Top 10 Best Universities in the World

Once we are out of school, the decision of choosing a career path, and a perfect University for growth haunts us. Another question that often comes up is whether to go abroad for studies or not? We can understand the overwhelming feeling of not knowing where life is taking you, and to make your decision a little easier, we are here with the top 10 universities in the world.

Are you wondering which college would be the best for your career growth? Or which country’s student accommodation would fit well with your wallet? There’s no need to worry anymore, because you can get all your answers with University Living.

Who ranks Universities?

If you are wondering where to find reliable and authentic university rankings, then you have landed on the right page. Both, QS Rankings and THE (Times Higher Education) rank universities on national and international levels. However, QS rankings are based on nine types, whereas THE rankings are based on five. However, both the rankings are reliable, so that you can make the right choice. 

Times Higher Education (THE)

THE is a British Magazine that reports news and specific issues about information related to higher education. The magazine ranks universities in the world on five parameters, namely Research Environment, Research Quality, Teaching, International Outlook, and Industry. For Times Higher Education University Rankings 2024, about 1906 universities are ranked, among 108 countries and different regions. 

Best Universities in the World: Top 10

In the table given below, you can find the list of top 10 universities in the world, according to the Times Higher Education (THE).

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

Location – Oxford, United Kingdom

Acceptance Rate – 17.5% (2015)

The exact year in which University of Oxford was found remains unknown, however it is believed that the university dates back to 1096. The university holds the largest library system in the entire United Kingdom, as it comprises more than 100 libraries, and 44 colleges. There is no doubt that the University of Oxford is the best university in the world. With world-class teaching faculties, fantastic learning opportunities and top-notch placements, the University of Oxford ranks first in the world. Some notable alumni of the university include Bill Clinton, Indira Gandhi, Richard Dawkins, Stephen Hawking, and more.

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

Location – Stanford, United States

Acceptance Rate – 4%

With one of the largest campuses in the United States of America, Stanford University ranks second in the top universities in the world. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit, the university was established in 1885. Did you know that some students (now alumni) became astronauts, 31st President of the United States of America, billionaires, Field Medallist, and more. There is no doubt that Stanford University is a dream of many students, but the acceptance rate of 4% makes it quite tough to get in. But Hey! Don’t lose hope.

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Location – Cambridge, United States

Acceptance Rate – 4%

Based in the city of Cambridge, MIT is a coeducational, independent and private research university. The university ranks third in the entire world according to the Times Higher Education, and was established in 1861. The University’s motto “Mens et Manus” translates to “Mind and Hand”, and they aim at preparing students for the real world with science and technology. Some top notable alumni of MIT include Kofi Annan, Richard Feynman, Buzz Aldrin, and more.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY 

Location – Cambridge, United Kingdom

Acceptance Rate – 3.2% (2022)

Of Course you have heard of the great Harvard University; the dream of every student. Did you know that Harvard University is the oldest university in the United States of America, and that it dates back to 1636? Around 13 United States presidents till date hold renowned degrees from Harvard University. The medical school of Harvard is connected with about 10 hospitals, thereby giving the students the perfect exposure and practical knowledge. Some notable alumni from Harvard include Barack Obama, Ratan Tata, Mark Zuckerberg, Tommy Lee Jones, and more.

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

Location – Cambridge, United Kingdom

Acceptance Rate – 21% (2015)

This collegiate public research institute was founded in 1209 and remains to be one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The university ranks 5th all around the globe, according to the Times Higher Education. The University of Cambridge serves students from all cultures and countries with its renowned courses. With more than 18,000 students in the University, about 4,000 students are international, and come from 120 different countries. Some famous people who went to University of Cambridge are Rajiv Gandhi, Isaac Newton, Prince Charles, Sylvia Plath, and more.

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

Location – New Jersey, United States

Acceptance Rate – 6%

One of the Ivy League Colleges, and illustrious higher education institutions, Princeton University remains to be one of the oldest universities in the United States of America. The University was initially called the College of New Jersey, back in 1746 when it was founded. To ensure easy and comfortable college life, the university provides all undergraduate students with residential accommodation options. Some Princeton Alumni who won the Nobel Prize are Richard Smalley, Robert Hofstadter, Edwin McMillan, and more.

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Location – California, United States

Acceptance Rate – 2.7% (2022)

Also called Caltech, the California Institute of Technology is a famous science and engineering education institute. With extraordinary faculties and bright students, the university aims at discovering new knowledge, transforming the future, and answering the most complex questions. The notable faculties and alumni have received 39 Nobel Prizes, Six Turning Awards, One Fields Medal, and other such prestigious labels. The students of Caltech are also well known for their humorous pranks, such as covering up letters of the Hollywood sign to make it Caltech. 

IMPERIAL COLLEGE, LONDON

Location – London, United Kingdom

Acceptance Rate – 14.3% (2022)

One of the United Kingdom’s top leading institutions, the Imperial College, London is located in the capital of the country. It is a science based Institution, that trains more than 15,000 bright minds, and has about 8,000 staff members. The College focuses on four major areas of study, namely business, science, engineering and medicine. With some renowned and talented alumni all over the world, the college boasts 14 Nobel Prize winners. One of them is no other than the great discoverer of Penicillin, Sir Alexander Fleming. 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

Location – Berkeley, United States

Acceptance Rate – 11%

Founded back in 1868, the University of California, Berkeley remains to be one of the most prestigious public research universities. The colors of the university chosen in 1873 were Blue and Golden. Blue represents the sky, ocean and the graduates from Yale University who helped in finding University of California. Whereas, the golden color represents the ‘Golden State’ of California. The university has about 27,000 undergraduates, and 10,000 postgraduate students. Additionally, the brilliant faculty at the University of California, Berkeley has won about 19 Nobel Prizes, majorly in the fields of chemistry, physics and economics. 

YALE UNIVERSITY

Location – New Haven, United States

Acceptance Rate – 4.6%

The private Ivy League research university, and the third oldest institution in the United States of America. Every student wishes to be a part of Yale someday, and we don’t blame you! Yale traces back its roots to 1701, with a campus that covers around 260 acres of New Haven. Before choosing a major, the students cover humanities, science and social sciences, as the university follows a liberal arts curriculum. The sports team of Yale, and even the alumni refer to themselves as ‘Bulldogs’. Some notable alumni of Yale University include Paul Krugman, George H.W Bush, Anderson Cooper, and more. 

Final Words

Finding the answer to “what is the best university in the world?” can be a tricky and tiring task. But with University Living, the choice can get easier. Choosing one particular country, one university, one course and one student accommodation can be confusing, but don’t worry. If you want to know more about your dream university, then visit Times Higher Education website and search accordingly. And once you have chosen the university, visit University Living to find affordable, comfortable and top-notch student housing options.