Press Centre

QS is thrilled to welcome the University of Exeter as the first official member of the Responsible AI Consortium. This pioneering initiative—launched by QS in collaboration with founding members EDHEC Business School, Imperial College Business School, and Luiss Business School—aims to advance the responsible use of AI in higher education.

Through collaborative research, project-based learning, and innovative AI pilot programs, the Consortium empowers institutions to shape the future of education with integrity and impact.

Professor Tim Quine, Vice-President (Education & Student Experience) at the University of Exeter, said: “We are committed to shaping a future where artificial intelligence serves people, planet, and society. Joining the Responsible AI Consortium reflects our ambition to lead in the ethical development and deployment of artificial intelligence, ensuring that innovation is guided by responsibility, inclusivity, and sustainability. We look forward to working collaboratively across disciplines and sectors to help realise the full potential of AI for the public good and preparing our graduates to thrive in and shape the modern world of work.”

London slips, Seoul crowned #1, Asia rises 

London, 15 July 2025 – Seoul is crowned the world’s best study destination, the QS Best Student Cities Ranking shows, ending London’s six-year run at the top. Seoul rises two spots, reflecting strong international appeal and its excellent selection of universities. London slips to third place due to a decline in the Affordability indicator. 

QS ranks 150 cities across 58 countries and territories. The US and UK are the most represented, with 16 cities each. Vienna joins the top 10 while Kuala Lumpur (12th), Taipei (14th), and Hong Kong, (17th) enter the top-20. 

Ju-Ho Lee, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education of the Republic of Korea, said: “We are proud that Seoul has been recognised as the best student city in the world. This achievement reflects the global confidence in Korea’s higher education system and highlights Seoul’s ability to blend academic excellence with vibrant culture, cutting-edge innovation, and a safe, welcoming environment.” 

QS Best Student Cities 2026: Top-10

Global highlights 

• In the UK, only Nottingham (49th) and Leeds (51st) have improved. The UK performs exceptionally in Desirability but struggles in Affordability. 

• Of all ranked US cities, only Boston (15th) climbs; US cities face challenges in Student Mix and Desirability. 

• All four Canadian cities drop but all remain in the top-100, led by Montreal (18th).  

• Melbourne and Sydney remain in the top-10, affirming Australia’s position as one of the world’s premier study destinations. 

• Tokyo comes second, leading globally in Employer Activity. 

• Beijing ranks 13th—its highest ever position. It leads Mainland China’s eight ranked cities. 

• All Indian cities rise; Mumbai enters the top-100 placing 98th. It boasts strong Affordability (11th) and Employer Activity (37th). 

• Germany and Australia are the only locations with two top-10 cities. Munich and Berlin are both exceptionally well-regarded by students and graduates who have studied and lived there. 

• Paris remains seventh. It is the European leader in the QS’ World University Rankings indicator, reflecting its outstanding universities. 

• Madrid breaks into the Top-30, while Milan and Rome in the Top-50 

• Amman is the highest ranked city in the Arab Region, placing 64th, up an impressive 19 places year-on-year. Cairo leads in Africa, ranking 71st. 

• Buenos Aires leads in Latin America, placing 32nd, up 10 places. It is followed by Santiago in 50th.

US and China climb, Imperial retains second, Italy and Saudi Arabia enter top 100

London, 19th June 2025: International higher education experts QS Quacquarelli Symonds has today released the 22nd annual edition of the QS World University Rankings*. *The link will be updated with the latest results when the embargo lifts. 

For the fourteenth consecutive year, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) maintains its reign at the top. Imperial College London stays second after claiming the prestigious position last year, while Stanford University climbs three positions to take third. The University of Oxford and Harvard University both drop one place to rank fourth and fifth respectively. 

Switzerland and Singapore are the only other countries featured in the top 10, with ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and National University of Singapore (NUS) placing seventh and eighth. There are no new entries among the global top 10.

QS World University Rankings 2026: Top 20

This year’s ranking is the largest ever, featuring more than 1500 universities across 106 countries and territories. The United States is the most represented higher education system, with 192 ranked universities, followed by the UK with 90 and Mainland China with 72.

Top countries/territories by total ranked universities

QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter said: “The QS World University Rankings remain an important tool for benchmarking higher education excellence, supporting students, scholars, and institutions in their decision-making.” 

“Higher education remains one of humanity’s most powerful tools for innovation, collaboration and societal progress. In an environment where traditional higher education centres appear to be reassessing policies around international student mobility, new opportunities can arise for emerging destinations to attract global talent and establish themselves as leaders in knowledge and research.” 

Global Highlights  

• Stanford University climbs to third due significant gains in Sustainability and International Faculty numbers. Meanwhile the University of Chicago is the only university to break into the top 20. This is the first time in seven years that the US has seen more universities rise than fall. 

• The UK is tied with the US for elite universities, with four each among the top 10. The UK’s strongest indicator overall is International Student Ratio, in which it achieves the world’s second-highest average score among countries with ten or more ranked universities, behind only the UAE.  

• McGill University takes the top spot in Canada, placing 27th globally and overtaking the University of Toronto (29th). Canadian universities perform exceptionally in the Sustainability indicator, in which University of Toronto and University of British Columbia place first and fifth.  

• Two Australian universities now place in the global top 20, with the University of Sydney dropping from 18th to 25th. Of Australia’s total ranked universities, 71% drop down the table. 

• China’s rise continues, with 45% of its universities climbing the table and 35% dropping. Of its three highest ranked universities, two have risen, with Tsinghua University placing 17th and Fudan University climbing nine positions to 30th. Peking University remains the highest ranked, in 14th. 

• Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) climbs an impressive 27 positions to place 123rd and take the top rank in India, usurping last year’s leader, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) which drops to 129th. India continues to improve, with 48% of its universities rising and 24% dropping. 

• Italy joins the top 100 for the first time with Politecnico di Milano in 98th, up 13 places year- on-year. Meanwhile, Germany sees more university climb the table than drop for only the second time in more than 10 years. 

• Hong Kong SAR and Singapore remain among the best-performing locations for Academic Reputation based on their average scores, though both have fewer than 10 institutions. Hong Kong SAR  is also Asia’s most improved higher education system in this edition, among those with five or more ranked universities. 

