# Spanish universities decline in Shanghai rankings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-universities-decline-in-shanghai-rankings
> Updated: 2026-08-23T04:05:21.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Several Spanish universities have experienced declines in the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Initially, the University of Cantabria was reported as one of eight Spanish institutions to exit the ranking, contributing to a decrease in the total number of Spanish universities listed from 36 to 30.

Following this, the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) was noted for dropping out of the top 1,000 universities, having fallen 500 positions over a seven-year period. UIB leadership suggested the ranking methodology may favor large American campuses and the growth of Chinese universities, noting the heavy emphasis on research indicators such as Nobel and Fields Medal winners and citations in specific scientific journals.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: University of the Balearic Islands drops out of Shanghai Ranking

The University of the Balearic Islands has fallen out of the top 1,000 global universities in the Shanghai Ranking, marking a significant decline in its academic standing over recent years.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-the-balearic-islands-drops-out-of-shanghai-ranking

### 2026-08-14: University of Cantabria drops out of Shanghai World University Rankings

The University of Cantabria has fallen out of the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities, part of a broader decline in the number of Spanish institutions featured in the global list.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-cantabria-drops-out-of-shanghai-world-university-rankings

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Cite as: Spanish universities decline in Shanghai rankings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-universities-decline-in-shanghai-rankings