The QS World University Rankings 2026, released annually, rank universities across the world and are often used by students while shortlisting institutions for higher education. QS Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jessica Turner recently explained that students should look beyond a university’s overall ranking when choosing where to study.
Turner emphasised that students should first consider whether a university offers the subject they want to study and understand the areas in which the institution specialises.
“I think that it’s really useful to have more data about the university and the course that you are thinking of studying. And using rankings is one part of the process, looking at the subject that you are studying, and therefore, which universities are really specialising in that subject and why,” she said.
What University Offers You The Most?
Turner also said students should examine what a university can specifically offer them. This could include factors such as employer reputation, research expertise, global engagement and sustainability.
“Is it the research that they’re offering? Is it the employer’s reputation? What are the components of that, that really you would benefit from - things that are most important for you,” she said.
The QS World University Rankings assess universities using nine key metrics covering different aspects of higher education. Academic reputation accounts for the largest share of the ranking score and is based on the views of academics globally. Research impact is also given significant weight, with citations used to assess the influence of a university’s research.
The rankings also consider employer reputation and the faculty-to-student ratio. Other factors include the international profile of a university, international research networks, graduate employment outcomes and sustainability.
The Data Behind Rankings
Turner further explained that students should not focus only on the overall position of a university in the rankings. The data behind the ranking can provide a broader picture of an institution and help students understand its strengths and development.
“So, I think there’s the headline number, but it’s really the data underneath that that helps you to figure out more about the profile of that university, how they’re perceived, what trajectory they’re on. Those are the things that I think are going to help to inform their decision, along with all of the other data points and the interactions that you’re going to have,” Turner said.
Therefore, while university rankings can be one useful reference point, students can also compare individual subjects, course offerings, research strengths, career opportunities and other factors that align with their own priorities before making a final decision.