• The Arab Region achieves its first ever top 100 rank with King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals in Saudi Arabia climbing 34 positions to place 67th. The UAE is home to two of the world’s most improved universities among the top 500, with Abu Dhabi University and the University of Sharjah climbing 110 and 106 places to rank 391st and 328th respectively. 

• Three Latin American universities have dropped out of the top 100 this year, including Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Universidad de Buenos Aires is Latin America’s highest ranked university and the only one now among the top 100. It ranks 84th. 

• South Africa remains the powerhouse in Africa, holding the continent’s top four positions. The University of Cape Town remains the highest-ranked institution, climbing an impressive 21 places to rank 150th.

-Ends-         

World’s best Executive MBAs revealed

London 30th April 2025: Global business education specialist QS Quacquarelli Symonds has today released the 2025 edition of the QS Executive MBA Rankings.

The Executive MBA Rankings feature 233 of the world’s best Executive MBA programmes across 50 countries and territories. Oxford (Said) remains in first place, followed by HEC Paris, which climbs to second, usurping IESE Business School which drops to third. MIT (Sloan) and London Business School remain fourth and fifth respectively. 

QS Executive MBA Rankings 2025: Top 10

The US is the most represented country or territory, with 67 ranked business schools, followed by France with 12 and the UK with 11.

Table 4. Country Overview by Total Ranked EMBAs

QS analyses several datasets to assess the quality of the world’s Executive MBA programmes. The following table highlights the world’s leading business school in each performance lens. The full methodology can be found here.

QS Executive MBA Rankings 2025: Top Business Schools by Indicator

QS President Nunzio Quacquarelli said: “QS is thrilled to celebrate the success of Oxford (Said), recognised as home to the world’s best Executive MBA programme—a distinction earned through its outstanding reputation, diverse student cohort, and thought leadership.” 

“In today’s interconnected business landscape, agility and cross-cultural competence are more vital than ever and leading Executive MBA programmes should continue to prioritise international diversity, strong career outcomes, and high-calibre cohorts to equip future leaders.” 

QS Executive MBA Rankings 2025: Overview 

• France boasts two of Europe’s best business schools, with eight placing among the world’s top 50. HEC Paris climbs one position to second due to improvements in Career Outcomes, Diversity and Executive Profile. It boasts some of the world’ best career outcomes, placing seventh globally in tis indicator.  

• Warwick Business School is the only institution to break into the top 10 in this edition. It climbs five positions to rank tenth due to improvements in Employability and Diversity. 

• The US continues to dominate the upper echelons of the ranking, claiming four of the top 10 positions. MIT Sloan takes the country’s top spot, placing fourth globally. Meanwhile, Yale School of Management climbs to sixth following gains in Employability, Though Leadership, Executive Profile and Diversity. 

• India’s best EMBA is offered by the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, placing 50th, down nine positions year-on-year. It performs excellently in Career Outcomes, in which it is among the world’s 25 best business schools. No other Indian business school is among the top 100.  

• Canada’s premier business school is Toronto (Rotman), which climbs from 31st to 28th due to gains in Executive Profile, Diversity and Career Outcomes. Ivey Business School is home to the only other Canadian EMBA to place in the world’s top 50. 

• Two Chinese business schools are among the top 50, Peking University HSBC Business School and Fudan University, in 42nd and 46th respectively. CEIBS (Shanghai) drops to 52nd.  

• Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile boasts Latin America’s best EMBA and the region’s only to place among the top 50. It ranks 45th globally due to strong Thought Leadership and Diversity. 

• Brazil’s top ranked Business School is FIA Business School which places 99th. It enjoys Latin America’s best Executive Profile, driven by exceptional work and C-Suite experience among its cohort. 

• In the Arab Region, Saudi Arabia’s KFUPM Business School is tied with the American University of Beirut (AUB) in the 101-110 band followed by the AUC School Of Business (Cairo) in 130th. 

-ENDS- 

US maintains edge amid rising East Asia and faltering Europe

• Asia is home to the three most improved countries and territories in this edition, with Hong Kong SAR, China and South Korea soar
• Universities in Asia (Korea, China, Vietnam and Turkiye) were the only institutions to have 10 or more new entrants in this year’s iteration
• European and American universities experience widespread drops but remain some of the world’s premier institutions by a large margin
• Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and University of Cambridge lead for #1 subject ranks

London, Wednesday 12 March 2025: Global higher education experts QS Quacquarelli Symonds have today released the fifteen annual edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject*. *The link will be updated with this year’s results when the embargo lifts

The rankings provide an independent comparative analysis of the performance of more than 21,000 academic offerings, taken by students at more than 1700 universities found in 100 countries and territories across the world in 55 academic disciplines and five Broad Faculty Areas (Arts & Humanities, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences).

The United States maintains its leading position with 3,245 ranked entries out of 18,330, accounting for nearly 18% of all positions. It claims the top spot globally in 32 of the 55 subjects assessed.

Harvard University is ranked first in 19 subjects, followed by MIT with 12. The University of Cambridge takes four #1 ranks while the University of Oxford and ETH Zurich’s take three.

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Global highlights: 

• China & Asia – The rise of China’s STEM subjects: Tsinghau University is the first Chinese university to be ranked in the top 10 worldwide for the broad faculty area of Engineering & Technology, rising from 11th last year to seventh in 2025. All but one Chinese universities raised their ranking in this subject field (Jilin University fell by 23 places). All but one university increased in the Life Sciences & Medicine (Xiamen University fell from 388 last year to =398 in 2025), all but two in the Natural Sciences subjects (Jilin & Beijing University of Technology fell). Nine fell in the Social Sciences & Management, compared with eight that rose and five staying in the same position, and 16 fell in Arts & Humanities subjects with only two rising. The University of Hong Kong, Peking University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong among the most improved seeing positions increase 47, 43 and 43 times, respectively. Fudan University and Tsinghua University both saw improvements in rankings in 42 subjects. 

