Abstract

Due to certainty recognition in ranking systems, the commonly included top 100 universities are regarded as the Universally Acknowledged World-Class Universities (UAWCUs). From three university rankings-THEs, QS and ARWU from 2010 to 2015, the following conclusions can be drawn from this study: Firstly, 56 universities are commonly ranked in the top 100 by THEs, QS and ARWU in 2015, comparing with that of 47 in 2010; Secondly, comparison between 2010 and 2015 reveals that 44 of these higher ranked UAWCUs have kept on the group of top 100 universities in any ranking system. However, three lower ranked UAWCUs in 2010 have dropped out the group of top 100 universities in 2015, which are replaced by some progressed universities; Thirdly, both US and UK have nearly 3/4 and 2/3 of these UAWCUs in 2010 and 2015, respectively; Lastly, this paper denotes that consistently strives to build on its strong reputation for research excellence, consistently pursuing innovative research, delivering excellence in teaching through internationalization, obtaining support from the government would be the critical factors to promote UAWCUs to improve their performance and rankings.

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