Khaberni - Dr. Haitham Abu Khadija
Ever since "U.S. News & World Report" launched the first university ranking in the eighties of the last century as one of the first entities to rank American universities with the aim of helping students and their parents choose the best universities, global rankings have become a focal point of interest and debate at the same time, due to their profound effects on the status of universities and their future directions.
Despite differing opinions about the methodologies of these rankings, three indicators have emerged as the most prominent global references: The Times Higher Education (THE) ranking, QS ranking, and Shanghai ranking. These rankings have transformed into influential tools in shaping the identity of higher education institutions, attracting students, and directing educational policies in an era based on knowledge and innovation.
It has become clear that engaging in these rankings is no longer an optional choice, but a strategic necessity that drives universities to develop their infrastructure, enhance scientific research, and improve their global academic reputation. Today, ranking is the language of recognition understood by the academic world, employers, and students alike.
Although these rankings are managed by commercial institutions that provide services and consultancy to universities, participation remains voluntary and free, and these institutions have contributed to supporting the quality of higher education globally through research, conferences, and specialized workshops.
It is also clear that opting out of global rankings is no longer a realistic option for universities, especially with the continued dominance of prestigious universities in the international academic scene. Oxford University remains at the top of the Times ranking for the second consecutive year, followed by distinguished institutions such as MIT, Princeton, Cambridge, Harvard, and Stanford, all of which confirm that participation in these rankings is not just a tradition, but a tool for enhancing academic identity and international recognition of institutions.
Moreover, these rankings have a direct impact on educational and employment opportunities, as many universities and academic institutions around the world require that applicants be graduates of universities ranked among the top 500 worldwide (TOP 500). These rankings have also become a fundamental standard in employment, university admissions, scholarship programs, and even in the recognition of academic degrees.
It is important to realize that a university's excellence in one ranking does not mean it excels in all of them; each ranking has its own methodology and distinctive indicators. While the QS ranking focuses on academic reputation and employment, the Times ranking gives greater weight to scientific research and citations, highlighting the diversity of excellence criteria and the various strengths of universities.
In the end, global rankings remain a mirror for development, not just competition, and an indicator that directs universities to enhance their strengths and address their weaknesses. They are not an end in themselves, but a means to elevate the quality of education, scientific research, and institutional leadership.
Sincere congratulations to all the universities of the nation that have raised the name of Jordan on the global academic scene, and contributed to cementing their presence among prestigious universities.
