THE UNIVERSITY has been recognized as the leading Philippine institution in international rankings at the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHEd) 2024 Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards.
UST received the award from the International Affairs Service on Dec. 17 for achieving the most placements in CHEd-accredited international ranking bodies, which included the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE), and the World University Rankings (WUR).
The commission recognized UST’s rankings this year, as follows:
- QS World University Rankings – 851-900 bracket
- QS Asia University Rankings – No. 181
- THE World University Rankings – 1,501+ bracket
- THE Asia University Rankings – 601+ bracket
- THE Impact Rankings – 601-800 bracket
- WUR for Innovation – No. 217
Asst. Prof. Nestor Ong, head of UST’s QS/THE Rankings, attributed the feat to the University’s efforts toward enhancing research quality and international collaborations.
“UST has implemented several strategic initiatives, including enhancing its research output and quality, expanding international collaborations, and achieving international accreditations and certifications,” Ong told the Varsitarian.
“These efforts have significantly contributed to its consistent placement in various international rankings,” he added.
Ong received the certificate of commendation and trophy given by CHEd Chairman J. Prospero de Vera III, CHEd Regional Director for the National Capital Region Julietta Paras, and Commissioners Ethel Agnes Valenzuela and Shirley Agrupis.
UST also became the top Philippine school in the inaugural edition of the THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings (251-300 bracket). It was the lone school in the country to earn a placement in the THE Online Learning Rankings (silver).
UST figured in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings (1,041-1,060 bracket), AppliedHE Southeast Asian Private University Rankings (No. 11), and Webometrics Ranking of World Universities (No. 2,377).
It was recognized for earning a rank in the THE World University Rankings for the first time in 11 years.
Ong said the University expects stiffer competition from universities in the Philippines and abroad in the coming years, underscoring the need for continuous evolution in teaching and research.
“UST anticipates challenges such as increasing competition from both local and international universities, the need for continuous improvement in research quality, and adapting to evolving educational standards and technologies,” he said.
This marks the third consecutive year in which UST received the ICONS Award for rankings. It was also feted this year’s ICONS Awards for Asean University Network-Quality Assurance, which it first received in 2023.
