Many rating agencies are involved in determining the best universities in the world, and the results of their assessments sometimes differ significantly.
To determine the best universities in the world as objectively as possible, we collected data from three world university rankings - QS, Shanghai and U.S. News.
Rankings based on which the best universities in the world are determined
The best universities in the world 2016-2017
Harvard University
- a university that has established itself as a world leader in the field of exact sciences and technologies. This is where cutting-edge research in the natural sciences and engineering takes place. MIT has produced 80 Nobel laureates and many outstanding scientists, engineers, and public figures who have changed our lives forever.
– a truly legendary educational institution, one of the oldest in Europe. The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and has established itself as a brilliant institution from the very beginning. No university in the world can boast as many Nobel laureates who studied within its walls as Cambridge - 88 winners of this prestigious award.
- the first educational institution opened in London. Since its creation, the university has always been at the forefront of research work. UCL alumni include the prime ministers of China and Japan, as well as Alexander Bel (inventor of the telephone), John Fleming (inventor of the vacuum tube) and Francis Crick (discoverer of the structure of the DNA molecule).
Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Sorbonne - the names of the most famous universities in the world speak for themselves. Their diplomas mean, a priori, high quality education, prestige, guaranteed employment in highly paid positions, the opportunity to engage in science or make a brilliant career, and other prospects opening up to graduates.
Every country has famous universities that attract applicants from different parts of the world. The largest number are located in the US, followed by the UK. But this does not mean that the training of future specialists in France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and Canada is worse.
Harvard is the oldest American university. It has long been firmly among the three most famous educational institutions in the world.
Harvard was founded on September 8, 1636 in the city of Cambridge, where it still operates successfully today. Initially, it operated as a college, on the basis of which a higher education institution was later founded. John Harvard, whose name it bears, was the initiator of its discovery and the main sponsor.
Over the years, Harvard has graduated tens of thousands of specialists in various fields. Among the graduates are Barack Obama, Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Zuckerberg. Almost forty future Nobel laureates and eight future American presidents studied within its walls.
Preparation includes all popular areas. For the convenience of students, campuses and libraries have been built on the campus. There are museums and a botanical garden on site. The cost of education at Harvard reaches $40 thousand per year.
Yale
Yale is another famous university among the top three in America and the world. It has been operating in New Haven since 1701 and is renowned for its international approach to learning. Yale has students from 100 countries. A year of training costs $40.5 thousand.
The educational institution is named after the merchant Eli Yale, who sponsored the school, which over time grew into a prestigious university. His pride is a huge library, the third largest on the planet.
At one time, George Bush, John Kerry and other famous politicians and businessmen graduated from Yale University.
Princeton is famous in America and far beyond its borders for its brilliant academic preparation and impeccable reputation. It is located in the city of the same name in 1746 and trains highly specialized scientists, artists and other fields.
Princeton University's educational programs are based on developing abilities and unlocking the creative and scientific potential of students. Each student studies a program in his or her specialization plus an additional one that goes beyond professional training. This approach is justified by the prospects - graduates will be able to work in several directions in the future.
American President Woodrow Wilson and US First Lady Michelle Obama graduated from Princeton. Albert Einstein once taught here in room 302.
Oxford is one of the most popular universities in Europe, the pride of the English educational system. The famous university is located in Oxfordshire.
The exact date of its opening has not been established, but it is known for certain that students were being trained already in 1096.
The educational system practiced at Oxford makes it possible to prepare and graduate highly professional specialists in various fields of activity. Throughout the entire educational process, mentors help the students assigned to them. The teaching staff strives to diversify the leisure time of students.
There are dozens of interest sections, libraries, and museums on the territory. A year of training costs approximately $15 thousand.
Among the famous graduates are Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, Lewis Carroll.
Cambridge is a legendary representative of higher education, which opened in 1209. It went down in the history of education as the institute that trained and graduated the largest number of future Nobel laureates. The prestigious prize was awarded to 88 Cambridge University students. And this is not the limit.
Training is carried out in 28 areas. The cost of one-year training is about $14 thousand. Talented students can apply for scholarships and grants that fully or partially compensate financial costs.
