University of Hertfordshire Awarded 5 Stars in QS Stars Rating System

University of Hertfordshire Awarded 5 Stars in QS Stars Rating System – A Testament to Excellence and Innovation

Hertfordshire International College proudly celebrates alongside the University of Hertfordshire as it secures 5 Stars overall in the prestigious QS Stars Rating System, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward global academic excellence.

On 10 April 2025, the University of Hertfordshire (UH) earned 5 Stars overall in the latest QS Stars university ratings, a recognition that underscores the university’s commitment to excellence in education, innovation, and student experience. The accolade, awarded by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) – the global authority behind the QS World University Rankings – reflects a strong performance across a broad spectrum of evaluation criteria.

What is the QS Stars Rating System?

The QS Stars Rating System is a comprehensive and globally respected framework that evaluates universities individually rather than comparing them to others. Unlike traditional rankings, which pit institutions against one another, QS Stars assesses universities based on a fixed set of performance indicators, giving each institution a rating from 0 to 5+ stars.

The system provides prospective students with a more detailed and personalized insight into a university’s strengths – such as teaching quality, employability, facilities, and inclusiveness – rather than just overall academic prestige. It’s an invaluable tool for students looking to align their educational goals with the right institution.

UH’s 5-Star Achievement

UH’s 5-Star rating is based on a comprehensive evaluation, where it earned an impressive 779 out of 1000 points. The university received five stars in seven key categories:

• Teaching: 110/150

• Facilities: 99/100

• Employability: 137/150

• Governance: 81/100

• Environmental Impact: 77/100

• Global Engagement: 125/150

• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI): 45/50

These scores reflect UH’s dedication to providing a world-class learning environment, fostering global connections, and promoting inclusivity in every aspect of university life.

Professor Quintin McKellar CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, remarked:

“We are thrilled with the results of our QS Stars evaluation. These outstanding scores are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and students. As a modern, dynamic, and enterprising university, it was particularly rewarding to score 99 out of 100 for our facilities – demonstrating our commitment to innovation and student success.”

Hertfordshire International College: Proud Partners in Progress

Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is proud to be part of this journey, working closely with UH to support students from around the world. HIC plays a crucial role in preparing international students for successful undergraduate and postgraduate studies at UH, offering a supportive pathway through tailored academic and English language programs.

As UH continues to rise in global recognition, HIC remains a key contributor to its international outlook, sharing in the university’s mission to deliver inclusive, high-quality education and to address global challenges through impactful research and enterprise.

Looking Ahead: Strategy 2025–2030

UH’s ambitions don’t stop here. Over the next five years, it aims to:

• Become a top 50 university in UK league tables

• Improve graduate outcomes and research excellence

• Rank in the top 25% for student satisfaction and knowledge exchange

• Continue progress toward becoming net zero by 2050

These bold goals are outlined in the university’s newly launched Strategy 2025–2030, positioning UH as a beacon of modern higher education.