Top 3706 universities abroad
This content was developed and approved with active participation of Qiuhua Liang.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023
- https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings.
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from 53000.00 $ / year
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#2 among U.S. national universitiesUSABoston, MassachusettsCurrently watching: 10
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from 28000.00 $ / semester
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Top-50 best Marketing programs in the worldSpainBarcelonaCurrently watching: 10from 5450.00 β¬ / year
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from 27000.00 $ / semester
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from 41320.00 $ / year
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from 51870.00 $ / year
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from 12500.00 $ / semester
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from 25740.00 Β£ / year
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Awarding body of University of the Arts London and Trinity College LondonUnited KingdomCambridgeCurrently watching: 8from 14490.00 Β£ / semester
Nowadays, a great deal of foreign students choose to enter prestigious universities around the world. SMAPSE offers you more than 100 best universities throughout Europe and around the world that are really popular among international students. You can choose any country in Europe, North or South America, Asia, and Australia. Foreign universities provide a wide range of:
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University Extension courses
University Extension courses β professional postgraduate courses for specialists. They don't need to be actual students of the university.
It's important to note that every country has certain unique features of admission to their university. Usually, it's essential to take a one-year preparation program for entering the university after graduating from a foreign school. In addition, it's necessary to take language courses abroad, as well as examinations in different subjects in some cases. For more information about pre-university programs, please see the section "preparing for university abroad after the 11th grade". Here you can choose the interested country where the educational institutions are located.
Undoubtedly, higher education in UK, Spain, Switzerland opens up perfect career prospects. A diploma from a university in Europe, North or South America, or Asia will provide a great basis for a successful future as a specialist.
In order to achieve best results, it is necessary to select the right university. SMAPSE experts can help you to make the right choice from the TOP-100 list that will meet all your requirements. Please, don't hesitate to contact SMAPSE specialists at any time as they are always ready to answer all your questions. Also, SMAPSE specialists compiled a list of educational centers sorted by name β there foreign students can find ranking and low-cost private universities, located in more than 30 countries around the world. No less important is the fact that SMAPSE specialists can recommend studying options, featured by affordable price and high quality educational services.
Prestigious universities in the USA and European countries β classification and features of universities for international students
In the list of universities prepared by SMAPSE, foreign students can find detailed characteristics of interested educational institutions. To get acquainted with admission requirements, accommodation type, conditions for obtaining scholarships and grants you should visit the website of the specific university.
Foreign universities in catalogue are classified in several categories, namely in size and level. International students can apply to educational institutions, ranked in TOP list, small private profile universities. In the catalogue you can find appropriate variants of educational institutions, in which enrollment is not a dream, but a reality.
As a factor for classification of educational institutions, the average tuition fee can be used, which depends on many parameters. Firstly, it is the ranking: education in prestigious international institutions will cost more than in those which are less well-known. Country of education also stipulates the cost of studying. The tuition fee in branches of prestigious universities, located in Asia, Latin and Central America is lower than in campuses in Europe, USA and Canada.
Below there are presented famous groups of legendary and TOP universities in the world, in which enrolment is quite difficult for international students. However, the certificate of graduating from such an educational institution opens up wonderful opportunities to build successful careers in big international companies.
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Oxbridge
This group includes two TOP universities in Great Britain β Oxford and Cambridge. It is quite difficult to combine these educational institutions due to century long competitions between them and constant efforts to bypass each other in all directions. However, the term Oxbridge is frequently used.
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Russell Group
An association of the best British universities includes 24 educational institutions: namely, Oxford, Cambridge, Universities of York, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow, Imperial College London, London School of Economics and Political Science and others. According to statistics, Russell Group universities account for 2/3 of all research grants in the UK, 56% of doctoral degrees and 70% of scientific potential.
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Ivy League
This is an analogue of Russell Group, which includes only 8 of the oldest and most ranked universities in the USA: Princeton, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale and The University of Pennsylvania, which are located in the north-west of the country. The main feature of elite universities is the extremely high cost of education.
