Abstract
ABSTRACT The concept of the world-class university has proliferated throughout the world, yet there is no universal consensus on how to define these elite institutions. Without a unified definition, rankings have become a direct proxy for sense-making in the sector and a commensurate indicator that decision-makers have used to understand the world-class concept. Through interviews with 48 informants from the Chinese higher education sector, I explore how institutions in China conceptualise world-class status through university rankings. First, I show that the sector in China has intently focused on league table positioning, with the top-100 as a popular cut-off point for guaranteed world-class status. Next, I explore which global rankings have been the most influential – QS, THE, ARWU, and US News. Finally, I discuss how actors living in this competitive higher education environment have altered research agendas and institutional partnerships to align with global ranking metrics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
