QS World University Rankings: Understanding the Metrics
The QS World University Rankings is one of the most widely recognized and influential rankings in higher education. Released annually, it evaluates universities around the world based on a variety of performance indicators to help prospective students, academic professionals, and universities themselves assess academic excellence. In this blog, we’ll dive into the key metrics used by QS to rank universities and explain what each of these indicators means. Whether you’re a student looking for the best institutions to attend or an academic curious about the ranking process, understanding these metrics can give you valuable insights.
Academic Reputation
Overview
Academic reputation is one of the most significant factors in the QS World University Rankings, making up 40% of the total score. It is determined through surveys sent to academics worldwide, asking them to identify the universities they believe produce the best research and offer the highest quality teaching in their field.
What It Measures
This metric aims to assess the global perception of a university’s research output and the quality of its academic programs. Universities with a strong academic reputation are often those that have a long history of groundbreaking research and have established themselves as leaders in their fields.
Why It Matters
Academic reputation influences a university’s prestige, and students and faculty tend to gravitate toward institutions that are recognized for their high academic standards. It is also a reflection of how well-regarded a university is in the global academic community.
Employer Reputation
Overview
The employer reputation metric, which contributes 10% to the QS rankings, surveys employers around the world to understand which universities are producing graduates who are best prepared for the workforce.
What It Measures
This metric evaluates how highly employers rate the employability of graduates from each institution. A university’s reputation among employers is a key indicator of the quality of its graduates and their ability to succeed in the competitive job market.
Why It Matters
For students, understanding which universities are highly regarded by employers can help guide their decision on where to study. It also reflects the university's ability to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in their careers, making it a vital factor in evaluating universities.
Faculty/Student Ratio
Overview
The faculty/student ratio is an important metric used to gauge the teaching environment at a university. It accounts for 20% of a university’s QS ranking score. It measures how many academic staff members are available for each student.
What It Measures
A low faculty/student ratio generally indicates smaller class sizes, which can enhance the learning experience by allowing for more personalized attention and interaction between students and professors. Universities with higher ratios often provide a more intimate, engaging learning environment.
Why It Matters
This metric is crucial for students who prefer a more hands-on, individualized academic experience. A favorable faculty/student ratio can also impact the availability of academic support services, such as advising, tutoring, and mentorship.
International Faculty and Student Ratio
Overview
Globalization is a significant factor in higher education today, and QS takes this into account by evaluating the proportion of international faculty members and students at a university. This metric contributes 5% to the ranking.
What It Measures
This metric evaluates the international diversity of both the academic staff and the student body. Universities with a high proportion of international faculty and students tend to be more globally connected and offer diverse perspectives in research and teaching.
Why It Matters
A high level of international faculty and student diversity can create a more dynamic academic environment. For students, it provides opportunities to engage with different cultures and ideas, which is essential in a globalized world.
Research Citations per Faculty
Overview
Research citations per faculty is one of the most significant indicators in QS rankings, contributing 20% to the final score. This metric evaluates the research output of a university and its impact in the academic community.
What It Measures
This metric tracks the number of times a university's research has been cited by other academic publications, with the assumption that more citations reflect high-quality, influential research. A higher number of citations indicates that the university’s research is highly regarded in the academic world.
Why It Matters
For prospective students, a high number of research citations is often a sign that a university is at the forefront of academic knowledge in its respective fields. Universities that produce high-quality research contribute to the advancement of science, technology, and knowledge globally, which is particularly important for students interested in pursuing advanced research degrees.
International Outlook
Overview
International outlook is another metric that measures the level of a university’s global engagement. It contributes 5% to the overall QS ranking score. This metric assesses the international diversity of faculty, students, and research collaborations.
What It Measures
International outlook gauges how well a university is connected to the global academic and professional community. It looks at the percentage of international students, international faculty, and the extent of research collaboration with institutions from around the world.
Why It Matters
A high international outlook suggests that a university is forward-thinking and committed to fostering global academic partnerships. This can be especially beneficial for students who seek an international network and opportunities to collaborate with peers and professors from across the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often are the QS World University Rankings updated?
QS releases the World University Rankings annually, typically in the middle of the year. These rankings are updated based on the latest data available from academic surveys, employer surveys, and other research metrics.
2. How can I improve my university’s QS ranking?
Improving a university’s QS ranking requires consistent improvement in key metrics like academic reputation, research output, and employer reputation. Universities should focus on high-quality teaching, groundbreaking research, and building strong connections with employers and international partners.
3. Are the QS World University Rankings the only rankings available?
No, QS is one of several major university ranking systems. Others include the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Each ranking system uses its own set of metrics to assess universities, and the results can vary slightly.
4. What is the most important metric in QS World University Rankings?
The academic reputation metric is the most influential in QS rankings, contributing 40% to the overall score. This reflects how highly academic peers view a university’s research and teaching quality.
5. Can students use QS World University Rankings to choose the best university for their needs?
While the QS rankings are a useful tool, students should also consider other factors such as specific program offerings, location, campus culture, and financial aid opportunities when choosing a university. Rankings provide a broad overview, but individual needs should also guide the decision-making process.
Latest Main Results
The QS World University Rankings offer a detailed analysis of university performance, considering factors like academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratios, research output, and international engagement. These rankings are valuable for students, academics, and universities, as they highlight top-performing institutions globally and provide insight into what makes them stand out. By understanding these metrics, students can make more informed decisions about where to pursue higher education, and universities can strive to enhance their reputation and academic standing.
Updated: 20.02.2025
