Seoul National. The concentration of SNU graduates in legal, official, and political circles is particularly high. Two-thirds of South Korean judges are SNU graduates, although the country's judicial appointment system is based solely on open competitive examinations. Among the high-ranking government officials who were recruited by an equally competitive higher civil service exam, SNU graduates take up more than 40 percent.

QS University Subject Rankings (2013):

• 17th, chemical engineering degrees
• 22nd, pharmacy
• 23rd, materials science
• 29th, chemistry
• 30th, sociology
• 38th, civil & structural engineering degrees
• 38th, environmental studies
• 38th, physics
• 39th, electrical & electronic engineering
• 45th, economics & econometrics degrees

#3. The University of Hong Kong

The University of Hong Kong (HKU), is Hong Kong’s oldest tertiary institution, with a history that dates back over a hundred years. In Hong Kong, HKU is the leader in funding and awards, which means students can experience exceptional support and learning facilities. 

The University of Hong Kong is today ranked amongst the most respected comprehensive research-led universities in the world, ranked as the 28th best university in the world (according to the QS World University Rankings 2014). HKU's MBA program was considered the best in Asia by the Economist's 2013 ranking where it was 24th globally, while the Global MBA Rankings (2013) ranked it 31st. HKU's HKU-Fudan IMBA programme came 51st in the Financial Times EMBA Rankings.

English as the medium of instruction, countless exchange, internship and other experiential learning opportunities, plus the location of its campus near to the dynamic business and entertainment heart of Hong Kong, are among many factors that attract tens of thousands of applicants each year and the highest admissions standards in the territory. HKU alumni continue to be the most preferred by employers locally, as indicated by a virtually 100% employment rate for every one of the last seven consecutive years (99.8% Graduate Employment Rate, CEDARS, HKU, 2013).

#2. Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is the top science & technology research university in Korea. Since its founding, KAIST has been the gateway to advanced science & technology, innovation, and a driving engine for the development of Korea for past 4 decades. KAIST has always been touted as Korea’s top-notch research university of science wunderkinds and world famous faculty members. KAIST strives to address global challenges facing humanity through competitive research innovation and convergence. In order to meet the new demands of producing young talents who care for global citizenship and social responsibility, KAIST now offers cross-disciplinary academic and research. 

In the year of 2009, KAIST's department of industrial design has also been listed in the top 30 Design Schools by Business Week. KAIST ranked the best university in Republic of Korea and the 7th university in Asia in the Top 100 Asian Universities list, the first regional ranking issued by THE-QS World Rankings.

QS University Subject Rankings (2014):

• 16th, materials science
• 17th, chemistry
• 21st, mechanical engineering
• 21st, chemical engineering
• 24th, electrical engineering
• 32nd, civil engineering and structural engineering
• 36th, computer science and information systems degrees

#1. National University of Singapore (NUS)

National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore's flagship university, offering a global approach to education and research with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. Its 16 faculties and schools across three campus locations in Singapore provide a broad-based curriculum underscored by multidisciplinary courses and cross-faculty enrichment. 

NUS' transformative education includes programmes such as student exchange, entrepreneurial internships at NUS Overseas Colleges, and double degree and joint degree programmes with some of the world's top universities, offering students opportunities and challenges to realise their potential. In the 2014 QS World Subject Ranking, NUS engineering excelled with worldwide ranking 5th in Chemical Engineering, 6th in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, 7th in Civil Engineering and 9th in Computer Engineering.

NUS has three Research Centres of Excellence (RCE) and 22 university-level research institutes and centres.  Major research trusts have been made recently in several fields such as quantum technology; cancer and translational medicine; interactive and digital media; and the environment and water. NUS is actively involved in international academic and research networks such as the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) and International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU). This global networking further enhances its international presence.