10 of the Top Colleges in the World (NOT in the USA)

Updated on June 5th, 2024

When it comes time for students to choose a college, they often wonder, “What are the top colleges in the world?” Sometimes, this is pure curiosity. After all, they have post-secondary schools on the brain, so it’s reasonable to contemplate which ones represent the cream of the crop.

However, some students want to figure out what the best colleges in the world are so that they can consider them. After all, nothing says a college search can’t or shouldn’t go international. Plus, there are plenty of scholarships for studying abroad, so it never hurts to look at every option.

If you and your student want to learn more about finding scholarships to study abroad, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a trip over to https://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve your spot today.

Here’s a look at some of the top-ranked universities in the world.

Contents

1 10 of the Top Colleges in the World
2 A NOTE ABOUT THE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE OF THE TOP COLLEGES IN THE WORLD
3 FAQs

10 of the Top Colleges in the World

1. University of Oxford

Regarding the top ten best universities and most prestigious colleges in the world, you can’t deny that the University of Oxford deserves to be on that list. It’s one of the oldest universities in the world, known for its academic excellence along with its long and storied history.

Its undergraduate and graduate programs are widely respected thanks to the high-quality educational experience. When it comes to research resources and international outlook, the University of Oxford is also hard to beat in world university rankings. Additionally, it’s the home of the Rhodes Scholarships, the oldest international fellowship awards on the planet.

Just be aware that it is also one of the hardest colleges to get into in the world. Its acceptance rate is usually between 15 and 20 percent, showing just how competitive the admissions landscape at top universities can be for leading institutions. However, it should come as a surprise that so many people want to get in, and some do consider Oxford the number one university in the world.

2. ETH ZURICH

Initially founded in 1885 as the Federal Polytechnic School, ETH Zurich is a leader in teaching technology, engineering and science in higher education. Also known as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, over 20 Nobel Laureates, including Albert Einstein and Konrad Osterwalder, the Former Director-General of CERN, studied at the institution.

The school uses an open-minded approach and encourages accountability, personal responsibility, and innovative thinking. It also has substantial research capabilities, a storied history, and a vibrant culture. ETH Zurich is recognized for its research quality, which contributes to its high ranking. All of these things help make ETH Zurich one of the top institutions in the world.

3. UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

Another one of the oldest universities on the planet, the University of Cambridge, is known for its global reputation, exceptional educational experience, and some of the world’s most famous grads. The school produced some of the most noteworthy scientists in history, including Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking. Additionally, the mathematics faculty includes a Fields Medal recipient, an honor given by the International Congress of Mathematicians to recognize outstanding achievement in the field and future promise.

Cambridge could easily be a top contender for students who want a university that cultivates curiosity and promotes innovation and research. It also offers access to specialist subjects you might not find at many other schools.

4. UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

If your student is exploring top universities in countries around the world and wants to find an institution that offers students an amazing experience and a broad selection of programs, the University of Toronto is a great option. Along with being one of the most prestigious universities on the planet, it has hundreds of undergraduate degree programs available. The University of Toronto attracts a large number of international students, contributing to its diverse and vibrant campus community.

As Canada’s premier research university for higher education, it also receives more funding than all other schools in the country. That makes it ideal for those who like to explore and innovate, regardless of the student’s preferred subject.

Famous graduates of U of T include Lester B. Pearson, former Prime Minister of Canada and Nobel Peace Prize winner; Margaret Atwood, Canadian novelist, poet, and essayist; and David Suzuki, environmentalist, science broadcaster, and author.

5. NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

Starting as a medical college, the National University of Singapore now offers 17 different programs. The National University of Singapore offers a strong computer science program, which is one of the popular majors among students. The course curriculum in medical schools is rigorous but incredibly engaging, as cross-program enrichment opportunities are plentiful.

This college offers much more, including entrepreneurship-oriented student exchanges with a dozen business schools. Joint, double, and concurrent degree programs are available that partner with some of the other best universities in the world, making the student experience even more fulfilling and laden with potential.

6. UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

One of the best public universities in the world, the University of Melbourne is commonly considered the top university and number one college in Australia. World-changing research is a priority for faculty here at the school and a leading educational experience for all students.

There are more than 100 areas of study available, so there’s plenty of variety. Plus, it uses a non-traditional approach to degrees, allowing students to pursue their passions through unique curriculums that aren’t available at many other universities.

The University of Melbourne’s alumni list includes actors like Hugh Jackman, former Prime Ministers, and Nobel Prize-winning immunologist Peter Doherty.

7. LMU MUNICH

One of the leading research institutions in Europe, LMU Munich in Germany, has been around for over 500 years. In fact, the school is older than Oxford by about six years.

There is also access to a broad selection of programs representing the development in various fields, ranging from humanities to natural and social sciences. The educational approach is mostly interdisciplinary, a methodology that bolsters innovative thinking, engagement, and curiosity.

8. HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Compared to many other higher education institutions on this list, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is relatively young. However, that doesn’t mean higher education at this medium-sized school shouldn’t be considered, particularly by students who want to be on the cutting edge of science, tech, business or engineering.

