Qingdao University failed to enter the national list of "double-first-class" universities (world-class universities and first-class disciplines), mainly because it failed to reach the top level of the selection criteria in terms of academic research, discipline influence, faculty, scientific research achievements and talent training quality.

Building "Double First-class" is an important strategic decision of China government to enhance the overall strength and international competitiveness of higher education. Selected universities must perform well in authoritative evaluation systems at home and abroad, such as national discipline evaluation, ESI global ranking and QS world university ranking, and have a certain number of world-class disciplines.