30. New York University (US)

New York University (NYU), a member of the distinguished Association of American Universities, is the largest private university in the US, with 17 schools and divisions. NYU offers more than 150 undergraduate majors, including individualised studies. There are also opportunities for double majors, minors, dual degrees and internships. NYU’s main campus is situated in Greenwich Village, New York City, and has two branch campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, China. It also has study abroad sites in Berlin, German; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Florence, Italy; Ghana, London, England; Madrid, Spain; Paris, France; Tel Aviv, Israel; and Prague, the Czech Republic.

More than 175 years ago, Albert Gallatin, the distinguished statesman who served as secretary of the treasury under Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, declared his intention to establish "in this immense and fast-growing city ... a system of rational and practical education fitting for all and graciously opened to all." Founded in 1831, New York University is now one of the largest private universities in the United States. Of the more than 3,000 colleges and universities in America, New York University is one of only 60 member institutions of the distinguished Association of American Universities.

From a student body of 158 during NYU's very first semester, enrollment has grown to more than 50,000 students at three degree-granting campuses in New York City, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai, and at study away sites in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America. Today, students come from every state in the union and from 133 foreign countries. The faculty, which initially consisted of fourteen professors and lecturers (among them artist and inventor Samuel F. B. Morse), now totals over 4,500 full-time members whose research and teaching encompasses arts and media; business; law; education; health and medicine; humanities and social sciences; science, technology, engineering, and math; public administration; the ancient world; and continuing professional studies. With more than 2,500 courses offered, the University awards more than 25 different degrees. Although overall the University is large, the individuals schools and colleges are small- to moderate-sized units – each with its own traditions, programs, and faculty – and there are many communities to be found within the NYU community based on interests, activities, and shared experiences.

The center of NYU is its New York City campus in the heart of Greenwich Village. One of the most creative and energetic cities in the world, New York City has attracted generations of artists, entrepreneurs, and intellectuals. NYU, in keeping with its founder’s vision, is “in and of the city”: the University – which has no walls and no gates – is deeply intertwined with New York City, drawing inspiration from its vitality.

NYU Mission Statement

Great cities are engines of creativity, and New York University takes its name and spirit from one of the busiest, most diverse and dynamic cities of all. The University lives within New York and other great cities, from Abu Dhabi to Shanghai, Paris to Prague, Sydney to Buenos Aires—all magnets for talented, ambitious people.

Thriving beyond borders and across academic disciplines, NYU has emerged as one of the most networked and extensive worldwide platform for learning, teaching, researching, building knowledge, and inventing new ways to meet humanity’s challenges. Its students, faculty and alumni feed off the stimulating power of swirling intellectual and cultural experiences by mastering academic disciplines, expressing themselves in the arts, and excelling in demanding professions.

New York University’s mission is to be a top quality international center of scholarship, teaching and research. This involves retaining and attracting outstanding faculty who are leaders in their fields, encouraging them to create programs that draw outstanding students, and providing an intellectually rich environment. NYU seeks to take academic and cultural advantage of its location and to embrace diversity among faculty, staff and students to ensure a wide range of perspectives, including international perspectives, in the educational experience.

29. LMU Munich (Germany)

As one of Europe’s leading research universities, LMU Munich is committed to the highest international standards of excellence in research and teaching. Building on its 500-year-tradition of scholarship, LMU covers a broad spectrum of disciplines, ranging from the humanities and cultural studies through law, economics and social studies to medicine and the sciences. The know-how and creativity of LMU’s academics form the foundation of the university’s outstanding research record. This is also reflected in LMU’s designation as a “university of excellence” in the context of the Excellence Initiative, a nationwide competition to promote top-level university research.

Some of the most famous figures in modern history spent their salad days at Munich: Richard Strauss, Marie Stopes, Erich Fromm, Konrad Adenauer, Lord Acton and others. Founded in 1472, Munich's flagship university now hosts around 44,000 students pursuing degrees in 150 subjects under the guidance of approximately 700 professors and 3,600 academic staff.

Get an idea of who we are - the university in the heart of Munich. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München is one of the leading research universities in Europe, with a more than 500-year-long tradition. The University is committed to the highest international standards of excellence in research and teaching.

LMU Munich has a classical academic profile ranging from the humanities and cultural sciences, law, economics, and social sciences to medicine and natural sciences. The University is divided into 18 faculties and enjoys one of Germany’s finest library systems. Creative thinking, problem-solving and research are central to LMU’s academic programs. With 2,300 beds, its Medical Center is, next to the Charité in Berlin, the most prestigious and largest institution of this kind in Germany.

