Top 15 Universities from Beijing to Tokyo

The US and UK have always topped the list when it comes to Indian students queuing up for an overseas degree. Therefore it has been ridiculously tough to crack one of these tests. Now that the Modi government is creating extra impetus on business in the East with its Look East policy, why not check out these premier institutes which offer world class standards and are closer to home.

1. National University of Singapore (NUS)
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a leading global university in Asia. It offers 16 faculties across three campuses - Kent Ridge, Bukit Timah and Outram. The sleek curriculum includes entrepreneurial internships, student exchange, joint degree and double degree programmes with some of the world's best universities.

2. The University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU), is Hong Kong’s oldest with a rich history of over a century. The good thing - English is the medium of instruction. The best thing - HKU has secured 100% employment rates for the last seven years.

3. The University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo is one of Japan's top research based universities. It has conducted world-class research since it’s foundation in 1877. Its research has earned several Nobel prizes.

4. Kyoto University
Kyoto University was founded in 1897 in Japan’s former capital. It has developed its distinct brand of education and research.

5. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU)
Nanyang Technological University is a young and promising university. It offers education across several disciplines. Its new medical school, the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine is set up jointly with Imperial College London. It also has one of the best business schools in Asia.

6. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology was founded in 1991 and consists of five schools – Science, Engineering, Business and Management, Humanities and Social Science, and the Fok Ying Tung Graduate School.

7. The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Chinese University of Hong Kong with its 137 hectare campus overlooks the beautiful Tolo Harbour. It has over 60 departments under eight faculties and currently offers over 120 undergraduate and 250 postgraduate programmes.

8. Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University is located in north-west Beijing. It has 14 schools and 56 departments with over 4000 faculty members. That includes 1172 professors and 1,061 associate professors.

9. Osaka University
Osaka University was established as an Imperial University in 1931. It has 10 Faculties, 14 Graduate Schools, 5 Research Institutes, and 2 National Facilities for Joint Use.

10. Peking University
Peking University consists of 30 colleges and 12 departments, with 93 specialties for undergraduates, 199 for Master’s candidates and 173 for Doctoral candidates.

11. Tokyo Institute of Technology
Tokyo Institute of Technology is one of Japan's most respected institutions. The Institute has undertaken education and research since 1881.

12. Fudan University
Fudan University was set up in 1905. It has 17 full-time schools and 4 departments. They have 68 specialties for Bachelor's Degree, 209 for Master's Degree and 157 for Doctoral Degree Candidates.

13. Tohoku University
Tohoku University was founded in 1907. It was the third imperial university. Since then, it has played a leading role in research and education. Mr. Koichi Tanaka, the 2002 Nobel Prize laureate was a graduate of the 1983 batch.

14. Nagoya University
Nagoya University is one of seven imperial universities. It was founded in 1939.It boasts of one of the highest numbers of international students, and has around 200 international academic exchange agreements with overseas institutions.

15. Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shanghai Jiao Tong University was founded in 1896 and is one of the oldest universities in China. It has former Chinese President Jiang Zemin as its alumni.

(Image credit: Bloomberg)