QS vs THE World University Rankings — What’s the Difference?
If you’re planning to study abroad, you’ve probably come across two major global university rankings: QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. Both are trusted by students, universities, and governments worldwide—but did you know they use different methods to rank institutions?
Understanding how these rankings work can help you make smarter choices when shortlisting universities. Let’s break down what sets them apart.
What Are the QS and THE World University Rankings?
QS World University Rankings (by Quacquarelli Symonds) and THE World University Rankings (by Times Higher Education) evaluate and rank universities across the globe each year. While both aim to help students identify top institutions, they differ in the indicators they use, how they weigh those indicators, and even the data sources they rely on.
Key Differences Between QS and THE Rankings
| Feature | QS World University Rankings | THE World University Rankings |
|---|---|---|
| Published By | Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) | Times Higher Education (THE) |
| Year Started | 2004 | 2004 (in partnership with QS until 2009) |
| Primary Focus | Reputation (especially academic & employer) | Teaching, research, and citations |
| Total Indicators | 6 | 13 |
| Reputation Weight | High (50% combined for academic + employer) | Moderate (33% for teaching + research reputation) |
| Research Focus | Citations per faculty | Citations (research influence), research income |
| Data Sources | Global surveys, institutional data, Scopus | Institutional data, Elsevier, surveys |
| Student-Staff Ratio | Included | Included |
| Internationalisation | Yes – measures international faculty and student ratio | Yes – also includes international co-authorship |
| Graduate Employability | Yes (via employer reputation) | Indirectly, through teaching & outcomes |
Indicator Breakdown
QS Indicators:
- Academic Reputation (40%) – Survey of global academics
- Employer Reputation (10%) – Survey of global employers
- Faculty/Student Ratio (20%) – Teaching capacity
- Citations per Faculty (20%) – Research output
- International Faculty Ratio (5%)
- International Student Ratio (5%)
THE Indicators (Grouped into 5 categories):
- Teaching (30%) – Includes reputation, staff-to-student ratio, PhD awards
- Research (30%) – Volume, income, reputation
- Citations (30%) – Research influence
- International Outlook (7.5%) – Staff, students, and collaborations
- Industry Income (2.5%) – Knowledge transfer and innovation
Which Ranking Should You Trust?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your priorities. Here’s how to decide:
- Go for QS if you value reputation, international exposure, and employability.
- Go for THE if you’re interested in research quality, teaching standards, and industry collaborations.
In fact, looking at both rankings can give you a more well-rounded view of a university’s strengths.
Popular University Rankings (2025)
| University | QS Rank | THE Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA | #1 | #3 |
| University of Oxford, UK | #3 | #1 |
| Stanford University, USA | #2 | #2 |
| University of Cambridge, UK | #5 | #4 |
| Harvard University, USA | #4 | #5 |
As you can see, some universities consistently rank high on both lists—but the order may vary depending on the ranking system.
FAQs: QS vs THE Rankings
Q1. Are QS or THE rankings more accurate?
A: Neither is “more accurate.” Each uses different criteria. QS emphasizes reputation and international outlook, while THE focuses more on research and teaching.
Q2. Which ranking is better for undergraduate students?
A: QS may be more useful for undergraduates as it highlights faculty-student ratios and employer reputation—factors closely tied to learning and job prospects.
Q3. Do rankings matter for visa applications?
A: Not directly. However, choosing a well-ranked, recognized university can sometimes strengthen your overall visa profile.
Q4. Is it okay to choose a university that’s not in the top 100?
A: Absolutely! Rankings are just one factor. Course content, location, cost, and career goals matter just as much—if not more.