QS Ranking: an international benchmark for those seeking excellence in business education

Nowadays, the range of educational opportunities is wide, globalised and very demanding. What can I tell you that you don't already know? That's why finding the perfect school for your education is such a challenge. Although there are a few ‘tricks’ to choosing, one of the main criteria for choosing a master's degree is rankings. Read on to find out more.

A place in the rankings is an independent seal of quality, recognised worldwide and, of course, makes a substantial difference. That is the value of the QS Stars ranking, a system that accredits the level of excellence of higher education institutions.

In this context, ENAE stands out as one of only eight Spanish business schools to have achieved a strong position, consolidating its international prestige thanks to a demanding and transparent evaluation that focuses on the real impact of education.

What is the QS Ranking and why is it relevant?

The QS Stars Rating System, developed by the British consultancy Quacquarelli Symonds, is one of the world's most recognised educational evaluation systems, alongside the QS World University Rankings.

Unlike traditional rankings, which offer general positions, QS Stars conducts an independent and detailed audit, awarding scores (from 0 to 5 stars) in 13 key areas:

• Teaching
• Employability
• Internationalisation
• Infrastructure
• Research
• Academic development
• Social responsibility
• Online learning
• Inclusion

This allows each institution to clearly showcase its strengths and enables prospective students to identify the aspects they value most in their education. Rather than simply ‘being in the rankings’, schools have the opportunity to demonstrate their excellence in specific areas.

For business schools such as ENAE, this assessment represents an objective verification of the work carried out on a daily basis, both in the classroom and in interaction with the business ecosystem. Obtaining the highest rating in several categories confirms not only academic quality, but also a real commitment to continuous improvement and the transformation of talent.

Beyond QS Stars: other QS rankings that assess the overall quality of education

In addition to the QS Stars system, Quacquarelli Symonds publishes some of the most influential global education rankings every year, designed to assess the academic quality, employability and impact of institutions and programmes in multiple dimensions.

These rankings allow students to compare universities and business schools according to specific areas of study, regions, sustainability or even urban environment. Some of the most notable are:

• QS Global MBA Rankings: Evaluates the best MBA programmes in the world according to criteria such as employability, thought leadership, return on investment, diversity and academic experience. ENAE is included in this ranking, consolidating its Executive MBA in the top 10 nationally.
• QS International Trade Rankings: Specialised ranking that analyses programmes focused on international trade, assessing their global reach, methodological innovation and relationship with the international business community. The ENAE business school is also present in this ranking, in 27th place globally.
• QS World University Rankings and QS Rankings by Subject: These rankings assess the overall quality of universities by discipline based on indicators such as academic reputation, research, employability and international relations.
• QS Business Masters Rankings: These rankings classify specialised programmes in areas such as finance, marketing, supply chain management and business analytics.
• QS University Rankings by Region: This ranking allows institutions to be compared within regional contexts (Europe, Asia, Latin America, etc.), providing a view tailored to each educational reality.
• QS Best Student Cities: This ranking determines the best cities in the world to live and study, taking into account aspects such as quality of life, job opportunities, diversity and accessibility.
• QS Sustainability Rankings: Measures institutions' commitment to environmental and social sustainability, as well as their positive contribution to society.
• QS IGAUGE Rating System: Specific institutional evaluation system developed for the Indian educational context.

ENAE Business School's presence in the MBA and International Trade rankings reinforces its position as a leading business school in strategic areas of business education. In addition to its QS Stars accreditation, these awards position ENAE among the most competitive options for students seeking specialised training with an international outlook.

Beyond the rankings: what the stars say about ENAE

One of the aspects most valued by QS is the employability of graduates, a decisive factor for those seeking training that will have a direct impact on their professional future. ENAE excels in this area thanks to its practical approach, its network of partner companies and its strong connection to the job market.

Furthermore, its faculty combines academic experience and professional expertise, ensuring training that is geared towards the reality of the market and not just theory.

Another key point is the quality of digital learning, an aspect that QS has been evaluating with particular attention since the pandemic. ENAE has been able to adapt and evolve, offering blended and online programmes (always live) that maintain the same academic standards as its face-to-face programmes. This ability to adapt has been positively evaluated in the QS assessment, positioning the school among the best in the online category.

In addition, QS recognition has a strategic dimension for international students. As it is a system used globally as a benchmark for quality, being present and well-rated in QS Stars allows institutions such as ENAE to demonstrate their competitiveness and credibility to students seeking guarantees before choosing where to study.

What does this mean for students?

Beyond seals or logos, being accredited by the QS Stars system means that students have access to education aligned with the highest international standards. It is not just about institutional prestige, but a tangible advantage: degrees obtained at schools rated by QS have greater professional prospects and are recognised by employers around the world.

It also means being part of an academic and professional community with a global vision, access to international networks, networking opportunities and experiences that go beyond the classroom. In this sense, the recognition of ENAE not only validates its institutional work, but also reinforces the real value of the degree in the job market.

International recognition, local impact

Academic excellence recognised by QS is not at odds with regional commitment. ENAE, based in Murcia, has successfully combined its international vocation with a strong involvement in the economic and business development of south-eastern Spain. From there, it projects talent, innovation and executive training to more than 30 countries, connecting very different business realities under the same standard of quality.

This balance between global prestige and local focus is one of the keys to the success of the most highly rated business schools, and one reason why more and more students are choosing ENAE as their gateway to the European market.

The advantage of studying at a QS-accredited school

Choosing a QS-accredited school means committing to a rigorous education that is aligned with the demands of the global market and validated by external experts. In the case of ENAE, this recognition is not a point of arrival, but part of a constant strategy of improvement, innovation and commitment to its students.

For those seeking an education that combines academic excellence, employability and international reach, ENAE Business School represents a choice backed by facts. And in an environment where credibility is more important than ever, being in the QS Ranking is much more than an institutional achievement: it is a promise fulfilled.