Most New Entrants

Universities Seeing Rises in 25+ Subjects

• United States – USA fading in STEM subjects: Although home to four of the world’s top 10 universities for Engineering & Technology, only five of the 73 institutions ranked in this broad subject area have improved their rank since last year. Four, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology at top place, have maintained their position since last year. Institutions in the country are performing better in the Life Sciences subjects, where US higher education institutions take four of the top five positions worldwide. 19 of the 115 US universities in this broad faculty area maintain the same position as last year, while 22 increased their positions. There is a similar story in the Natural Sciences faculty area, where US institutions have historically performed very well. While 29 US institutions are included in the top 100 for Life Sciences, of the 93 US universities and colleges featured, 66 have seen their placing fall this year. While America’s top seven universities in the Social Sciences & Management faculty area maintain their positions this year, only one institution has improved its ranking (University of Florida rising 15 places to be ranked =159 this year). This means 62 of the 75 institutions ranked in this broad subject field have seen their Social Sciences & Management position fall this year. The US is also home to 23 of the top institutions worldwide in the Arts & Humanities broad faculty area. 

• United Kingdom: In Engineering & Technology, a handful of UK universities have leapt in the rankings. These include King’s College London which rose six to =116, Queen Mary University of London which hopped 43 places to =173, Aston University rising 74 to =328 and Oxford Brookes 37 to =333. Overall, 11 universities in this broad faculty area improved their scores, three maintained their positions and 23 fell. 12 of the top 25 UK universities in the Life Sciences & Medicine faculty area increased their positions this year.  

• Singapore – outstanding results for National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University: Six universities are ranked 114 times in the 2025 Subject Rankings, four of which feature in the Art & Design subject. In total, 29.82% of the country’s entries feature in the top 10 of the subject they feature in – this is the highest ratio on the planet. In the broad faculties, National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University both feature in the top 50 of the Arts and Humanities areas. In the Science and Technology subjects, both institutions have increased their rankings this year and now feature in the top 12 and both have risen to the top 25 worldwide in the Natural Sciences areas. 

• Switzerland – 21 universities ranked 266 times in QS University World Rankings by Subject. A total of 12.03% of Switzerland’s entrants feature in the top 10 of their subject. Two institutions – ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology & EPFL – feature in the top 10 in the broad Engineering & Technology subjects once again. Six of the seven Swiss institutions rise or stay stable in the Life Sciences & Medicine subjects. Only EPFL falls by 14 to ranked =163. ETH Zurich was ranked in the top 10 in 16 subjects, including maintaining its top position globally in three subjects – Geophysics, Geology and Earth & Marine Sciences. However, of the 233 times Swiss institutions have been featured in the 2024 rankings, only 33 placements were increases on last year. A total of 99 placements were decreases on last year’s ranking. The University of Zurich climbed 29 places in Chemistry to reach =122 and the University of Geneva rose by 21 spots to be ranked =25 in Classics & Ancient History. 

• Canada – universities maintain their positions 229 times amid improvements in other countries. Four institutions are ranked in the top 40 in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, with University of British Columbia climbing 19 positions to be ranked 23 worldwide and Université de Montréal by 14 to place 37th. The University of Alberta improved its position in 15 subjects, including rising by 26 places to reach joint 98 in Engineering – Electrical & Electronic and improving by 18 places in both Environmental Sciences and Engineering – Chemical. Canadian institutions fared less well in the Business & Management Studies where 20 of 22 universities featured fell in their positions since 2024 and York University maintained its positions while Brock University was a new entry. All but one of the 22 universities ranking in the broad Engineering & Technology subjects fell this year. The University of Toronto maintained its position at 17th worldwide. The same was true in the Social Sciences & Management subjects, where all but one 17 universities ranked fell – McGill University maintained its 37th position worldwide. 

• Netherlands – rest of world begins catching up with Dutch higher education system: Six of the nine Dutch universities ranked in the Engineering & Technology subjects saw their positions fall, as did 10 of the 12 institutions ranked in Social Sciences & Management subjects. Five of the 11 universities ranked in the Arts & Humanities subjects fell by more than 10 places. Six institutions improved in the Natural Sciences subjects and four improved in Life Sciences & Medicine. Life Sciences & Medicine 

• Australia – 15 universities improve their ranking in the Natural Sciences broad subjects, while 16 fall in Arts & Humanities. The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) passes The University of Melbourne to be Australia’s top in Social Sciences & Management and joint 23rd worldwide. 

• UAE – universities improve their rankings 60 times, with only 17 instances of position drops of one. 19 new entries in subject rankings. 

• Vietnam – 35 new entries in subject rankings, meaning Vietnamese universities feature 67 times in the QS University Rankings by Subject. 

Countries with Highest Swing Improvement Are All in Asia or Africa

Most Ranked Institutions

Methodology   

QS use five key metrics to compile the subject rankings. The precise weighting of each metric varies by subject to reflect differing publication cultures across disciplines. For example, research performance, based on the analysis of the bibliometric database Scopus/Elsevier, is deemed to be a stronger indicator of institutional strength in Medicine, where the discipline is highly reliant on dissemination of research, than it is in Performing Arts, where the discipline is more vocational in nature.   

Detailed methodological information can be found at https://www.TopUniversities.com/subject-rankings/methodology.          

The full rankings can be found at https://www.topuniversities.com/subject-rankings  

-Ends-  

For further information or to request interviews with QS’ analysts, please contact:     

Simona Bizzozero      

Director of Communications      

QS Quacquarelli Symonds      

[email protected]      

+44 (0) 7880620856      

William Barbieri      

Communications Manager     
QS Quacquarelli Symonds      

[email protected]  

Notes for Editors          

QS Quacquarelli Symonds          

QS Quacquarelli Symonds is the world’s leading provider of services, analytics, and insight to the global higher education sector, whose mission is to empower motivated people anywhere in the world to fulfil their potential through educational achievement, international mobility, and career development.    

The QS World University Rankings portfolio, inaugurated in 2004, is the world’s most popular source of comparative data about university performance.    

Their flagship website, www.TopUniversities.com – the home of their rankings – was viewed more than 120 million times in 2023, and over 124,000 media clippings pertaining to, or mentioning, QS were published by media outlets across the world in 2023.    