Cambridge graduates include Vladimir Nabokov, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, and Stephen Hawkins.
Stanford University is relatively young when compared to Harvard. The Stanford couple founded the university in Silicon Valley in 1891 in memory of their deceased son.
Today, the private institute is deservedly considered prestigious. It was conceived with a specific goal - training in-demand and competitive specialists who will benefit society. The stated goal continues to this day.
Stanford graduates are the founders of brands Google, Nike, Hewlett-Packard and others. The programs include scientific and practical research. In study groups - no more than 6 people per 1 teacher. True, the cost is high - 40.5 thousand dollars per year.
The famous Sorbonne is not only the oldest institute, but also one of the iconic landmarks of the French capital.
Students can study within its walls for free, since the university is state-owned. It won’t work without costs - you’ll have to pay for membership fees, health insurance, language training (for foreigners).
The duration of training depends on the student: there are quick training programs designed for 2-3 years, and long-term ones for 5-7 years. The main emphasis is on practical exercises and independent research work.
Honore de Balzac, Osip Mandelstam, Lev Gumilyov, Marina Tsvetaeva, Charles Mantoux - they all graduated from the Sorbonne.
The educational institution opened in New York in 1754. Its prestige is evidenced by the fact that the institute is part of the Ivy League.
For reference, the Ivy League is an association that unites 8 American universities with high quality education. League members are America's leading research centers.
Education at a private university in Columbia is expensive - $45,000 per year. Students additionally pay for food, accommodation, health insurance, and other expenses. The total costs are almost double.
At one time, Franklin Roosevelt, Jerome Salinger, and Mikheil Saakashvili studied here.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was founded in the state of the same name in 1861 and for several decades has been considered a leader in the following areas:
- exact sciences;
- natural sciences;
- engineering;
- modern technologies.
The average cost of one-year training is $55,000, of which 70% is the tuition fee itself, and the remaining 30% is accommodation, meals, and related expenses.
Among the graduates of the Institute of Technology are 80 Nobel Prize laureates, hundreds of outstanding engineers and scientists.
The capital's Moscow State University is not included in the list of the most popular universities in the world, but the famous university is a leader in the quality of education in Russia. It has been operating since 1755 and was originally called the Imperial Moscow University.
The educational institution received its current name in 1940. Students are trained at 41 faculties. The cost of training varies, depending on the chosen direction, and amounts to 217-350 thousand rubles per year. Training in budget places is free.
The institute holds its own Olympics for schoolchildren. The winners are admitted to the university without competition, provided that they successfully pass the Unified State Exam.
Among the world's universities there are special ones that are distinguished by their worthy age, universities with high prestige, the most famous. There is a ranking of the most famous universities in Russia.
The oldest universities in the world
There are universities founded several centuries ago. Among the existing ones there are known universities opened in the eleventh - thirteenth centuries. Read more about the oldest of them below.University of Bologna (Italy)
The University of Bologna is fighting for the right to be considered the oldest university in the world. The year of its foundation is one thousand eighty-eight. Initially, the University of Bologna was famous for its high level of teaching Roman law. Now more than seventy-seven thousand students study within its walls. This university is the oldest in Europe.Oxford University (UK)
The oldest among English-speaking universities is the University of Oxford. It is the oldest in Great Britain. Unfortunately, documentary evidence of the exact date of its opening has not been preserved, however, it is reliably known that in one thousand ninety-six it was already working. About forty-four thousand people study at this university today. 
Al-Azhar University (Egypt)
Al-Azhar University, located in Cairo, is recognized as the oldest in the world. Its story began in nine hundred and sixty-nine. It appeared almost simultaneously with Cairo itself. From the first years of its existence, special attention was paid to the teaching of religious disciplines. 
