A Stellar Achievement: Palestinian Universities in the QS Star Ratings

I wish to begin by congratulating the Palestinian universities that have recently been included in the QS Stars Ratings: Al-Quds University, An-Najah National University, and Palestine Polytechnic University. This accomplishment signifies a notable recognition of their dedication to excellence in multiple sectors.

• Al-Quds University was awarded five stars in all categories: Teaching, Employability, Internationalisation, Academic Development, Facilities, Specialist Criteria, Social Responsibility, and Inclusiveness.
• An-Najah National University earned five stars in Teaching, Employability, Facilities, and Inclusiveness, along with four stars in Internationalisation, Academic Development, and Innovation.
• Palestine Polytechnic University achieved five stars in Social Responsibility, four stars in Academic Development and Inclusiveness, three stars in Teaching, Employability, Internationalisation, and Facilities, and two stars in Specialist Criteria.

This achievement serves as an encouragement to other Palestinian universities to participate in these rankings. The importance of the QS Star Ratings is twofold. On one hand, it allows prospective students to compare and choose their institutions based on detailed and specific criteria. On the other hand, it acts as a self-assessment tool for universities, shedding light on their strengths and weaknesses, and guiding their policies and strategic plans.

Participating in the QS Stars Ratings involves submitting hundreds of documents, proof of achievements, and data within a strict deadline. The organization provides detailed guidelines on each criterion, allowing universities to understand where they excel or need improvement.

Key elements assessed by the QS Stars Rating include:

• Research: The quality and productivity of research activities, the recognition of their work by other academics, and the awards received.
• Academic Development: The institution's initiatives to enhance student learning beyond the classroom.
• Teaching: Assessment of the quality of teaching based on student feedback and faculty-student ratio.
• Employability: The graduates' work readiness, employer surveys, and career service support.
• Internationalisation: The proportion of international students and staff, exchange programs, and international partnerships.
• Social Responsibility: The institution's investment in local communities, charity work, and environmental awareness.
• Innovation: The impact of the university's activities on the economy, society, and culture.
• Arts & Culture: Cultural investment and events hosted by the institution.
• Inclusiveness: Accessibility of the institution to all students.
• Environmental Impact: The institution's efforts to have a positive impact on the environment.
• Learning Environment: The quality of the campus or online learning environment.
• Facilities: The infrastructure, including sporting, IT, library, and medical facilities, and student societies.
• Specialist Criteria: A focus on the institution's specialist areas, using subject rankings or program-specific data.

These topics cover all activities that a university undertakes and contain more specific sub-items. The QS Stars Rating therefore is not merely a comparison tool, but it acts as a road map that allows institutions to identify their strengths and weaknesses with the aim of constant improvement.

This achievement of Palestinian universities underlines the quality and the potential they possess in the higher education sector. Their success can act as a catalyst, inspiring other institutions in Palestine to pursue similar recognitions and strive for continuous growth and development.

#QSStars #QS #AlQuds_University #AnNajah_National_University #Palestine_Polytechnic_University