Best University Campuses: 97 of the Most Beautiful
Some universities have book smarts, some have street smarts and some are just nice to look at. These 97 colleges have it all.
Below you’ll find a few beloved favourites (here’s looking at you Oxbridge) and a few pleasant surprises (Who knew the University of Peradeniya was so beautiful?).
Let's explore the best university campuses in the world, based on their beauty.
Here’s how our list works:
- Universities are grouped by continent and the US is broken down further by region.
- The rankings are based off of QS World Ranking System, except when noted otherwise.
- Cost is based off international undergraduate tuition:
- USD 0 - 10,000 : $
- USD 11,000 - 25,000 : $$
- USD 26,000 - 40,000: $$$
- USD 40,000+ : $$$$
- Selectivity is based off of university acceptance rates:
- 100% -75%: Not Selective
- 74% - 50%: Somewhat Selective
- 49% - 30%: Selective
- 29% - 10%: Very Selective
- 10% and below: Extremely Selective
Disclaimer: The schools are not ranked from ugliest to prettiest but are simply arranged by location. Sorry if this is disappointing to hear. However, we hand selected all of the universities on this list and we believe they are all stunning.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
West Coast, USA
1. University of California, Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara, California
It’s really hard to complain when your classes are this close to the ocean and it’s always sunny outside. Although, you still have to take finals.
Quick Facts
QS World Ranking: 118
Undergraduate Population: 20,607
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Selective
2. Pepperdine University: Malibu, California
Mediterranean architecture, views of the Pacific ocean from your dorm and study dates in the sand, what more could you want?
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 260
Undergraduate Population: 3,533
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Selective
3. University of California, Los Angeles: Los Angeles, California
There’s a reason why most movies about college are filmed at UCLA, it’s stunning, iconic, and right next door to Hollywood.
Quick Facts: QS World Ranking: 31
Undergraduate Population: 31,000
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
4. Scripps College: Claremont, California
Sorry boys, this beautiful college is just for girls. Scripps’ Mediterranean and Spanish influence features white walls, Spanish-style tiles, arches and fountains creating a truly “California” campus.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 943
Undergraduate Population: 973
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
5. Claremont McKenna College: Claremont, California
Luckily, Scripps has a few sister colleges that are co-ed, including Claremont McKenna. Claremont McKenna's modern buildings and California architecture make for quite the pretty campus.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 615
Undergraduate Population: 1,328
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
6. University of Colorado, Boulder: Boulder, Colorado
Built at the base of the Rocky Mountains, the university blends in seamlessly with its surroundings due to the campus’s use of local sandstone, limestone and red tile roofs. Don’t forget to hit the ski slopes at least once while you’re there!
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 170
Undergraduate Population: 27,010
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Not Selective
7. Whitman College: Walla Walla, Washington
Whitman College is nestled in the forests of the Pacific Northwest with miles of trails, a geothermal spring, and a creek that runs through campus.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 463
Undergraduate Population: 1,470
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Selective
8. University of Washington: Seattle, Washington
This university is best known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees but its natural beauty doesn’t stop there. The campus also features great views of Mt. Rainier, the Olympic mountains and Lake Washington.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 59
Undergraduate Population: 31,063
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Selective
9. Lewis & Clark College: Portland, Oregon
If you like the woods or simply want to feel like a fairy tale character, this college is for you.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 355
Undergraduate Population: 2,209
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
10. University of Montana: Missoula, Montana
With 60 different styles of architecture sprinkled throughout campus, the University of Montana is an eclectic university like no other.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 701+
Undergraduate Population: 8,732
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Not Selective
Midwest, USA
1. University of Chicago: Chicago, Illinois
Historically built to look like Oxford university, UChicago’s newer buildings add a more modern touch to the already stunning campus.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 10
Undergraduate Population: 5,844
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
2. Northwestern University: Evanston, Illinois
Just a half an hour outside of bustling Chicago, Northwestern is filled to the brim with natural beauty dotted with impressive architecture.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 26
Undergraduate Population: 8,314
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
3. University of Notre Dame: Notre Dame, Illinois
Nature and spirituality come together to create Notre Dame’s elegant campus. The famous Golden Dome sits at the heart of campus sparkling in the sunshine ('cause it's covered in real gold). #ballin
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 203
Undergraduate Population: 8,462
Cost: $$$$ Selectivity: Very Selective
4. University of Indiana: Bloomington, Indiana
This gorgeous campus was built using local limestone almost two hundred years ago. And when you see the 1,200 miles of surrounding trails, you’ll never think of Indiana as a "Flyover State" again.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 291
Undergraduate Population: 39,814
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Not Selective
5. Washington University: St. Louis, Missouri
WashU has had the honour of hosting the World’s Fair and the Olympics, which says a lot about its stunning campus.
