Thirteen universities in Asia have made it into the global top 50 for Computer Science, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, released in March by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based global higher education ranking institution.
The QS ranking covers approximately 1,700 universities from over 100 countries and regions. Evaluations are based on five main indicators, with the largest weight given to academic reputation (40–50%).
Other important factors include employer reputation, citations per publication, the H-index (which measures research productivity and impact), and the International Research Network (IRN), which reflects the strength of global collaborations, all of which contribute to determining an institution’s position.
Among the Asian universities on the list, Singapore stands out as the leader in the region. The National University of Singapore (NUS) ranks 4th globally, while Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is ranked 6th.
However, this success comes with a price. For international students, tuition fees at Asian universities vary widely. China offers the most affordable tuition, ranging from US$3,400 to US$4,100 per year, making it one of the most cost-effective options for studying abroad.
In contrast, top universities in Singapore, such as NUS and NTU, set the highest fees in the region, ranging from US$29,600 to US$34,300 per year. Despite the high costs, the fees are justified by the quality of education, research opportunities, and access to global networks that these institutions provide.
| No. | University | 2025 Ranking | Tuition Fees (USD) 2025–2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | 4 | 29,600 |
| 2 | Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | 6 | 34,300 |
| 3 | Tsinghua University | 11 | 4,100 |
| 4 | Peking University | 14 | 4,100 |
| 5 | Shanghai Jiao Tong University | 20 | 3,400 (in Chinese) / 11,000 (in English) |
| 6 | University of Hong Kong (HKU) | 21 | 28,000 |
| 7 | Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) | 24 | 23,700 |
| 8 | Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) | 27 | 22,880 |
| 9 | Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) | 29 | 6,500 |
| 10 | University of Tokyo | 30 | 4,400 |
| 11 | Zhejiang University | 31 | 3,400 |
| 12 | Fudan University | 39 | 11,000 |
| 13 | Seoul National University (SNU) | 44 | 4,130 (average) |
Top Southeast Asian Universities in QS 2025
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for Computer Science, only two universities from Southeast Asia made it to the global top 50, both from Singapore:
- National University of Singapore (NUS) – Ranked 4th in the world
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU) – Ranked 6th in the world
This achievement reflects Singapore's long-term strategy to develop world-class higher education integrated with research and industry needs.
NUS shines brightly, ranking in the global top 10 for 22 subjects and in the global top 20 for 36 other subjects, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Its outstanding performance in both STEM fields and the humanities showcases its interdisciplinary approach and strong research capabilities.
Meanwhile, NTU has undergone an impressive transformation since its founding in 1991. Initially focused on engineering education to support the manufacturing industry, NTU has now become one of the world’s leading research universities, with global rankings serving as a key benchmark in its development strategy.
Why Only Singapore?
Singapore’s presence as the only Southeast Asian representative on this list is not surprising. The city-state has long made higher education a key part of its national development strategy. Significant investments in research facilities, close collaborations with the global tech industry, and a competitive education system have been key factors in the success of NUS and NTU.
On the other hand, other Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, still face challenges in developing research and innovation ecosystems that meet global standards. However, some universities in this region are making rapid progress and have the potential to rank among the top in the future.
