The QS Stars university rating system uses seven criteria to measure universities' progress towards internationalization.
We live in an increasingly globalized world, and therefore it’s no longer enough for a university to only think within the borders of its own country.
The best have acknowledged this, and as well as having healthy numbers of international students and faculty, they will be actively involved with other universities across the world in mutually beneficial research projects.
Look for a high score here if you’re looking for a cosmopolitan university that is attractive to students and academics from around the world and involved in internationally significant research.
The QS Stars rating for internationalization is derived from seven criteria:
Institution research collaborations (50 points)
Knowledge is global, so it is only normal that universities work with others to further their research, contributing to academic progress that is universally beneficial.
These collaborations are essential for much cutting edge research, allowing as it does the sharing of facilities, academics and funds. If a university has worked with 50 universities in the top 500 of the QS World University Rankings, it will be awarded top marks for this criterion.
International faculty (20 points)
It’s not just students who attend universities that are not in their home country. International faculty are a key part of the contemporary higher education landscape.
This is beneficial to students as it means that a university is employing the best talent irrespective of their country of origin, and gives them a chance to be exposed to academics who have come through different systems, and can offer a different approach. We award maximum points to universities with faculties that are 25% international.
International students (20 points)
The tradition of the travelling scholar dates back to the Middle Ages, but in recent years, studying abroad has become an increasingly viable and desirable option.
International students add much to universities at which they study, and the benefits they enjoy in return are innumerable.
Universities that provide a cosmopolitan environment demonstrate themselves to be forward thinking and also of a high enough standard to attract students from all over the world. If 20% of an institution’s students are international, it will earn full marks.
International student support – religious facilities (10 points)
It is not enough that a university simply admits international students. Once they are there it is important that there are certain facilities in place that will make their experience in a foreign country more comfortable.
One of the most important ways a university can do this is by providing spaces in which students of different religions can worship.
We ask that they provide at least one place of worship for at least three major religions (Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Judaism) or have a multi-denominational place religious facility before we award maximum points.
Inbound exchange students (20 points)
Exchange programs are an excellent way for students to get a taste of studying abroad; a chance to see the world, meet people and experience another way of learning.
They’re also a great for universities, as they allow them to maintain a dynamic and diverse flow of students of their campuses. We reward universities whose number of inbound students is equal to 2% of their total student body with maximum points.
Outbound exchange students (20 points)
As well as taking inbound students, a good university will allow its own students ample opportunities to participate in exchange programs, providing them with adequate information and encouragement.
The establishment itself will benefit from cosmopolitan graduates who will fare well in a globalized world. If a university’s outbound students are equivalent to 2% of the total student body, maximum points are awarded.
International diversity (10 points)
To be a truly international establishment, a university must recruit students from a wide range of countries, giving places to talented students from around the world.
Both the university and its students will benefit from exposure to these bright international students, who will add variety to the campus, and prepare students for a globalized world.
To earn maximum points, 50 different nationalities must be represented in a university’s student body, with points scaled down to 10.