Karolinska Institutet (KI) retains its position as one of the world's 50 highest-ranked universities in the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai Ranking. The ARWU compares all higher education institutions with research activities, regardless of their focus or faculties. Harvard University is ranked highest, followed by Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Cambridge, which is unchanged from 2024.
The trend that began a few years ago - that technically oriented universities alongside Chinese universities are strengthening their positions - continues this year. Half of the world's 50 highest-ranked universities according to ARWU are based in the United States. This year, there are six Chinese universities in the top 50. Ten years ago, there were no Chinese universities in the top 100.
Among the world's 100 highest-ranked universities in ARWU 2025, there are seven Nordic universities, three of which are Swedish. Among the Swedish universities, KI is ranked number one (position 50) ahead of Uppsala University (position 93) and Stockholm University (position 100). The subject-specific ranking will be published later this autumn.
About ARWU
The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai Ranking is compiled by the organisation ShanghaiRanking Consultancy. The ranking is based on publication, citation data and scientific awards.
