“QS Stars” Ranking System Is Established by QS World University Ranking

QS Stars is an evaluation system that evaluates universities worldwide using a rating method. Universities are awarded with a rating of one to five stars, five stars being the highest rating depending on their performance within the evaluation. Universities are evaluated against eight criteria; Research Quality, Teaching Quality, Graduate Employability, Infrastructure, Internationalisation, Innovation & Knowledge Transfer, Third Mission and Specialist Subject Criteria. Each criterion has its own indicators, weightings.
The QS Stars rating system was designed in response to institution’s needs requesting an evaluation that assesses all their strengths, using more comprehensive indicators in addition to those used in the rankings. Universities are given an opportunity to highlight strengths that may often be overlooked in other assessments. QS Stars is a tool that gives prospective university students an additional tool to help them in their decision making process. It provides students with a deeper insight, enabling them to see beyond the headlines and identify areas of excellence.

Different QS Stars ratings:
A typical One Star university has established all the key components required to provide a quality service to its students and, in many cases, the foundations upon which to build a stronger domestic reputation. A One Star institution will often have been established within the last twenty years and will be putting in place the leadership and ambition to develop quickly.
A typical Two Stars university is active in research and has an established domestic reputation. The institution is a key part of its local community and will often have begun to consider international opportunities.
A typical Three Stars university is nationally well recognised, and may have also begun to attract international recognition. This institution maintains a reputable level of research and its graduates are attractive to employers.
A typical Four Stars university is highly international, demonstrating excellence in both research and teaching. The institution provides an excellent environment for students and faculty.
A typical Five Stars university is generally world class in a broad range of areas, enjoys a high reputation and has cutting edge facilities and internationally renowned research and teaching faculty.

For more information please see www.topuniversities.com/qsstars