University of Belgrade ranking drop sparks debate over academic autonomy

The University of Belgrade has dropped in the Shanghai Ranking, moving from the top 500 to the 501–600 range. While government officials have characterized this decline as a catastrophe, academic experts and organizations argue against this framing.

Professor Milojko Arsić stated that the ranking remains solid within the context of Central and Eastern Europe, noting that the university remains among the best in the region. He suggested that government claims of a “collapse” may be used to justify increased state control over higher education, warning that insufficient investment and political influence are undermining the system.

The Network of Academic Solidarity and Engagement (MASA) also criticized the use of the ranking for political attacks on professors. MASA emphasized that scientific excellence requires stable funding, academic autonomy, and continuity, rather than political pressure or administrative hurdles.

In contrast, discussions regarding other institutions noted that the University of Novi Sad did not appear on the ranking at all, failing to reach the top 1000.