Russian universities strengthen their positions in THE 2020 global ranking

14 September 2020

In the latest version of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Russian universities not only improved last year's results but expanded their presence.

Fifteen universities have confirmed their positions in THE this year, and one has improved it. The three leaders are Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and the Higher School of Economics. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University showed the most positive growth dynamics.

The presence of Russian universities in the ranking has also expanded compared to last year. The total number of universities increased from 39 to 48. E.g., Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University entered the ranking for the first time.

ТНЕ ranking is based on university assessment by 13 performance indicators grouped into 5 areas: “teaching (learning environment)”, “research (volume, income and reputation)”, “citations (impact of research)”, “international communication (employees, students and research)” and “income from production activities (knowledge transfer)”.

33 of the Russian universities received the highest score for “income from production activities (knowledge transfer)”. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University) and National Research Nuclear University "MEPhI" received 100 out of 100 points possible.

Many Russian universities achieved the mark of more than 50 points for "international communication" indicator. TSU took the leading position, with MISIS, MEPhI and ITMO University entering the top five.

“We see a clear trend towards the systemic expansion of Project 5-100 universities presence in the ranking. If 2014 THE list included only one university participating in the competitiveness enhancement program (Novosibirsk National Research State University), in 2015 their number increased to 9, in 2019 to 19, and this year it’s 20 universities”, - noted the head of Project 5-100 Project Office, Acting Director of FGANU "Sociocenter", Biology PhD Boris Filippov.

Every year Russian universities occupy ever higher positions in world rankings. Apply to study at any of the universities right now by registering on our website.