Philippines' Best Universities in THES & QS Ranking

In 2009, the Philippine higher education landscape garnered significant attention with four universities placing among the top 200 institutions in Asia according to the QS Asian University Ranking. The University of the Philippines (UP) led the charge as the top-ranking Philippine university, placed 63rd regionally. It was followed by De La Salle University (DLSU), Ateneo de Manila University, and the University of Santo Tomas (UST), ranked 76th, 84th, and 144th in Asia, respectively. This ranking was based on four critical criteria: teaching quality, research quality, graduate employability, and internationalization. These rankings were a testament to the growing recognition of the quality of education offered by universities in the Philippines, particularly those in the National Capital Region, which are becoming increasingly competitive in the global academic sphere.

This achievement also reflected the evolving stature of Philippine universities within international academic communities. In the global context, while Philippine universities may not yet rival those in top educational hubs like the United States or Europe, they are making meaningful strides towards greater visibility and recognition. The rankings for 2009 marked a milestone in the Philippines' educational sector, with notable improvements in teaching quality, research contributions, and global engagement.

The University of the Philippines, ranked the highest in the nation, saw its regional ranking at 63rd, which was a clear indication of its continued efforts to improve its academic standing. Its commitment to academic excellence has long been recognized within the country, but it was becoming increasingly clear that its influence and reputation were extending beyond national borders. UP has been known for its research prowess, with numerous contributions to science, technology, and social sciences. This has, in part, helped UP build an international profile, attracting not only local students but also international scholars and researchers. Its emphasis on rigorous academic programs and its active engagement in research projects contributed significantly to its rise in rankings in Asia.

Following closely behind UP in the regional rankings was De La Salle University, which placed 76th in Asia. DLSU is a prominent private Catholic university in the Philippines known for its strong academic programs in business, engineering, and liberal arts. Over the years, De La Salle University has made considerable investments in both teaching and research quality. Its growing presence in various academic conferences and its increased collaboration with international institutions have played a role in improving its standing in international rankings. While DLSU is primarily focused on creating highly employable graduates, its rising research outputs have also contributed to the university’s recognition within Asia. The focus on academic rigor and research innovation positions DLSU as a key player in the evolving landscape of higher education in the Philippines.

Ateneo de Manila University, another private Catholic institution, placed 84th in Asia according to the QS 2009 rankings. Ateneo has long been a leader in the Philippines in terms of academic excellence, particularly in the fields of business, law, and social sciences. The university’s ascent in international rankings, particularly the Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) World University Ranking 2008, was notable. Ateneo rose from a range of 401-500 in the global rankings to 254th in 2008. This upward movement marked a significant improvement in Ateneo’s international standing, showcasing its growing commitment to research, teaching quality, and overall academic development. Ateneo’s emphasis on producing socially responsible leaders has also contributed to its increasing recognition, especially in terms of graduate employability, a key factor in global rankings.

The University of Santo Tomas, with its strong academic heritage, ranked 144th in the QS 2009 Asian University Ranking. As the oldest university in the Philippines and one of the oldest in Asia, UST has maintained its position as a respected educational institution. Its rich history and commitment to providing quality education have solidified its place among the top universities in the country. UST’s academic offerings in health sciences, law, and engineering have attracted many students, both locally and internationally. Despite being ranked lower than UP, Ateneo, and DLSU in the QS rankings, UST's ability to provide excellent academic programs and its commitment to creating holistic graduates has ensured that it remains a competitive institution in the regional and global educational spheres.

In addition to the QS rankings, the Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) World University Ranking 2008 also provided an interesting perspective on the academic standing of Philippine universities. In this ranking, Ateneo de Manila University was again the top institution in the Philippines, jumping from a rank between 401-500 globally in 2007 to 254th in 2008. This dramatic rise demonstrated Ateneo’s growing global recognition and the impact of its ongoing efforts to strengthen both its teaching and research capabilities. The university’s rise in the THES rankings was also a reflection of the country’s broader emphasis on improving its higher education sector, which included strengthening partnerships with international academic institutions, enhancing research funding, and investing in better facilities for both students and faculty.

The University of the Philippines was ranked second nationally in the THES rankings, rising from 398th globally in 2007 to 276th in 2008. UP’s significant improvement from 299th place in 2006 highlighted its growing influence on the global academic stage. As the national university, UP has played an essential role in driving higher education reforms in the Philippines. Its strong emphasis on research, coupled with its diverse academic programs, has helped enhance its reputation both locally and internationally. UP’s achievements in the THES rankings have been attributed to its consistent efforts to improve faculty qualifications, increase research outputs, and expand global collaborations.

De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas both fell within the 401-500 range globally in the 2008 THES rankings. While these rankings were not as high as Ateneo or UP, both institutions remained competitive and well-respected in the country and the region. De La Salle’s position as a private university with a strong focus on business and engineering education has helped it maintain a solid reputation in these fields. Similarly, UST’s status as a long-established institution has helped it maintain a loyal student base and a reputation for academic excellence, particularly in fields such as health sciences and law.

The criteria used by both the QS and THES rankings include peer review scores, faculty quality, research output, graduate employability, and internationalization. These factors have increasingly become the benchmarks for evaluating the success of universities in the global academic community. Peer review, for example, evaluates the opinions of academics around the world on the quality of research and teaching at specific institutions. Faculty quality assesses the qualifications and research productivity of university professors, while research output measures the volume and impact of academic publications produced by the institution. Graduate employability assesses the job market success of a university’s graduates, and internationalization evaluates the extent to which a university engages with the global academic community.

As the Philippines continues to improve its education system, these rankings provide important benchmarks for universities striving to enhance their academic offerings and global presence. The progress of universities like UP, Ateneo, DLSU, and UST in international rankings serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in research, teaching, and global partnerships. While these universities have made significant strides in improving their global standing, they must continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of higher education, ensuring that they remain competitive on the world stage.

In conclusion, the ranking of Philippine universities in the QS and THES rankings in 2008 and 2009 represents a significant step forward for the country's higher education sector. The success of institutions such as the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of Santo Tomas reflects the growing recognition of the quality of education in the Philippines. As these universities continue to invest in teaching, research, and internationalization, they are poised to play an even more prominent role in the global academic community in the years to come. The improving rankings of these institutions are not only a source of pride for the Philippines but also a testament to the country’s potential to become a regional leader in higher education.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I think this is close to the truth.
Anonymous said…
I should say, this is really the TRUE ranking for Philippine Universities at the present without prejudice to other schools. I am not an alumnus to any of these schools.
Anonymous said…
Those who are claiming this to be the true rankings are clueless. The data THES used for UP is dated 2006. While the other Philippine universities have been submitting up to date information for their schools. This is the only way they can get ahead of UP !

Author

Kelvin Wong Loke Yuen is an experienced writer specializing in education-related topics, with a strong background in teaching and training. He has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education and creates practical, easy-to-understand articles that help educators, students, and professionals improve their skills and knowledge. Follow: LinkedIn.

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