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Browse the full results of the World University Rankings 2025

University systems are often analysed on average positions and scores or by looking at the top-performing institutions, but assessing the distribution of ranking positions can reveal some interesting trends.

In Europe, the country with the narrowest distribution of universities in the ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ World University Rankings is the Netherlands. Its highest-ranked institution is joint 56th, while its lowest is in the 251-300 band (based on 12 universities ranked).

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An interesting comparison is Italy and France, which have similar gross domestic product per capita. The former¡¯s distribution is quite compressed, with a median ranking in the 501-600 band, the highest rank at joint?146th, and the lowest in the 1,201-1,500 band. Conversely, France¡¯s distribution is more elongated, with a median in the 601-800 band, the highest rank at 42nd, and the lowest in the 1,501+?band.

A wide spread indicates a broader range of university quality. It could reflect policies that favour some institutions over others, as well as?a country's?size and wealth and differences in the development of university systems.

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In Asia, Bangladesh has a particularly small distribution; its top-ranked university is in the 801-1,000 band and its lowest-ranked is in the 1,501+ band, based on 17 universities ranked. Pakistan, which has a similar GDP per capita, has a much broader spread: its highest-ranked institution is in the 401-500 band while its lowest is in the 1,501+ band.

China has a large range, with its top university at rank 12 and its lowest in the 1,501+ band. Its median is the 601-800 band, with 94 universities ranked. South Korea has a similar distribution to China.

rosa.ellis@timeshighereducation.com