There are more than 1000 Universities in the world that are considered in the Times Higher Education and QS rankings. But, here in this article, we will be discussing not only one but the top 25 Universities in the world which are known for its all-rounder ratings! The Institutions which accept International students are spread across the world which makes it even more competitive. We know that you might be overwhelmed by seeing so many articles with different lists of Universities and hence, we came up with this article to help you streamline your thought process and focus in one direction by collecting data and stats from some of the renowned websites like Times Higher Education, QS Rankings, etc! Let’s dive straight into the list right now,
- UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, UNITED KINGDOM
is situated in the United Kingdom, one of the most reputed Universities in the world and the oldest English Speaking University! Yes, you heard me, the University of Oxford originally started in 1096, can you believe that? The University of Oxford has been ranked #1 by Times Higher Education in the world for the past 4 years. It has shown continuous excellence in research, citations, and International Outlook with a rating above 96 out of 100 in all three aspects. With a concentrated 11:1 Student-Faculty ratio and hosting 41% of international students among their 20,000 students who are studying at the University of Oxford makes it extremely diverse and reputed around the world.
- CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, UNITED STATES
A dream of every Science and Engineering aspirant, located in California, USA. California Institute of Technology, also known as Caltech is majorly known for its technical courses in Science, Engineering, and Computer Science. Caltech has been ranked in #1 in Engineering & Technology, #2 in Physical Sciences, #6 in Life Sciences, and #10 in Computer Science in the whole world by Times Higher Education 2020 rankings. 35 Nobel Prizes, six Turing Awards, and 71 United States National Medals of Science or Technology have been awarded to the alumni and faculty of Caltech. With a rating over 92 out of 100 in teaching, citations, and research, Caltech due to the cut-throat and tedious application selection has a very low acceptance rate. But, remains a dream school for all the Engineering and Science aspirants.
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, UNITED KINGDOM
based in the United Kingdom is ranked #3 in the world 2020 and ranked #2 in European Teaching rankings 2019. The University of Cambridge, established in 1209, surviving for more than 800 years, is the fourth oldest English speaking university! Some of the best courses in the University of Cambridge include Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Clinical, Pre-Clinical & Health, and Business & Economics. The University of Cambridge is ranked high in all of the mentioned courses because of its International Outlook, Research, and Citations. There are over 92 Noble Prizes awarded to the affiliates of the university, covering every category.
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY, UNITED STATES
Silicon Valley, the hub of Technology and Computer Science also hosts , ranked #4 in World University Rankings 2020, and ranked #3 World Reputation Rankings 2019. Around $2.7 trillion annual revenue that has been generated by the companies and start-ups founded by the alumni and affiliates of Stanford, which is the 10th largest economy in the world. There are many big names like Google, Nike, HP, Instagram, Netflix which have been a part of the 10th largest economy. The big companies’ names don't just showcase the ability of Stanford Grads and Undergrads but also displays the efficiency of the University to provide quality education with its rating over 96 out of 100 in its research and citations by Times Higher Education!
- MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, UNITED STATES
(MIT) is an independent, prestigious, private research university based in the state of Massachusetts. Who doesn’t know about MIT? MIT has been around since the past 160 years providing knowledge and having graduates like Andrea Wong, Kofi Annan, Shirley Ann Jackson, Buzz Aldrin, etc. Ranked #4 in Arts & Humanities, #6 in Engineering & Technology, #4 in Life Sciences, #5 in Physical Sciences, #1 Social Sciences and #1 in Business & Economics by Times Higher Education due to its amazing all-rounder ratings of above 86 in Teaching, Research, Citations, Industrial Income, and International Outlook. 30,000 active companies,4.6 million jobs, and roughly $1.9 trillion in annual revenue (FYI: which is more than Canada’s GDP!) is the estimated statistics calculated among the living alumni of MIT
- PRINCETON UNIVERSITY, UNITED STATES
is one of the oldest universities in the US and comes under the reputed Ivy League Category for Undergrad courses. It was founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey, after which it was renamed Princeton University in 1896 to honor the place where it is located, It also inaugurated its famous graduate school in 1900. Princeton University is ranked #1 in Physical Sciences, #6 in Social Sciences, #7 in Arts & Humanities, and #7 in Engineering & Technology in the world by Times Higher Education. Some of the known graduates from Princeton University include Michelle Obama, actor Jimmy Stewart, Founder of Amazon Jeff Bezos, etc. With a rating of 98.8 in citations and 96.3 in research out of 100, it surely is one of the best Universities to study in.
