Ranking the best universities on a global scale is not a straightforward task. There is no standard system for classification, so rankings are based on 13 indicators that assess performance in four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer (citations), industry income, and international outlook.
Furthermore, key indicators used to evaluate universities include the number of graduates who have won Nobel Prizes, Fields Medals, or Turing Awards, the institution’s reputation and recognition for research and teaching, the number of citations in research publications, and the university’s role in disseminating new knowledge and ideas. Rankings also take into account the opinions of over 40,000 academics worldwide.
Taking into account all of these factors, we have ranked the top 12 best universities in the world for the 2024/2025 calendar year.
The Top 12 Best Universities in the World 2024
Here are the best universities in the world in 2024, based on data obtained from over 2,500 institutions, Webometrics and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
1. University of Oxford
According to the 2024 World Universities Rankings, the University of Oxford tops the list of the best universities in the world.
The University of Oxford is a globally recognized institution of higher learning, renowned for its rigorous curriculum and high academic standards. Founded in 1096, it is the oldest university in the United Kingdom and one of the oldest in the world.
Oxford University boasts a rich history of scholarly and intellectual achievement, which is evident in the many accomplished alumni it has produced throughout the centuries. Some of the most notable alumni of the University of Oxford include Charles Darwin, the father of evolutionary biology; Winston Churchill, one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century; and Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. These alumni, and many others, have had a profound impact on society and have shaped the world we live in.
In addition to its academic excellence, Oxford has also played a significant role in shaping culture and the economy throughout its long history. Many of its colleges and departments have been at the forefront of research and innovation in various fields, including science, medicine, literature, and politics. The University of Oxford is also a member of the prestigious “Ivy League” of universities, which includes some of the most elite and renowned institutions of higher education worldwide.
The University of Oxford is also a research-intensive university, with strong research collaborations with industry, government, and other universities. It has one of the largest endowments in the world and is consistently ranked among the top universities globally across various ranking systems.
2. Harvard University
Harvard University is ranked as the world’s best university for the 20th consecutive year. It has produced more Nobel Prize winners than any other university and currently has almost 28,000 students from all over the world.
This Ivy League institution, established in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.
3. Cambridge University
The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209 by King Henry III, holds the fifth position in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, solidifying its reputation as one of the most prestigious and recognized educational institutions globally. With a rich history of over 800 years of academic excellence and innovation, Cambridge has consistently been ranked as the world’s best university for 14 years.
This ranking is a testament to the commitment to academic excellence and the high-quality education provided by the University. The presence of notable figures such as Ernest Rutherford, Alan Turing, and James Chadwick, among its alumni, is a clear indication of the caliber of students that the University attracts. The University comprises 31 colleges and over 150 departments, societies, and research centers, making it a diverse and vibrant academic community.
4. Stanford University
Stanford University is a highly respected private research institution located in Stanford, California. Founded in 1885 by Leland Stanford, a prominent Californian lawyer, and politician, the university comprises 7 undergraduate faculties, 3 professional schools, and 4 professional health institutions.
The institution is recognized for its academic excellence and has consistently been ranked among the top universities in the world. While it is currently placed fourth, it has held the position of the top university for over 130 years.
The university’s alumni and faculty have also achieved significant distinction, with a total of 26 Nobel Prizes being awarded to them across various fields. Stanford is particularly known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, business, and the humanities. It has produced many notable alumni and faculty members, such as Larry Page, the co-founder of Google, and Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. Stanford also boasts one of the largest and most beautiful campuses in the US.
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a leading private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1861 by businessman and railway magnate John Amory Lowell, MIT is consistently ranked among the top universities globally.
According to World Universities Rankings, MIT is the second-best university in the world, thanks to its cutting-edge research and contributions to science and technology, particularly in the fields of computing, engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, and blockchain technology.
The Institute is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning, and has a long history of producing successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, as well as many Nobel prize winners, MacArthur “geniuses”, and other distinguished alumni and faculty.
While MIT is one of the most expensive universities to study, the Institute offers generous financial aid to students in need, making a MIT education accessible to students from all backgrounds. The Institute is committed to making education affordable for all admitted students, with over 60% of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid from MIT.
6. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech, short for the California Institute of Technology, is a distinguished private university recognized for its groundbreaking advancements in science and engineering, including the development of cutting-edge technologies such as solar cells, transistors, and fiber optics.
In addition to its focus on research and innovation, Caltech is also home to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a leading research center for deep space exploration and a major contributor to NASA’s missions to explore the solar system, including recent missions to Mars. This makes Caltech a unique institution, as it combines a premier educational experience with a vital role in space exploration and discovery.