At this college, research is a priority, and opportunities exist in technology fields like robotics, automation, data science, advanced materials, neuroscience, sustainability, and more. Plus, the school performs well outside of the STEM arena, too, offering programs through its School of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as its School of Business and Management.

9. THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO

One of the leading research universities in the world, the University of Tokyo has a stellar reputation. Eight Nobel laureates spent time at the schools, including five in physics, two in Chemistry, and one in physiology, showcasing the caliber of people who previously called the college home. Plus, the university and its student body composition are fairly unique, as there are as many graduate students as undergraduates at this college.

The university has ten major program areas, and the school has nearly a dozen research institution affiliations. It also maintains more than 450 international exchange agreements with some of the other top colleges and university campuses in the world. That can make transitioning to or from the University of Tokyo easier.

10. KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET

Regarding medical universities, the Karolinska Institutet is a clear global leader. Many students flock to this Stockholm school from countries worldwide, looking for top training and opportunities to get involved with cutting-edge research and medical technologies.

Five researchers from the college’s alumni became Nobel laureates, showcasing the institution’s quality. Plus, it can be a “one-stop-shop” for students, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, not to mention world-class faculty.

Some famous school alumni include Anders Celsius, astronomer and physicist who developed the Celsius temperature scale; Jules Hoffmann, the immunologist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2011; and Eva Ekeblad – Scientist and agronomist who was the first woman elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

A NOTE ABOUT THE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE OF THE TOP COLLEGES IN THE WORLD

When it comes to the best colleges and universities in the world, it’s essential to understand that those determinations can be subjective and often depend on the global reputation of the institutions. Different people value different things.

That means that one group’s top ten colleges in the world list might not be exactly like another organization’s list. But that doesn’t mean either list is wrong. They just examined different criteria or had different priorities.

When your student is deciding which schools should receive their Common App or which colleges are the best, they need to keep their needs in mind. Their goal should be to find their ideal college, one where they can learn, grow, and thrive. By doing so, they’ll land on the best option for them, and that’s what matters.

FAQs

Should You Study Abroad at One of the Best Colleges Outside of the US?

The many universities of the world have a lot to offer, but many students wonder if that means it’s worth attending one if they have to leave the US. In the end, whether it’s worthwhile is a personal decision.

The leading universities outside of the US are known for stellar academics, fantastic cultures, unique learning experiences, and excellent post-graduation job prospects. Plus, they often allow students to immerse themselves in a different culture, which promotes an entirely different learning experience.

However, studying abroad can come with challenges. Language barriers may make it hard for students to acclimate to their temporary home. Work visa restrictions could prevent students from having a job while pursuing their degree. The cost of living could be higher than many students expect, too. Plus, visiting their hometown isn’t always easy to arrange if students get homesick.

As a result, students should consider the pros and cons before deciding to study abroad. That way, they can figure out if it’s the right move for them.

Is It Hard to Get into the Top Universities Outside of the US?

Just as it’s challenging to get into the top universities in the US, getting into the best colleges outside of the US isn’t easy. Elite schools reject the vast majority of applicants. For example, the University of Oxford has an acceptance rate between 15 and 17.5 percent, while ETH Zurich’s is between 25 and 35 percent.

Elite colleges accept so few applicants because they attract more than their fair share of students. Plus, they often have the best and the brightest among their applicant pool, creating a highly competitive environment.

Now, many leading schools outside of the US have higher acceptance rates than the most prestigious US universities. For example, Harvard has an acceptance rate closer to 3 percent, while MIT comes in with just 4 percent.

Ultimately, universities have a set limit on the number of students they can admit. If they attract more applicants than they can welcome, there’s competition. Then, if those they attract are genuinely outstanding, students may have trouble separating themselves from the pack. In turn, it becomes hard to get into those colleges.

However, while many of these international colleges are challenging to get into, it may be easier for students to gain admission there than at many elite US universities. As a result, students should consider them, particularly if the idea of studying abroad is appealing.

What Is the #1 Best College in the World?

Figuring out the #1 college in the world is surprisingly challenging. Many people and rankings lists use different criteria, causing a significant amount of debate regarding which university, among all of the good colleges around the world, is genuinely the best.

However, several schools are regularly in top positions. For example, Harvard University, the University of Oxford, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are commonly given that honor.

Still, it’s critical for students to remember that even schools frequently praised on rankings lists might not be the ideal match for them. Ultimately, students must focus on finding the best fit for them, ensuring their college experience meets all their various needs.

Which Schools Rank Highest on the QS World University Rankings?

The QS World University Rankings is one of the prominent global universities rankings, showcasing top-performing schools from all across the globe. The analysis includes a variety of factors, ranging from graduate employability and international research collaboration to sustainability commitments and on-campus experience.

Every year, the rankings are updated. For 2024, the top five institutions are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, Harvard University, and Stanford University. ETH Zurich placed seventh, while the National University of Singapore came eighth.

It’s critical to remember that every ranking system has varying criteria, so a school’s exact placement on one list can differ from where it’s positioned on another. However, universities that make several lists are generally known for their quality, so students should keep that in mind.

If you and your student want to learn more about finding scholarships to study abroad, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a trip over to https://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve your spot today.

10 of the Top Colleges in the World (NOT in the USA)