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Swiss Education Group
A professional association of the best Swiss higher schools of hospitality, tourism, hotel and culinary business includes Cesar Ritz Colleges, Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland, School of Hotel Management (IHTTI), Hotel Institute Montreux, and The Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS). Studying here is a guarantee of successful employment in the international industry of hotel and restaurant business.
Higher education β main features of international universities
Below there are listed the most demanded directions and specializations of higher education that are typical for different countries:
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USA: business courses, MBA, finance, law and jurisprudence, engineering, science, electronics
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Great Britain: classical sciences, history and civilizations, modern and ancient languages, medicine, law and jurisprudence
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Switzerland: banking and finance, hospitality business, tourism and restaurant business, all directions of medicine and health care
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Austria: musical education, technical specializations
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Germany: technical and engineering specialties
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France: natural sciences, medicine
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Czech Republic: medicine, tourism and hospitality technologies
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China: exact and natural sciences, mathematics, tourism and hospitality industry, business and finance.
Alternative destinations
Top Universities Abroad for international students
The SMAPSE catalog features an extensive list of over 100 of the finest universities globally, allowing you to cherry-pick the most suitable options. Within the SMAPSE directory, you'll discover the ability to tailor your search using specific criteria. Here, you'll encounter categories organized by countries offering study opportunities for international students, as well as various types of programs and courses. This direct selection feature empowers you to filter universities based on your field of interest, whether technical or humanitarian.
Should you require additional preparation to secure admission to your preferred university, you can choose from a variety of preparatory programs listed in our catalog. Furthermore, you can narrow down your options by country using advanced search options, which enable you to add specific preferences like the language of instruction.

What are the criteria for evaluating American universities? How accurate is it?
The rankings are different, and therefore the criteria are different. Subtleties are covered such as the academic level of graduates, βretention rateβ (how many students complete study programs), social mobility, and the number of recipients of financial aid. The final performance and GPA, academic reputation of students, resources of institutes and faculties, salaries of teachers, the number of doctoral / postdoctoral degrees among teachers (especially for those who are employed full-time at the university) can be taken into account.
They pay attention to the selectivity of students (which applicants scored SAT points, which results they showed in high school), financial indicators per student and the amount of debt of graduates (a common thing: many take out loans for education). Some rankings also use the parameter of academic citation, the intensity of research by the teaching staff. In general, there are more criteria than the rankings themselves!
Key Insights about Universities Abroad Foreign Universities
The SMAPSE catalog not only presents more than 100 top-tier global universities that welcome numerous foreign students each year but also provides detailed insights into the unique characteristics of each institution. Here, you can explore admission requirements, living arrangements, study conditions, as well as scholarships and grants offered by the chosen program. In addition, you can rank universities by their average annual tuition fees. Pay attention that tuition costs depend on various factors, among which are the university's ranking, the country of study, and the type of educational program chosen, type of living during studying.
How to choose University Abroad for international students
SMAPSE offers an extensive array of private and public universities spread across over 30 countries. When deciding between public and private institutions, several critical factors should guide your choice:
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Desired Specialization and Study Profile: Consider your academic interests and career aspirations when choosing a university. The field of study you're passionate about will significantly impact your decision.
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Financial Capabilities: Assess your budget, including tuition fees and living expenses. The United States and the United Kingdom are popular among foreign students for their high quality of education and prestige; other countries such as New Zealand offer more affordable options of studying.
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Academic Qualifications: Ensure you meet the academic requirements of university for successful enrolment. The requirements may include the results of specific tests, university examinations, international language exams (e.g., IELTS), etc.
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Preferred Study Location: It is necessary to make a decision on the country or region where you want to obtain your education. Each location has its unique offerings and cultural experiences.