About Scopus/Elsevier    

Scopus uniquely combines a comprehensive, expertly curated abstract and citation database with enriched data and linked scholarly literature across various disciplines. Scopus quickly finds relevant and authoritative research, identifies experts, and provides access to reliable data, metrics, and analytical tools. Be confident in progressing research, teaching or research direction and priorities — all from one database and with one subscription. https://www.scopus.com/home.uri    

Revealed: World’s best master’s programmes for careers in nternational Trade 

London, Wednesday 12 February 2025: QS Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), global higher education experts, have today release the 2025 edition of the International Trade Rankings, in partnership with the Hinrich Foundation, a philanthropic organisation advancing sustainable global trade through education and research.  

The rankings provide insights for aspiring professionals, employers, universities and business schools into the world’s best international business and trade master’s programmes. This edition assesses 87 programmes across 29 countries. Additionally, 30 Executive MBAs are ranked across 13 countries.  

QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter said: “Global trade drives economies, connects markets, and creates diverse career opportunities that demand skilled and adaptable leaders. Business Master’s and MBA programmes with a focus on global trade can offer invaluable expertise and hands-on experience in international markets, supply chain dynamics, and cross-border strategies.” 

Sowter continued: “For future leaders in this dynamic field, the International Trade Rankings 2025 serve as an essential resource. These rankings provide data-driven insights to identify institutions excelling in this domain. By guiding prospective candidates toward best-fit programmes, the rankings empower them to make informed decisions and embark on careers equipped to navigate the complexities of global trade and shape its future.” 

Hinrich Foundation’s Trade Education Program Director, Alex Boome, said: “The International Trade Rankings are informed by employers and backed by QS’ rigorous methodology, with a focus on the trade course content and experiential learning valued by employers looking to hire work-ready graduates. Our intention in partnering with QS to publish the Rankings is to assist students to identify the right international business and trade master’s programme to best prepare them for successful careers in the dynamic field of cross-border trade in goods and services.” 

QS International Trade Rankings 2025:  Master’s and MBA programmes 

Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management remains home to the world’s best international trade programme, with its Master of Global Management (MGM). University of Oxford’s newly ranked MBA comes second while Switzerland IMD’s MBA programme comes third.  

Global Overview 

United States & Canada 

• The United States is home to eleven ranked business schools, including the world’s best, Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, which boasts the world’s best course content. It is the only US business school among the world’s top 10. 

• US business schools perform excellently for Research, boasting three of the world’s five best business schools in this indicator. Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina’s Master of International Business comes first globally followed by University of Michigan-Ann Arbor – Stephen M. Ross School of Business in third with its Global MBA and Northeastern University – D’Amore-McKim School of Business in fourth. 

• QS ranks three Canadian business schools. McGill (Desautels) takes the country’s highest rank, with its MBA (Specialization: Global Strategy and Leadership) in 30th. Canada’s premier business schools in this ranking enjoy strong international Reputations and Industry Engagement, with both McGill (Desautels) and University of British Columbia (Sauder) among the world’s top 20 in these indicators. 

United Kingdom 

The UK emerges in this edition as a hub for global trade courses, boasting four in the world’s top five.  

• The UK performs particularly well for Reputation. In this indicator, four UK business schools are among the world’s top 10. 

UK Business School in Top 10 for Reputation

• UK business schools achieve similar excellence in Industry Engagement, with the University of Oxford’s MBA, London Business School’s Global Masters in Management and Alliance Manchester Business School’s MSc in International Business and Management placing first, fourth and 10th in this indicator respectively.   

New Zealand & Australia 

• Six Australian business schools are ranked. The University of Sydney Business School places eighth globally for its Master of International Business, up 13 positions year-on-year and claiming the country’s only top 10 place. It enjoys a strong international reputation and high-quality teaching and pedagogy.  

• New Zealand’s highest rank belongs to The University of Auckland Business School’s Master of International Business, which comes 18th. Despite dropping 15 places year-on-year, it continues to demonstrate strong Research and Graduate Outcomes, placing 13th in each metric.  

Continental Europe 

QS ranks 29 business schools across 12 Continental European countries. France is the most represented country, with eight courses ranked. 

• IMD in Switzerland is Continental Europe’s highest ranked business school, placing third globally due to exceptional Trade Programme Content, in which it is a world leader.  

• Newly ranked CEMS in France come second in Continental Europe and is the region’s only other business school to place among the top 10. It boasts some of the world’s best industry partnerships and reputation, placing third globally in both these metrics. Similarly, it places second for Research. 

• Programme Content represents a strength for European business schools with five among the world’s top 10 in this indicator, including four of the top five. Spain and Switzerland stand out particularly in this area. 

World’s Top Five Business Schools for Trade Programme Content

• European business schools also boast exceptional Graduate Outcomes. In this indicator, five are among the world’s top 10, including the global leader, Excelia Business School in France. Excelia is followed closely by Athens University of Economics and Business for its MBA International, in third. 

• Similar success is seen in Innovative Teaching. Again, five are among the top 10, with three in the top five. UPF Barcelona School of Management is the world leader in this indicator, followed by Excelia in fourth and Spain’s ENAE Business School in fifth. 

Asia 

QS ranks 15 Asian business schools across seven countries/territories.  

• Tsinghua University’s School of Economics and Management is home to Asia’s best course for International Trade, with its Global MBA. It places 10th globally and is Asia’s only to place among the world’s top 20. It enjoys the region’s best international reputation, produces its best research, and boasts the strongest industry partnerships. 

• The University of Hong Kong’s Full-Time MBA is Asia’s second highest ranked course for International Trade, placing 26th globally thanks to delivering the strong Graduate Outcomes. Hong Kong SAR performs well in this indicator, with the region’s highest rank achieved by City University of Hong Kong for its MBA. 

• Asian business schools enjoy exceptional quality teaching and pedagogy, with three among the world’s top 10 for Innovative Teaching. City University of Hong Kong is a world leader, placing second for this indicator, followed by India’s Manav Rachna International University in sixth and Singapore’s S P Jain School of Global Management in seventh. 

QS International Trade Rankings 2025: Executive MBA programmes 

Overview 

QS’ comparative analysis of the world’s best Executive MBAs for International Trade features 30 programmes across 13 countries or territories. The US is the most represented country, with eight ranked programmes, followed by France with five and the UK with four.  

