Latest news with #QSWorldUniversityRankings2026
Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
New university's curriculum combines AI, design thinking and real-world training
Launching in January 2026, Adelaide University – formed from the merger of two universities – aims to equip students with in-demand skills through core subjects across all disciplines Aviation students at Adelaide University can train in a Airbus A320 flight simulator as part of their course. For Singaporeans Mr Boon Ken Wong and Mr Kenneth Loo, their university days in Adelaide laid the foundation for their thriving careers. Mr Wong, who holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Australia, now leads international music strategy for Spotify across Asia-Pacific, identifying emerging music trends across the region. Mr Loo, who earned a Master of Business Administration from the same university, brings his business expertise to global tech firm Redis, which powers digital applications used worldwide. These two alumni from the University of South Australia are among many graduates who have gone on to succeed in their respective fields. Their journeys reflect the kind of opportunities Adelaide University seeks to create – a future-focused education that equips students with the skills and experience to excel in a fast-changing global economy. Courses built for tomorrow's workforce Their university – the University of South Australia – and the University of Adelaide announced in 2023 they will merge to become a new institution – Adelaide University. Set to open its doors in Jan 2026, Adelaide University has already earned a place among the world's top 100 universities – ranking 82nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026. This early recognition reflects the strength of its foundation. Formed through the unification of two of Australia's leading institutions, the new university brings together more than 150 years of academic and research excellence. Adelaide University is introducing more than 400 redesigned degrees and 1,500 new courses across high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), computer science, allied health and aviation. Students will benefit from work-integrated learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom – including industry placements, simulated experiences, start-up incubators and community-based projects. Facilities such as a financial trading room and an Airbus A320 flight simulator give students hands-on experience from the start. The university will be playing a key role in Adelaide's BioMed City – the largest health and medical research hub in the southern hemisphere. This integrated precinct brings together education, research and public health services. Within the compound, the Adelaide health and medical sciences building spans 14 storeys and houses learning spaces for medicine, nursing, dentistry, public health and health sciences. Students train using facilities such as the Adelaide Dental Simulation Clinic, and gain real-world exposure through community health clinics where they engage directly with patients. Students at Adelaide University can develop clinical skills through practical sessions at its Dental Simulation Clinic. PHOTO: ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY Adelaide University's broader ecosystem includes the Future Industries Institute, which focuses on solving complex challenges in high-tech manufacturing, medical technology, smart energy and sustainable resources. Entrepreneurial students can also tap into innovation incubators such as the Enterprise Hub and ThincLab, which have strong links to Lot Fourteen – a nearby innovation district home to more than 160 start-ups and organisations. To prepare graduates for roles that may not even exist yet, the curriculum incorporates core subjects such as AI fundamentals, data literacy and design thinking – skills that are becoming essential across all industries. With more than 11,000 researchers and staff, and over 7,000 industry collaborators, the new university is dedicated to solving real-world challenges. Its vision is to empower students with lifelong learning and research opportunities that shape not just careers, but communities. Elder Hall, a concert and performance venue located in the heart of Adelaide University's campus. PHOTO: ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY Breakthrough innovations at Adelaide University From space law to shatterproof mirrors, the foundation institutions behind Adelaide University have laid the groundwork for innovation that will continue into its next chapter: Responsible AI Research Centre The university is home to one of the region's newest research hubs focused on ethical and effective AI, helping industries build smarter, safer technologies – from automation to productivity tools. Drones for pandemic detection At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, researchers from the university's foundation institution worked with industry partners to create drones capable of detecting symptoms remotely, combining AI, health tech and public safety. Harnessing coastlines for clean energy Researchers are advancing offshore renewable energy solutions by tapping into Australia's natural geography to support the clean energy transition. Legal frameworks for space conflict Adelaide University is co-leading the development of the world's first legal text on warfare and conflict in outer space – helping shape policy in a previously unregulated domain. World's first shatterproof mirror Engineers helped develop an unbreakable mirror – a major advance in materials science with applications in healthcare, transport and design. A place to live and make an impact Adelaide's appeal extends beyond academics. Ranked 9th in the world for liveability , the city offers a high quality of life – combining safety and affordability with a vibrant food and arts scene. International students can look forward to a wide range of merit-based scholarships and awards. On-the-ground support is also available through groups such as the Adelaide University Singapore Association, which helps Singaporean students settle in and thrive in their new environment.
