QS Insights Magazine

Issue 27 March 2025

The

Right

Choice

Contents


Higher Education’s Financial Landscape: Who Pays the Price?

How government funding reductions and limits on international students are shifting the financial burden within higher education globally.

The Happiness Index

How universities are improving student happiness and the ways such data are being collected beyond traditional surveys.

Faith & Finance

International financial education is evolving, with Islamic finance courses gaining traction in previously non-dominant regions.

The Right Choice

A heart-led pursuit or a strategic career move? Unpack the diverse motivations behind students' decisions to study in their respective fields.

Taking Back Control: An Interview With Stéphanie Gateau

Overcoming discrimination over her gender and disabilities, Stéphanie Gateau has led a career that exemplifies helping others achieve their potential.

India UK Education Conference Highlights Opportunity for Close Education Ties

The conference in London saw discussions on mutually beneficial partnerships, Indian alumni perspectives' on UK, and how to solve societal challenges.

A Journey to Excellence

QS Insights Magazine speaks to Azerbaijan State University of Economics' Rector, Professor Adalat Muradov, on the institution's commitment to a global and sustainable future.

The Complex Factors Affecting Student Satisfaction

Student feedback can be a driver of institutional change, but how much can global events impact student opinions?

Unlocking Deeper Learning

Portfolio-based assessments & experiential learning can supplement exam-based assessments.

The College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University

Dean of the College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Dr Ying Zhou talks about the school's reputation, motto, and future aspirations in this interview.

Zuripacks: Green Innovation for a Plastic-Free Future

An innovative solution addressing plastic pollution and agricultural waste.

The Middle East Supplement


A Region in Motion

How knowledge and innovation are shaping the Middle East.

The Landscape of Higher Education in Kuwait

What are the challenges, considerations and opportunities facing Kuwait?

The Gulf’s Power Play

Strategic policies, global partnerships, and innovation are shaping the region’s education hubs - Qatar and the UAE.

Challenges & Opportunities in Middle Eastern Higher Education

Prioritising future-ready education in the Middle East.

Read more exclusive regional leadership perspectives

QS Rankings by Subject 2025


QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Explore the 15th edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

The right choice?

Students are told to use their heads and their hearts when choosing education. What's the right balance?

I don't know who coined it, but I remember a few years ago, maybe a little more, hearing one of those expressions that changes the way you think about the world: Are they Mr/Ms Right or Mr/Ms Right Now? Bear with me a little while I try to relate romance to higher education.

One of the biggest challenges that prospective university students face today is how to balance what their heart wants with what their head wants. This is without saying anything of what their aptitude and grades will allow them to do, nor any of the influencers they may have in their lives, such as parents.

That balance is difficult to perfect. Do you pursue your passion or do you pursue something that will lead to a, hopefully, high paying career? Can you transform your passion into a high paying career? Importantly, is it really such a black and white dichotomy?

The tension, on the surface, is passion versus pragmatism. But in reality, I think that "pragmatism" hides a series of overlapping decision that increase in difficulty as you go along, particularly when considering career outcomes. Will this degree teach me the right skills, or the right skills for now? How redundant will my skills be within the next year and how will that impact getting my career off the ground?

Perhaps, the answer lies internally. Is this the right choice for me?

We've taken this idea and run with it, in our cover story, "The Right Choice". Throughout, we explore the many motivations that students have, and how they balance their decisions to choose their field of study. Somewhat of a companion piece, we also look how universities are keeping students happy in their studies and life.

We also follow up last month's piece on Christianity and business education, this time looking at the rise in Islamic finance studies.

This edition, I have two personal recommendations. Firstly, make sure to spend the time to read "Taking Back Control", an interview with Stéphanie Gateau. In our conversation, she discusses how she has overcome some of her obstacles, but also explains how that has powered her thinking and passion for accessibility and inclusivity. I recommend getting a drink, finding a good spot, and reading through.

Secondly, we're pleased to launch the first of what will be a series of quarterly supplements focused on a region in the world. This month, we showcase the Middle East, with some county overviews, essays from leaders, and a look at some of the things to keep an eye out for at the QS Higher Ed Summit: Middle East.

Stay insightful!

Anton John Crace

Anton is Editor in Chief of QS Insights Magazine. He also curates the Higher Ed Summits, EDS and Reimagine Education conference at QS Quacquarelli Symonds. He has been writing on the international higher ed sector for over a decade. His recognitions include the Universities Australia Higher Education Journalist of the Year at the National Press Club of Australia, and the International Education Association of Australia award for Excellence in Professional Commentary.

Contributors

Editor in Chief Anton John Crace

Deputy Editor Afifah Darke

Clients Service Specialist Khushboo Singh

Contributing Writers Seb Murray Nick Harland Gauri Kohli Chloë Lane EDUopinions Niamh Ollerton Kadambari Rana Ludovic HIghman

Dr Ashwin Fernandes Prof Ghassan Aouad Prof Bassam Alameddine Dr Hatem Masri Dr Ahmed Al Kuwaiti Prof Ahmed Ali Alraeesi Aisha Al-Kharusi

Events Technology Manager Loh Lu Han

Marketing and PR Serena Ricci Mak Leeson

Cover Adobe Firefly, with additional modifications

Magazine contact Publications @qs.com

Sales contact sales@qs.com

The QS Insights Magazine is a monthly, online and print publication that highlights trends within the international education sector.

The online edition is emailed to our network of academics and university leaders worldwide. A limited number of selected copies of the print edition are also sent to university leaders around the world and distributed at QS events.

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of QS Quacquarelli Symonds.