QS higher education insights library

The Middle East is undergoing a significant transition from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy (KBE). This shift, while promising, is fraught with challenges including educational shortcomings and socio-economic barriers. Countries like the UAE are making strides in this area, investing in infrastructure and innovative initiatives. However, many nations in the region struggle with issues such as lack of transparency, limited internet access, and women's rights restrictions. The COVID-19 pandemic has also prompted new approaches to education, potentially improving outcomes in the MENA region.

A recent QS survey highlights the impact of the UK government's announcement on home fee status for EU students. With 20% planning to start their studies earlier, the research indicates a potential surge in EU student numbers despite the ongoing health crisis. Notably, 64% of respondents were unaware of the fee changes, raising concerns about communication strategies among UK universities. Insights from QS and Universities UK International emphasize the importance of clear messaging to prospective students.

The first week of university is crucial for students to establish friendships and learn about their institution. With the coronavirus crisis impacting traditional orientation weeks, universities are finding creative ways to engage students through virtual platforms. This article explores how institutions are adapting their approaches to ensure students receive a memorable introduction to their academic journey, including online sessions, social events, and innovative safety measures.

This article explores strategies for institutions to enhance attendance and engagement at virtual student recruitment events. It outlines three key steps: reaching out to registered students, leveraging multimedia resources, and ensuring effective follow-up communication. By implementing these strategies, institutions can create a more engaging experience for prospective students, ultimately leading to better recruitment outcomes.

This article emphasizes the importance of encouraging students to spend time in nature, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. It discusses the benefits of nature for creativity, health, and stress reduction, highlighting the need for universities to find innovative ways to motivate students to engage with the outdoors. The content also references studies that demonstrate the positive impact of nature on mental well-being and environmental awareness.

The Erasmus+ program is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing international education opportunities for students and staff. However, the increasing number of participants has led to a rise in administrative burdens and paperwork. This article outlines the five key steps involved in the Erasmus+ process, highlighting the challenges faced by students and international office staff, and discusses the Erasmus Without Paper initiative aimed at streamlining these processes.

This article discusses the significant impact of online learning on university admissions, particularly during the coronavirus crisis. It highlights the need for admissions offices to adapt to new digital processes and explore international student recruitment opportunities. The piece emphasizes the benefits of online education, including flexibility for students and the potential for institutions to broaden their appeal and increase enrollments.

This content discusses the effects of the Trump administration's international student visa policy on prospective students and their views on the US's pandemic response. A recent survey indicates that 39% of students are less interested in studying in the US due to the policy, while many are now seeking programs with guaranteed in-person instruction. The findings highlight changing attitudes towards the US as a study destination amidst ongoing global challenges.

Recent QS research highlights how universities are responding to the COVID-19 crisis with various safety measures as they prepare to reopen campuses. Key findings include that 86% of institutions are ensuring social distancing, while 83% are installing hand-gel stations. The report also reveals predictions about the reopening timeline and the mixed responses regarding teaching methods, emphasizing a blended learning approach for the upcoming academic year.

This article explores how universities can reduce waste and become more environmentally friendly. It discusses energy efficiency, material waste management, and strategies to minimize food waste. The content emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable practices and provides examples of successful initiatives from various institutions.

This content discusses the importance of universities supporting students with anxiety disorders, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the challenges faced by students, the rise in anxiety levels among Generation Z, and the need for institutions to provide effective mental health services. The article also offers examples of successful initiatives and emphasizes the responsibility of universities to ensure student well-being.

The Erasmus+ program, launched in 1987, has become a cornerstone of student mobility in Europe, offering numerous benefits such as improved language skills and employability. However, it also presents challenges for staff, including increased workloads and reliance on manual processes. The Erasmus Without Paper initiative aims to address these issues, making the program more efficient and accessible for all participants.

The coronavirus crisis has profoundly affected medical education, prompting a shift towards online learning and the integration of new technologies. This article explores the challenges and opportunities that arise from these changes, including the emotional toll on healthcare professionals and the economic implications for the medical industry. As institutions adapt to this new reality, the future of medical education is likely to be transformed, emphasizing the importance of data utilization and innovative teaching methods.

This content explores the impact of the coronavirus crisis on prospective international students across various fields such as Business, Medicine, and Engineering. Key insights reveal that Business and Management students are most affected, while Medicine and Dentistry students show the least disruption. The findings are detailed in a QS white paper, which also discusses preferences for online learning versus in-person lectures, highlighting the need for universities to adapt their teaching methods.

As the academic year approaches, many institutions are preparing for the possibility of extended campus closures, requiring students to adapt to online learning. This article discusses the challenges faced by students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and offers solutions for institutions to support them. Key areas of focus include providing necessary equipment, funding options, and creating effective study environments to ensure all students can thrive in a remote learning setting.