From distinguished research grant winners to undergraduate students, all members of the LMU Munich community are engaged in generating new knowledge for the benefit of society at large. The University is particularly noted for providing excellent conditions for innovative basic research, both within individual disciplines and through inter- and transdisciplinary collaborations across various fields of knowledge.

LMU Munich has a long tradition as a top-level European research university, clearly demonstrated in its international character and its areas of academic cooperation from research to teaching and student exchange. The university was a founder member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), Venice International University (VIU), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Bavarian International Academic Centers. Within the European Union’s successful mobility and grant programs, LMU Munich takes part in ERASMUS student and lecturer exchange programs, Erasmus Mundus programs, and EU third-country projects.

LMU Munich also cooperates closely with numerous partner universities outside of EU programs. In total, LMU maintains faculty-based cooperation agreements with well over 400 partner universities worldwide which regulate areas from academic contacts and student exchanges to the design of joint degree programs. Collaborations and exchange activities at individual and chair level round off the close-knit international network. In addition, selected strategic research collaborations offer the opportunity for close contacts between institutions and for the establishment of new forms of cooperation. These are funded by the institutional strategy LMUexcellent and serve to underpin LMU Munich’s status at national and international level.

In geographic terms, LMU Munich’s strategy of internationalization observes traditional roots while pursuing current developments in the global academic world. The majority of its contacts and strategic initiatives are based in Europe, followed by North America and Asia. One outcome of this development is a new collaboration project with outstanding Chinese partner Universities, the LMU‑China Academic Network.

LMU Munich is the academic home of almost 7,000 international students from 125 countries, the largest number at any German university and the equivalent of 15 percent of LMU Munich’s student population. Three-quarters of these students come from Europe, 15 percent from Asia, and 6 percent from North and South America. Up to 1,000 students from partner universities enroll at LMU Munich as exchange students for a semester or year. In two junior year programs, around 70 students from North American partner universities spend their third year of studies in Munich, in addition to some 450 attendees of the Munich International Summer University (MISU).

Approximately 1,500 visiting fellows teach and research at LMU Munich, including 90 research fellows of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. LMU Munich’s Mobility Center and range of special services on offer plus the International Center for Science and Humanities in Munich (Internationales Begegnungszentrum der Wissenschaft München e.V., IBZ) also underline the university’s international commitment.

LMU Munich wins a significant volume of outside funding from its commitment to internationality in teaching and research. Apart from the university’s success in raising international third-party funds, many other fields offer funding opportunities which safeguard the competitive edge of its students, alumni, and academics for the future. DAAD alone contributes over four million euros per year in the form of grants to German and international students and international projects, as well as supporting grants to LMU Munich.

Munich, or München in German, is a major center for higher education, research, technology, and the media. LMU, the University in the heart of Munich, forms an integral part of the urban landscape and has campuses throughout the city. Munich is not only Germany’s primary hub for higher education and research, it also has its own inimitable appeal. Its location within easy reach of the Bavarian Alps, its urban flair, its rich palette of cultural institutions and the wide variety of leisure activities available attract visitors from all over the world.

28. Karolinska Institute (Sweeden)

Education

Karolinska Institutet offers the widest range of medical education under one roof in Sweden. Several of the programmes include clinical training or other training within the healthcare system.

The close proximity of the Karolinska University Hospital and other teaching hospitals in the Stockholm area thus plays an important role during the education.

Approximately 6,000 full-time students are taking educational and single subject courses at Bachelor and Master levels at Karolinska Institutet.

Teachers at Karolinska Institutet often carry out research in parallel with teaching. This ensures that students are involved in the latest advances within the medical field. Ambitious students, teachers and researchers together create an interesting and stimulating environment.

We also offer good opportunities for international exchange, which gives students the chance to work abroad for a period of time.

Bachelor's and Master's education

In 2015 there were 6,062 full-time students at KI.

KI also offers several Master's one-year and Master's two-year programmes and single-subject courses. Most of the programmes lead to a professional degree, and several offer degrees at a Bachelor's or Master's level.

Most of the programmes leads to a professional exam. Several of the programmes also lead

general degree. In 2015, 2,824 degrees were issued to 2,105 individuals..

Research

Research at Karolinska Institutet spans the entire medical field, from basic experimental research to patient-oriented and nursing research.

Karolinska Institutet today stands for more than 40% of all academic medical research in Sweden. 

Doctoral/third-cycle education

Karolinska Institutet carries out 12% of Swedish doctoral/third cycle education at universities or university colleges. Over 359 students take their PhD degree each year at Karolinska Institutet, after studies corresponding to four years of full-time study. Many of Karolinska Institutet´s doctoral students have taken their first-cycle education abroad.

