Massey University awarded Five Stars Plus rating with QS Stars audit

Five Stars Plus-rated universities consistently surpass excellence, demonstrating exceptional performance across all categories. From outstanding student satisfaction to pioneering research endeavours, universities achieving this rating set the benchmark for excellence in higher education.

Massey received five stars for all categories in which it was assessed, which included: teaching, employability, internationalisation, research, facilities, online learning, innovation, inclusiveness and environmental impact. Each category was assessed by QS on evidence and datapoints across dozens of indicators.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says achieving these remarkable results for a third consecutive time is a testament to Massey’s unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of higher education.

“This recognition reaffirms our dedication to providing outstanding student experiences, conducting cutting-edge research and fostering innovation. We are proud to set the gold standard for higher education in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond, and we will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.”

Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes says having Massey’s teaching and research commended highlights the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

“It is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our faculty and staff, who continuously strive for excellence in all facets of academia and foster a vibrant environment that empowers our tauira to thrive. Massey is committed to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship. We seek to provide the space needed for our students and staff to push boundaries to unlock discoveries and initiatives that shape the future of our society.”

As a Director of Massey Ventures, the university’s research commercialisation company which advances the ideas of Massey researchers and turns them into real-world opportunities with commercial and social impact outcomes, Professor Byrnes says this is just one example of the university’s commitment to empowering Massey whānau to drive positive change.

“There are many exciting innovations currently underway, ranging from initiatives aimed at enhancing human and animal welfare to developments in dairy alternatives and technologies geared toward carbon emissions reduction. The transition of these innovations from conceptualisation to reality is of huge significance. Universities are catalysts for societal progress, cultural enrichment, and intellectual advancement, and play a crucial role in fostering these transformations for the benefit of our society and environment.”

The university also achieved the highest possible Five Stars Plus status overall, along with earning five stars in the specialist subject of veterinary science.

Head of Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science Professor Jon Huxley says the School is immensely proud to receive this recognition.

“Receiving this prestigious rating confirms our dedication to providing students with exceptional opportunities for hands-on learning and work-integrated experiences has a significant impact on the quality of education we offer. Through our world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, it is our priority to ensure our graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge essential to excel in veterinary medicine, both nationally and internationally. It’s fantastic to see our efforts acknowledged in this manner.”

The benchmarking process assesses universities against a set of standards that QS Stars has devised for the university sector globally, focusing on evaluating individual institutions rather than comparing them with each other, as with rankings.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Massey is one of only three universities to hold a Five Stars Plus rating. The audits are conducted on a three-year cycle, with Massey’s next QS Stars audit scheduled for 2027.

Find out more about the QS Stars ratings here.