• The UK dominates the upper echelons of this ranking, with two of the three highest ranks. University of Cambridge Judge is the highest ranked, with its Global Executive MBA. It boasts the world’s best Industry Engagement and second-best international reputation, behind London Business School, which places third overall. 

• Georgia Institute of Technology (Scheller) comes second globally. It offers world-class Trade Programme Content, placing second for this metric, outperformed only by Skema Business School in France. 

QS International Trade Rankings 2025: Top 10 Executive MBAs

The QS International Trade Rankings will be expanded and refined through an annual iterative process and continued stakeholder engagement. The detailed methodology of the QS International Trade Rankings is available here.   

The full Rankings are available on www.TopUniversities.com  

-Ends- 

For interviews with QS’s analysts and experts please contact:     

Simona Bizzozero 
Communications Director
Quacquarelli Symonds  

[email protected] 

+44 (0) 7880 620 856 

Notes for Editors 

QS Quacquarelli Symonds        

QS Quacquarelli Symonds is the world’s leading provider of services, analytics, and insight to the global higher education sector, whose mission is to enable motivated people anywhere in the world to fulfil their potential through educational achievement, international mobility, and career development.       

Hinrich Foundation  

The Hinrich Foundation is an Asia-based philanthropic organization that works to advance mutually beneficial and sustainable global trade.  

We believe sustainable global trade strengthens relationships between nations and improves people’s lives. We support original research and education programs that build understanding and leadership in global trade. Our approach is independent, fact-based and objective.  

We are an authoritative source of knowledge, sharp analysis and fresh thinking for policymakers, business, media and scholars engaged in global trade.  

We are building a network of next-generation trade leaders by partnering with universities and corporations across global value chains. 

QS International Trade Rankings 

Global trade has been a driver of development and prosperity for decades. Yet, the trade sector is experiencing unprecedented challenges. If trade is to continue to provide economic and societal benefits for all, it must attract talented people who are equipped to deal with complexity, and drive policy and business decision-making. 

In support of this talent development goal, the Hinrich Foundation sponsors the QS International Trade Rankings. The Rankings are the only specialized ranking of graduate trade programmes globally.  

Through sponsoring the Rankings, the Hinrich Foundation aims to support students to identify programs that will secure them employment and accelerate their trade careers, enable companies to hire work-ready talent, and provide universities with comparability, recognition, and the means to enhance their global trade programs.  

To ensure the relevancy of the ranking criteria, the Foundation drew on its rich expertise in trade, and elicited input from a panel of trade professionals and graduate-level professors of practice.   

Among key recommendations are that a quality trade curriculum includes courses on cross-border trade, policy, logistics, international trade finance and cross-cultural leadership. Top programs have professors with rich industry experience, strong industry engagement and innovative teaching approaches.  

To discover the top graduate trade programs, visit the International Trade Rankings 

QS unveils the leading higher education systems preparing students and lifelong learners with in-demand skills for the next wave of industrial growth

London, Thursday 17th January 2025: The inaugural QS World Future Skills Index, measuring the global preparedness for the future skills economy, has launched. It benchmarks higher education systems and job markets around the world to identify where they excel and where improvements are necessary, especially for digital, green and AI skills.  

The Index, produced by higher education experts QS Quacquarelli Symonds, evaluates how well countries are equipped to meet the evolving demands of the international job market through four main points:  

• Skills Fit - how well the education system aligns with the needs of industry and employers  

• Academic Readiness - how well a country is positioned to deliver the skills necessary for future industries   

• Future of Work – the readiness of a country’s job market to recruit for the most in-demand skills of the future  

• Economic Transformation - how ready a country’s economy is to leverage the next wave of skills-led industrial growth  

QS analysed 81 countries and territories, deeming them Future Skills Pioneers, Contenders, Practitioners or Aspiring.

The Index shows how well countries and territories perform in each of the four indicators.  

Skills Fit —
Higher education systems in the UK and the United States are currently most aligned to employer needs, helping to close any skills gaps. While countries already scoring highly need to prepare to adapt for any changes in skills demands in the workplace, other higher education systems need to prioritise embedding creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking into their curricula and foster stronger collaborations with industry to better align education with workforce demands. 

Academic Readiness—
The UK “leads the way in academic readiness”, ahead of Germany, the Netherlands and Australia. Despite its great history of academic performance and research innovation, recent performance indicates a downward trajectory. Targeted higher education reforms and future-focused training that aligns skills with employer demands will strengthen competitiveness.  

Future of Work —
The United States leads on preparedness for jobs of the future, focusing on adaptability to technological and industrial changes, reflecting innovation, R&D investments and sustainable practices in education. Countries with high scores in this indicator need to ensure talent supply meets demand by utilising and improving their education systems and industry collaboration. Access to future-focused training and upskilling is also key, especially for countries and territories facing demographic shifts and ageing populations. 

India, alongside Mexico, is identified as the nation “most ready to recruit into digital roles,” according to the latest QS report.  

Economic Transformation — 

“With perfect scores in the three sub-indicators – Economic Capacity, Workforce Readiness and Future-Oriented Innovation and Sustainability – South Korea has the economy that is most ready for the next wave of industries and innovations,” the report states 

Additionally, Australia achieves a perfect score (100.00) in Workforce Readiness, one of the sub-indicators of Economic Transformation, which consists of unemployment rate, labour potential/talent availability and gross graduation ratio/higher education output. India, in turn, scores a perfect score in the Economic Capacity sub-indicator, measuring economic momentum, investment power, infrastructure investment and efficiency.  

Between 2017 and 2023 demand for green skills worldwide increased by 230%, AI skills by 200% and digital skills by 100%, data from QS 1Mentor has found.  Higher education institutions need to be able to provide the future skills that shifts in the labour market are looking for. This means aligning curricula closely with job market demands.

Matteo Quacquarelli, QS  Vice President of Strategy & Analytics, said:  

“The QS World Future Skills Index demonstrates that university systems are at different stages of preparing students with future skills. Countries that have historically led the world in higher education need to adapt to maintain their dominance or risk losing ground to competing countries or territories where innovation is happening at a fast pace.” 

