Qumash Ranking Launches Independent University Evaluation System in Kazakhstan

In a move aimed at providing students with a transparent and student-driven assessment of higher education institutions, Qumash.kz has launched the Qumash Ranking, an independent university evaluation system in Kazakhstan. This initiative seeks to address gaps in traditional rankings by prioritizing real student experiences alongside academic metrics.

What is Qumash Ranking?

Qumash Ranking is described as a “non-official, crowd-sourced” platform that combines elements of Forbes, Tripadvisor, and Reddit. Unlike government-backed or self-promoted university rankings, it allows students and graduates to directly influence the evaluation process. The platform emphasizes “real student voices” to create a more authentic representation of university quality.

How Does the Ranking Work?

The ranking evaluates universities across six criteria, each contributing up to 100 points:

• Quality of Education (25 points): Includes faculty expertise, curriculum relevance, and international accreditations.
• Career Opportunities (20 points): Assesses graduate employment rates, industry connections, and market relevance of degrees.
• Reputation (15 points): Considers employer, student, and graduate feedback, as well as institutional scandals or controversies.
• Infrastructure (15 points): Evaluates campus facilities, classrooms, dormitories, and laboratories.
• Internationalization (10 points): Measures student exchange programs, dual-degree options, and global recognition.
• Accessibility and Value (15 points): Focuses on tuition costs, scholarships, and cost-effectiveness of education.

Why This Matters

Traditional university rankings in Kazakhstan have faced criticism for being either government-influenced or self-promoted by institutions. Qumash Ranking aims to provide a “third option” by leveraging direct student input. The platform claims to exclude external influence, emphasizing that “no university leadership or external actors will sway the results.”

Students can vote by selecting a university from a list and rating it on each criterion. To prevent abuse, the system uses CAPTCHA verification and limits voting to one per IP address. The top 50 universities will be determined by cumulative scores, with results published annually.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the initiative has been praised for its transparency, some experts question the reliability of student-driven metrics. Critics argue that subjective factors like “canteen quality” or “campus ambiance” may overshadow academic rigor. However, Qumash.kz asserts that all data will be cross-verified through student surveys, graduate employment records, and open-source information to ensure credibility.

What’s Next?

The platform is currently in its pilot phase, with plans to expand its evaluation criteria and integrate feedback mechanisms. A spokesperson for Qumash.kz stated, “Our goal is to create a ranking that reflects both academic excellence and the lived experiences of students—because education isn’t just about degrees, it’s about opportunities.”

For more details on the ranking methodology or to participate, visit Qumash.kz.