UST secures QS 5 Stars rating, the first in the Philippines

In the third review cycle of its Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS) Stars application, the University of Santo Tomas secured the coveted Five Stars rating, the penultimate rank in the six-tier system adopted by QS.

The results, first communicated on June 25, 2021, show that UST achieved 5 Stars for Teaching, Employability, Internationalization, and Facilities, while scoring 4 Stars for Academic Development. Finally, 3 Stars were obtained for the areas of Arts and Culture and Inclusiveness. For the Specialist Criteria, QS gave a 5-Star rating to the University’s Doctor of Medicine program.

For teaching, UST scored high on overall student satisfaction and made headway in faculty-student ratio. Career preparation efforts of the University, specifically through the career advisors of the Counseling and Career Center, were part of what were recognized for Employability, which also looked into the very high Graduate Employment Rate of Thomasians.

In terms of internationalization, the strong international collaborations of UST, which has bilateral agreements with over 150 universities worldwide, were highlighted. UST’s internationalization efforts are varied, including transnational researches, dual degree programs, joint scientific-academic activities, exchange programs, and internationalization at home.

University facilities, including student services, were rated with 5 stars. The presence of medical services, accommodation facilities, sports facilities, and student societies and associations were rated.

UST’s program specialization according to QS criteria is the Doctor of Medicine program, which posted a perfect score in graduate employability and high scores in completion rate and student satisfaction and accreditation.

The University’s academic development programs, which include the availability of faculty development programs and membership in University Networks, were rated with four stars.

Rated with three stars were Arts and Culture, which focus on the availability of facilities, the conduct of concerts, events, and exhibitions, as well as artistic and cultural accolades, as well as community art and cultural investment. Inclusiveness was also rated at three stars, considering the gender balance, scholarship funds, and facilities that provide access to people with disabilities.

The QS 5 Stars methodology focuses on at least eight out of thirteen criteria against which University performance are rated. UST first received the Four Star rating in 2015, which was renewed in 2018.

The rating is valid until June 25, 2024.

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