Romania, absent for the fourth consecutive year from the prestigious Shanghai university ranking
Universities in Romania have failed to qualify once again this year for the "Shanghai Ranking," one of the most respected international rankings that evaluates the performance of higher education institutions around the world. This is the fourth consecutive edition in which no Romanian university appears in the global top.
The situation is considered worrying by education experts, especially in the context that neighboring countries in Central and Eastern Europe have managed to achieve notable results. According to official data for 2026, no fewer than 22 universities from the region are present in this ranking, demonstrating a constant presence on the international academic stage.
The Shanghai ranking analyzes rigorous criteria, such as the number of scientific articles published in prestigious journals, the impact of research, and the number of awards won by graduates or professors. Romania's absence indicates difficulties regarding research funding and the academic visibility of our institutions globally.
In conclusion, the lack of Romanian universities in this top highlights the urgent need for reforms and greater investment in the higher education system. Authorities and university representatives are now faced with the challenge of improving research quality in order to be able to compete, in the future, with prestigious institutions in the region and the world.