The research undertaken by QS also measures the preparedness of key industries to embrace future skills. 

Quacquarelli added: “An area where stakeholders need to focus is around sustaining growth in AI, sustainability and digital industries. Investment in infrastructure, R&D and workforce capabilities is vital in this regard.” 

The analysis recommends that higher education providers:  

1. Establish lifelong and personalised learning paths for students  

1. Implement modularised learning, advancing curricula in alignment with the skills necessary for future innovation and aligning academia to industry needs  

1. Develop targeted international research partnerships aligned to local industry needs to drive research innovation and deliver economic growth  

In turn, governments in key study destinations should:  

1. Leverage the strength of higher education to attract international talent to fill short-term, high impact skills gaps within economies  

1. Introduce smart and targeted immigration policy to enable these high-skilled workers to contribute to society, gaining the work-based skills to thrive on returning home  

1. Connect industry and higher education’s capacity for research innovation and foster partnerships to drive economic stimulus and industrial diversification  

Quacquarelli continued: 

“Our analysis offers targeted recommendations for policymakers and higher education leaders, emphasising the need to strengthen essential skills, invest in critical sectors, and proactively address potential workforce shortages in emerging industries. “Currently, the demand for AI, green and digital skills is already outpacing supply. Without immediate action, this gap could widen, posing significant challenges for future economic growth.” 

For further information or to request interviews with QS’ analysts, please contact:      

Simona Bizzozero – Director of Communications            

[email protected]   

Viggo Stacey – PR Specialist  

[email protected]  

London, 12th December 2024: QS Quacquarelli Symonds has announced the overall, category and regional winners of the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2024. The announcement, made at the awards ceremony of the annual conference held in London, heralds the 11th edition of this highly contested global competition. The conference , sponsored by the American University of the Middle East, featured a prestigious lineup of speakers, including university chancellors, business school deans, chief learning officers, instructional designers, employers, policymakers, edtech innovators, investors, and sustainability champions. The awards honour pioneering pedagogical approaches that boost learning outcomes and employability, as well as effective methods of teaching sustainability, with a vision to equip over a billion learners worldwide for their future endeavours.

Photos of the conference and Awards ceremony can be found here: Full Photos | Powered by Box

Reflecting on the decade-long journey, QS President Nunzio Quacquarelli said, “The community of #Reimaginers we’ve fostered for the past eleven years is a testament to the enduring spirit of educational innovation. This initiative, co-founded with my colleague and mentor, Professor Jerry Wind of The Wharton School, has evolved into a formidable global movement. Our awards have cast a spotlight on projects that, with recognition, have secured funding and achieved growth. Each year, the conference sparks new collaborations and uncovers new partnership opportunities.”

Attracting over 1300 innovative submissions across 18 award categories, this year’s awards stand out not only for its record-breaking number of entries but also for their quality and diversity. The submissions were meticulously evaluated by a panel of  1300+ international judges, and a Grand Jury consisting of 50 global experts, showcasing the global appeal and prestige of the Reimagine Education Awards.

In a significant achievement, the Gold winner in the e-Learning category, ZNotes  was honoured with the Global EdTech Award, proudly sponsored by AWS. This award includes a valuable prize of US$25,000 in AWS Cloud credits. ZNotes is transforming education by leveling the playing field through its community-driven online platform. Offering free access to high-quality learning resources and peer-learning support, ZNotes has reached six million students worldwide. By addressing inequalities in high-stakes exams, the platform provides open-access digital tools that enhance K-12 learning, resources to upskill educators, and opportunities for high-achieving students to engage and contribute globally. With a thriving global community of over 45,000 members, ZNotes is fostering collaboration and empowerment in education on a global scale.

Zubair Junjunia, Founder of ZNotes, said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award. This milestone would not have been possible without my incredible team, mentors, and advisors who have been an integral part of this decade-long journey. To the millions of students who are at the heart of ZNotes, your belief in us inspires and drives our mission every day. Together, we strive to create a meaningful impact and make the world a better place.” ld.

Smart Forests, a project from the Brazilian university FACENS , Gold winner of the Sustainability Education – Action Award, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Gold winner of the Smart Omnichannel Campus Award with the project Engage, Empower, Excel: PolyU’s Smart Campus Innovation, are the joint winners of the
Global Education Award, proudly sponsored by The University of Sydney. The award includes a cash prize of US$ 25,000, which is shared between the two winners.

The Smart Forests Project unites students from four Brazilian universities across three regions in Brazil to develop sustainable solutions that protect forests and conserve biodiversity in the Amazon and Atlantic Forests. Focused on bioeconomic empowerment, the project enhances or creates new income opportunities for riverside communities. Students are selected, trained, and divided into teams to design replicable, accessible solutions, working closely with the communities. The project promotes environmental conservation, social equity, and economic resilience, with a commitment to open-source technologies and ongoing education through platforms like UniFlorestas, ensuring long-term, scalable impacts.

Vitor Belota, Head of Sustainability at FACENS University, commented: “Winning the Global Education Award is a transformative milestone for our project, which bridges students and local communities to promote sustainable development and protect the environment and its biodiversity. We hope this prestigious recognition will attract more partners, enabling us to expand the project, improve the lives of Amazon River communities, and empower more students to become changemakers and champions of sustainability.”

The Engage, Empower, Excel: PolyU’s Smart Campus Innovation, is an omnichannel solution to enhance learning and teaching through the “EEE” principles: Engage, Empower, and Excel. By integrating existing digital resources with innovative tools like generative AI (AIReAS) for real-time feedback and RFID Smart Tags for personalised, immersive experiences, the solution addresses students’ expectations for instant feedback, visual engagement, and multitasking support. This inclusive approach fosters interactive learning, co-creation, and internationalisation, while leveraging evidence-based evaluation to guide students toward excellence.

Dr. Wai Chi Rodney Chu, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Applied Social Sciences of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University remarked: “As educators, our primary focus is our students. Through this project, we strive to enhance collaboration with them to co-create an inclusive and impactful learning experience that drives strong learning outcomes. We deeply appreciate the recognition from QS and are immensely grateful to our students for the insights and inspiration they continuously offer.