In 2015, 2,069 individuals were active doctoral students whereof 58 percent were women. 

359 doctoral degrees were issued. KI's doctoral students have backgrounds in all academic areas, and a large proportion comes from other countries.

Doctoral studies at KI takes place in an international environment and usually within international collaborations, either informal between research groups or formal collaborations between the two universities.

Economy

Karolinska Institutet´s turnover in 2015 was SEK 6,475 million. Karolinska Institutet's total assets in foundations and funds amounted at year-end (2015) to SEK 2 323,9 million: SEK 640,9 million in funds and SEK 1,683 million in foundations.

27. King’s College London (UK)

One of the two founding colleges of the University of London, King's is the largest healthcare learning centre in Europe, incorporating three teaching hospitals. But the 23,000 students at its main riverside site in the heart of London and four satellites also benefit from its strengths in law, the humanities and social sciences.

King's College London is one of the top 20 universities in the world (2015-16 QS international world rankings). A research-led university based in the heart of London, King's has more than 26,500 students (of whom more than 10,000 are graduate students) from nearly 150 countries, and more than 6,500 employees. King's is in the second phase of a £1 billion redevelopment program which is transforming its estate.

King's has an outstanding reputation for providing world-class teaching and cutting-edge research. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise for British universities, 23 departments were ranked in the top quartile of British universities; over half of our academic staff work in departments that are in the top 10 per cent in the UK in their field and can thus be classed as world leading.

The college is in the top seven UK universities for research earnings and has an overall annual income of nearly £554 million. King's has a particularly distinguished reputation in the humanities, law, the sciences (including a wide range of health areas such as psychiatry, medicine, nursing and dentistry) and social sciences including international affairs.

King’s has played a major role in many of the advances that have shaped modern life, such as the discovery of the structure of DNA and research that led to the development of radio, television, mobile phones and radar. It is the largest center for the education of healthcare professionals in Europe; no university has more Medical Research Council Centres.

The college is in the midst of a five-year, £500 million fundraising campaign – World questions | King’s answers – created to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity as quickly as feasible. The campaign’s five priority areas are neuroscience and mental health, leadership and society, cancer, global power and children's health. 

Facilities

Information Services Centres on each campus provide students with integrated library and computing facilities. There are over 1,300 PC workstations and on the major campuses computer rooms are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An extensive wireless internet network also covers much of the College.

King’s College London Students’ Union (KCLSU) provides quality recreational, social and welfare services for all students. KCLSU runs an exhaustive programme of events at its top quality venues and supports numerous student-led clubs and societies. Three sports grounds provide facilities for hockey, rugby, football, cricket, tennis, and netball. There are also rifle ranges, two gyms and a swimming pool.

Why study with us?

King’s offers a wide range of courses, covering a range of traditional core subjects and innovative new studies. Students are inspired and intellectually stimulated by studying with some of the world’s leading researchers and academics who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

With over 23,000 students, of whom more than 8,000 are postgraduates, King’s can boast a diverse and vibrant student community. Around one in five students at King’s is an international student. King’s is home to students from all over the world, with almost every country, ethnic and cultural group represented. As part of this diverse student body you will be able to mix with people from many different backgrounds and cultures.

26. National University of Singapore

Description

A message from National University of Singapore

A leading global university centred in Asia, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore's flagship university, which offers a global approach to education and research with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise.

Its 16 faculties and schools across three campus locations in Singapore – Kent Ridge, Bukit Timah and Outram – provide a broad-based curriculum underscored by multi-disciplinary courses and cross-faculty enrichment. NUS’ transformative education includes programmes such as student exchange, entrepreneurial internships at NUS Overseas Colleges, and double degree and joint degree programmes with some of the world’s top universities, offering students opportunities and challenges to realise their potential. The learning experience is complemented by a vibrant residential life with avenues for artistic, cultural and sporting pursuits. Over 37,000 students from 100 countries further enrich the community with their diverse social and cultural perspectives.

NUS has three Research Centres of Excellence (RCE) and 23 university-level research institutes and centres. It is also a partner for Singapore’s fifth RCE. The University shares a close affiliation with 16 national-level research institutes and centres. Research activities are strategic and robust, and NUS is well-known for its research strengths in engineering, life sciences and biomedicine, social sciences and natural sciences. Major research thrusts have been made recently in several fields such as quantum technology; cancer and translational medicine; interactive and digital media; and the environment and water. The University also strives to create a supportive and innovative environment to promote creative enterprise within its community.

NUS is actively involved in international academic and research networks such as the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) and International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU).

