American University of Sharjah (AUS) today entered into the ranks of the world's top 500 universities for the first time according to London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), one of the world's most trusted university rankings. Of more than 2,500 global institutions considered, AUS was ranked in the top 401-450 bracket for 2012-2013, a substantial climb from last year's 601+ bracket, according to QS World University Rankings 2012/2013 which was published today.

In the Middle East, 26 universities made the QS World University ranking for 2012-2013. AUS is one of only two in the UAE ranked in the top 500. The QS World University Rankings evaluates universities based on academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty, faculty-student ratio, and proportions of international students and international faculty.

Based on the research, AUS scored high in academic reputation and employer reputation, placing it among the top 301 universities in the world. AUS also achieved a score of 82 percent in international students and more than 99 percent in international faculty. In addition, with 1,069 papers and 1,908 citations of published researches as well as several registered patents, AUS has rapidly become an internationally acclaimed institution, despite being young in age.

Expressing his satisfaction over this recognition, AUS Chancellor Dr. Peter Heath said, "This is good news for everyone. It is now confirmed by outside experts that AUS meets international standards of excellence."

Chancellor Heath added, "This achievement reflected a commitment by the founder and President of AUS, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to create a university that would match American standards in its academic programs." He attributed the achievement mainly to the unwavering support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.

"This news is also a tribute to the dedication of hundreds of faculty, staff and students over the last 15 years. They can take pride in what they have achieved," he said. "We, at AUS, have long-known about the quality of the education that we provide for our students. Yet external recognition of this fact is always welcome. AUS looks forward to continuing to increase its academic quality and reputation in order to serve our students in the best possible fashion," concluded Dr. Heath.

Ben Sowter, head of the QS intelligence Unit said, "The continued presence in the QS World University Rankings of a group of universities from the Middle East which first entered the rankings in 2011 represents a sound return on the huge investments being made in higher education and research in this region."

2012 is the ninth year that QS has published its World University Rankings, which have become established as the most widely read university comparison of their kind. They are based on six indicators and were this year compiled following surveys of over 46,000 academics and 28,000 employers, the largest of their kind ever conducted.