In addition to the type of university, the student's future career opportunities should be taken into account, when deciding on educational institutions abroad. Small private institutions offer education of equal quality as prestigious large universities. However, the tuition fee often is lower.
Requirements for admission to Universities Abroad: 4 Key Steps
Presently, TOP-100 foreign universities and colleges adhere to the widely accepted Bologna educational system. Under this system, higher education consists of several stages:
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Diploma Programs and Certificates: These short-term programs usually last for 1-2 years, allowing the students to obtain fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge, to develop skills, and abilities. After graduation, there are two options for choice: to enter the workforce immediately or enroll in a bachelor's degree program.
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Bachelor's Degree: This foundational stage of higher education usually lasts for 3-4 years. During the studying, students are provided with the opportunity to choose major and minor subjects according to their interests and future career goals.
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Master's Degree: It is an additional level of studying, which lasts 1-2 years, allowing students to improve their expertise in the chosen field and offering to specialize further. If a student plans to take top managerial positions in future, a master's degree is often the ideal choice.
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Higher Doctorate Studies: It is the final level of higher education, studying takes from 2 to 5-6 years, the time span depends on the chosen field of study. Obtaining a doctorate degree is in high demand, as passing this stage of education indicates exceptional expertise and academic preparation. It is important for students, who are interested in working in academia and research.
Universities Abroad. Cost and fees for international students?
The tuition fee and different expenses, which are associated with studying at a university abroad, can be a real problem for foreign students. Considering these costs is very important for students, who are interested in obtaining higher education abroad. Below there is a guideline of the cost and fees of studying at university abroad, which can arise during obtaining education. Tuition fees are a major component of the cost of studying abroad. The significant fluctuations in fees are stipulated by the country and the specific university or program chosen. Usually, tuition fees for foreign students are higher compared to those for domestic students. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid options may be available, allowing to compensate these costs. It's recommended for prospective students to consider and apply for such opportunities. In addition to tuition, other expenses such as accommodation, food, pursuing textbooks, health insurance, and transportation, arise during studying. The cost of living can vary significantly, depending on the location of the educational institution. So prior to making a decision on the university abroad it's important to research the cost of living in the chosen destination. Visa fees, application fees, and language proficiency test fees (such as TOEFL or IELTS) are other expenses that foreign students need to consider when planning education abroad. These fees differ, which is stipulated by the country and specific visa requirements. Please pay attention to additional fees that may arise, among which are laboratory fees, technology fees, and extracurricular activity fees. These costs can add up, so students should review the university's fee structure carefully.
The foreign students are offered numerous supplementary courses, such as advanced preparation, skill development, additional specializations, language or professional exam preparation, etc.
Our SMAPSE experts are always ready to assist you at every stage of your academic journey. Do not hesitate to contact us for guidance and support.
How to choose the right university abroad?
To choose the right university abroad, it is important to determine your educational goals, budgetary constraints and the major you are interested in. After that, you should research university offerings, compare their programs and rankings, and consider the location and cultural aspects that may affect the learning experience.
What language is the language of instruction at universities abroad?
Universities abroad offer programs in a variety of languages, but the most common language of instruction is English. In addition, many countries offer programs in their national languages, such as German, French, Spanish, and many others. The choice of language depends on the specific university and country.
How long does it take to study at a university abroad?
The length of study at the university depends on the level of the program, but typically a bachelor's degree lasts 3-4 years and a master's degree lasts 1-2 years.
What accommodation options are available for international students?
International students can choose between living on campus, renting housing, or staying with a host family, depending on the university and preference.
What research opportunities are available at universities abroad?
Universities abroad provide a wide range of research opportunities. Firstly, they usually possess state-of-the-art research laboratories and equipment, which creates ideal conditions for conducting scientific research. In addition, universities actively cooperate with industry and business, giving students access to real-world projects and the opportunity to work on innovative ideas.
Can I get a work visa after completing my studies abroad?
