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Evaluate performance and showcase strengths
Accelerate your recruitment and performance ambitions
The system focuses on key areas including Entrepeneruship, Specialist programmes and Employability, and removes the focus on academic research found in the university-focused QS Stars.
What is QS Stars?
QS Stars is a globally recognised rating system that allows higher education institutions to showcase their strengths separately or alongside their QS World University Ranking. The system provides a detailed analysis of university performance across areas such as teaching, employability, research, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness. By offering transparent insights, QS Stars helps institutions showcase their strengths to domestic and international students, partners, and stakeholders – supporting recruitment, marketing, and brand positioning. At the same time, the assessment delivers a clear roadmap for improvement, enabling universities to refine their strategies and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.
What is the QS Stars methodology?
QS Stars evaluates institutions using a framework of fifteen categories, designed to highlight key strengths. These categories fall under five broad themes: learning experience, employability & outcomes, sustainability, research & innovation and global engagement.
As standard, institutions are assessed across nine categories – seven mandatory and two optional – with the flexibility to upgrade and include additional categories. QS regularly reviews and updates the methodology to ensure it stays relevant and aligned with current standards and global higher education trends.
What are the differences between rankings and ratings?
Rankings compare institutions against each other, while ratings use international benchmarking tools to evaluate performance on their own merits. With ratings, any number of institutions can achieve the highest score of 5+ Stars. This allows universities to gain international recognition and showcase their areas of excellence, independent of their position in the rankings.
What are the key benefits of QS Stars for my institution?
QS Stars gives institutions practical tools to build their reputation, attract students, and stand out internationally.
- Boost branding and global recognition: QS Stars badges act as a trusted symbol of excellence, supporting recruitment, marketing, and promotional campaigns.
- Increase visibility: Publishing results on platforms like TopUniversities.com helps institutions connect with prospective students, parents, and academic peers worldwide.
- Gain actionable insights: The detailed QS Stars report provides a breakdown of results, giving institutions the insights they need for strategic planning and improvement.
- Benchmark performance: QS Stars delivers an internationally recognised framework to measure strengths, identify opportunities, and track progress against global standards.
What is the audit process like?
The QS Stars audit takes a close look at a university’s performance across key areas. Institutions collect and submit evidence over several months, while QS carries out the review within a few months.
Throughout the process, a dedicated QS Stars analyst provides guidance and support. Once complete, institutions receive an overall rating from 1 to 5+ Stars, detailed category scores, official QS Stars badges for promotion, a comprehensive QS Stars report, and a formal certificate.
What are other types of QS Stars assessments available?
Alongside the overall assessment, QS Stars offers specialised evaluations that focus on specific strengths. These include Online learning, Programme strength, Specialist criteria, and a dedicated QS Stars for business schools.
What type of packages does QS Stars offer?
We offer standard, premium and max packages. Each package gives you more ways to showcase your strengths, and every option can be tailored to fit your institution’s goals.
