QS Universities Rankings - Top Global Universities & Colleges | Top Universities

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Explore, compare and choose the world’s best universities based on what matters most to you.

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QS World University Rankings
Filter and compare universities across academic reputation, employer recognition, research impact, and student experience.
QS World University Rankings by Subject
Explore top-ranked universities across 60 subjects, from medicine to management. Find the place that can take you further.
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QS World University Rankings by Region
Narrow down your search and compare top universities in long-established and fast-growing regions, with rankings tailored to each region’s unique priorities. 
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QS Sustainability Rankings
Explore universities committed to environmental and social progress and discover where your education can make a difference.
QS Global MBA Rankings
Compare the world’s best MBAs based on employability, entrepreneurship, and return on investment.
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QS Business Master’s Rankings
Excel in your chosen business field. Compare postgraduate programmes in finance, marketing, and beyond to find the right path for your career.
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QS Best Student Cities
From cultural capitals to education hubs, find the city that offers the perfect mix of academic excellence, quality of life, and career opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does QS create the World University Rankings?

We know choosing the right university is a big decision. That's why our rankings are built with care and precision. We collect data from 16.4 million academic papers, and gather insights from over 151,000 academics and 100,000 employers. We focus on what matters most to students – things like student experience, global partnerships, research opportunities, and the quality of teaching. Our goal? To give you the clearest picture of the universities that can help you achieve your ambitions.

We understand how important it is to feel confident in your choices. The QS World University Rankings are designed to guide you on your journey. We use reliable research and feedback from students, academics, and employers to rank universities based on factors that really matter. Whether you're looking to study abroad, broaden your horizons, or kick-start your career, you can trust our rankings to help you find the right path. We're here to help you make the most of your future.

The QS World University Rankings are here to help you make informed choices about your future. You can use them to explore universities based on factors that are important to you – whether it’s academic reputation, student life, research opportunities, or global connections. By comparing institutions across different categories, you’ll be able to identify which universities best fit your personal and career goals. It’s all about empowering you to make the best decision for your journey. 

We’ve made it easy for you to find the universities that meet your needs. Use our filters to narrow down options by region, subject area, or specific factors like employability or international outlook. You can also dive into specific rankings, such as rankings by subject, or look at the performance of universities in areas like research or sustainability. By focusing on what matters most to you, the QS World University Rankings help you create a shortlist of universities that align with your aspirations.

At QS, we use detailed methodologies, based on a variety of factors that matter to students. Each of our rankings is built around different sets of measurements – called lenses, indicators, and metrics. These help us evaluate an institution’s performance from different angles. 

  • Lens: A broad theme made up of several related indicators. For example, a lens could focus on employability or research. 

  • Indicator: A specific measurement of an institution’s performance in one area, like academic reputation or student-to-faculty ratio. 

  • Metric: A more precise calculation used within an indicator to determine how universities compare. 

  • Each ranking has its own mix of lenses, indicators, and metrics. The final scores and rankings are determined by the weightings we assign to each of these areas, ensuring a fair and comprehensive view of every institution. 

University rankings, like the QS World University Rankings, give you a clearer picture of how institutions compare across important areas like academic reputation, employability, and student experience. They can help you see which universities excel in the areas that matter to you – whether it's finding the best research opportunities, studying at a globally connected institution, or ensuring strong career prospects after graduation. Rankings provide an unbiased, data-driven view, helping you make confident, informed decisions about your future. 

Rankings act as a guide to finding the university that aligns with your goals. They break down how universities perform in areas like teaching quality, global partnerships, and employability, so you can focus on what matters most to you. For example, if you’re interested in strong academic support, you might look at rankings that prioritise student-to-faculty ratios. If career outcomes are important, you can explore rankings that highlight employability. Rankings give you the insight you need to narrow down your choices and find the best fit. 

As an international student, rankings can be especially helpful in making your decision to study abroad. They offer a reliable overview of how universities perform globally, from academic excellence to the diversity of their student body. You can also use rankings to find institutions with strong international networks and partnerships, helping you build valuable connections and explore global opportunities. By considering rankings, you’re able to ensure that the university you choose will support your ambitions, both academically and personally. 

Our rankings don’t just highlight academic excellence – they also focus on employability and career outcomes. If you're looking to boost your career prospects, QS rankings can show you which universities are most respected by employers and offer strong graduate outcomes. By considering factors like Employer Reputation and Employment Outcomes, you can choose a university that will set you up for success in the global job market. Rankings are a great tool for finding institutions that prioritise your future, not just your education. 

Rankings offer a comprehensive, objective view of universities that goes beyond what you’ll find on a single university’s website. They’re based on data and feedback from students, academics, and employers, providing a well-rounded evaluation of an institution’s performance. While university websites will highlight their strengths, rankings give you a comparative perspective, allowing you to see how different universities measure up in key areas. It’s a powerful way to ensure you’re making a choice that’s right for your personal and professional future.