University of Salamanca (Spain)
The oldest in Spain and one of the oldest in the world is the University of Salamanca. Among educational institutions in Europe, this was the first to be awarded the right to be called a university. Initially, the University of Salamansa was opened as a school in one thousand one hundred and thirty. Ninety years later the school was awarded the title of "comprehensive school". In one thousand two hundred and fifty-four, the “general school” became a university. This university was one of the first to acquire its own public library.The most famous universities in Russia
There are more than a thousand higher educational institutions in Russia, they are located throughout the country and differ in the level of teaching and prestige. Let's learn more about the most famous Russian universities.MSTU im. H.E. Bauman (Moscow)
MSTU is considered not only the most famous, but also the most prestigious in Russia. H.E. Bauman. This Moscow university trains specialists in twenty-four areas and seventy-five specialties. The university trains specialists for modern instrument making and mechanical engineering. 
Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov (Moscow)
One of the most famous universities in Russia is Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov. They know about him far beyond the borders of the country. It was founded in the mid-eighteenth century by M.V. Lomonosov in Moscow. Today it is the oldest university in Russia. Thanks to its long history, an excellent material and technical base, the country's largest library, research centers, and its own museum have been created. 
SPbSU (St. Petersburg)
The State University in St. Petersburg occupies a worthy place among the best universities in Russia. It trains specialists at twenty-four faculties. St. Petersburg State University has its own museums, a publishing house and one of the richest libraries in the country. 
KPFU (Kazan)
Of the permanent ones, Kazan Federal University is the second oldest in the country. The university in Kazan is equipped with the latest technology and has a rich scientific library. This university is one of the country's cultural heritage sites. 
The most prestigious universities today
Among the most famous universities in the world, you can choose the most prestigious ones. As you know, the more reputable the university, the easier it is for a student to find a good job upon graduation. Next, about several of the most prestigious universities in the world.California Institute of Technology (USA)
The California Institute of Technology is abbreviated as Caltech. This university is the base for NASA. In the field of exact sciences, Caltech is a leading university in America and around the world. It is believed that studying there is not at all easy. The first American satellite and several space probes were created on the basis of this outstanding university.University of Cambridge (UK)
Another leader in authority and prestige among universities in the world is the University of Cambridge. He is also one of the oldest. This university opened its doors to students in one thousand two hundred and nine. Cambridge graduates are more likely than graduates of other universities to become Nobel laureates. 
Yale University (USA)
Yale University is in the top three in terms of prestige. He is located in the USA. It was founded in one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two. Today eleven thousand students study there. The university is distinguished by the fact that it has no restrictions on the admission of foreigners. 
The most prestigious university in the world
On everyone's lips 
Harvard University, and this is no coincidence. He is not only one of the most famous, but also the most prestigious in the world. In the USA, this university is the oldest, the year of its foundation is one thousand six hundred and thirty-six. Most of America's prominent political figures graduated from Harvard. During their studies, students use the large, rich library of the university, one of the largest in the world. The university has its own observatory and museums. Harvard University graduates often become politicians and scientists. Not only temples of science are prestigious, but also things that are bought with money, for example, cars. On the site there is a site about the longest limousines.
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Choosing a university is an extremely responsible task facing graduates and their parents. There are many factors to consider. What a person is interested in, what he would like to become, what his life goals are. And based on this, choose the location of the university, its teaching staff, the quality of education and much more.
We have prepared for you a list of the best universities in Europe where you can get an education. We also indicated the cost of training. Choose the best one, submit documents and start gnawing on the granite of science.
1. Technical University of Madrid, Spain
Emprego pelo MundoThe Technical University of Madrid is an old university. Some faculties are more than 100 years old. The School of Architecture and Engineering is of great importance because it is here that the history of Spanish technology was made over two centuries. At this university you can earn bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in business and social sciences, engineering as well as technology. The university employs 3,000 employees and 35,000 students study.
Cost of education: 1,000 euros per year ( approximate price).
2. University of Hamburg, Germany
Wikipedia There are six faculties at the university. These faculties offer almost every possible discipline - from economics, law, social sciences to the humanities, natural sciences and computer science, as well as medicine. More than 5,000 employees and almost 38,000 students. This is one of the largest universities in Germany.
Cost of education: 300 euros per semester.
3. Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
This is one of the oldest universities in the world. And, perhaps, the most prestigious educational institution in Spain. There are two campuses. One is located in Moncloa, the second is located in the city center. Here you can earn bachelor's degrees in business and social sciences, arts and humanities, medicine and engineering. It is a very large university with over 45,000 students.
