The very good positioning of the University of Passau is all the more remarkable when considered among the increasing competition: if the previous year’s ranking counted 414 universities, this number has risen to 475 in 2021. Germany-wide, the University of Passau is in fourth place. In Bavaria, it is once again the best young university, followed by the University of Bayreuth in 45th place. Achievements in research, teaching and knowledge transfer are evaluated for the rankings, and citations and internationality also play a role, among other things.
"This brilliant performance among the still young universities shows impressively that the relevant persons in Passau and Bayreuth are doing a first-class job. It is an expression of international recognition that both universities are doing everything, with great success, to offer their students the very best conditions for success", Science Minister, Bernd Sibler, announced in a statement from the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts.
"Our excellent placement in this ranking confirms our claim and our self-image as an innovative and research-strong European university", said the President of the University of Passau, Professor Ulrich Bartosch. "At the same time, our performance is proof of the great attractiveness of our education, for which we are appreciated by students, not only from Germany but the world over. With new programmes that break new ground, such as the two new degree programmes M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence Engineering and B.Sc. Digital Transformation in Business and Society, we will continue to consistently expand our strong position in this area."
The Times Higher Education Young University Rankings use the same 13 performance indicators as the World University Rankings; however, the weightings of the 13 indicators are slightly adjusted to reflect the performance characteristics of younger universities more closely. This year, universities founded between 1971 and 2020 were eligible to participate. Nanyang Technological University Singapore attained first place, followed by Paris Sciences et Lettres University.