Hindustan Times
30-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India aims for 25 higher edu institute in QS World University top 100: Minister
New Delhi: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday said that Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) have been tasked with a goal to ensure at least 25 of them rank among the top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings in coming years as part of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 implementation. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan was addressing Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2025 in New Delhi to commemorate five years of NEP 2020. (Representative photo) Pradhan was addressing Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2025 in New Delhi to commemorate five years of NEP 2020. Before his address, he handed letters of intent (LoI) to four foreign universities for setting up campuses in India and unveiled educational projects worth more than ₹4,000 crore, including new initiatives, artificial intelligence (AI) enabled learning apps, campus inaugurations, and foundation stone laying. 'There are 54 India's HEIs which have secured a spot in QS World University Rankings 2026. I have appealed, requested and given a challenge to directors of our higher education institutions and vice-chancellors of universities to compete for ensuring that at least 25 of them rank among the top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings. I appeal to higher education secretary Vineet Joshi to ask for the year-wise plan from these institutions,' he said. India has 54 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026, making it the fourth most represented country after the United States (192), the United Kingdom (90), and China (72). Among 54, six featured in the global top 250 with IIT Delhi leading the Indian institutions which is ranked 123rd globally, rising from 150th in 2025. Also Read: QS World University Rankings: IIT Delhi ranked 1st among Indian varsities Pradhan handed over LoI to Western Sydney University (Australia) to establish its campus in Greater Noida; Victoria University (Australia) in Noida; La Trobe University (Australia) in Bengaluru and University of Bristol (United Kingdom) in Mumbai. They will follow the UGC (Setting Up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023. '…I appeal to officials of India's higher education system to compete with these foreign universities. I am confident my Indian universities will be much ahead of these foreign universities. Let there be healthy competition between foreign universities and Indian institutions,' he said. Pradhan said that Indian Knowledge System (IKS), a key NEP 2020 recommendation, relies on Indian languages for its implementation. Despite claims of opposition, nearly all states and Union Territories embrace NEP and has been actively promoting mother-tongue-based education in foundational and preparatory classes, he said. Pradhan said that he considered Balvatika as the first paradigm shift under NEP 2020 and NCERT's new age textbooks as the second big paradigm shift. Also Read: 9 Indian varsities make it to top 50 in QS rankings 'The new textbooks are designed with new ways, new energy and new approaches. Jaadui Pitara is not just available in books, e-Jaadui Pitara is providing all teaching and learning materials for Balvatika-1, 2 and 3 and for Class 1 and 2 in 22 scheduled languages on its online platform. NCERT has also released primers in 117 languages to promote education in mother tongue and multilingual education. Pre-school education has become part of the formal education system under NEP. In a paradigm shift, Balvatikas across the country are providing Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for children aged 3 to 6 years,' Pradhan said. Jaadui Pitara is NCERT's innovative, multilingual learning kit designed for early childhood education, offering engaging resources for Balvatika and primary classes. The NEP 2020 has replaced the 10+2 schooling system with a new 5+3+3+4 structure — foundational (pre-primary classes in Balvatika 1, 2 and 3 and Class 1 and 2), preparatory (Classes 3 to 5), middle (6 to 8), and secondary (9 to 12). NCERT has published new textbooks for Classes 1 to 8 and will release new books for Classes 9-12 next year. Also Read:QS World University Rankings 2026: Panjab University improves performance but Shoolini, Chandigarh University ahead of it The minister virtually unveiled projects worth more than ₹4,000 crore to mark the fifth anniversary of NEP 2020. He laid foundation stones were laid for 75 hostels costing ₹187.35 crore across 8 States as part of Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), initiative aimed at uplifting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by bridging gaps in education and essential infrastructure. He also inaugurated the newly constructed Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) regional office building in Digha, Patna along with campuses of several Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) among others. Among other projects, he laid the foundation stone of Centre of Excellence for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Engineering and Technology (CoE-IEET) at NIT Raipur. Pradhan also launched AI-based educational apps: TARA App which enhances reading fluency for Classes 3-8; My Career Advisor App which provides personalised career guidance with 1000+ pathways; ViBe which ensures active learning with real-time feedback; and Bhasha Sagar App which promotes learning Indian languages without English, offering 18 conversation and 24 vocabulary courses across 22 languages.
