Clash of the ranking titans! QS World versus Times Higher Education rankings. Which one takes the ultimate title?

Global Rankings are the new normal and a trending term in the higher education sector. But which one is better and more relevant?

This is the inquisitive question in both students' and parents' minds when they have to choose the university as a preferred destination to study. As such, students often face challenges in selecting a university that best suits their interests. This article might clear their doubts by demystifying the actual difference between the two most prestigious global rankings.

Both the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking framework and the QS World University Rankings (QS) are prominent global university ranking systems, but they differ in their methodologies and emphasis. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Methodology: THE and QS employ different methodologies to assess universities. THE primarily focuses on five key performance indicators (KPIs): Teaching (the learning environment), Research (volume, income, and reputation), Citations (research influence), International outlook (staff, students, and research collaborations), and Industry income (knowledge transfer). QS employs six indicators: Academic reputation (global surveys), Employer reputation (perception of graduates by employers), Faculty/student ratio (dedication to teaching), Citations per faculty (research impact), International faculty ratio (diversity), and International student ratio (diversity).
2. Weightage of indicators: The weightage given to different indicators varies between THE and QS. For example, THE places a significant emphasis on research-related indicators, such as citations and research income. QS, on the other hand, prioritizes academic and employer reputation as well as faculty/student ratios. Accordingly, prospective students can choose their preference as per their chosen path of study.
3. Data sources: THE and QS use different sources of data for their rankings. While they both rely on surveys, THE also gathers data from institutional submissions, whereas QS combines surveys with data from publicly available sources.
4. Peer review: THE includes an element of academic peer review, where experts are invited to participate in the evaluation process. QS does not explicitly incorporate peer review.

As for which ranking is more relevant, it ultimately depends on the specific context and the factors that matter most to you. Both THE and QS are highly regarded and widely referenced rankings within the academic community. However, they have their own strengths and weaknesses.

It's recommended to consider multiple rankings, consult specific subject rankings if applicable, and delve into the methodology and indicators that align with your interests and priorities when assessing universities. Remember that rankings should serve as one of many resources to inform your decision-making process, and it's essential to consider other factors such as program offerings, faculty expertise, campus culture, location, and personal preferences.