The University of Santo Tomas maintained its spot as one of the world’s top universities, landing in the 801-850 bracket of the World University Rankings 2024 released by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) on June 28, 2023. The recent rankings place UST as the 4th university in the Philippines. QS recognized international faculty ratio as UST’s best strength this year, with a score of 41.4. Employer reputation and employment outcomes were also rated, along with academic reputation.
In an interview with the Communications Bureau, Deputy Director for QS/THE Rankings Nestor R. Ong, ASEAN Engr. noted the increasingly competitive environment of global university rankings, and expressed joy at the good performance of the University in terms of International Faculty Ratio and Employer Reputation. The 2024 World University Rankings of QS incorporated new criteria, such as sustainability, which focuses on a university’s impact, according to Ong, in terms of “charting the course and driving change toward a more sustainable future.” The new International Research Network criterion looks into the international connections the University has made and emphasizes research collaboration across geographical boundaries.
Moving forward, more than 12 years since the University was ranked by QS, the University’s priorities continue to address research and innovation, intensified global engagement, and enhanced student-centered education. According to Ong, “addressing pressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary research collaborations and technology transfer” is crucial, and “forging strategic alliances with universities [to] jointly tackle global issues” is part of the actions the University will take moving forward.
Apart from the QS World University Rankings, UST currently ranks 175th in the Asia University Rankings (2023 edition) and remains 4th in the Philippines. It also enjoys the coveted QS Five Stars rating.
