Impact of Education

The IE1 - Research Impact on SDGs for Education indicator measures the extent to which a university's research contributes to advancing educational knowledge, practice, access, and outcomes. It evaluates institutional research performance in relation to SDG 4 (Quality Education), recognising universities whose research helps improve understanding of how high-quality, inclusive, and equitable education can be delivered across different contexts and populations.

The indicator recognises that universities contribute to education not only through teaching and learning, but also through the research they produce. Educational research plays an important role in informing policy, improving pedagogical practice, expanding access to learning opportunities, supporting educational innovation, and addressing barriers to participation and achievement. By assessing research aligned with SDG 4, the indicator captures the contribution institutions make to strengthening education systems and improving educational outcomes at local, national, and global levels.

Within the Impact of Education Lens, IE1 serves as the principal measure of educational research and knowledge creation. While other indicators assess academic reputation, graduate achievements, academic freedom, and the wider educational environment, IE1 focuses specifically on the influence and impact of research that advances understanding of education and supports evidence-based improvements in teaching, learning, and educational provision.

The indicator draws on research classifications developed by Elsevier to identify and assess research outputs associated with SDG 4 (Quality Education). This approach recognises institutions whose research contributes to themes such as educational quality, equal access to education, lifelong learning, educational policy, teacher development, curriculum innovation, and the effectiveness of educational systems. By measuring research impact in this area, the indicator highlights the role of universities as generators of knowledge that supports educational progress and societal development.

The indicator aligns directly with SDG 4: Quality Education, reflecting the importance of research in advancing inclusive, equitable, and high-quality learning opportunities for all. Research associated with this goal can help improve educational participation, attainment, and effectiveness, while supporting broader efforts to promote social mobility, skills development, and lifelong learning.

By evaluating research impact in the field of education, IE1 complements measures of academic reputation, alumni achievement, academic freedom, and educational opportunity. Together with the other indicators in the Impact of Education Lens, it helps provide a comprehensive assessment of how effectively universities contribute to educational advancement and generate positive societal impact through the creation and application of knowledge.

The IE2 - Academic Reputation for Impact of Education indicator measures the extent to which a university is recognised by the global academic community for excellence in disciplines that have a significant influence on education, public policy, social development, and cultural progress. It is based on the averaged Academic Reputation scores from the most recently published QS Subject Rankings in Education, Politics, Social Policy, Law, and Art and Design, providing an assessment of institutional standing in fields that shape how societies learn, govern, create, and develop.

The indicator recognises that the impact of education extends beyond the classroom and is reflected in a university's ability to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in disciplines that influence educational systems, public institutions, social outcomes, and cultural life. Strong academic reputation in these subject areas signals recognition from the global academic community of an institution's contributions to teaching excellence, research quality, intellectual leadership, and societal impact.

Within the Impact of Education Lens, IE2 serves as a measure of academic excellence and reputation. While other indicators assess research impact, alumni achievements, academic freedom, and national education outcomes, IE2 focuses on peer recognition of academic quality in disciplines that play a central role in shaping educational practice, social understanding, public policy, and civic development. The indicator therefore provides insight into the extent to which institutions are regarded as leaders in fields that contribute to broader educational and societal progress.

The indicator is derived from the QS Global Academic Survey, which gathers expert opinions from academics across a wide range of disciplines, countries, and regions. Respondents identify institutions they regard as demonstrating outstanding teaching and research performance within their areas of expertise. As a result, the indicator reflects informed international peer recognition rather than institutional self-reporting, providing an externally validated measure of academic standing.

The indicator aligns most closely with SDG 4: Quality Education, reflecting the importance of academic excellence in disciplines that contribute to educational development, access to knowledge, and the advancement of learning. Through its focus on subjects that influence public policy, social outcomes, and cultural participation, the indicator also supports the broader objective of strengthening the societal impact of education and promoting inclusive, informed, and sustainable development.

By assessing academic reputation across disciplines with significant educational and societal influence, IE2 complements measures of research performance, graduate achievement, academic freedom, and educational opportunity. Together with the other indicators in the Impact of Education Lens, it helps provide a comprehensive understanding of how effectively universities contribute to educational quality and societal progress through academic excellence and intellectual leadership.

The IE3 - Alumni Impact for Education indicator measures the extent to which a university's graduates go on to make significant contributions to education, educational advancement, and scholarly achievement throughout their careers. It recognises that the long-term accomplishments of alumni provide an important reflection of an institution's ability to develop individuals who generate meaningful impact through teaching, educational leadership, research, policy development, and the advancement of knowledge.

The indicator is based on the principle that the impact of education extends beyond the experiences of current students and can be observed in the achievements of graduates over time. Alumni who influence educational systems, improve learning outcomes, contribute to academic research, or receive recognition for excellence in education demonstrate the wider societal value created by higher education institutions. Their accomplishments provide evidence of how universities help shape future educators, researchers, thought leaders, and innovators.

Within the Impact of Education Lens, IE3 serves as the principal measure of graduate influence and long-term outcomes. While other indicators assess research contributions, academic reputation, academic freedom, and the broader educational environment, IE3 focuses on the achievements of graduates whose work has advanced education and knowledge creation. The indicator therefore provides insight into the lasting influence of universities through the individuals they educate and support.

