There are about 17,500 universities in the world. Rankings typically cover just 1-3% of them. Despite this relatively small sample, university ranking has become an important tool for institutions seeking to attract students and boost their visibility. Rankings are also useful for educators and researchers, helping them to identify the most reputable institutions based on their research output, and thus potentially providing opportunities for collaboration.
But the landscape of ranking systems is changing, with a greater focus on transparency and inclusivity. Newer rankings like UNIRANKS are taking a fresh approach to university ranking, using a variety of data sources to provide a more holistic picture of a university. This allows them to highlight not just academic excellence, but student experiences and employability.
But despite their importance, rankings should be weighed alongside other factors when choosing a university. For example, location, language of instruction and specific program offerings are important considerations for international students. Many students, especially those from developing countries, prioritize these criteria when weighing their choice of university. As such, it is crucial to remember that rankings can be misleading.
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