World University Rankings 2024: Indonesia top for student-staff ratio

Browse the full results of the World University Rankings 2024

Indonesian universities now have the lowest student-staff ratios in the world, on average, according to the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings data.

The country’s score on this metric has grown by 42 per cent over five years to 82.4 out of 100, propelling it to the top spot globally this year. The analysis only included countries with at least six ranked institutions, and only examined institutions that have been continuously ranked since 2020.

World University Rankings 2024: results announced

Tunisia and Ukraine also saw notable improvements in this metric, which comes under the teaching pillar for the World University Rankings.

Meanwhile, Hungary has seen a dramatic rise in its average doctorate-to-bachelor ratio since 2020. Its score has increased from 43.9 in 2020 to 78.6 in the latest ranking.

However, Switzerland is at the helm for this metric, sealing a five-year-long trend. Most recently, its score jumped to 85, up from last year’s 71.9.

A closer look at the top-performing nations

The measure helps gauge the proportion of postgraduate researchers, which can give an indication of the teaching level at an institution as well as the scope to develop and attract graduate students.  

Germany, Hungary and India follow behind the Swiss universities for this metric, in that order.

Despite shifting trends since 2020, all nations in the top 10 this year have been on an upward trajectory over the past year, reflecting minor methodology changes.

tiya.alexander@timeshighereducation.com