Rankings provide valuable and legitimate evidence of a university’s academic excellence, research relevance, and overall student satisfaction. For both domestic and international students, rankings are often a key factor in deciding where to apply. International students, in particular, rely on rankings as a trusted source to evaluate universities as most of them are not able to visit in person. In fact, 23.5% of prospective students have stated that institutional ranking was the most important factor in their university choice, with QS Rankings being one of the most trusted sources globally.
What are the QS Rankings?
Established in 2004, the QS World University Rankings are an annual evaluation of the world’s top universities featuring 1,503 institutions across 104 locations. These rankings are designed to help students make informed comparisons between leading institutions globally. Using six key performance indicators, QS assesses universities in four critical areas: research, teaching, employability, and internationalisation. Known for its comprehensive approach, QS is one of the most respected, reliable, objective and transparent rankings in the world.
Why is it important for you?
The impact of rankings extends well beyond graduation. Alumni benefit from a university’s strong global standing:
- It boosts the value of your degrees and research
- Empowers your CVs, giving you a competitive edge in the job market
- Opens doors for high-level networking and professional growth opportunities
Many employers consider university rankings when assessing candidates, particularly for entry-level roles or internships, though this may vary by industry and employer.
Thanks to rankings, Sheffield has been in the global spotlight repeatedly. Each recognition is a reason for celebration among students, alumni, academics and other stakeholders. These accomplishments not only enhance the University’s reputation but help attract research funding, industry collaborations and global talent. This, in turn, fuels innovation and ensures that your University remains a diverse, dynamic and talented community ready to tackle both today’s issues and the challenges of tomorrow. Here are just some of this year’s achievements…
- Voted University of the Year, Best Students' Union and Best Student Life at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) 2024
- #1 Russell Group University in the UK in the National Student Survey (NSS) for the second year in a row
- #1 Russell Group University for student experience and student support by the Daily Mail University Guide
- #2 for University of the Year 2025 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide
- #10 in the UK and top in the North of England for the second successive year by the Daily Mail University Guide
- #14 best University in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide
- #18 in the UK and #2 in Yorkshire and Humber in the 2025 Complete University Guide
- #19 in the QS Rankings - Northern Europe
- #24 globally for social and environmental sustainability in the latest QS Rankings
- #20 in The Guardian’s University Guide 2025
- #98 globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Helping is easier than you think
You might be surprised to learn that QS looks to alumni like you to help shape their final ranking results. With their goal of providing students worldwide an independent, data-driven tool for choosing the right university, who better to offer insights than those who have lived the experience? As a Sheffield alum, you can contribute in two important ways.
Are you an academic or involved in hiring decisions?
You can directly influence the QS Rankings! If you have knowledge of academic excellence in higher education, are involved in teaching or research, or have been involved in hiring decisions at an organisation (or you have done so in the past), you could be part of the select group that helps shape QS Ranking results. To participate, first update your contact and employment details with us if you haven’t done so recently. If our records indicate you meet one other above criteria, you'll receive an email from the University asking you to consent to take part in the Employer Reputation or Academic Reputation survey. After agreeing, QS will contact you via rankings@qs.com between February and March 2025 with the link to complete the survey.
We see a high quality of students. We end up hiring a high proportion of UoS students each year. There are no favours. When we take them to interviews or they come to our assessment centres, they simply perform very well."
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Do you want to make an impact but not sure how? Consider applying for the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards to raise awareness about your work, expand your network, boost your CV and more.
Have you recently won an international award or joined an organisation’s board?
At Sheffield, we love celebrating every achievement from our graduates. Your successes not only inspire the Sheffield community but also reflect the impact of your university experience. QS recognises this through their Alumni Impact metric, which evaluates how well universities equip graduates to make meaningful contributions to society both locally and globally. They look at accomplishments like winning prestigious awards, serving on corporate boards, holding political office, or leading global NGOs. Just by building a successful and inspiring career, you showcase the strength of a Sheffield education—something QS acknowledges.
You are one of the many reasons Sheffield shines. By sharing, celebrating, and amplifying your University’s breakthroughs, news, and achievements, you help us put Sheffield in the global spotlight—and for that, we thank you.