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QS World University Rankings - How it is calculated?
The QS World University Rankings is an annual ranking of the world’s top universities published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a British higher education and careers information company. QS is one of the most widely recognized and reputable university ranking systems globally. The QS World University Rankings assess universities based on several key criteria to determine their overall ranking and position within the list.
Here are the main criteria that QS uses to rank universities:
Academic Reputation (40%):
This criterion is based on a global survey of academics, asking them to identify the institutions where they believe the best work is currently taking place within their field of expertise.
Employer Reputation (10%):
This factor is based on a survey of employers worldwide, gauging their opinions on the quality of graduates from different universities and their readiness for the workplace.
Faculty/Student Ratio (20%):
This criterion measures the ratio of academic staff to students, providing an indication of the level of individualized attention and interaction between faculty and students.
International Faculty Ratio (5%) and International Student Ratio (5%):
These criteria assess the extent to which universities attract faculty and students from diverse international backgrounds, contributing to a globalized academic environment.
Citations per Faculty (20%):
This measures the research impact of a university by analyzing the number of citations received per faculty member, indicating the influence and reach of their research.
H-index Citations (10%):
This criterion evaluates the institution’s research productivity and impact using the H-index, which considers both the number of publications and the number of citations per publication.
The QS World University Rankings aims to provide a comprehensive and comparative assessment of universities on a global scale, considering various dimensions of academic excellence, research productivity, employability, internationalization, and reputation within the academic and employer communities.
It’s important to note that while rankings such as QS provide valuable insights into the performance and reputation of universities, they are not the sole measure of a university’s quality or suitability for an individual’s specific academic or career goals. Prospective students and stakeholders should consider multiple factors, including program offerings, faculty expertise, research opportunities, alumni success, campus facilities, and location, to make well-informed decisions about university choices.
Top Australian universities from QS World University Rankings 2024
| QS Ranking | University |
|---|---|
| 14 | The University of Melbourne |
| 19 | The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) |
| 19 | The University of Sydney |
| 34 | Australian National University (ANU) |
| 42 | Monash University |
| 43 | The University of Queensland |
| 72 | The University of Western Australia |
| 89 | The University of Adelaide |
| 90 | University of Technology Sydney (UTS) |
| 108 | Macquarie University |
| 117 | RMIT University |
| 133 | The University of Newcastle |
| 140 | Curtin University |
| 142 | Flinders University |
| 149 | Griffith University |
| 151-160 | La Trobe University |
| 151-160 | The University of Wollongong |
| 177 | Deakin University |
| 187 | Charles Sturt University |
| 193 | University of Southern Queensland |
| 207 | Edith Cowan University |
| 222 | Swinburne University of Technology |
| 245 | University of Canberra |
| 256-260 | Central Queensland University |
| 256-260 | Murdoch University |
| 271-275 | James Cook University |
| 271-275 | University of Tasmania |
| 286-290 | Federation University Australia |
| 286-290 | Southern Cross University |
| 301-350 | Western Sydney University |
Why Australia is known for the world-class education?
Australia is known for offering world-class education due to several key factors that contribute to the high quality of its education system. These factors include the quality of institutions, research output, international collaborations, diverse student body, government policies, and the overall academic environment. Let’s delve into these aspects in detail:
High-Quality Institutions:
Australia is home to several prestigious universities consistently ranked among the top in the world. Institutions such as the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, University of Sydney, and University of Queensland are renowned for their academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and quality of teaching.
Research and Innovation:
Australian universities are recognized for their research contributions across various fields. Many institutions have strong research programs, and their research output is regularly published in reputable international journals. These research activities drive innovation and advancements in knowledge.
International Collaboration:
Australian universities actively engage in international collaborations, partnerships, and research networks. This fosters a global exchange of knowledge and expertise, attracting international scholars and students to come and contribute to the academic community in Australia.
Diverse Student Body:
Australia is known for its diverse student population, with students coming from all around the world to pursue higher education. This cultural diversity enriches the academic environment and provides opportunities for cross-cultural interactions, broadening students’ perspectives.
Government Support and Regulations:
The Australian government places a strong emphasis on education and invests significantly in the education sector. Policies and regulations are in place to ensure high academic standards, quality control, and continuous improvement of the education system.
Quality Assurance and Accreditation:
Australia has a robust quality assurance framework, ensuring that education providers meet certain standards of quality and adhere to specific guidelines. This includes rigorous accreditation processes for universities and institutions to maintain high standards in teaching, research, infrastructure, and student support services.
English Language Proficiency:
English is the primary language of instruction in Australian universities. This, combined with the country’s multicultural environment, makes it an attractive destination for international students seeking to improve their English language skills while pursuing higher education.
Innovative Teaching Approaches:
Australian universities often employ innovative teaching methods, including practical and hands-on experiences, research projects, industry placements, and internships. This approach equips students with practical skills and real-world experience, enhancing their employability.
Employability and Career Opportunities:
Australian universities focus on preparing students for the workforce, aligning their programs with industry needs. They often collaborate with industries to provide internships, cooperative education programs, and networking opportunities, leading to enhanced employability for graduates.
In summary, Australia’s reputation for world-class education is built on a foundation of high-quality institutions, strong research contributions, a diverse and inclusive environment, government support, rigorous quality assurance, and a focus on preparing students for successful careers. These elements collectively make Australia an attractive destination for students seeking top-notch education and academic experiences.
The 2024 QS World University Rankings reveal significant shifts in the academic landscape, notably in Australia. Main Australian universities, including The University of Melbourne, The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), and The University of Sydney, have experienced remarkable advancements in their rankings. In comparison to their positions in 2023 at #33, #45, and #42 respectively, they have notably surged to #14, #19, and #19 in the 2024 rankings. This noteworthy improvement underscores their growing global prominence and academic excellence. Click here and see the massive change in the top 5 Australian Universities from 2023 to 2024.