Cost of education: 1,000–4,000 euros for the entire period of study.
4. Oxford University, UK
Tatur The history of this educational institution dates back to 1096. It is the oldest English-speaking university in the world. More than 20,000 students study here. Business, social sciences, arts and humanities, language and culture, medicine, engineering and technology are available. More than 5,000 employees. He was awarded the royal decoration nine times.
Cost of education: from 15,000 pounds.
5. University of Glasgow, UK
Wikipedia The University of Glasgow is one of the oldest places of learning in the UK. The fourth oldest university in the entire English-speaking world. Ranked among the top ten employers for research in the UK. There are many programs for studying abroad that help with employment. The following areas are available: business, social sciences, arts, humanities, language and culture, medicine, engineering and technology. It is also possible to obtain a doctorate.
Cost of education: from £13,750.
6. Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany
Studrada Founded in 1810. It was then called “the mother of all modern universities.” This university has great authority. Here students are offered a comprehensive humanistic education. It was the first university of its kind in the world. Like other schools on this list, you can earn a doctorate, as well as bachelor's and master's degrees. At the university, 35,000 people are gnawing on the granite of science. It is unique in that only 200 people work here.
Cost of education: 294 euros per semester.
7. University of Twente, Netherlands
Wikipedia This Dutch university was founded in 1961. Initially operated as a technological university with the aim of increasing the number of engineers. It is currently the only university in the Netherlands with its own campus. The number of places is limited - only 7,000 students. But 3,300 scientists and specialists work at the university.
Cost of education: 6,000–25,000 euros per year.
8. University of Bologna, Italy
Forum Vinsky One of the oldest universities in the world. Many believe that this particular university serves as the starting point and basis of European culture. It is here that 198 different directions are offered to applicants annually. More than 5,000 employees and more than 45,000 students.
Cost of education: from 600 euros per semester ( approximate price).
9. London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
Wikipedia It was founded in 1895 with the goal of helping students specialize in the study of social sciences. It has its own campus, which is located in central London. Here you can study criminology, anthropology, social psychology, international relations, sociology and many other sciences. About 10,000 students study and 1,500 employees work. It was this institute that gave the world 35 leaders and heads of state and 16 Nobel Prize laureates.
Cost of education: £16,395 per year.
10. Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
Wikimedia Founded in 1425. It is currently the largest university in Belgium. It is highly rated and has campuses throughout Brussels and Flanders. More than 70 international training programs. At the same time, 40,000 students study here and 5,000 employees work here.
Cost of education: 600 euros per year ( approximate cost).
11. ETH Zurich, Switzerland
It began its work in 1855 and today is one of the best universities in the world. The main campus is located in Zurich. The educational institution offers some of the best programs in physics, mathematics and chemistry. More than 20,000 students and 5,000 employees. To enter you need to pass a test.
Cost of education: CHF 650 per semester ( approximate cost).
12. Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
Academician One of the oldest universities in Germany. Based in the capital of Bavaria - Munich. 34 Nobel Prize winners are graduates of this institution. The second largest university in Germany. 45,000 students and approximately 4,500 employees.
Cost of education: about 200 euros per semester.
13. Free University of Berlin, Germany
Tourist Founded after World War II, in 1948. One of the best universities in the world in terms of research work. It has international offices in Moscow, Cairo, Sao Paulo, New York, Brussels, Beijing and New Delhi. This allows us to support scientists and researchers and establish international connections. 150 different programs are offered. 2,500 employees and 30,000 students.
Cost of education: 292 euros per semester.
14. University of Freiburg, Germany
Theologian It was created with the aim of enabling students to study without political influence. The university collaborates with more than 600 scientists from around the world. 20,000 students, 5,000 employees. Knowledge of German is required.
Cost of education: about 300 euros per semester ( price is approximate).
15. University of Edinburgh, UK
Wikipedia Founded in 1582. Representatives of 2/3 of the world's nationalities study here. However, 42% of students are from Scotland, 30% from the UK and only 18% from the rest of the world. 25,000 students, 3,000 employees. Famous alumni: Katherine Granger, JK Rowling, Charles Darwin, Conan Doyle, Chris Hoy and many others.