Yes, many countries offer graduates the opportunity to obtain a work visa after completing their studies abroad. This opportunity may depend on your country of study and its visa policy. Usually, in order to obtain a work visa, you must find an employer in the country where you studied and receive an official invitation to work.
How important is the rating when choosing a university abroad?
University ranking is one of the factors to consider when choosing an institution abroad, but it is not the only important one. Rankings can provide a general idea of the quality of a university and its reputation on a global scale. However, it is important to remember that rankings can be subjective and depend on evaluation criteria that may not always match your academic interests and goals.
Is it possible to get a scholarship to study at a university abroad?
Yes, it is possible to get a scholarship to study at a university abroad. Many universities in different countries provide different types of financial support for international students based on academic achievement, need and other factors.
How to prepare for university abroad?
To prepare for admission to a university abroad, you should carefully study the requirements of the particular university and the chosen program of study. It is important to prepare the necessary documents, including your high school diploma and exam results. It is also recommended that you take the necessary language proficiency tests and begin preparing for an essay or interview, if required.
Which IB or A-Level program is valued more when applying to universities abroad?
Both IB (International Baccalaureate) and A-Level (Advanced Level) programs are valued by many universities abroad. However, the choice between the two depends on the individual university. The IB is often more widely recognized and valued for its comprehensive and internationally oriented approach to learning, while A-Level may be more specialized and focused on academic depth.
University ranking by country: Great Britain, USA, Switzerland, Canada, Holland, Spain
Best universities in Europe 2025 - Times Higher Education
Europe Rank 2024 | World University Rank 2024 | World University Rank 2023 | University | Country/region |
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1 | 1 | 1 |
University of Oxford |
United Kingdom |
2 | 5 | =3 |
University of Cambridge |
United Kingdom |
3 | 8 | 10 |
Imperial College London |
United Kingdom |
4 | 11 | =11 |
ETH Zurich |
Switzerland |
5 | 22 | 22 |
UCL |
United Kingdom |
=6 | =30 | 29 |
University of Edinburgh |
United Kingdom |
=6 | =30 | 30 |
Technical University of Munich |
Germany |
8 | 33 | 41 |
Γcole Polytechnique FΓ©dΓ©rale de Lausanne |
Switzerland |
=9 | =38 | 35 |
Kingβs College London |
United Kingdom |
=9 | =38 | 33 |
LMU Munich |
Germany |
Top 100 best universities in Russia 2025 rankings
1 | Lomonosov Moscow State University |
2 | Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology |
3 | National Research Nuclear University "MEPhI" |
4 | Saint Petersburg State University |
5 | HSE University |
6 | MGIMO University (Moscow State Institute of International Relations) |
7 | National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University |
8 | Bauman University |
9 | Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University |
10 | Novosibirsk National Research State University |
11 | Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration |
12 | Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin |
13 | National Research Tomsk State University |
14 | ITMO University |
15 | Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation |
16 | Kazan Federal University |
17 | National University of Science and Technological "MISIS" |
18 | Plekhanov Russian University of Economics |
19 | GUBKIN UNIVERSITY National University of Oil and Gas |
20 | Peoples ' Friendship University of Russia / RUDN University |
21 | Siberian Federal University |
22 | Sechenov University |
23 | Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University |
24 | National Research University "MEI" |
25 | Moscow Aviation Institute |
26 | Pavlov University |
27 | Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod |
28 | Far Eastern Federal University |
29 | All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia |
30 | Southern Federal University |
31 | North-Eastern Federal University named after M. K. Ammosov |
32 | Novosibirsk State Technical University |
33 | St. Petersburg State University of Economics |
34 | Moscow State Linguistic University |
35 | Kutafin Moscow State Law University (MSAL) |
36 | Ulyanov St. Petersburg State Electrotechnical University "LETI" |
37 | National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering |
38 | Korolev Samara National Research University / Samara University |
