RAMALLAH, June 11, 2018 (WAFA) - Birzeit University (BZU), located north of the West Bank city of Ramallah, was ranked by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), in its 2019 World University Rankings, in the top 2.7% of universities worldwide, making it the only Palestinian university to be included in the 2019 rankings, according to a BZU press release.
This is the second year in a row BZU is ranked as one of the top universities worldwide and one of the leading universities in the Arab world. Last year it was classified in the top 3% of higher education institutions in the world.
QS World University Rankings is known as one of the top three most respected international university rankings. It is published annually both in regional and international formats by Quacquarelli Symonds – a prominent British company specializing in higher education.
Per the 2019 edition of the rankings, Birzeit University was able to claim a leading spot among the 26,000 universities surveyed, securing a position in the 801-1000 range, which included universities from 85 countries around the world.
The ranking methodology is based on six metrics that are weighted differently: Academic Reputation, which has the highest weight allotted (40 percent); Faculty/Student Ratio (20 percent); Employer Reputation (10 percent); Citations per Faculty (20 percent); International Student Ratio (5 percent); and International Faculty Ratio (5 percent). The university was able to surpass its local counterparts in all metrics.
Abdullatif Abuhijleh, the president of Birzeit University, congratulated the university’s community on this achievement and applauded the efforts that distinguish Birzeit University.
He said that despite the extraordinary circumstances facing Palestine which the ability of Palestinian universities to compete on some ranking metrics – such as the International Student Ratio and International Faculty Ratio – Birzeit University will always pursue its mission of advancing education and research efforts in Palestine and strengthening its engagement with the community.
“University rankings give us a numeric value by which we can gauge the university’s performance and further increase our efforts,” Abuhijleh noted. “Being named among the top 2.7% of universities in the world reflects Birzeit University’s stature as a hub for science, and inspires the university’s community to further excel in all fields of knowledge.”
Hanan Ashrawi, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and member of BZU Board of Trustees, also congratulated the University for making the QS Rankings for the second year in a row.
"This recognition secures Birzeit University‘s position among the top universities in the world. It is a reflection of the efficiency, excellence and creativity of the Palestinians and our national universities. This distinctive accomplishment also highlights the academic history of Birzeit University and constitutes a success felt by the entire Palestinian nation. With its unique faculty, staff, students, and alumni, Birzeit University will continue to excel in its academic endeavors by contributing to the enhancement of Palestinian education,” she said in a press statement.
“As the only Palestinian and Arab university to achieve this prestigious status, the global QS ranking invigorates the prominence of Birzeit University as a leader of academic institutions in Palestine and across the Middle East and also promotes the status of local Palestinian universities and those in the Arab world. This honor encourages Birzeit University to continue its mission of working towards the vitalization of all sectors in Palestine and building a better tomorrow."
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