Choosing where to study, and to which university you should go, is one of the most important decisions you will make. To help you with that, the World’s #1 Source of Research-Based Content, The Daily Top 10, thought to share with you the top 10 best and most popular universities in the world ranked.
There are many things to consider when selecting a university for your higher studies. First of all, which country/region should you study in? And what are the top 10 universities in the world/country/region? Following is a list of the top 10 best and most popular universities in the world ranked according to Statista, based on the Times Higher Education Ranking.
Why are University Rankings Important?
The Times’ higher education rankings can help you sort your options and make you aware of the famous universities in the world you may not have otherwise heard of. At the same time, university rankings should be used together with additional research on each university or school so you can make an informed choice about where to go based on your preferences.
So, here’s a complete rundown of the world’s top 10 best and most popular universities in the world ranked:
TOP 10: Imperial College (UK)
Imperial College is one of the top public universities in London, United Kingdom. It is ranked 6th in QS World University Rankings 2023 and top 10th in Times Higher Education rankings according to the Top Universities.
Imperial offers three-year Bachelor’s or four-year integrated Master’s courses in engineering and natural sciences as well as degrees within the School of Medicine. Undergraduates can take advantage of courses in the Imperial College Business School; the Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication; and the I-Explore program to broaden their studies. Facilities also include teaching hospitals throughout London, and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust together forms an academic health science center.
TOP 9: Yale University (USA)
Yale University is a private research university and a member of the prestigious Ivy League, a group of America’s most celebrated higher education institutions. Ever since the start of Yale University, its campus has housed scholars, research libraries, global art collections, and laboratory spaces. It also includes a 1,500-acre Outdoor Education Center, according to US News.
According to Study Abroad, Yale University’s outstanding research, education, and free exchange of ideas have put it at 14th on the QS World University Rankings. In addition, it has been ranked 9th by the Times World University Rankings. So, it reflects the university’s commitment to delivering high-quality education and high-quality research output.
TOP 8: The University of California, Berkeley (USA)
The University of California is a public research university and the flagship institution of the ten research universities affiliated with the University of California system. According to the Top and most popular Universities in the world, it is home to some world-renowned research institutes, including the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and the Space Sciences Laboratory.
In addition, the university is divided into 14 colleges and schools, including the highly ranked Haas School of Business, College of Chemistry, College of Engineering, School of Public Health, and School of Law. According to Statista, the university has been ranked by US News & World Report at 4th, The Times Higher Education at 8th, and QS – World University Ranking at 32nd.
TOP 7: Princeton University (USA)
Princeton is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. According to Top Universities, Princeton is renowned for the spectacular greenery of its campus and the architectural splendor of some of its landmark buildings.
Princeton is one of the foremost research and most popular universities in the world and has educated two US presidents, James Madison, and Woodrow Wilson. Today’s Princeton provides undergraduate and graduate education in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering as well as offering a number of professional degrees.
TOP 6: California Institute of Technology (USA)
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a world-renowned science and engineering research and education institution, located in Pasadena, California, around 11 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. Caltech has a high research output as well as many high-quality facilities. According to CALTECH, campus life is rich with social activities, clubs, associations, and recreational facilities.
The balance at Caltech between a rigorous academic curriculum and activities that promote personal development ensures time spent there for students is both formative and an invaluable staging post to a successful career. So, Caltech is undoubtedly one of the best and most popular universities in the world, a fact reflected in all the university rankings, which regularly single out technology and engineering as the school’s key academic strengths.
TOP 5: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research institute, reflecting its high standards of integrity, intellectual and creative excellence, and high-quality research output through its rankings. According to Study Abroad, Massachusetts Institute of Technology has been ranked 1st by the QS World University Rankings 2022, 4th by the Shanghai Jiao Tong Ranking 2021, at 5th position by the Times World University Rankings 2022, and 2nd by the CWTS Leiden Ranking 2021 according to Statista.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology courses spans various fields such as Applied Science, Architecture, Business Administration, Analytics, Engineering, Finance, and much more. There are 50 departments and programs that offer graduate degrees.
TOP 4: Stanford University (USA)
Stanford University is a renowned private research university located in Stanford, California. According to Study Abroad. it is one of the top-ranking universities in the USA and worldwide. Stanford has consistently ranked among the top and most popular universities in the world by QS and Times Higher Education rankings, according to Statista.
Stanford has seven schools for Business, Environmental Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Sciences, Law, and Medicine and offers more than 90 graduate programs. Stanford University’s notable alumni include former US President John F Kennedy.
TOP 3: University of Cambridge (UK)
The University of Cambridge is rich in history, and its famous Colleges and University buildings attract visitors from all over the world. According to Study Eu, it is one of the oldest and most popular universities in the world, a leading academic center, and a self-governed community of scholars. Six academic schools as Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology are spread across the university’s colleges, housing roughly 150 faculties and other institutions.
According to Statista, with its reputation for academic excellence and traditional scholarly values, the University of Cambridge often ranks among the very top and most popular universities in the world for teaching, research, and international outlook. The university has educated eminent mathematicians, scientists, politicians, lawyers, philosophers, writers, actors, and heads of state.
TOP 2: Harvard University (USA)
According to Top Universities, Harvard is the oldest higher education institution in the United States and is widely regarded in terms of its influence, reputation, and academic pedigree as a leading university in not just the US but also in the world.
For Harvard undergraduates, the most popular majors include social sciences, biology/biological sciences, history, maths, and psychology. In addition, it is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, research, and developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni worldwide.
TOP 1: University of Oxford (UK)
Ranked as the number one university in the world, University of Oxford is one of the most distinguished, unique, and historic institutions documented as the oldest English university in the world. According to Study Abroad, Oxford University continues to retain the top spot in the world university rankings. The university has been constantly ranked among the leading universities by QS World University Ranking, Times Higher Education, World University Rankings, and the US News & World Report ranking to name a few.
There are roughly 100 major academic departments that are governed by the Faculty of Humanities; the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences; the Faculty of Medical Sciences; and the Faculty of Social Sciences. The University is also home to the most extensive library system in the UK. Most importantly, Oxford University has a strong alumni base of more than 350,000 alumni spread across almost every country.
What is the #1 University in the World?
Even with opportunities opening up all across the world, the United States remains the top choice for premium higher education. According to Statista, in the recently released World University Rankings, a total of 7 universities from the United States made it to the top 10 list. For the recent academic year, the University of Oxford was ranked as the best university in the world, with an overall score of 96.4 according to the Times Higher Education.
Here are the top 10 best and most popular universities in the world again:
- University of Oxford
- Harvard University
- University of Cambridge
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- California Institute of Technology
- Princeton University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Yale University
- Imperial College
Accordingly, our list of the top 10 best and most popular universities in the world for 2022 will help you to select your higher education dream and the best path for your future. So, don’t forget to subscribe to The Daily Top 10’s newsletter and get the latest research-based top 10s of everything.
Author: Saumya M.
Saumya M. is a passionate content writer known for her impeccable storytelling and research. She has covered topics ranging from travel and lifestyle to entertainment, community, and education. She helps people live their best lives and reach their full potential.
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