This means the University improved its ranking by five positions. Last year, the University of Helsinki's ranking fell because QS adopted a new calculation method, meaning that the results from 2015 and 2016 are not comparable with those from 2014 or earlier.
As the calculation method did not change between 2015 and 2016, the current ranking represents the University of Helsinki's actual improvement from 2015.
The University of Helsinki’s ranking improved most significantly in metrics measuring international reputation among employers, citation figures and international staff. There was a minor decrease in the teacher-student ratio and number of international students.
“As we enter the new academic year, I am extremely pleased that the top-quality teaching and research conducted at our University is recognised to such a high degree in the international arena, and that this positive trend continues. I would like to extend my warmest gratitude to our excellent staff,” says Jukka Kola, Rector of the University of Helsinki.
"I am particularly delighted that our success reflects the increase in the number of international staff as well as the respect afforded by international employers to the University of Helsinki.”
The QS World University Ranking is among the most esteemed and well-known university rankings alongside the Shanghai Ranking and the Times Higher Education. The Shanghai Ranking, which was published in August, saw the University of Helsinki at 56th position. This represents the University's best placing in the 14-year history of the Shanghai Ranking.