Cost of education: from £15,250 per year.
16. Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne, Switzerland
Wikipedia This university is publicly funded and specializes in science, architecture and engineering. Here you can meet students from more than 120 countries. 350 laboratories are based on the territory of this university. In 2012, this particular university filed 75 priority patents with 110 inventions. 8,000 students, 3,000 employees.
Cost of education: CHF 1,266 per year.
17. University College London, UK
British Bridge Strategically located in the heart of London. Known for his impressive research. This institute was the first to admit students of any class, race and religion. 5,000 employees and 25,000 students study at this university.
Cost of education: £16,250 per year.
18. Berlin Technical University, Germany
Garant Tour This university played a major role in making Berlin one of the leading industrial cities in the world. Students are trained here in the fields of technology and natural sciences. 25,000 students and 5,000 employees.
Cost of education: about 300 euros per year.
19. University of Oslo, Norway
Wikipedia Founded in 1811, it is publicly funded and is Norway's oldest institution. Here you can study business, social sciences and humanities, arts, language and culture, medicine and technology. 49 Master programs in English. 40,000 students, more than 5,000 employees. Five scientists from this university became Nobel Prize laureates. And one of them received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Cost of education: no information.
20. University of Vienna, Austria
Academician Founded back in 1365, it is one of the oldest universities in German-speaking countries. One of the largest universities in Central Europe. The largest scientific and pedagogical university in Austria. Its campuses are located in 60 locations. 45,000 students and more than 5,000 employees.
Cost of education: about 350 euros per semester.
21. Imperial College London, UK
News in HD quality Imperial College London began offering its services in 1907 and celebrated its 100th anniversary as an independent institution. It was formerly part of the University of London. This is one of the most prestigious universities in the UK. This college is related to the discovery of penicillin and the basics of fiber optics. There are eight campuses across London. 15,000 students, 4,000 employees.
Cost of education: from £25,000 per year.
22. University of Barcelona, Spain
Wikipedia The University of Barcelona was founded in 1450 in the city of Naples. Six campuses in the second largest city in Spain - Barcelona. Free courses in Spanish and Catalan. 45,000 students and 5,000 employees.
Cost of education: 19,000 euros per year.
23. Moscow State University, Russia
FEFU The university was founded in 1755 and is considered one of the oldest institutions in Russia. More than 10 research centers that provide practical assistance to students in research work. It is believed that the academic building of Moscow State University is the highest educational institution in the world. More than 30,000 students and up to 4,500 employees.
Cost of education: 320,000 rubles per year.
24. Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
Wikipedia The largest and oldest technical university in Sweden. Emphasis is placed on applied and practical science. More than 2,000 employees and 15,000 students. Compared to other universities in this part of the world, a large percentage of students are foreigners.
Cost of education: from 10,000 euros per year.
25. University of Cambridge, UK
Restbee Founded back in 1209. Always included in the list of leading universities in the world. 3,000 employees and 25,000 students from all over the world. 89 Nobel laureates. Cambridge graduates have the highest employment rate in the UK. A truly world-famous university.
Cost of education: from £13,500 per year.
10. University of California at Berkeley
Our ranking opens with the University of California at Berkeley, which can easily be called the best public institution of higher education. It was founded in 1868 and since then has been one of the best universities for teaching science. But this does not prevent Berkeley from annually producing IT specialists, many of whom are considered the best in their field.
The University of California is famous for its graduates. The most famous among them are: Steve Wozniak (one of the founders of Apple) and Gregory Pack (actor). About 30 Nobel laureates studied at this university. The name Berkeley is also associated with Jack London. True, the famous writer was never able to complete his studies there.
9. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
This institution, which is located in the most densely populated part of Switzerland, can be called the best technical university not only in this country, but in the whole world. At first, students studied in six faculties: chemistry, mathematics, civil engineering, architecture, literature, sociology, political and natural sciences. Today this university has two campuses and an entire science city. The name of this relatively young institute is associated with the names of many Nobel laureates. The most famous of them is Albert Einstein. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology stands out among others with its relatively low tuition fees.
