Western University has improved its overall ranking when it comes to its global academic reputation.
Western ranked 114th overall out of nearly 1,500 universities globally, climbing nearly 60 spots from last year’s Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings. The improvement marks Western’s highest position ever in the rankings, compared to last year’s ranking, which measures strong academics, high post-graduate employment rates and work on sustainability.
“Our impressive showing in the QS World University Rankings highlights Western’s position as a world-class institution addressing the most pressing issues of our time,” said Western President Alan Shepard in a release. “We’re so proud of our results and the opportunities Western offers its students, faculty, staff and researchers to learn from one another and engage in research that makes a real impact.”
Western said it improved in academic reputation, rising by seven points, which accounts for up to 30 per cent of an institution's score. QS analyzes academic reputations based on how a university’s reputation is perceived worldwide. This includes whether research is considered world-class, the strength of its impact world-wide and how well its findings are communicated.
“Western achieved a near-perfect score on sustainability, 99.6 out of 100, the eighth best in the world, the organisation said. “QS is considering sustainability in its rankings for the first time, in light of increased demand for universities to ramp up their environmental efforts.”
The QS World University Rankings are published once per year, with 2023 marking the 20th edition of the annual rankings.
Earlier this year, QS awarded Western with “five-plus stars” status, making it the only Canadian University to achieve the highest possible QS Stars rating. Universities who display exceptional performance and quality standards are awarded a Five Star rating.