KUALA LUMPUR - Singapore’s higher education system has emerged as the world’s most improved in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject released on March 25.

The country recorded 42 subjects ranked in the global top 10, placing Singapore first in Asia and third globally behind the United States and the United Kingdom, as reported by CNA.

About two-thirds of its subjects, or 76 out of 115, improved in the rankings.

Experts said sustained investment in research and talent has strengthened Singapore’s global competitiveness.

They added that emphasis on artificial intelligence, skills development and employability has been a key driver.

Singapore’s strong performance also continues to attract a growing number of international students.

Official data shows that Singapore hosts around 65,000 to 70,000 foreign students annually, with enrolment remaining consistently high in recent years.

In 2023, there were approximately 65,000 international students, rising slightly in 2024 to an estimated 67,000, reflecting steady post-pandemic recovery and renewed global demand.

Government and education data indicate that foreign student enrolment has remained significant, with tens of thousands of international students studying in Singapore annually and steady growth observed in recent years.

At the National University of Singapore, a record 28 subjects were ranked in the global top 10, which marks the university’s best performance since the rankings were introduced in 2011.

Civil and structural engineering rose one place to rank second globally.

Fourth-year civil engineering student Tan Sue-Ann said the programme’s global reputation influenced her decision to enrol.

“There's a rise of focus in bringing AI and machine learning to improve construction productivity.

“I think that's where the specialisations like digital urban infrastructure that we have, are really aimed at, and that equips our students, as well as myself, very well for the industry,” she said.

The programme integrates classroom learning with real-world applications.

It also focuses on areas such as underground space utilisation, coastal protection and ageing infrastructure.

Associate Professor Pang Sze Dai said the curriculum is continuously evolving.

“We do foresee that our graduates will continue to be able to help to transform the workforce and will be less disrupted, making use of AI to help to increase productivity,” he said.

More than 96 per cent of graduates secure employment within six months.

NUS improved in over 60 per cent of its subjects.

It also achieved seven top-three subject rankings, the highest number outside the United States and the United Kingdom.

Nanyang Technological University also recorded strong results, achieving its highest number of ranked subjects, with several reaching peak positions.

Its communication and media studies programme is now ranked second globally.

Professor Jack Qiu said efforts are underway to broaden students’ skill sets.

“We are starting to make a plan to teach more library and information science to our undergraduate students.

“That way, our students can have more balance between making content and also doing data analytics,” he said.

He added that artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how students learn.

Singapore Management University was among the most improved institutions globally, with about 80 per cent of its subjects rising in the rankings.

Its law programme recorded a significant jump of 45 places.

SMU president Lily Kong cautioned against relying solely on rankings as a measure of quality.

“There are some rankings that are entirely focused on research, and then they give you a different measure.

“So if I were an 18-year-old thinking about getting into a university, that research ranking might be seductive, but it might be less immediately relevant to me.

“If a subject ranking is based entirely on research, then it tells us nothing about whether that translates into good programmes, which then translate into good employment,” she said.

She added that employers ultimately assess individuals rather than institutions.

“I don't knock rankings per se, in the sense that for institutions and organisations that are subject to the rankings, it is useful for us to reflect, looking at how we perform, where we might be able to improve - but not blindly doing so,” she added.

QS said employability remains a key factor behind Singapore’s success.

Senior vice president Ben Stower said employers are seeking efficient ways to identify top graduates.

“I think there is a sort of a causal loop between employability driving the rankings, and then the rankings making a destination more attractive from an employability perspective, and therefore employability further driving the ranking,” he said.

The latest rankings assessed more than 21,000 programmes across 1,900 institutions in 100 countries.

They covered 55 disciplines across five broad academic fields.