HSE University Named Online Education Leader in THE Rankings

HSE University has been awarded ‘Gold’ status in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Learning Rankings 2024 alongside 10 other global universities. A new subset of the Times Higher Education World Rankings, the Online Learning Rankings (OLR) are focused on global universities that develop online education.

‘HSE University is actively promoting Russian education in the international arena, and our online educational programmes are an important element of this work. We hold our own against colossal competition from universities from around the world and in very difficult circumstances, and the Gold award received by the university is both an acknowledgement of our achievements and proof that we are on the right track,’ noted HSE University Rector Nikita Anisimov.

The inclusion of HSE University among leading universities in the OLR is recognition of the quality and drive for innovation in Russian education, as well as an important indicator of the success of the online learning development strategy in Russia. The assessment strengthens HSE’s international reputation and opens up possibilities for the implementation of new forms of learning and international cooperation in the future.

The OLR evaluates programmes at learning institutions where at least 40% of the course content is online. It focuses on teaching quality and covers both bachelor’s and master’s programmes.

Unlike other rankings, the Online Learning Rankings divide universities into three categories: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Universities are listed in each category in alphabetical order to ensure equal opportunities for all participants.

The OLR employs a unique methodology aimed at measuring the quality of online learning at universities. The rankings consider four key metrics divided into 17 indicators:

 Resources (35%)— financial spending per student, the ratio of teachers to students, and the number of hours of professional training for teachers;

 Engagement (25%)—the level of student involvement in online learning, as well as the ease of use of the relevant platforms;

 Outcomes (15%)—students’ results and their willingness to recommend their programme to others;

 Environment—inclusiveness for students with disabilities, age diversity, gender diversity among teachers, support and access to additional resources.