8. Imperial College London
Imperial College London can also safely challenge the title of the best higher education institution with a technical focus. It was founded by Prince Albert in 1907 following the merger of the mining academy, the city's trade and polytechnic colleges. Later other educational institutions were added to them. 1,300 teachers teach on a permanent basis at Imperial College London, and 10,000 students study at the same time.
This university, along with Oxford and Cambridge, is part of the Golden Triangle. Among the famous graduates of this institution, we should note Alexander Fleming and Ernst Chain (inventors of penicillin), as well as Dennis Gabor (discovered the holographic method).
7. Princeton University
This American university belongs to the so-called Ivy League. That is, to such educational institutions that not only provide the best education, but also selectively treat their applicants. Princeton University was founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey. Initially, only 10 people studied within its walls. The university was located in the Dickinson priest's house, which was located in the town of Elizabeth. The college moved to Priston only 10 years after its founding.
Today, Princeton University is one of the main educational institutions in the United States. The children of influential politicians, businessmen and scientists dream of getting into it. James Madison (US President) and Haruki Murakami (Japanese essayist) graduated from this university. Studied, but couldn't get to the diploma, the author of The Great Gatsby is Francis Scott Fitzgerald.
6. Harvard University
Of course, the well-known Harvard University could not fail to be included in the list of the best universities in the world. It was founded by the English missionary John Harvard in 1636. This is one of the oldest universities in the USA. Today its structure includes 12 schools and the Radcliffe Research Institute. He, like Priston, is part of the Ivy League.
Among the most famous graduates of this university are Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and Matt Damon.
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
TOP 5 universities in the world are opened by the famous MIT. The research base of this institute is famous for its developments in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence, thanks to which it ranks first among all US universities in terms of the volume of grants from the military.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was founded in 1861 by philosophy professor William Rogers. Unlike other American universities, MIT faculty place more emphasis on the practical application of science, which distinguishes graduates of this institution from other graduates.
At one time or another, MIT has included 80 faculty members who have won the most prestigious award in science, the Nobel Prize.
4. Cambridge University
Cambridge is one of the oldest universities on our planet. According to official documented data, it was founded in 1209 by immigrants from Oxford. Today this prestigious educational institution is a confederation of 31 colleges. Each of them has its own building, libraries and other real estate objects. Thanks to the Career Center program, every graduate of this university can easily find a job in their specialty.
The most famous graduates of the University of Cambridge are Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, and Vladimir Nabokov. This university is a leader in the number of Nobel laureates.
3. Stanford University
In third place in the list of the best universities in the world is Stanford University, which annually admits about 700 thousand students. Many graduates subsequently easily find a continuation of their career. Thus, former Stanford students were behind the founding of companies such as Google, Hewlett-Packard, Nvidia, Yahoo and Cisco Systems. The famous Apple company, whose headquarters is located next to this university, has many people from Stanford University on its staff.
As you might guess, this university pays more attention to high technologies. The university itself was founded in 1884, and its education was not divided into men and women, which was very innovative at that time. Stanford graduates: Sergey Brin (founder of Google), Kofi Annan and Philip Knight (founder of Nike).
2. Caltech
This institute, within the walls of which the series “The Big Bang Theory” takes place, is truly the most advanced university in the United States. This is surprising, since the California Institute of Technology is a small educational institution by the standards of other institutions on this list. Only 1,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students study there annually.
California Institute of Technology was established in 1891. It is considered to be very difficult to study in because students are given a very large amount of information in a short time. And although the list of Caltech graduates is not replete with names familiar to ordinary people, among the graduates of this university there are real celebrities in the world of science.
1. Oxford University
Of course, the most popular and famous educational institution is the University of Oxford, which tops our ranking of the best universities in the world. It is the oldest university. Education there began in 1096. The structure of the university consists of 38 colleges. More than 20 thousand students study there at a time, and the staff of regular teachers includes more than 4 thousand people.
At one time, Lewis Carol, Margaret Thatcher, John Tolkien and others studied at Oxford. Most of humanity's discoveries in the field of cosmology were made in Oxford.