- HARVARD UNIVERSITY, UNITED STATES
is one of the finest and oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. The private Ivy League institution has hosted more than 45 Nobel achievers and over 30 heads of state. 13 US Presidents have graduated from Harvard University, the latest one being John F. Kennedy in 1956. The best courses offered at Harvard are Arts & Humanities, Clinical, Pre-Clinical & Health, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Computer Science, and Law.
- YALE UNIVERSITY, UNITED STATES
is another private Ivy League University that has more emphasis on Research that is the third-oldest higher education institution in the US. Yale University's ranking in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities #3 and ranked #8 in the World Rankings of 2020 by Times Higher Education. Yale University admissions are most selective with an acceptance rate of 6%. The student-faculty ratio at Yale University is 6:1 which makes Yale a very selective, focused, and concentrated University. The courses which are popular at Yale University are Social Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; History, Mathematics and Statistics, and Engineering.
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
is a University based in a big city, with the name you might have guessed it! Yes, Chicago. It has been an urban research university since 1890. The University of Chicago is known for its buzz location as well as its profound academic programs. The school is located near the former home of past president Barack Obama. The University of Chicago also witnessed the teaching skills of Barrack Obama for 12 years. The rating of Citations and research being 96.7 and 91.4 out of 100 respectively by Times Higher Education keeps it at the #9 spot for the world’s best Universities rankings of 2020.
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Coming back to the United Kingdom, is ranked #10 in the world and #3 in the United Kingdom. Imperial College London is consistently ranked amongst the best universities in the world and forms part of the 'Golden Triangle' of six elite British universities, which also includes Oxford and Cambridge. Imperial has always been known for its top-notch science, engineering, and medicine programs, although the Imperial College Business School and Humanities department have been gaining a lot of attraction. With a very high International Outlook and Citations rating by Times Higher Education for the same, Imperial College of London surely is one of the best schools to attend.
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES
is situated in the Province of Pennsylvania. UPenn has less no. of international students, among all only 20% of students are international. Hence, it makes the University highly diverse with culture. Also, the no. of students per staff is less too which makes UPenn a highly concentrated University. The best rating for UPenn is that of Citations and Research 98.2 and 90.4 respectively. The graduates from UPenn who join the industry have a high Income and the graph has been gradually increasing every year. Life Sciences, Social Sciences, and Arts & Humanities are the best subjects taught in UPenn based on the ratings.
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, UNITED STATES
A Private Research University in Maryland since 1876 has made a name not only in the United States but in the world as well. In the top 25 list, it probably has the lowest “no. of students per staff ratio” which makes it highly focused and concentrated. It’s also because is very picky when it comes to accepting an applicant for their University. Life Sciences, Clinical, Pre-Clinical, and Health are the best courses that are offered at Johns Hopkins University, putting them in the 12th place for Best Universities in the world.
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY, UNITED STATES
Founded in 1868, is well known for Engineering, Life Sciences, Business & Economics. Many international students wish to study at UCB but due to the competitiveness, fewer international students get through. UCB is ranked 13th in the Best Universities in the world, 2020. A top-notch rating on Citations, Research, and Teaching explains why it is one of the best Public Research Universities. The University is located near to the main Bay Area (San Francisco) which is why it’s near Silicon Valley (North California).
- ETH ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
This top University in Switzerland is one of the toughest universities to get into. The beautiful country and its campus says it all. is balanced when it comes to ratings which makes ETH Zurich one of the most disciplined Universities in the world. Engineering & Technology and Life Sciences are one of the best courses. Computer Science is exceptionally well in ETH Zurich, #3rd in the world! There’s a good amount of international students too. Around 40% of ETH Zurich is composed of either international or Non-EU Citizens.
- UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Coming in the top 5 Universities in the United Kingdom, in 2005 it was officially known as , and since it has also been one of the top Universities to study from in the world. Did you know, UCL was the first University in England that started to treat women equally to men. It was founded in 1826. UCL has a high rating in International Outlook and Citations. UCL is very famous among Higher Education Aspirants and hence, there are above 50% of international students at UCL! Life Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences are the best streams at UCL.