The QS EMBA Rankings 2020 have been released, showcasing the top Executive MBA programs globally. Penn (Wharton) retains its top position, followed by IESE Business School and HEC Paris. This year's rankings include 161 programs, marking the largest release yet. Explore the full list and insights into the best EMBA options available.

This article discusses the New York Institute of Technology's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on their transition to remote learning. It features insights from university leaders on operational changes, communication strategies, and the impact on student engagement and support services.

This article discusses the increasing importance of Clearing for UK universities, highlighting trends in student enrollment and expectations. With a significant rise in students using Clearing, especially post-COVID-19, universities must adapt to meet these demands. The piece references a new white paper that offers insights into optimizing Clearing processes and addresses the challenges of high student expectations for response times.

Explore the QS 2021 Top 50 Under 50 Rankings, showcasing the best universities established in the last 50 years. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) retains its top position, followed by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and KAIST. This report highlights the dynamic nature of young universities and their rankings, which change annually as institutions age.

Online learning has become crucial for universities during the coronavirus crisis, allowing them to function effectively. This article explores how online education can benefit institutions in the long term, highlighting its flexibility and the ability to reach international students. With 98% of US institutions moving classes online, the trend is accelerating, presenting new opportunities for student recruitment and engagement.

As higher education institutions worldwide prepare to reopen their campuses, they face numerous challenges and considerations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey indicates that a significant majority of UK universities plan to offer in-person teaching. This report discusses various strategies for reopening, including staggered class times, blended learning approaches, and the importance of mental health support for students. Institutions must adapt to ensure safety while providing quality education.

This article discusses how international offices can effectively manage student mobilities during incidents or emergencies. It outlines essential questions for crisis preparedness and provides five key recommendations, including identifying at-risk students, proactive communication, collecting emergency information, and improving reporting. The content emphasizes the importance of timely communication and the use of tools like MoveON to support international officers in ensuring student safety and well-being.

The QS coronavirus survey reveals that 42% of prospective international students wish to start their studies in 2020, with 40% looking to begin in 2021. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, many students remain determined to study abroad. The report highlights the importance of clear communication from institutions and shows that 75% of students are willing to start their studies online for a limited time. For more insights, download the full white paper.

University students can greatly benefit from adopting a healthy lifestyle. This blog discusses how institutions can encourage students to improve their physical and emotional well-being through sports, exercise, and access to nutritious food. It highlights the importance of healthy habits for academic success and social engagement, especially during challenging times like the coronavirus pandemic.

This blog explores the impact of negative press on universities and offers strategies for managing their reputation. It highlights the importance of timely responses, effective communication, and proactive measures to mitigate damage. The content includes insights from studies on the effects of scandals on student applications and provides actionable steps for institutions to take when faced with bad press.

The 2021 QS World University Rankings reveal the leading universities globally, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) maintaining its top position for the ninth consecutive year. Stanford University and Harvard University follow in second and third place. The rankings also show notable movements, such as the California Institute of Technology rising to fourth place. Discover the full list of the top ten institutions and insights from the rankings.

This report explores the challenges and strategies for international offices in Latin America to enhance their global engagement and partnerships. It highlights insights from a QS survey, revealing the need for standardized processes, increased staffing, and better tools for managing international collaborations. Key objectives include comprehensive internationalization and improving mobility for students. The findings emphasize the importance of effective communication and evaluation of partnerships.

The coronavirus crisis has significantly increased the demand for online learning in higher education. Institutions are realizing that online education is not just a temporary solution but a vital part of the future. This article outlines steps institutions can take to enhance their online learning capacity, including conducting assessments, increasing engagement, and providing essential student services online.

This article outlines five key recommendations for international offices to strengthen their partnerships during crises. It emphasizes the importance of having a crisis management plan, sharing partner information, collaborating with partners, tracking performance, and identifying new strategic partners. The recommendations aim to help institutions navigate challenges and maintain effective international partnerships while ensuring student support.

This article discusses how higher education institutions can navigate the challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis. It emphasizes the importance of immediate issue resolution, effective risk management, and strategic planning for future complications. Institutions are encouraged to gather reliable data and insights to inform their strategies, ensuring they are well-prepared for long-term impacts while maintaining safety and quality in educational delivery.

This article discusses how institutions can support students facing the challenges of completing large research projects and dissertations. It emphasizes the importance of effective communication, efficient planning, and sustainable study habits. The piece also highlights the impact of the coronavirus crisis on students' ability to complete their coursework and offers strategies for maintaining motivation and engagement during this challenging process.

Explore three diverging futures that could reshape the UK’s global education position by 2030.