University rankings: what they mean and how to use them

Think rankings are the full story? They’re not. Rankings give a quick snapshot of research power and reputation, but they miss a lot that matters to you: course content, cost, campus life, and local job connections. Use rankings as one tool, not the only tool.

How rankings are made

Major lists—QS, Times Higher Education (THE), ARWU and Webometrics—use different methods. Common measures include research output (papers and citations), academic reputation surveys, student-to-staff ratios, international outlook and employer reputation. Some place heavy weight on research and citations; others score teaching or industry links more highly. That’s why a university can rise in one table and fall in another.

Subject rankings also exist. A school ranked low overall can be excellent in engineering, medicine, or business. If you care about a specific field, check subject lists, faculty profiles and recent research in that area.

How to use rankings when choosing a university

Start with the metrics that match your priorities. Want a strong research lab? Look for citation and research funding figures. Want a job after graduation? Look at employer reputation, internship partnerships and alumni outcomes. Want affordable study? Compare tuition, scholarships and living costs rather than just rank number.

For students in Africa, remember that global lists tend to favour institutions with long research histories and large publication volumes. That often puts universities in South Africa, Egypt and a few other countries higher on global tables. Still, many rising African universities offer strong programs, regional networks and lower costs—so check local accreditation, employer ties and alumni success.

Practical checks to do:

- Read the ranking methodology. If teaching matters to you, avoid a list that mostly measures citations.

- Compare subject rankings and faculty CVs. Look at recent papers, labs, and industry projects.

- Ask for graduate outcome stats or LinkedIn career traces for alumni in your field.

- Visit campus or join virtual open days. A short tour reveals teaching style, facilities and student life.

- Check scholarships, living cost, visa rules and language of instruction.

Don’t ignore reputation entirely—employers and grad programs do notice rankings—but don’t treat a single number as fate. A well-chosen program at a lower-ranked university can beat a misplaced choice at a top-ranked school.

Want fresh data? Follow reputable sources: QS, Times Higher Education, ARWU, and national accreditation bodies. Use multiple lists and dig into the numbers that matter for your career path. On Ginger Apple News, use the "university rankings" tag to find updates about African higher education, changes in rankings, and stories about research and policy that affect students across the continent.

Make decisions from facts and visits, not just a leaderboard. That’s how you pick a place that fits your goals, not just your expectations.