Caltech is also known for its small student body and outstanding faculty-to-student ratio, which enables students to receive personalized education and opportunities to work closely with accomplished faculty and researchers. The university’s goal is to increase human knowledge and benefit society through research that is integrated with education.
7. Princeton University
Princeton University’s reputation as one of the world’s best universities is built upon a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, world-class research, and a commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Academically, Princeton is known for its exceptional faculty, small class sizes – thanks to its highly selective admissions process – and rigorous academic programs.
The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
In addition, Princeton has a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research, encouraging collaboration between departments and providing ample opportunities for students and faculty to engage in research across multiple fields.
8. University of California, Berkeley
When it comes to exceptional academic reputation and influential research output, the University of California, Berkeley is great. The fact that the university has consistently ranked in various global rankings is a testament.
One of the key factors contributing to UC Berkeley’s reputation is its strong academic programs across a range of disciplines, including the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and engineering.
The university’s faculty includes numerous Nobel laureates, MacArthur “Genius” grant recipients, and other highly accomplished scholars who are leaders in their fields.
Another strength of UC Berkeley is its location in the San Francisco Bay Area, which provides numerous opportunities for students to engage with cutting-edge industries and technologies.
The university has close ties to Silicon Valley, one of the world’s leading hubs for technology and entrepreneurship, and many UC Berkeley graduates go on to work for top companies such as Google, Apple, and Facebook.
9. Yale University
Yale University’s combination of academic excellence, interdisciplinary approach, and rich resources has contributed to its status as one of the top universities in the world.
Founded in 1701, Yale has a long history of academic excellence and innovation. Its commitment to research and teaching is reflected in its exceptional faculty, many of whom are leaders in their fields and have won numerous awards and accolades.
Yale’s interdisciplinary approach to education is one of its most significant strengths. The University offers a wide range of academic programs, from the humanities to the sciences, and encourages students to explore multiple disciplines. This approach allows students to gain a broader perspective and to develop critical thinking skills that are highly valued in the workforce.
Speaking of its rich resources, the university has a vast library system, including one of the largest university libraries in the world, and a well-funded research infrastructure.
10. Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a prestigious public research university established in 1907 as the Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine. It is known for its high-quality teaching and research, and is home to renowned academics and a diverse student body of more than 20,000 students from over 100 countries.
The university offers a broad range of programs through its various faculties such as Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Business, and more, with a strong emphasis on technology, engineering, medicine, and natural sciences.
Located in the upscale South Kensington neighborhood of London, the university benefits from its proximity to many other scientific and cultural institutions such as the Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall, and the Science Museum Group. This location provides students with easy access to a wide range of resources and opportunities for internships and collaborations.
Imperial College London has consistently been ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK and among the top 20 worldwide, a testament to the exceptional education and research offered by the institution.
11. Columbia University
Columbia University has a rich history of academic excellence dating back to its founding in 1754 as King’s College, one of the original eight colonial colleges established before the American Revolution.
Being the oldest institution of higher learning in New York State, it has a reputation for producing notable alumni such as John Jay, Aaron Burr, and Edward Livingston, in addition to 12 Nobel laureates, 10 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 29 heads of state or government.
Additionally, Columbia University is known for its strong undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as law, business, and journalism, and it boasts a diverse student body from over 150 countries.
12. ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich, also known as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, is considered one of the most prestigious public universities in Switzerland. The university is renowned for its focus on research and innovation, offering undergraduate and graduate programs with an enrollment of over 6,000 students.
It is interesting to note that ETH Zurich was originally established in 1854 as a teacher-training school by the prominent Swiss pedagogue, educator, and reformer, Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi. This historical background showcases the institution’s dedication to education and the cultivation of future leaders in various fields.
ETH Zurich is proud to have produced 21 Nobel laureates, including famous figures like Albert Einstein, and is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide for natural sciences, engineering, and technology.
Ranking of the Best Universities in the World (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best university in the world?
The University of Oxford is the best university in the world according to the 2024 World Universities Rankings.
What are the top 5 universities in the world?
The top 5 best universities in 2024 are the University of Oxford, Harvard University, the University of Cambridge, Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
How many universities are there in the world?
According to UNESCO, there are at least 25,000 universities in the world. The number of universities has increased steadily since the year 1950 when there were fewer than 1,900 institutions in the world.
How much does the most expensive university in the world cost?
The annual tuition for Harvey Mudd College located in Claremont, California is $67,500 (about €64,000), which makes it the most expensive university in the world.
