Institutional Assessment
The QS AI Capability Assessment provides a structured and evidence-based process for evaluating how effectively universities are developing and embedding AI across institutional domains. The Assessment offers a modular, multi-dimensional evaluation that recognises institutional strengths while identifying areas for strategic improvement. Using the QS AI Capability Framework, the assessment measures maturity across four key institutional functions: Teaching, Learning, and Assessment; Research and Scholarship; Governance and Human Commitment; and, Operational Efficiency.
The assessment is designed to be formative and developmental, helping institutions understand where they are on their AI journey, benchmark against peers, and articulate progress in a transparent and globally recognisable format. The process supports institutions in developing and progressing their AI Roadmap and communicating within internal and external stakeholders.
The Assessment Process
Using the QS AI Capability Framework, the process involves data collection completed by the institution and supported by evidence collection. To ensure a holistic perspective, the assessment is complemented by faculty and student surveys to capture diverse stakeholder insights. Submissions and survey results are analysed and points allocated at each sub-indicator level, ultimately resulting in a comprehensive evaluation of the institutions’ strengths and areas for strategic improvement.
Institutions receive a detailed report with both qualitative insights and quantitative scoring, offering a foundation for planning, investment, and storytelling—supporting universities not only to enhance their internal strategy but also to build their brand as AI-enabled institutions in an increasingly competitive global education landscape.
Benefits of an Institutional AI Assessment
Gain Actionable, Evidence-Based Insights
The QS AI Capability Assessment offers a detailed and structured evaluation of your institution’s maturity across four critical domains: Teaching and Learning, Research and Scholarship, Governance and Culture, and Operational Efficiency. This enables institutions to benchmark current AI integration efforts, identify high-performing areas, and pinpoint gaps for improvement, based on robust, multi-stakeholder data.
Showcase Institutional Strengths
The assessment highlights your institution’s AI-related strengths and progress, which can be shared with internal and external stakeholders, including governing boards, funders, and partner organisations. It provides a globally recognisable, transparent framework for communicating institutional achievements in AI innovation and digital transformation.
Support Strategic Development
By mapping institutional AI maturity and identifying priority areas for growth, the assessment helps inform the development of an AI roadmap aligned with the university’s broader strategic goals. It encourages a culture of continuous improvement and data-informed decision-making in areas such as digital pedagogy, research innovation, and administrative efficiency.
Enhance Brand and Reputation
As AI capability becomes a global benchmark for digital readiness in higher education, publicly sharing assessment results positions the institution as forward-thinking and committed to responsible innovation. This can enhance institutional reputation among potential students, peer universities, employers, and funders globally.
Improve Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement
The inclusion of faculty and student feedback and input ensures a diverse, holistic understanding of institutional AI efforts, creating an inclusive narrative around digital transformation. The results provide credible and independent validation of progress, helping to build trust and alignment across academic, operational, and governance stakeholders.
Attract and Retain Talent
A strong AI maturity profile, especially when shared through QS networks and communications, can support student recruitment and faculty engagement. Prospective students, particularly those interested in AI, data science, or tech-enabled disciplines, are increasingly drawn to institutions demonstrating digital leadership and innovation in teaching, learning, and research environments.
Benchmark Against Global Peers
The assessment enables universities to position themselves in a global context by comparing their AI capabilities with institutions worldwide. This can inform collaboration, identify partnership opportunities, and support participation in global AI research or education initiatives.
The QS AI Capability Assessment functions not just as a diagnostic tool, but as a strategic asset, providing universities with the insights, recognition, and road mapping support needed to lead in an AI-driven academic landscape.
To learn more about engaging in an AI Capability Assessment for your institution, please contact the QS Team.