Villa College Earns Highest 5-Star Rating in QS Stars International Assessment

Villa College has achieved the highest 5-star rating under the international QS Stars rating system by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, marking an upgrade from its previous 4-star rating achieved two years ago.

The recognition was announced today during the “VC Breakfast” networking event held at Villa College, where the QS Stars Recognition Certificate was presented to the institution.

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The certificate was handed over by the guest of honour, Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Chair of QS India and Vice President of Strategic and International Engagement, and received on behalf of Villa College by Rector Dr Ahmed Anwar and Vice Rector Associate Professor Dr Ali Najeeb.

This marks the second time Villa College has been assessed under the QS Stars methodology, with the institution progressing to the highest rating tier within a period of two years.

Following the assessment, Villa College received 5 stars in six of the nine core areas evaluated under the QS Stars framework. These areas include:

• Teaching
• Employability
• Online Learning
• Global Engagement
• Good Governance
• Environmental Impact

Speaking at the event on the theme “Our Journey of Impact, Growth and Aspirations”, Vice Rector Dr Ali Najeeb said the achievement demonstrates that the quality of education and governance at Villa College are recognised against international standards.

“Receiving the highest 5-star rating from QS, one of the most trusted organisations in the world, is bright evidence that the quality of education provided by Villa College and the institution’s governance are recognised by international standards,” Dr Najeeb said.

He described the achievement as a historic milestone in Villa College’s “Journey of Impact” and said it was a source of pride for the country’s higher education sector.

Dr Najeeb also announced that the college will soon introduce a new initiative titled the “Alumni Mentoring Initiative”.

The programme, which will be conducted in collaboration with industry experts and professionals, aims to mentor graduating students in leadership skills and essential workplace soft skills alongside their professional knowledge.

He said the initiative is intended to support the development of a capable workforce needed for national development.

Dr Ashwin Fernandes said Villa College’s achievement was a source of pride for the Maldives, highlighting that QS Stars is a comprehensive assessment system rather than a traditional university ranking.

He explained that the system evaluates institutions from a 360-degree perspective based on more than 50 indicators covering areas including teaching quality, employability, international engagement, governance and sustainability.

Dr Fernandes also delivered a leadership talk at the event under the theme “Small Nation, Global Talent: Building a Future-Ready Workforce for the Maldives.”