Ranking of the best universities in the world for 2024 and student visas

Every year, young people around the world face one of the most significant decisions of their lives - choosing a university. The 2024 list of the world's best universities opens up new horizons and opportunities, but also poses many questions for applicants about logistics and planning their study abroad experience. The main tool that helps turn dreams into reality is the student visa. In this article, we will not only provide you with a ranking of the top universities in the world, but also discuss the key aspects of obtaining a student visa that will allow you to prepare for the next big step in your academic and professional career.

What is the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings?

The QS World University Rankings, developed by Quacquarelli Symonds, is one of the most respected and widely cited rankings in the academic world. This ranking provides an annual assessment of the world's top universities based on a number of criteria that include academic reputation, reputation among employers, student to faculty ratio, and research citations. QS uses a global survey of academics and employers to gather opinions on the quality of teaching and graduate training, making it an indispensable resource for students and researchers choosing an institution to pursue their education or career.

How QS World University Rankings scores are generated

The QS World University Rankings are based on a complex methodology that includes various factors, each of which contributes to an institution's overall score. The main components of the score include:

• Academic Reputation: The score is based on the results of surveys of academics, which provide insight into perceptions of the level of research at different universities.
• Academic Reputation: Similarly, faculty members rate institutions to form a perception of the quality of educational programs.
• Reputation among employers: Evaluations from global employers reflect perceptions of the quality of graduates and their readiness for professional careers.
• Citation rate of scientific publications: This indicator reflects the university's contribution to the scientific community by analyzing the citation of research of its employees.
• Innovation Activity: Measures the level of innovation generated at the university, including patents and start-ups.
• Internationality: The presence of international students and faculty at the university, which is an indicator of its global attractiveness and international environment.

These components are summarized to produce a final ranking that allows universities to be compared internationally.

World's Best Universities Rankings

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has topped the world rankings, reaching a maximum score of 100 points, which emphasizes its exceptional quality of education and research.

Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK

The University of Cambridge, one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in the world, earned a score of 99.2, confirming its high reputation and academic excellence.

Oxford University, Oxford, UK

The University of Oxford, known for its academic tradition and innovative approach to education, earned a score of 98.9, ranking at the top of global education rankings.

Harvard University, Cambridge, USA

Harvard, with its rich history and contributions to a multitude of academic fields, is rated 98.3, making it one of the top universities in the world.

Stanford University, Stanford, USA

Stanford University, known for its achievements in technology and innovation, scored 98.1, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of science and technology.

Imperial College London, London, UK

Imperial College London, a center for research and technical education, scored 97.8, making it a consistent presence on the list of the world's top universities.

University of Zurich (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland

ETH Zurich, distinguished for its excellence in engineering and technology, earned a 93.3 GPA, asserting its place among Europe's elite institutions.

National University of Singapore, Singapore

With a score of 92.7, the National University of Singapore continues to solidify its position as a leading teaching and research center in Asia.

University College London (UCL), London, UK

University College London scored a 92.4, demonstrating its strengths in a variety of academic disciplines and research.

University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, USA

With a score of 90.4, the University of California, Berkeley reaffirms its role as one of the leaders in education and research on a global level.

How to get a student visa in Europe

Obtaining a student visa in Europe is an important step for international students seeking to study at a European university. The process can vary from country to country, but there are general requirements and documents that are usually needed.

Documents required to obtain a student visa in Europe include:

1. Visa Application: A completed and signed visa application form.
2. Valid passport: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected date of graduation.
3. Confirmation of Acceptance from University: A letter from the institution confirming your acceptance and enrollment in the program.
4. Proof of financial solvency: Documents proving that you have sufficient funds to cover your living and study expenses for the duration of your stay.
5. Health Insurance: A policy that covers medical expenses during your stay.
6. Biometric data: Photographs and possibly fingerprints.
7. Criminal record certificate: A document proving that you do not have a criminal record.
8. Proof of accommodation: Proof of accommodation reservation in the country of study.
9. Return tickets: Proof that you plan to return to your home country after completing your studies (if applicable).

The visa application process should be started as early as possible, taking into account the time frame for processing applications, which may vary from consulate to consulate. It is important to thoroughly research the requirements of a particular country, as there may be additional specific conditions or required documents.