Simona Bizzozero, Chair of the Reimagine Education Awards praised the quality and diversity of the submitted projects, saying, “We are constantly inspired by the ingenuity of our #Reimaginers, and by the impact or potential of their solutions and approaches. This year’s regional awards feature innovative projects that not only redefine the boundaries of educational excellence but also set a new standard for transformative learning experiences worldwide.”

Submissions for the 2025 Reimagine Education Awards will open on January 31^st and close on July 31^st.
For more information, please contact:

Simona Bizzozero
Chair, QS Reimagine Education Awards
+447880620856
[email protected]

Asia’s Best Universities Revealed 

QS Quacquarelli Symonds has released the 16th edition of the QS World University Rankings: Asia, featuring 984 universities across 25 countries/territories.  

Peking University comes first while The University of Hong Kong takes second with National University of Singapore in fourth. 

India is the most represented country, with 193 ranked universities, followed by Mainland China (135) and Japan (115). 

Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, said: “This ranking features a record number of Asian universities. It reflects a flourishing and intensely competitive higher education ecosystem while providing insights for students and policymakers.” 

Overview  

• China leads Asian higher education with the most top-10 universities. Fudan University climbs into the top-5. 

• India excels in research productivity. IIT Delhi now ranks 44th, surpassing IIT Bombay, which slips to 48th. 

• Indonesia achieves the greatest growth, adding 30 new universities. Universitas Indonesia climbs to 46th. 

• Hong Kong SAR sees a 45% improvement rate, with gains in resources, productivity and international students. 

• Malaysian research shines. Thirty-two of its 38 previously ranked universities climb the table in Citations per Paper.  

• Philippine academic reputation rises, with 15 of 16 previously ranked universities improving in this indicator. University of the Philippines ranks highest at 86th. 

• Singapore is Asia’s most concentrated hub of higher education excellence. It produces exceptional research with three universities among the top-10 in Citations per Paper. 

• Six South Korean universities are among the region’s top 20, more than any other country/territory. 

• Thailand improves in research. Chulalongkorn University retains the highest rank, placing 47th. 

• Japan’s premier university, The University of Tokyo, remains Asia’s most well-regarded among international academics and employers. 

Methodology

Best Universities in the Arab Region Revealed 

London, 18th October 2024: QS Quacquarelli Symonds, global higher education analyst, has today released the 11th edition of the QS World University Rankings: Arab Region.

The 2025 edition is the largest ever, spanning 20 Arabic countries and analysing 246 of the region’s best universities. This year, Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals retains the number one spot while Qatar University climbs to second, overtaking King Saud University, also Saudi, which comes third. 

The ranking covers countries that are part of the Arab League, including countries in Africa and the Middle East. Egypt is the most represented country in the rankings, with 36 featured universities. It is followed by Saudi Arabia with 34 and Iraq with 32. 

Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, said: “The Arab region is steadily enhancing its academic standing, driven by a flourishing network of international partnerships and increasingly impactful research that boosts its global reputation. While no universities have entered or dropped out of the top 10, the overall landscape is more dynamic, marked by notable shifts that highlight the region’s vibrant and evolving higher education systems.” 

Sowter added: “This year’s rankings feature a record number of Arabic universities, underscoring the growing competition for academic excellence. These rankings provide prospective students, faculty, and policymakers with a detailed, data-driven perspective to inform decisions and benchmark success.” 

QS World University Rankings: Arab Region Overview  

• Egyptian universities excel in cross-border collaboration, with more of them placing among the top 50 for International Research Network than any other country. The American University in Cairo is its highest ranked university overall while Cairo University boasts the Arab Region’s second-best Academic Reputation. Only KAU is held in higher regard. 

• Iraq is the most improved country. Twelve of its universities climb the table while two drop and 10 remain stable in their ranks or bands. The University of Baghdad remains its best university and its only institution to place among the region’s top 50. 

• Jordan boasts one of the region’s highest levels of teaching expertise, with more universities among the top 50 for Staff with a PhD than any other country. It is also home to one of the region’s most international student populations, with more universities in the top 50 for International Students than any other country. 

• Morocco also boasts exceptional staff expertise, achieving the highest average score in the Staff with a PhD indicator. Three of the Arab Region’s 10 best universities in this metric are Moroccan. Université Ibn Tofail is the country’s top performer in this indicator, placing sixth, while Université Mohammed V de Rabat is the country’s top university overall, ranking 95th. 

• While only two Qatari universities are ranked, both perform exceptionally, with Qatar University climbing to second overall thanks to a growing international reputation alongside outstanding research. Hamad Bin Khalifa University remains in the top 20, despite dropping five positions to 18th. Impressively, it tops the table in three metrics, more than any other individual university. 

• Saudi Arabia is among the Arab Region’s best higher education systems, boasting two universities in the top three. This success is driven by outstanding research, collaboration, and international reputation. In both Citations per Paper, Papers per Faculty, and International Research Network, four Saudi universities are in the top 10, more than any other country. Meanwhile, a Saudi university tops four of QS’ 10 indicators, again, more than any other country. 

• The United Arab Emirates dominates QS’ internationalisation indicators. Eight of its universities are in the top ten for International Faculty, including the seven highest ranked, while six are in the top 10 in International Students, including the two highest ranked. Al Ain University and University of Dubai are tied in first place for International Faculty, while American University in Dubai tops International Students. 

Methodology            

Detailed methodological information can be found at QS Arab Region Rankings – QS Quacquarelli Symonds   

-ENDS-   

Notes for Editors      

For further information or to request interviews with QS’ analysts, please contact:      

Simona Bizzozero – Director of Communications              

[email protected]       

William Barbieri – Communications Manager              

[email protected]           

Revealed: Best Universities in Latin America and The Caribbean 

Brazil dominates, Ecuador rises, Chile shines 

London, 3rd October 2024: QS Quacquarelli Symonds, global higher education analyst, has today released the fourteenth edition of the QS World University Rankings: Latin America.  

The 2025 edition spans 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, analysing 437 of the region’s best universities.  

