UCC says €22k fee for five-star rating is worthwhile

TWO Irish universities have said tens of thousands of euro paid to receive their recent top international ratings is worthwhile for the potential to attract more overseas students.

University College Cork and the University of Limerick were the only two Irish colleges to undergo the QS Stars evaluation, a new international benchmarking tool by the same firm that undertakes one of the world’s most prestigious university rankings.

UCC paid almost €22,000 for its evaluation, which includes a €7,035 audit fee and three annual licence fees of €4,893. It was awarded five-star status, which it can use for marketing purposes for the next three years.