The indicator recognises graduates who have made notable contributions within the education sector and those whose work has had a wider impact on global education. It also acknowledges scholarly excellence through the inclusion of alumni who have achieved exceptional research influence and recognition within their respective fields. By considering educational leadership, achievement, and research distinction, the indicator reflects multiple pathways through which graduates can contribute to educational progress and societal development.

The indicator aligns most closely with SDG 4: Quality Education, recognising the importance of developing graduates who advance learning, scholarship, educational access, and educational excellence. Through its focus on the achievements of alumni, it highlights the role of universities in creating long-term educational impact that extends beyond institutional boundaries and contributes to wider societal advancement.

By assessing the achievements and influence of graduates in education and related fields, IE3 complements measures of research impact, academic reputation, academic freedom, and national educational performance. Together with the other indicators in the Impact of Education Lens, it helps provide a comprehensive understanding of how effectively universities contribute to educational quality and societal progress through the accomplishments of their alumni and the lasting impact of higher education.

The IE4 - Academic Freedom Index indicator measures the extent to which the national higher education and research environment supports free and open academic inquiry. It assesses whether academics and researchers are able to teach, conduct research, publish findings, express scholarly opinions, and engage in academic debate without undue restrictions, intimidation, or risk of sanction.

The indicator recognises that academic freedom is a fundamental condition for the advancement of knowledge and the effective functioning of higher education institutions. Universities are most able to contribute to societal progress when researchers and educators can pursue evidence-based inquiry, challenge established ideas, explore new perspectives, and communicate their findings openly. An environment that supports academic freedom helps foster innovation, intellectual diversity, critical thinking, and the development of knowledge that benefits society.

Within the Impact of Education Lens, IE4 serves as a measure of the educational environment and opportunity in which universities operate. While other indicators assess research performance, academic reputation, alumni achievements, and educational outcomes, IE4 provides important contextual insight into the broader conditions that enable teaching, learning, and research to flourish. The indicator therefore recognises that institutional performance is influenced, in part, by the freedoms available within the surrounding national academic system.

The indicator draws upon the Academic Freedom Index, an internationally recognised assessment that evaluates the degree of academic freedom within countries and territories. By focusing on national research and academic environments, the indicator reflects the extent to which educators and researchers are able to participate in independent scholarly activity and contribute to the development and exchange of knowledge.

The indicator aligns most closely with SDG 4: Quality Education, recognising that high-quality education depends on the ability of institutions and individuals to engage in open inquiry, independent research, and the free exchange of ideas. Academic freedom supports educational quality by enabling innovation, evidence-based teaching, and the continual advancement of knowledge across disciplines.

By assessing the openness and freedom of the wider academic environment, IE4 complements measures of research impact, academic reputation, graduate achievement, and national educational performance. Together with the other indicators in the Impact of Education Lens, it helps provide a comprehensive understanding of how effectively universities contribute to educational progress within environments that support intellectual independence, scholarly excellence, and the advancement of knowledge.

The IE5 - Impact of Education National Statistics indicator measures the broader educational environment within the country or territory in which a university operates. It combines national-level measures relating to participation in higher education, successful educational attainment, and investment in education, providing contextual insight into the conditions that support educational opportunity and achievement.

The indicator recognises that universities operate within wider education systems that influence access to learning, student success, and the overall strength of higher education provision. Factors such as the ability to attract international students, the proportion of students completing tertiary education, and the level of public investment in education can all shape the opportunities available to institutions and their learners. By incorporating these measures, the indicator acknowledges the broader context in which universities contribute to educational development and societal progress.

Within the Impact of Education Lens, IE5 serves as a measure of the educational environment and opportunity available within a country or territory. While other indicators assess institutional research impact, academic reputation, alumni achievements, and academic freedom, IE5 provides important contextual information regarding the national education ecosystem. The indicator therefore helps create a more comprehensive understanding of the environment in which educational outcomes are achieved.

The indicator combines three dimensions of national educational performance: inbound student mobility, which reflects the attractiveness and international openness of a higher education system; tertiary graduation rates, which indicate successful participation and completion within higher education; and education expenditure, which provides an indication of investment in educational development and capacity. Together, these measures offer a broad perspective on the strength and effectiveness of national higher education systems.

The indicator aligns most closely with SDG 4: Quality Education, recognising the importance of educational access, participation, attainment, and investment in supporting inclusive and high-quality learning opportunities. It also supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by recognising the role that accessible and well-resourced education systems can play in expanding opportunities, promoting social mobility, and reducing disparities in educational outcomes.

By incorporating national measures of educational participation, attainment, and investment, IE5 complements institution-level assessments of research excellence, academic reputation, graduate achievement, and academic freedom. Together with the other indicators in the Impact of Education Lens, it helps provide a comprehensive understanding of how effectively universities contribute to education while recognising the broader educational context that supports learning, achievement, and long-term societal development.

Primary Data Sources

UNESCO

World Bank