April 26, 2015, 2:49 p.m. – THE LONDON-based consultancy
Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS) has given the University of Santo Tomas four out of
five stars in its “Stars University Rating,” the first such rating
for a Philippine university.
According to the QS Top Universities’ website, a university
with a four-star rating is “highly international, demonstrating excellence
in both research and teaching, and provides an excellent environment for
students and faculty.”
UST recorded a perfect five-star rating in four out the
eight criteria, namely: employability, facilities, engagement, and access; four
stars in the teaching category; three stars in internationalization; and one
star for specialist criteria and research. UST was the sole Philippine
institution to be rated.
“UST graduates consistently and yearly dominate the top ten
in courses with board exams (Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy,
Physical Therapy, Engineering, Architecture, Accountancy, Education, etc.).
This proves the University’s superior academic programs,” said QS Top
Universities website. “UST has produced national heroes, church martyrs,
renowned scientists, national artists, internationally renowned business people
and athletes, prominent doctors, 4 presidents of the Philippines, 3 vice
presidents and 6 Chief Justices.”
The new QS rating system evaluates an institution against
over 50 different indicators, and awards universities between one and five+
stars over eight wider fields, as well as an overall rating, apart from the
yearly QS world and Asian rankings. With this rating system, QS aims to give
students an additional tool for choosing a university.
In 2014, UST ranked 141st in the Asian University Rankings,
and 701st in the World University Rankings. Arianne F. Merez