The Print
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Print
UK's University of Bristol, 3 Australian universities get UGC nod to start India campuses
The NEP 2020 envisaged allowing top foreign universities to establish campuses in India. So far, the UK's University of Southampton and University of Liverpool had received LoIs under the University Grants Commission's 2023 regulations on foreign higher educational institutions establishing campuses in India. These universities were presented with Letters of Intent (LoIs) by the University Grants Commission (UGC) during an event held Tuesday at the Bharat Mandapam here to mark five years of the National Education Policy (2020). New Delhi: The United Kingdom (UK)-based University of Bristol and three Australian universities—Western Sydney University, Victoria University, and La Trobe University—received formal approval Tuesday from the Ministry of Education to establish campuses in India. While the University of Southampton has officially inaugurated its campus in Gurugram, the University of Liverpool will start its campus in Bengaluru next year. The University of Bristol will establish its campus in Mumbai, while the Western Sydney University will set up a campus in Greater Noida. Victoria University will set up campuses in Noida, and La Trobe University in Bengaluru. According to a statement issued by the University of Bristol, which is ranked 51st in the QS World University Rankings 2026, the initial undergraduate and postgraduate programmes will focus on areas of global distinction for the university including data science, economics, finance and investment, immersive arts, and financial technology. It then plans to expand into computer science and Artificial Intelligence, as well as business and management. The university's campus will start functioning in the summer of 2026. It also plans to offer scholarships. Also Read: After UK's University of Southampton, 5 more foreign varsities planning campuses in India 'Pivotal moment' Professor Evelyn Welch, the vice-chancellor and president of the University of Bristol, said, 'We are absolutely delighted to announce our intention to establish a new campus in Mumbai. This marks a pivotal moment in our 150-year history and reflects the globally inclusive future we are proud to build through partnership. Developing an in-country presence has long been part of our international strategy and supports our ambition to be a top 50 global university.' On the 5th anniversary of NEP 2020, UGC issued Letters of Intent to 4 leading UK & Australian universities to set up campuses in India at the Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam, 29 July 2025. A milestone in India's global education push under NEP 2020. #5YearsOfNEP2020 #NEP2020… — Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) July 29, 2025 Australia's Western Sydney University's Greater Noida campus will offer undergraduate programmes such as a B.A. in Business Analytics and a B.A. in Business Marketing. It will also offer postgraduate programmes including an MBA in Innovation & Entrepreneurship and an MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Victoria University's proposed campus in Noida will offer undergraduate programmes in Business, Data Science, and Cyber Security. At the postgraduate level, it will offer an MBA and a Master's in Information Technology. 'Victoria University has a strong offshore presence in China, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, and is known for applied research in sports science, business, and IT,' the education ministry said in a statement. La Trobe University's India campus in Bengaluru will offer undergraduate programmes in Business—with specialisations in finance, marketing, and management—along with Computer Science, focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering, as well as a programme in public health. The campuses of these three Australian universities are expected to be established in India between 2026-2027. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: UK's University of Southampton is coming to Gurugram, 1st foreign university in India under UGC
Indian Express
29-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
UK's University of Bristol to set up campus in Mumbai
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has given nod to the United Kingdom's University of Bristol to establish a new campus in Mumbai, scheduled to open in the summer of 2026. The Letter of Intent was formally presented to the vice chancellor and president of the university, Professor Evelyn Welch and a delegation from Bristol, by the Secretary, Higher Education and Acting Chairman UGC, Vineet Joshi, during the NEP 2020 anniversary celebrations held today at New Delhi. The Mumbai campus will be the first international campus that the University of Bristol will establish. According to a press release from the University, Mumbai was chosen for its strong reputation in technology, innovation, and the arts. The campus is planned to be located close to central Mumbai. The University of Bristol ranked 51st under the best university in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Other than Bristol, these are the universities which will set up campuses in India soon: the University of York (UK), the University of Western Australia (UWA), the University of Aberdeen (UK), Illinois Institute of Technology (USA), and IED Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy). Initial subjects to be taught in the University of Bristol will focus on areas of global distinction, such as data science, economics, finance and investment, immersive arts and financial technology, expanding to computer science and AI, business and management. The University is also planning to offer scholarships. Over 50 foreign universities applied to UGC for approval: Pradhan Professor Evelyn Welch, vice chancellor and president of the University of Bristol, said: 'We are delighted to announce our intention to create a new campus in Mumbai, which would mark a pivotal transformation in our 150-year history and a powerful, globally inclusive future we're proud to build in partnership. Developing an in-country base has long been part of our international strategy and supports our ambition to be a top 50 global university.
