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The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has received the world’s first 5+ Stars in the Quacquarelli Symonds revamped QS Stars assessment.

The QS Stars rate institutions out of a possible five stars based on the areas that are most important to students including facilities, teaching, employability.

Grant Robertson

Its methodology was updated earlier in the year and the new criteria places an increased emphasis on institutions’ sustainability performance.

Otago has been awarded the maximum possible 5+ Stars overall, as well as five stars in nine categories: teaching; facilities; subject ranking; employability; good governance; environmental impact; diversity, equity and inclusion; research; and global engagement.

Director of International Jason Cushen is thrilled with the results.

“As New Zealand’s first university, the University of Otago has global reputation for research and teaching excellence,” he says.

“QS Stars demonstrates to the world other aspects of the unique Otago experience that are important to students, such as our world class facilities, exceptional graduate employability, and high levels of student support.”

Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson says this outstanding achievement further proves Otago is a world-leading university.

“To achieve 5+ Stars in this assessment is no easy feat and shows our commitment to providing the very best for our tauira,” he says.

“I’m incredibly proud of the kaimahi we have at Otago.”

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is lauding Otago’s success, internationally publicising the world-first accomplishment.

QS Head of Frameworks Florence Webb says Otago’s achievement of the “prestigious 5+ Stars rating, the highest possible accolade, highlights its outstanding performance across key higher education metrics and is a recognition of its commitment to excellence, both locally and overseas”.

QS Stars was launched in 2009 and assesses more than 700 institutions across more than 70 countries.