39 | Saint Petersburg Mining University |
40 | Siberian State Medical University |
41 | Kazan State Medical University |
42 | Voronezh State University |
43 | Samara State Medical University |
44 | Kazan National Research Technical University named after A. N. Tupolev - KAI |
45 | Moscow State Pedagogical University |
46 | Herzen University |
47 | Belgorod State National Research University |
48 | Russian State University for the Humanities |
49 | Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics |
50 | Altai State University |
51 | Mendeleev Russian University of Chemical Technology |
52 | Shukhov Belgorod State Technological University |
53 | St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering |
54 | Perm National Research Polytechnic University |
55 | Syzran Branch of the Samara State Technical University |
56 | Ufa State Petroleum Technical University |
57 | Dubna University |
58 | South Ural State University |
59 | Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University |
60 | National Research University "Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology" |
61 | Moscow State Technological University "STANKIN" |
62 | Stavropol State Agrarian University |
63 | Moscow Automobile and Road Engineering State Technical University |
64 | MIREA β Russian Technological University |
65 | Bashkir State Medical University |
66 | St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University |
67 | National Research Mordovian State University |
68 | Volgograd State University |
69 | Kursk State Medical University |
70 | Platov South Russian State Polytechnic University |
71 | Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy |
72 | Alekseev Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University |
73 | Technological University (MSTU) |
74 | Moscow State Regional University |
75 | State University of Management |
76 | Tomsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering |
77 | Tyumen Industrial University |
78 | Tyumen State University |
79 | Petrozavodsk State University |
80 | Moscow City Pedagogical University |
81 | Volgograd State Medical University |
82 | St. Petersburg State Maritime Technical University |
83 | Don State Technical University |
84 | Saratov State University |
85 | Ural State Medical University |
86 | Southwest State University |
87 | Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University |
88 | Ryazan State Medical University named after Academician I. P. Pavlov |
89 | Kazan National Research Technological University |
90 | Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University |
91 | Voronezh State Technical University |
92 | Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University |
93 | North Caucasus Federal University |
94 | Polzunov Altai State Technical University |
95 | Russian New University |
96 | Berbekov Kabardino-Balkar State University |
97 | Omsk State Medical University |
98 | Tyumen State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia |
99 | Ufa State Aviation Technical University |
100 | Pacific State University |
Top 14 best universities in Switzerland 2025
1 | Glion Institute of Higher Education Switzerland |
2 | Les Roches International School Montana |
3 | CΓ©sar Ritz Colleges Switzerland |
4 | IHTTI School of Hotel Management |
5 | Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne |
6 | Geneva Business School |
7 | HIM Hotel Institute Montreux |
8 | Swiss Hotel Management School |
9 | Webster University Geneva |
10 | Business and Hotel Management School |
11 | Luzern IMI |
12 | Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) Caux |
13 | International University in Geneva |
14 | Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland |
Top 10 best universities in Netherlands 2025
Top 35 best universities and colleges in Canada 2025
1 | University of Toronto |
2 | McGill University |
3 | University of British Columbia |
4 | University of Alberta |
5 | Simon Fraser University |
6 | Montreal University |
7 | University of Windsor |
8 | York University |
9 | University of Guelph |
10 | McMaster University |
11 | University of Manitoba |
12 | University of Waterloo |
13 | Royal Roads University |
14 | Vancouver Film School |
15 | Kwantlen Polytechnic University |
16 | University of Calgary |
17 | Dalhousie University |
18 | Fanshawe College |
19 | University of Ottawa |
20 | Laval University |
21 | Sheridan College |
22 | University of Regina |
23 | Brock University |
24 | Thompson Rivers University |
25 | Humber College |
26 | Vancouver Island University |
27 | Mohawk College |
28 | Centennial College Toronto |
29 | Niagara College |
30 | Capilano University |
31 | Seneca College |
32 | Algoma University |
33 | Saint Clair College |
34 | Douglas College |
35 | LaSalle College |