With thousands of universities all over the world, how do you compare them? How do you choose which institution to pursue an overseas undergraduate degree, or to gain a master’s degree to take your career to the next level?

Enter university rankings.

Reputable and recognised ranking providers serve as tools that provide deeper insights into the strengths of each university, focusing on aspects such as teaching, research, faculty-student ratio and employability. Among some of the most highly regarded ranking systems are Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, and The Complete University Guide (CUG) for UK institutions.

Using university rankings to choose where to study

Today, students want more clarity on what they can gain from their studies and how it will impact their future. In turn, university ranking systems continue to adapt and evolve in their ranking methodology, aiming to deliver more comprehensive assessments of each university.

By comparing universities based on factors such as teaching quality, research impact, faculty-student ratio, and employability, rankings help students identify institutions that align with their academic and career aspirations. Though rankings alone are unable to tell the full story — which is where personalised guidance comes in — they are a solid starting point for research.

List of world university rankings

Below, you’ll uncover more about each specific ranking provider, complete with its own list of the best universities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, the USA and the UK. If you already have a preferred destination country, we’ve filtered those for you as well.

How to use rankings to decide where to study abroad

University rankings provide valuable insights into an institution’s academic reputation and global recognition. However, rankings are only one aspect of your decision. There are other game-changing factors that should be considered, such as cost, career opportunities, location and personal goals.

Get advice from education experts who are trained to help you identify the best options to suit you. With over 50 years of experience connecting students to the right university and course, IDP is a global student placement leader providing free services.

Our counsellors will guide you on how to use the university rankings and consider your options, as well as what you need to do throughout your journey to study abroad. If you’re ready to chase your dreams at a top university, tap the button below today.