QS World University Rankings: A Brief History

This year marks the 10th anniversary edition of the QS World University Rankings, first published in 2004. During this decade, the number of internationally mobile students has increased dramatically, and so has demand for university rankings with a global focus. Watch the video below for a snapshot of the evolution of the QS university rankings portfolio, and the growing prominence international rankings have come to play for those making decisions about higher education – including students, parents, academics, university leaders, employers and governments across the globe.

A decade of the QS World University Rankings…

2004

The first edition of the QS World University Rankings is published, envisioned as a useful resource for the growing number of students choosing to study abroad (over 2.65 million by this point, according to OECD data).

2005

The employer reputation survey is added as a core component of the QS World University Rankings methodology; this allows students and others to get an idea of the universities held in highest esteem by potential future employers.

2009

The first edition of the QS University Rankings: Asia is published. This uses a methodology adapted to reflect regional priorities and challenges, highlighting the top-performing universities in Asia.

2011

The QS World University Rankings by Subject is launched, providing individual rankings of the world’s leading universities in specific subjects. This year also sees the launch of a second major regional ranking,QS University Rankings: Latin America.

2012

Combining data from the QS World University Rankings with information about quality of life, tuition fees, living costs and student population, the QS Best Student Cities provides an index of the world’s top destinations for international students.