University Canada West has once again received an overall 5 Star rating from QS Stars, with top ratings in several areas that reflect the University’s academic strength and focus on preparing students for their careers.
UCW received 5 Stars for Teaching, Employability, Online Learning, Global Engagement and MBA Program Strength. The 2026 assessment was completed using QS Stars Methodology 6.0 and is valid from September 3, 2026, to December 2, 2031.
QS Stars is an international university rating system that evaluates institutions against a range of performance indicators. Unlike university rankings, which compare institutions with one another, QS Stars assesses each institution against established criteria across individual performance areas.
UCW President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bashir Makhoul said the results reflect the University’s continued focus on academic quality, student learning and career preparation.
“Achieving a QS 5 Stars Overall rating is an important recognition of University Canada West’s commitment to rigorous, high-quality education and the academic standards that underpin everything we do,” he said. “It also reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff, whose commitment to our students and to the University has made this achievement possible.”
The Employability category was one of UCW’s strongest areas in the assessment. UCW received the maximum available score for employer reputation, graduate employment rate and career service support. QS Stars recorded a 92.2% graduate employment rate, along with 53 nominations from the 2026 QS Global Employer Survey.
UCW also received 5 Stars for Teaching. The assessment recorded 80% satisfaction with teaching, an 83% completion rate and an 82% retention rate, while UCW received full marks for teaching satisfaction and its learning management system.
The University’s Master of Business Administration received a 5 Star Program Strength rating. QS Stars recorded a 92% graduate employment rate, 80.8% overall student satisfaction and an 82.5% completion rate for the MBA.
UCW also received 5 Stars for Global Engagement, with the assessment noting 98 nationalities represented in the student body, 58.9% international faculty and 92 international research partners.
UCW also received 4 Stars for Academic Development, Good Governance and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Facilities and Research were assessed separately and were not considered in the overall result.
The new rating continues UCW’s participation in QS Stars and provides an updated independent assessment of the University across areas including teaching, employability, academic development, governance, social impact, diversity and inclusion, research and facilities.
UCW received its first overall 5 Star Rating from QS Stars in September 2021. At the time, the University was the third university in Canada, and the first in British Columbia, to receive a 5 Star rating.
