Written by 
Social sustainability ensures that societies are inclusive and equitable for everyone, now and in the future. For students, it means studying in an environment that reflects their values where diversity is celebrated, education empowers, and universities actively address global challenges like inequality and lack of representation.
Imagine attending a university that supports gender parity, provides ample of resources and support services for students with disabilities, and values academic freedom. These efforts not only improve the student experience but also equip graduates with the knowledge and inspiration to tackle pressing social issues in their careers and communities.
As the demand for meaningful change grows, universities play a crucial role in setting the stage for socially responsible leadership.
To help students identify universities making strides in social sustainability, the QS Sustainability Rankings use specific indicators that measure institutions’ social impact. These rankings break down the data into five key lenses, employability and opportunities, equality, health and wellbeing, knowledge exchange, and the impact of education offering a clear view of how universities contribute to societal well-being.
These indicators are more than just numbers, they help students discover universities excelling in areas that align with their own passions and priorities. Whether you’re looking for strong gender equality policies, opportunities for community engagement, or education-focused research, these lenses provide valuable insights to guide your decision-making process.
Employability and opportunities lens
This lens evaluates how well institutions prepare graduates for successful careers and contribute to employment-related sustainable development goals (SDGs). It considers both the direct outcomes of graduate employability and the broader societal impact of university-led research, partnerships, and skills development initiatives.
Key indicators included are: Employer reputation, Research impact on SDGs for employment and opportunities, Employment and opportunities national statistics, Partnerships with industry, Skills satisfaction.
Equality lens
This lens examines how universities promote diversity and inclusion, focusing on efforts to reduce inequalities related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, and socioeconomic status. It highlights a university’s commitment to fostering equality in leadership, policies, and academic environments.
Key indicators included are; Research impact on SDGs for equality, Student and faculty gender ratios, Women in leadership, Disability support, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policies, Academic equality, Disability support, Equality national statistics.
Health and wellbeing lens
This lens measures an institution’s dedication to improving global health through research and its support for the health and wellbeing of staff and students.
Key indicators included are; Research Impact of SDGs for Health and Wellbeing , Health Provision on Campus, Health and Wellbeing National Statistics
Impact of education lens
This lens evaluates the quality and societal impact of educational programmes in key fields like Education, Politics, Social Policy, Law, and Art & Design. It also considers research on education-related SDGs and the contributions of alumni in education.
Key indicators included are; Research impact on SDGs for education, Academic reputation for impact of education, Alumni impact for education, Academic freedom index, Impact of education national statistics
Knowledge exchange lens
This lens evaluates how institutions collaborate globally to share knowledge and enhance educational standards, with a particular focus on partnerships between institutions in ODA (Official Development Assistance) countries/territories (including least developed, low income, and middle-income nations) and those in non-ODA countries/territories. It acknowledges the importance of these territories to come together as research partners and help improve academic standards around the globe.
Key indicators included are; Knowledge exchange including progress / dissemination, Outreach and community engagement, Staff perception, Policy citations in social fields
If you’re interested in reading the extensive version of the QS Sustainability rankings methodology, visit here.