Doha: Qatar University (QU) sees significant improvement in international rankings for young universities. The University ranked 21 in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) 2021 Top 50 Under 50 ranking, moving up 10 places from the previous year. QU also ranked 73rd in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Ranking, meaning it improved six places from the previous year when it ranked 79th.
The two reports evaluate universities that are under 50 years. Whereas the QS Top 50 Under 50 measures universities according to the same six indicators used for their World University Rankings (academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations per faculty member, faculty/student ratio, proportion of international students, and proportion of international faculty members) THE uses a modified version of their World University rankings by recalibrating the weightings to reflect the profile of missions of young universities The performance indicators for THE are categorized into five areas: teaching, research, citations, international outlook and industry income.
QU President Dr. Hassan Al Derham commented on the achievement saying, "QU has shown consistent success and progress in a number of important international rankings in various categories. Being recognized as one of the top young universities and showing improvement year after year in two prestigious reports is a validation of our academic integrity and an affirmation to the efforts QU has made in our areas of focus such as research and international competitiveness. If there was any a time in which the importance and influence of a highly efficient and committed research university is most apparent, it is now. Throughout this current global crisis, QU has risen to the occasion, joining global forces and offering up valuable expertise. We are proud to be included in this evaluation and will continue to strive for excellence and growth in all areas."
Earlier this month it was announced that QU ranked 245th globally and fifth among Arab universities in the QS World University Ranking 2021. QU also ranked 52nd in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2020 for the third year in a row. QU released a five-year strategy for the years 2018-2022, which mapped out the routes to achieving continuing performance excellence and builds on key areas of education, research, institution and engagement, while taking into consideration the plans and aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030.