A leading global university ranked as Asia’s top university by Quaquarelli Symonds University Rankings in 2015, National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore’s flagship higher education institution. Offering a global approach to education and research, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise, NUS’ 17 schools across three campuses offer a rigorous education with a broad-based curriculum. More than 70 per cent of the undergraduate students will have at least one study abroad opportunity at 300 leading universities across 50 countries. Students can also pursue internships in high-tech start-ups around the world through the six NUS Overseas Colleges for a unique entrepreneurial educational experience.

NUS’ innovative research, through the Schools, three Research Centres of Excellence and 26 university-level research institutes and centres, focuses on cutting-edge discoveries and their translational impact to the benefit of people in Asia and the world. The University is especially renowned for its research in engineering, science and technology, biomedical sciences, and the humanities and social sciences. Over 70 joint, concurrent and double degree programmes with leading universities around the world offer students a comprehensive curriculum and multiple academic pathways. NUS also has deep and long-standing partnerships with leading US universities in key educational programmes. These partnerships include the Duke-NUS Medical School with Duke University, the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music with the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, and Yale-NUS College with Yale University.

With a diverse student population of about 38,000 from 100 countries at the three campuses – Kent Ridge, Bukit Timah and Outram, students will enjoy a vibrant student life that promotes a collegial campus environment and strong camaraderie.

25. Northwestern University (US)

When it opened for business in 1855, Northwestern University had only two academic staff and 10 students. These were all male, but women have been admitted since 1869.

Northwestern owes its existence to the vision of its nine founders who, with no land, limited finances and little knowledge of higher education, determined to create a university for the vast Northwest Territory covering more than five of today’s states. They began planning in 1850 and, three years later, boldly went ahead and purchased a 379-acre site close to Lake Michigan and developed the campus at Evanston, named after a founder called John Evans.

From these small beginnings, Northwestern has developed into a leading private research university with a strong interdisciplinary culture and a commitment to teaching excellence. It now consists of 12 separate schools and colleges and is notable for its research strength in fields including neuroscience, nanotechnology, biotechnology and the development of new drugs. The main campus is still based at Evanston, 10 miles north of Chicago, although there is a smaller one in Chicago, so students enjoy all the stimulus and opportunities for personal and professional development provided by one of the world’s great cities. Since 2008, there has also been a third, satellite campus in Doha, Qatar.

Northwestern’s mascot is Willy the Wildcat. Its mottoes are both taken from the New Testament and read, in Latin and Greek, “Whatsoever things are true” and “The world is full of grace and truth”.

Celebrated alumni include novelist Saul Bellow and economist George Stigler, who both went on to win Nobel Prizes, as well as Friends star David Schwimmer, Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn, and George R. R. Martin, whose novels inspired the Game of Thrones television series. No fewer than four economists and one chemist who worked as faculty at Northwestern went to receive Nobel Prizes. And the diplomat and political scientist Ralph Bunce, who had been a researcher there, went on to become the first African American to win a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict.

24. University of Edinburgh (UK)

For more than 400 years, the University of Edinburgh has explored space, revolutionised surgery, published era-defining books and introduced to the world many inventions, discoveries and ideas from penicillin to Dolly the sheep, believing that anything is possible. Our experts continue in that tradition, consistently striving to uncover the unknown, transforming science fiction into fact, and unveiling new possibilities for future generations. We embrace the vision of shared ideas and interdisciplinary research, which spans across the traditional boundaries of subject areas. Our breadth of choice in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes covers most of humanities, social science, medicine, vet medicine, science and engineering. We are in the capital city of Scotland, home to the Scottish Parliament, an ancient volcanic rock and a castle.

The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 and currently offers over 500 first degree programmes, spread across some 100 academic disciplines. More than 20,000 undergraduate students study here and are drawn from all over the world and from a variety of backgrounds. World renowned and well respected, a degree from the University of Edinburgh will be recognised wherever you go. The University of Edinburgh's success is not limited to Scotland, or even the UK. We have a well-deserved international reputation for excellence, as demonstrated in our partnerships with other key institutions worldwide. Many of our degree programmes offer the opportunity to spend some time studying abroad and these include student exchange agreements with universities such as CalTech, McGill University, Peking University and the National University of Singapore. Perhaps this international dimension helps explain why we have the largest proportion of international students of any Scottish university. Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city is one of the greenest and architecturally most beautiful cities in Northern Europe. Students come not only for the architecture, but for a city rich in social, cultural, and sporting facilities. The University itself hosts over 260 student societies, 65 sports clubs, 5 galleries and museums and 30 libraries.