The Peter MacKinnon Building on the USask Saskatoon campus. (Photo: USask)

USask signals upward trend in QS world subject rankings

SASKATOON – The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject released Wednesday show the University of Saskatchewan (USask) was a strong performer among nearly 1,600 universities assessed by the British company specializing in analyzing higher education institutions globally.

Overall, the institutions were ranked in five broad subject areas as well as 54 separate disciplines. For the first time, USask received a ranking in three categories in a single year: a tie for 325 in life sciences and medicine, tie for 379 in natural sciences—a significant jump from the 451-500 tier last year—and placing 451-500 in engineering and technology. The five broad categories also include arts and humanities, and social sciences and management. 

The rankings are based on five indicators: academic reputation; employer reputation; citations of research papers; H-index, which measures impact of papers; and International Research Network, an index that reflects the ability of schools to diversify their research collaborations internationally. 

Of the 12 rankings USask received in individual disciplines, it recorded two top-100 placements globally with a 51-70 rank in veterinary science and a tie for 80 in agriculture and forestry. 

USask ranked 101-150 worldwide in environmental sciences, 151-200 in pharmacy and pharmacology, 201-230 in each of earth and marine sciences, geology, and geophysics, 301-350 in each of biological sciences, and education, 401-450 in medicine, 451-500 in computer science and information systems, and 501-550 in chemistry. 

“I am optimistic that USask subject rankings are showing a consistent upward trend in several disciplines including computer science, biological sciences, pharmacy and pharmacology, and education,” said USask Vice President Research Baljit Singh. 

“As we continue to build on our commitment to be the university the world needs, and foster new signature areas such as quantum innovation, health and wellness, and communities and sustainability, these results will continue to get stronger and apply to even more disciplines.” 

Global recognition is one of the aspirations in the University Plan 2025, said USask Provost and Vice-President Academic Airini.  

“The most recent QS rankings indicate that USask is achieving a high international standard in learning, research, scholarship, creativity, and community engagement,” she said.  

“We are encouraged by the gains we have made in these rankings. We believe excellence matters to Saskatchewan. We are confident this positive momentum will continue in the months and years ahead as we further act upon the strong commitments and courageous goals outlined in our forward-thinking strategic plan.” 

Among Canada’s U15 research universities, USask was tied for No. 3 in veterinary science, No. 4 in agriculture and forestry, tied for No. 5 in environmental sciences, and tied for No. 6 in pharmacy and pharmacology.  

The university’s rankings remained consistent from 2022 in the five subject areas of veterinary science, medicine, earth and marine sciences, geology, and geophysics. Its ranking declined slightly in agriculture and forestry, environmental sciences, and chemistry. 

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For media inquiries, contact:   

Victoria Dinh   
USask Media Relations   
306-966-5487   
victoria.dinh@usask.ca