Express Tribune
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Beyond the numbers
Listen to article The recent release of the QS World University Rankings 2026 has yet again underscored the troubling reality of higher education in Pakistan. This year, as in previous years, no university from Pakistan was ranked among the top 350 institutions globally. The country's top-ranked institution, Quaid-i-Azam University, stands at 354 a, placement that, rather than celebrating, should prompt deep reflection and concern across policymaking and academic circles. As a faculty member at a public sector university for more than two decades, I find it increasingly difficult to receive such news with indifference. These rankings are not mere numbers on a chart; they are symptomatic of a more serious institutional decline. They speak volumes about the erosion of quality, imagination and purpose within our higher education system. The problem, however, is not simply that our universities have failed to climb the global ladder of prestige. The real tragedy lies in our collective refusal to ask why this continues to be the case. The answer is not elusive. It is visible in our classrooms, administrative corridors and research labs. It is heard in the silence that surrounds uncomfortable questions. It is evident in the indifference toward innovation, critical thinking and merit-based academic culture. We continue to operate in an environment where reforms are cosmetic and vision is short-term. Our curricula lag behind contemporary global standards, our research output is minimal and often disconnected from societal needs, and our institutional governance remains riddled with bureaucratic inertia and politicisation. Faculty development, international collaboration and performance-based evaluation systems remain underdeveloped or absent. Despite repeated policy promises, implementation remains elusive. This is not a commentary on the abilities of our students or the commitment of all faculty members. On the contrary, I have witnessed extraordinary potential in both. What we lack is the ecosystem that nurtures and channels that potential. Instead of rewarding originality, we have created systems that promote compliance. Faculty is often discouraged from interdisciplinary exploration because it "doesn't fit the format". Promotion criteria still favour quantity over quality. Student unions remain banned in practice, depriving young people of the space to debate, organise and lead. We are raising a generation that is intellectually cautious — not due to a lack of ideas, but because questioning and dissent are increasingly unwelcome on our campuses. As I argued in one of my op-eds in these columns titled, "Campuses without questions" (July 17, 2025) fear, bureaucracy and shrinking academic freedom are stifling inquiry. I've seen promising research dismissed as "too sensitive", young faculty disillusioned early, and students afraid to ask questions for fear of being labeled disruptive. This climate breeds silence, not scholarship; it rewards compliance, not creativity. If left unchallenged, it will hollow out the very purpose of higher education. Universities are not factories for degree distribution; they are engines of national imagination and ethical leadership. Their purpose is not merely to produce employable graduates but to shape inquisitive, responsible citizens who are equipped to think deeply, speak thoughtfully and act courageously. When our institutions begin to fear these very qualities, it is not only the university that suffers but the entire nation bears the consequences. Global rankings, for all their limitations, offer us a mirror. They show us how much we have neglected research, inquiry and creativity. They measure how well (or poorly) we have positioned ourselves in a rapidly evolving global knowledge economy. It is time we moved past defensive rhetoric. The question is no longer whether rankings matter, but whether we do. If we wish to reclaim a respectable place in the world of ideas, we must commit to structural transformation. That means investment in faculty, autonomy in governance, seriousness in research, and the revival of intellectual freedom on our campuses. Until then, our absence from the global stage will remain a reflection of choices made and opportunities lost.
