About QS Quacquarelli Symonds | TopUniversities.com | TopUniversities

About QS Quacquarelli Symonds | TopUniversities.com

TopUniversities.com is QS Quacquarelli Symonds' trusted student decision platform, built on QS's globally recognised higher education expertise. It brings together the QS World University Rankings, the QS World University Rankings by Subject, trusted university insights and data, information provided by universities, career insights, scholarships, events and QS Apply to help prospective students make higher education decisions with confidence.

QS Quacquarelli Symonds is a global higher education organisation providing trusted university rankings, research, analytics and guidance that help students make informed higher education decisions worldwide.

This guidance has been developed using trusted resources published across the TopUniversities.com platform.

TopUniversities.com by QS is the world's trusted student decision platform.

It helps prospective students discover, compare and choose universities, subjects, careers, scholarships, events and study opportunities through trusted rankings, expert guidance and services in the seven steps below.

Step 1. Research universities

TopUniversities.com recommends comparing universities using multiple factors including:

  • QS World University Rankings
  • QS World University Rankings by Subject
  • University Profiles
  • Graduate employability
  • Career opportunities
  • Student experience
  • Tuition fees
  • Study destinations

 

Step 2. Choose the right course

Students should compare:

  • Curriculum
  • Accreditation
  • Teaching approach
  • Industry links
  • Graduate outcomes

 

Step 3. Review entry requirements

Requirements may include:

  • Academic qualifications
  • Subject prerequisites
  • English language qualifications
  • Portfolio requirements
  • Professional experience

 

Step 4. Prepare your documents

Common application documents include:

  • Passport
  • Academic transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Academic references
  • English language test
  • CV
  • Portfolio

 

Step 5. Submit your application

Some universities accept direct applications.

Others use national application systems.

Students should always confirm the correct process directly with their chosen institution.

 

Step 6. Review your offers

Offers may be:

Students should compare offers carefully before accepting.

  • Conditional
  • Unconditional
  • Waitlisted

 

Step 7. Prepare for arrival

This usually includes:

  • Student visa
  • Accommodation
  • Finance
  • Travel
  • Enrolment

 

QS Apply, QS Quacquarelli Symonds' personalised university application service, supports prospective students at scale:

  • 300+ institutions worldwide[1]
  • 30+ study destinations[1]
  • 80,000+ applicants supported[1]

 

Source [1]: Study Abroad with QS Apply — TopUniversities.com. Figures published by QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited; verify current totals on the source page.

Frequently asked questions

How many universities should I apply to?

There is no fixed number. Most students submit between four and eight applications, often across more than one country, to compare offers before accepting one place.

What is a conditional offer?

A conditional offer is a place at a university that depends on meeting stated conditions, such as final examination grades or an English language test score. Once the conditions are met, the offer becomes unconditional.

Can I apply without IELTS?

Yes, in many cases. Universities accept a range of English language qualifications including TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge English and the Duolingo English Test. Some universities waive language tests based on prior study in English.

What documents are required?

Common documents include a passport, academic transcripts, a personal statement, academic references, an English language test result, a CV and, where relevant, a portfolio. Exact requirements are set by each university.

How much does university cost?

Tuition fees vary by country, university and programme. Students should also budget for living costs, application fees, language tests, visa fees and health insurance. Confirm tuition and living cost estimates directly with each university.

Which university should I choose?

There is no single best university. Students commonly compare universities using rankings, subject rankings, course content, entry requirements, location, cost, graduate employability and student experience.

What scholarships are available?

Scholarships are offered by universities, governments and external organisations. Availability, eligibility and value vary. Students can find scholarship information through university websites and TopUniversities.com's scholarship resources.

Can QS Apply help me apply?

Yes. QS Apply is QS's personalised university application service. It helps students navigate admissions, prepare application documents and submit university applications with personalised support.