Annually, QS collects data to compile our suite of World University Rankings. By collecting data annually, we ensure the QS World University Rankings are an accurate snapshot of institutional performance globally. While we can gather some data from third parties, university-submitted data is the best way to ensure we have the most accurate picture of institutional performance.
We have created a simple five step plan to make data collection easier for you.
1. Explore the QS World University Rankings suite, and understand the rankings you are eligible for
Each of the QS World University Rankings measure different segments of higher education. Whether we’re ranking universities, business schools, the subjects institutions teach, or their sustainability performance – each ranking requires slightly different data.
The first step to making data collection easier is to explore the QS World University Rankings methodology and understand which of the Rankings you are eligible for. You can find that information on our support portal.
2. Understand the information we request from you
As each Ranking assesses different factors, the data you need to submit is different. Again, you can find clear and detailed data definitions on our support portal. Here you can find definitions of the terminology we use, and the data we require when making a data submission.
Where attachments are needed, follow the templates as recommended on our support portal.
To help you navigate the QS World University Rankings 2026 cycle, we have provided a detailed step-by-step guide on the submission process, along with all key deadlines. You can access this comprehensive guide through our on-demand recording available here.
3. Understand the platform we use for data submission
We ask you to submit student, staff and institutional data via our data collection platforms – QS Hub and MoveIn. These platforms guide you through the data that is collected.
You submit student, staff, and institutional data for the QS World University Rankings on this platform.
You can find full guidance on QS HUB here.
4. Manage reputation contact submissions
Academic and employer reputation comprise 45% of the QS World University Rankings 2025. This weighting differs slightly for other Rankings, but they remain a very important part of an institution’s overall Ranking performance.
We measure reputation through our two core surveys:
- QS Global Academic Survey
- QS Global Employer Survey
Institutions submit contact information for academics and employers – QS then distribute a survey to those contacts to try and highlight universities are demonstrating academic and employability excellence.
It’s crucial, then, that these contacts are right. When gathering the contacts:
- Prioritise institutional and professional email accounts.
- Make sure there are no errors in the email addresses.
- Ask your contacts to whitelist [email protected] to ensure they receive our invites
- Don’t wait until the last minute. For the QS World University Ranking 2026 cycle, you can submit employer and academic contacts earlier. They will be invited earlier and have plenty of time to fill in the survey.
| Submission window 1 | Now – 29 November 2024 (early submission) | Survey links sent to contacts in December 2024 |
| Submission window 2 | 30 November 2024 – 31 January 2025 (deadline for all contacts) | Survey links sent to contacts in February 2025 |
These dates will change each cycle – be sure to check the support portal for the most up-to-date information.
If you’re partnering with QS MoveIN for Reputation and QS Analytics, these tools will help streamline the process of selecting contacts. QS Reputation Manager allows you to efficiently identify and manage academic and employer contacts, ensuring you have the most relevant and impactful contacts in your submission. QS Analytics provides valuable insights and data-driven recommendations, making the selection process more strategic and effective.
5. QS is here to help
We know data collection can be complex. You may come across errors when uploading your contacts, for example.
If you need further assistance, contact the QS Rankings team: [email protected]