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, UNITED STATES
is located in the heart of New York City, its gigantic Roman Classical style campus provides a serene beauty that’s pleasing to the eyes. Columbia University is a dream University for many Undergrad and Master’s aspirants! It’s a Research-oriented University with a very high rating in Citations and Teaching. Some of the top courses of the University include Life Sciences, Business & Economics, and Computer Science. 37% of the University’s students are International Students.
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
, a University close to the city makes it extravagant and flamboyant to many aspirants. The University is close to the communities that might connect you with the vibrant culture and the buzz around the city! Citations, Research, and Teaching are the strongholds of UCLA. Courses like Engineering & Technology, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences are the best courses offered by UCLA making it a University with a major focus on technology!
- UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO, CANADA
Another North-American Country with a University in the top 25 list, Canada. is the best University in Canada founded in 1827. It has been in the top spot in Canada for the past 4-5 years that shows its consistency and class. UofT has the most no. of total students studying at their University among the top 25 Universities list, with more than 73,000 currently studying! UofT ranks #1 in Impact Rankings: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Industry. Some of the best courses in UofT include Life Sciences and Computer Science.
- CORNELL UNIVERSITY, UNITED STATES
Coming back to the United States, is in the #19 spot for the top 25 Universities in the world and has an excellent Research background. It’s an Ivy League University that’s situated in Ithaca, New York. Cornell University focuses more on Medical streams like Life Sciences, Pre-Clinical, Clinical & Health, and also in a technological stream like Computer Science. Cornell University being an Ivy League University has a very low acceptance rate and hence has 25% International Students in the coursework.
- DUKE UNIVERSITY, UNITED STATES
is known for being one of the wealthiest Private Universities located in North Carolina. Duke University for many years has been producing Impeccable International Scholars that come to study from all around the world. Life Sciences, Business & Economics are the best courses offered by Duke University. The Industry Income of Duke University has the highest rating of all which makes it more Industry-oriented University than being a Research-oriented University.
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
Founded in 1817, it was started for the betterment of Public and hence is a Public University. Some of the points that bolstered its rank to come under the top 25 category were coursework, Research, and top alumni who have graduated from and have already made history, for instance, Larry Page, the co-founder of Google. The best courses offered are Social Sciences, Engineering & Technology, and Computer Science. It is a Research-oriented University.
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, UNITED STATES
has a huge class size and many students decide to attend Northwestern University for either their Undergraduate or Graduate courses. The University’s located in the state of Illinois. It has very high Citations, Research and Industrial Income ratings. The top courses include Physical Sciences, Psychology, Business & Economics. Northwestern University has fewer no. of International Students but because of that, International Students get exposed to more cultural differences.
- TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, CHINA
Tsinghua University, the best University in China and Asia. Tsinghua University is known for its Industrial Income and exuberance. The ratings of Research, Industrial Income, and Teaching are very high. Courses like Engineering & Technology, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences are the best courses which makes the University a highly concentrated University in the technological fields.
- PEKING UNIVERSITY, CHINA
Peking University ranks #2 in China and Asia. The number of students per staff is less and that makes the University’s classes highly concentrated and focused on students. Peking University consists of 15% of international students among their students’ population. Peking University also comes under C9 Universities in China which are the most prestigious Universities in China. The best courses offered at Peking University include Engineering & Technology, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.
- NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE
Last but not least, the a.k.a NUS located in Singapore is ranked #25 among the top 25 Universities in the world. The University has three campuses spread across Singapore namely Kent Ridge, Bukit Timah, and Outram. NUS has a very high International Outlook and Research rating. Asian Universities always have more emphasis on technical and technological fields and hence the top courses in NUS include Engineering & Technology and Computer Science.
Getting into one of these Universities will obviously give your profile a premier touch but it’s not mandatory and choose a University which caters to what you prefer. Attending any one University among this list will guarantee you quality education and a rewarding career. But apart from the big names, it’s up to you to do the hard work, get placed in your favorite company, or pursue your research interest further. So, what are you waiting for? Book a and know more about education abroad!
