Fuzzy Topsis application in Identification and ranking the factors influencing the selection of university in Graduate studies level from the viewpoint of students

The purpose of this research is to identify and rank the effective factors in the selection of a university for graduate level from the viewpoint of students. The literature on university rankings was first examined and 14 general factors were extracted with related indicators. Considering these factors, an interview was conducted with 15 students. Furthermore, a framework of the effective factors was designed implementing previous literature and student views. The data was analyzed by the T-test method to determine the main factor. Confirmed indicators were re-classified and distributed in the form of a questionnaire with Likert scale among 20 other students. Then, using the data of this questionnaire and implementation of the fuzzy TOPSIS approach, the ranking of the effective factors in the selection of a university for a master's degree was obtained. Finally, the status of factors obtained from the previous steps were presented. The results of the research show that in the proposed framework, the University Reputation factor is the most important factor from the students’ point of view. This factor includes 4 indicators: public universities, university location, student recruitment and graduates attracted to the work environment after graduation.