This year, the top four remains unchanged. Universidade de São Paulo (USP) takes the region’s highest rank, followed by Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC) in second, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) in third and Tecnológico de Monterrey in fourth. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro climbs from eighth to fifth.  

Brazil is the most represented country in the rankings, with 96 featured universities. It is followed by Mexico with 63 and Colombia with 61.  

Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, said: “The latest QS Latin America and Caribbean University Rankings 2025 reinforce a stable hierarchy in the region’s higher education, with no new entries in the top 20 or the top three. Brazil continues to lead, with institutions like Universidade de São Paulo excelling in research output, cross border collaboration and academic reputation.” 

Sowter added: “However, higher education in the region continues to face challenges related to investment, access, and resource availability. Calls for increased funding to address these issues have been growing across the region, as many universities face budget deficits and staffing challenges. Meanwhile, initiatives to enhance internationalisation and regional cooperation—aimed at strengthening the global competitiveness of Latin American and Caribbean universities in an evolving and increasingly interconnected educational environment—remain somewhat limited.” 

QS World University Rankings: Latin America Overview 

• Brazil dominates the rankings, boasting three of the region’s five highest ranked universities, including the top ranked, USP. USP’s success is underpinned by exceptional research output and international collaboration. 

• Chile shines for research volume and cross-border collaboration, achieving the region’s highest average score in both these indicators. Its premier university, UC places second overall and is the region’s most well-regarded institution among international employers. 

• Colombia shines in QS’ Employer Reputation indicator. Three of its universities are among the region’s top 10 in this metric, more than any other country, including the national leader, Universidad de los Andes, which places seventh overall. 

• Cuba is the top performing Caribbean country. Of the Caribbean’s five highest ranked universities, three are Cuban, including the national leader, Universidad de La Habana, in 42nd. 

• Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) in Dominican Republic produces highly influential research, according to Citations per Paper, in which it is the region’s top performing university. It places in the 171-180 band overall. 

• Ecuador is the most improved country, among those with five or more ranked institutions. Of its 23 ranked universities, 13 (57%) climb and two (9%) drop while seven (31%) remain stable in their ranks or bands. One ranks for the first time. Its highest ranked university, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), climbs seven positions into 45th. 

• In Mexico, Tecnológico de Monterrey is the highest ranked university, placing fourth overall thanks to high-quality, influential research and good employer reputation. UNAM, meanwhile, is Latin America’s most well-renowned university among academics. 

• Universidad de Puerto Rico is the Caribbean’s highest ranked university, coming 41st thanks to research collaboration, citations and staff expertise. 

Methodology 

Detailed methodological information can be found at QS Latin America & Caribbean University Rankings Methodology | Top Universities 

-ENDS-   

Notes for Editors     

For further information or to request interviews with QS’ analysts, please contact:     

Simona Bizzozero – Director of Communications             

[email protected]      

William Barbieri – Communications Manager             

[email protected]          

World’s Best Business Schools Revealed

London, 25th September 2024: QS Quacquarelli Symonds, global business school and higher education analyst, has today released its annual suite of rankings identifying the world’s top study destinations for aspiring business leaders.

The QS Global MBA and Business Master’s Rankings 2025 spans 58 countries and territories, analysing the world’s 340 best global MBAs and a series of specialised high-demand Business Master’s Rankings, including Master’s in Management, Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, and Supply Chain Management.

The United States continues to dominate the upper echelon of the MBA table, with all three top spots occupied by US business schools. For the fifth consecutive year, Stanford GSB’s MBA is named the world’s #1, while The Wharton School remains second, followed by Harvard Business School in third. Stanford GSB’s superiority is underpinned by the world’s best Alumni Outcomes alongside exceptional Graduate Employability.

Global MBA Ranking: Overview

• Asia’s best MBA provider is the National University of Singapore Business School, which ranks 25th, globally. It performs excellently in QS’ Employability indicator, where it achieves Asia’s highest score. It is also among the region’s top performers in Alumni Outcomes and Thought Leadership.
• In Canada, Toronto (Rotman) remains the highest-ranked MBA, placing 39th globally and the only Canadian business school in the world’s top 50. It is the national leader for Employability, Thought Leadership, and Diversity.
• China’s highest-ranked full-time MBA program is offered by Tsinghua University, which places 29th. It is Asia’s second highest-ranked MBA due to its Thought Leadership, Employability, and Return on Investment.
• Driven by Europe’s highest score for Thought Leadership and outstanding Alumni Outcomes and Return on Investment, HEC Paris boasts Continental Europe’s best MBA, ranking 6th globally. It is followed by IE Business School in Spain, ranking 9th overall.
• EGADE Business School in Mexico ranks 56th, taking Latin America’s highest position. It enjoys the region’s best Alumni Outcomes and Thought Leadership scores. Costa Rica’s INCAE Business School is home to Latin America’s only other MBA in the global top 100, placing 95th thanks to its strong Employability.
• AUB (Suliman S. Olayan) in Lebanon is the Arab Region’s best full-time MBA provider. It ranks 79th globally. This rank is underpinned by exceptional Return on Investment and Alumni Outcomes.
• Melbourne Business School is the national leader in Australia and home to Oceania’s best MBA program. It ranks 32nd globally thanks to world-class Thought Leadership and the region’s best score for Employability and Return on Investment. It is followed closely by UNSW (AGSM) in 33rd.
• In the United Kingdom, London Business School takes the highest rank, placing fifth globally. It boasts the world’s third highest score for Employability and is among the world’s top five in Alumni Outcomes and Thought Leadership.

World’s Best Specialised Business Master’s

• HEC Paris tops the global rankings for two master’s programs, including Master’s in Management, and Master’s in Marketing.
• Oxford (Said) tops the table in Master’s in Finance, in which it is the world leader in Employability, Alumni Outcomes and Thought Leadership.
• MIT Sloan provides the world’s foremost Master in Business Analytics, boasting world-class Alumni Outcomes and Employability.
• The global leader for Master’s in Supply Chain Management is Michigan (Ross). It enjoys excellent Employability, Alumni Outcomes and Value for Money.

QS President Nunzio Quacquarelli said: “The QS Graduate Management Education rankings offer independent insights for career-driven students navigating the global business education landscape. By providing a detailed compara