QS World University Rankings 2025 | Find Best Universities with IDP Middleast
Wondering how to choose the right university? QS World University Rankings is a great place to start, helping you make smarter, more confident decisions about where to study abroad
What is the QS World University Rankings?
The QS World University Rankings is a leading annual publication by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based organisation specialising in global higher education.
First launched in 2004 in partnership with Times Higher Education, the rankings were originally co-branded until 2009, when the two organisations began publishing their own separate rankings.
Why do QS rankings matter for your study abroad journey?
The QS World University Rankings are globally respected and trusted by students, parents, and academic institutions. They reflect academic reputation, employer perception, faculty impact, and more, making them a reliable compass to guide your international education journey.
With IDP, we help you explore top-ranked institutions that align with your goals, values, and career aspirations.
Is QS World University Rankings reliable?
The QS rankings are developed by the QS Intelligence Unit, a dedicated research team that gathers input from thousands of academic experts worldwide every year to ensure accuracy and credibility.
In fact, independent academic reviews, as reported by The Guardian, have confirmed that QS results are over 99% reliable, making them one of the most trusted sources for global university rankings.
Top 20 Universities in QS World Universities Rankings 2025
Here are the leading global institutions that continue to set benchmarks in academic excellence, research, and innovation.
QS World Ranking | University Name | Country |
1 | The USA | |
2 | The UK | |
3 | The UK | |
4 | The USA | |
5 | The UK | |
6 | The USA | |
7 | ETH Zurich | Switzerland |
8 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore |
9 | The UK | |
10 | The USA | |
11 | The USA | |
12 | The USA | |
13 | Australia | |
14 | Peking University | China |
15 | Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) | Singapore |
16 | The USA | |
17 | The University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
18 | Australia | |
19 | Australia | |
20 | Tsinghua University | China |
Top Universities by country per QS Rankings 2025
Curious about which countries host the top universities in 2025? Here's a breakdown of the highest-ranked universities by country in the QS World University Rankings.
Top 10 UK universities by QS Rankings
QS Rankings by country | University Name |
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Top 10 USA universities by QS Rankings
QS Rankings by country | University Name |
1 | |
2 | |
3 | |
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Top 10 Canadian universities by QS Rankings
QS Rankings by country | University Name |
1 | |
2 | |
3 | |
4 | |
5 | |
6 | |
7 | Université de Montréal |
8 | |
9 | |
10 |
Top 10 Australian universities by QS Rankings
QS Rankings by country | University Name |
1 | |
2 | |
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5 | |
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QS World University Rankings by subject 2025
The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 highlight the top universities worldwide in specific fields of study. Discover which university leads in your chosen subject area.
Top 10 universities in Arts & Humanities
QS Rankings by subject | University Name |
1 | |
2 | |
3 | |
4 | |
5 | |
6 | |
7 | |
8 | |
9 | |
10 |
Top 10 universities in Engineering & Technology
QS Rankings by subject | University Name |
1 | |
2 | |
3 | |
4 | |
5 | ETH Zurich |
6 | |
7 | Tsinghua University |
8 | |
9 | |
10 | EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne |
Top 10 universities in Life Sciences & Medicine
QS Rankings by subject | University Name |
1 | |
2 | |
3 | |
4 | |
5 | |
6 | |
7 | University of California, San Francisco |
8 | |
9 | |
10 | Karolinska Institutet |
Top 10 universities in Natural Sciences
QS Rankings by subject | University Name |
1 | |
2 | |
3 | |
4 | |
5 | |
6 | ETH Zurich |
7 | |
8 | |
9 | |
10 | Tsinghua University |
What is the QS Ranking methodology?
The QS Rankings are based on globally trusted indicators that reflect both academic strength and industry relevance. They offer insight into which universities are at the forefront of research, innovation, and global influence.
How QS World University Rankings are calculated
Here are the key metrics used to evaluate institutions:
Academic Reputation (40%) is based on global surveys.
Employer Reputation (10%) reflects employer opinions on graduate employability.
Faculty/Student Ratio (20%) measuring teaching capacity.
Citations per Faculty (20%) indicating research impact.
International Faculty Ratio (5%) gauges the diversity of teaching staff.
International Student Ratio (5%) reflects global student presence.
How IDP can help you choose the best university
Choosing the right university isn’t just about rankings; it’s about finding the best fit for you. That’s where IDP comes in. With 50+ years of global experience, IDP makes your university journey smoother and smarter. Book your FREE appointment to get:
Expert counselling tailored to your goals.
Help with applications, visas, and scholarships.
University matches based on QS rankings and your profile.
FAQs
What is the most important factor in QS rankings?
Academic reputation is the most heavily weighted factor, reflecting how universities are perceived by global academic experts.
How can rankings help me choose the right university?
Rankings provide a trusted benchmark to compare universities based on quality, reputation, and global recognition, helping you shortlist options that align with your goals.
How do rankings support career development?
Graduating from a highly ranked university can boost your employability, as many employers value the prestige and academic standards reflected in QS rankings.