Rating universities on global engagement: QS Stars

A diverse student body creates a vibrant learning environment with classmates from different cultures. But the benefits go beyond academics. As your classmates become friends, you’ll broaden both your social circle and perspective. Through these interactions, you'll encounter new ways of thinking and experience different cultures, enriching your understanding of the world. Plus, a diverse student body helps you build a professional network. The connections you make with classmates from various backgrounds and industries can be invaluable down the road. 

Universities will be awarded full points if 20% of their students are international. 

Whether you’re an international student or an exchange student, a dedicated support centre ensures a smooth transition to your new life abroad, offering essential services like immigration assistance, language courses, and cultural events. You’ll adjust to your new surroundings more easily and feel supported throughout your studies. 

Full points are awarded to universities that have an international support centre with at least one FTE staff plus evidence it provides or organises the following:  

1. Events for international students (freshman day, buddy programme) 

2. Immigration/visa support  

3. Language support classes/language competency courses 

4. Maintains a dedicated webpage 

5. Scholarships dedicated to international students only  

International diversity 

 A diverse international student body creates a vibrant learning environment. From picking up new languages through everyday conversations with classmates to understanding different perspectives in class discussions, you'll be exposed to a wealth of cultures. This fosters not only cultural understanding but also innovation, as professors and students with varied backgrounds approach problems and research from fresh angles. 

Universities that have 50 nationalities in a student body will be awarded full points. 

Overseas campus  

Institutions with overseas campus gives you the opportunity to study abroad and immerse in another culture without the complexities of navigating entirely different university systems. You can build an international network that can benefit their academic and career pursuits. 

Universities that have an overseas campus will be awarded points. 

Whether you're collaborating on groundbreaking research or immersing yourself in new cultures through exchanges, international university networks connect you to a world of academic possibilities. These networks act as knowledge hubs, enriching your education with shared resources and opening doors to international internships and careers. Universities within the network benefit too, fostering collaboration and elevating their academic standing through shared expertise. 

Full points are awarded to universities with international university network and regional network. 

So, you've familiarised yourself with the factors QS Stars considers when evaluating a university's global engagement. But how can you use this information to make an informed decision? Head over to QS Stars to explore rated universities and filter by your interests to find your perfect fit.