Let’s dive into the mechanics of the world’s most influential university rankings to understand how they work and why they are essential tools for finding the right international Bachelor’s or Master’s programme.
Every prospective student aims to choose a high-quality university that will help them become a subject matter expert. However, other factors are equally vital: how easily will you find a job after graduation, how do you decide between study destinations like London and Hong Kong, and what level of support do universities offer international students?
The QS World University Rankings is widely considered the most popular of the three major global systems: QS, Times Higher Education (THE), and the Shanghai Rankings. First published in 2004 in collaboration with THE, the systems have operated independently since 2009, each utilizing unique methodologies. The 2023 QS edition represents their most comprehensive release yet, featuring over 1,400 universities from around the globe.
Graduates’ Employment is something only QS includes in their university score
If you know how to interpret the data, the QS World University Rankings becomes a powerful tool. Beyond the general global list, QS publishes specialized rankings to provide a transparent view of higher education institutions. Notably, QS is the only ranking system to incorporate specific employment rate metrics. You can also filter these results by region, subject area, and city.
When you visit the QS World University Rankings website, you will find a variety of sections that help prospective students assess university quality in depth. Here is what you can explore:
QS Graduate Employability Rankings
This section evaluates universities based on their success in preparing graduates for the workforce. It examines the institution's ability to develop essential soft skills and foster meaningful industry links with potential employers during your studies.
If you are concerned about your career prospects post-graduation, you should definitely check this section before finalizing your university application.
QS Rankings by Region
For this category, QS applies tailored methodologies to reflect the unique educational landscape of specific regions. The five recognized regions are: Asia, the Arab region, Latin America, EECA (Emerging Europe and Central Asia), and the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).
The Rankings by Region provide deep insights into local higher education systems. While some universities in Emerging Europe may not yet compete with global giants, they remain excellent choices for many students. This regional breakdown ensures these institutions are evaluated fairly within their specific socio-political, historical, and cultural contexts.
QS Rankings by Subject
QS provides rankings across 51 individual subject areas, analyzing how departments perform in specific disciplines. For example, if you are considering Archaeology, Leiden University might hold a position of =131 in the overall World Ranking, with other Dutch universities ranking higher globally. However, in the subject of Archaeology, Leiden is ranked as the 7th best institution in the world.
Once you have chosen your field of study, always consult the QS Ranking by Subject to see how programs compare.
QS Best Student Cities
When deciding where to study, academic quality is only one part of the equation. Location is equally important. This ranking highlights the best cities for students by analyzing a range of lifestyle and economic factors.
The final score for city rankings is derived from several indicators, including affordability, desirability, employer activity, university ranking performance, the diversity of the student body (student mix), and direct feedback from students via surveys.
So, what are the key takeaways? In the latest Best City Rankings, which features 164 entries, no US city broke into the top 10. London retains its title as the world's best student city, followed by Munich and Seoul. The remaining top 10 spots are held by Zurich, Melbourne, Berlin, Tokyo, Paris, Sydney, and Edinburgh—all vibrant and exciting places to live and study.
QS also provides a few specialized rankings due to the high demand for information in specific sectors:
QS Business Masters Rankings
QS Global MBA Rankings
QS USA University Rankings
Not all universities are included in the World Ranking
To be eligible for the World Rankings, an institution must offer degrees at all levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D.) and maintain at least three graduating classes for each level. Additionally, institutions must meet strict eligibility criteria and pass specific score thresholds to be featured.
In short, if a higher education institution appears in the World Rankings, regardless of its specific rank, it indicates a strong level of quality worth considering.
What methodology does QS use to determine the top universities in the world?
The QS World University Rankings employs six primary indicators to assess global universities:
Academic Reputation is the most significant indicator, accounting for 40% of the overall score. It measures the quality of teaching and research through an extensive global survey of thousands of academics. Academics must nominate the top 10 institutions in their own country (excluding their own) and up to 30 international institutions recognized for high-quality research in their specific field.
Employer Reputation comprises 10% of the score and is unique to QS, highlighting the link between education and employability. Based on a survey of thousands of global employers, it asks professionals to identify the 10 domestic and 30 international institutions that produce the most career-ready graduates.
Faculty/Student Ratio accounts for 20% of the total score. This metric evaluates the ratio of academic staff to students. QS suggests that a higher ratio leads to a better student experience, providing superior supervision, teaching quality, and tutor support.
Citations per Faculty also weighs 20% of the score. This indicator measures the university’s research output and impact by counting how often papers published by faculty are cited in other academic literature.
International Student Ratio contributes 5% to the final score. A diverse international student population promotes cultural exchange and networking, enriching the educational environment and expanding professional opportunities for graduates.
International Faculty Ratio accounts for the final 5% of the score. It measures the proportion of international academics within the faculty, fostering diversity of thought and global research collaboration.
Learn how to use the QS rankings to your advantage
Is simply looking for the highest-ranked university the best approach? Should you only apply to the number one institution and work your way down the list? Certainly not!
Rankings are tools, not rules; you must learn how to read them critically. Evaluate the indicators that matter most to your specific needs. For example, if you are a UK student planning to study in Japan, the international student ratio may be less important than the quality of instruction in your field. If your subject is Modern Languages, the University of Tokyo might be your best choice. Despite a lower score in international metrics, it holds a perfect 100 in Academic Reputation and ranks 7th worldwide for Modern Languages.
Secondly, look beyond the general table. Explore subject-specific, regional, and city rankings, as they offer much more relevant data for your specific personal goals.
Ultimately, clearly defining your academic and career goals is the most important step. When you know exactly what you are looking for, the rankings become an invaluable guide.