University rankings are systematic evaluations of higher education institutions, typically based on a variety of criteria such as academic performance, research output, faculty qualifications, student satisfaction, and international diversity. These rankings are usually published annually by various organizations and provide prospective students, policymakers, and academic professionals with comparative insights into the quality and reputation of universities worldwide. Common examples include the QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Different ranking systems may emphasize different factors, leading to variations in an institution’s position across different lists. Overall, university rankings serve as a tool to help gauge the relative standing of universities in a global context.
Japanese universities face global competition, occupying lower ranks in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, with Tokyo University at 28th and Kyoto University at 55th. Oxford University maintains…