Choosing a university might feel like the most daunting task you’ll ever have to deal with, and we understand every single bit of it. With a cascade of universities around the world, questions as such are bound to pop up:

What are the top universities in Malaysia, anyone?

To be honest, I just want to land a job after graduation. What universities are favoured by employers?

Is Harvard the best university in the world?

With the recent release of QS World Universities Rankings 2016/17, these are merely some of the riddles that have been cracked. No, Harvard University did not top the list, although it ranks in the top three. Instead, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) continues to uphold its throne as the world’s best for the fifth consecutive year!

Closer to home, three Malaysian universities have also soared upwards into the top 300 of QS world ranking! But that’s not all. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) also hopped 61 places and is now 270th, while Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) rose 15 spots to 288th.

How did the rest of our Malaysian universities fare? What are some of the top universities in Malaysia that are recognised on the international stage? Find out more in our infographic below.

(Illustration by Michelle Leo)

University rankings have always been a hot tool – both among prospective and current students – in gauging the stature of an educational institution.

As much as university rankings are here to stay, bear in mind that it should only be one of your many considerations before choosing your soulmate university. Understand what's most important to you (whether it's the campus environment, course structure or availability of financial aid) before ultimately choosing "The One".

Need more help in deciding which university to call home? Here's a simple step-by-step guide on How to Choose the Best University.