P.S. Hot air balloon not always included.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 106
Undergraduate Population: 7,504
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
6. Miami University: Oxford, Ohio
When poet Robert Frost calls a university “the most beautiful campus that ever there was,” you know it must be stunning.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 701+
Undergraduate Population: 16,387
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
South, USA
1. Vanderbilt University: Nashville, Tennessee
Aside from the ornate, red brick buildings that characterise quintessential southern schools, one thing that makes Vanderbilt truly unique is its grounds. The entire school is actually an arboretum, featuring almost 200 types of trees.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 203
Undergraduate Population: 6,883
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
2. University of Mississippi: Oxford, Mississippi
When you dream of the quintessential southern University, you are probably dreaming of the University of Mississippi, better known as “Ole Miss.” Tailgating a football game at The Grove is once in a lifetime experience that will definitely make you forget that you are supposed to be studying.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 601
Undergraduate Population: 23,838
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Not Selective
3. Covenant College: Lookout Mountain, Georgia
Covenant offers some of the most breathtaking views in the country. You can see 7 states from campus! With a view so wonderful, it’s no surprise that the college was built to emphasise its surrounding beauty by ensuring that every building have a ton of windows built in.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 1336
Undergraduate Population: 1,044
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Not Selective
4. Emory University: Druid Hills, Georgia
One of the most unique parts of Emory’s campus is Lullwater Park, which is loaded with seemingly endless trails, a stunning suspension bridge and a multitude of areas to sit, study and have a picnic.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 149
Undergraduate Population: 6,867
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
5. Rollins College: Winter Park, Florida
You want a lake on campus? Check. How about a chapel modelled after a cathedral in Spain? Check. Ever dreamed of having a greenhouse and a rose garden on campus? Double check. Rollins College is everything you’ve ever dreamed of and more.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 468
Undergraduate Population: 1,948
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
6. Furman University: Greenville, South Carolina
This lakeside beauty nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains is dusted with charming fountains, numerous gardens and a former Buddhist temple, referred to as the Palace of Peace. Furman is picture-perfect in every way.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 349
Undergraduate Population: 2,731
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
7. College of Charleston: Charleston, South Caronlina
Romantic doesn’t do this stunning 'city campus' justice. Cobblestone streets, southern colonial architecture and oak trees bring this school to life. As for the classrooms? Many of them are historic homes with sweeping piazzas and wrought iron.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 305
Undergraduate Population: 10,468
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Not Selective
8. Montreat College: Montreat, North Carolina
Montreat’s name literally means “Mountain Retreat,” how much more serene can you get?
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 1247
Undergraduate Population: 808
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
9. Wake Forest University: Salem, North Carolina
Huddled between a multitude of trees, mountains and the coast, Wake Forest boasts some of the most beautiful fall foliage around the country.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 401
Undergraduate Population: 4,871
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
10. Duke University: Durham, North Carolina
Famous for its Collegiate Gothic architecture, the 210-ft chapel and 700 acre forest- Duke’s campus is instantly recognisable. Be sure to check out the duke gardens in the evening and watch the sunset behind the chapel.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 24
Undergraduate Population: 6,639
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
11. Elon University: Elon, North Carolina
The entire school is classified as a botanical garden. Enough said.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 323
Undergraduate Population: 5,903
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
12. University of North Carolina: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
University of North Carolina’s stunning Old Well, which is based on the Temple of Love in the Gardens of Versailles, is the sight of many romantic moments. It’s almost impossible to step on campus and not want to apply right away.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 78
Undergraduate Population: 18,523
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
13. University of Virginia: Charlottesville, Virginia
Only three man-made modern U.S. structures are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the Rotunda at the University of Virginia (UVA) is one of them. If that didn’t convince you of the campus’s beauty, the entire school was named “the proudest achievement of American architecture in the past 200 years” by the American Institute of Architects.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 172
Undergraduate Population: 16,736
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
14. College of William and Mary: Williamsburg, Virginia
Looking to study in your own cozy outdoor area? Look no further. The College of William and Mary boasts over 1200 acres filled with a multitude of nooks and crannies to explore.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 551
Undergraduate Population: 6,301
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
15. University of Richmond: Richmond, Virginia
Red brick buildings, Westhampton Lake and the hills of Richmond make this campus absolutely beautiful. Throw in a prominent American landscape designer and a historically important architect and you have yourself a stunning university.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 238
Undergraduate Population: 2,990
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Selective
Mid Atlantic, USA
1. Georgetown University: Washington, D.C.
Georgetown’s historic location along the tree-lined Potomac River mixes natural beauty with elegant architecture. Apparently, Harry Potter was almost filmed here.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 214
Undergraduate Population: 7,562
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
2. Johns Hopkins University: Baltimore, Maryland
Johns Hopkins feels like a big southern school. If that big southern school was a liberal arts university and in the middle of a big city.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 17
Undergraduate Population: 6,524
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
3. University of Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
You can’t help but feel like you’re part of history when you step on UPenn’s campus. An oasis within the city of Philadelphia, UPenn’s quad is the place to be.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 18
Undergraduate Population: 9,726
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
4. Bryn Mawr College: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Bryn Mawr means “big hill” in Welsh, which is fitting because the campus is set along hilly terrain just outside of downtown Philadelphia. It’s also a women’s college (unless you’re a graduate student).
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 217*
Undergraduate Population: 1,346
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Selective
5. Monmouth University: West Long Branch, New Jersey
Monmouth’s main building, Wilson Hall, looks like the castle of your dreams.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 376
Undergraduate Population: 4,693
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
5. Princeton University: Princeton, New Jersey
Princeton’s beautiful Collegiate Gothic architecture is even more spectacular because of the ivy on its walls. The University is also home to the third-largest college chapel in the world.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 11
Undergraduate Population: 5,402
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
7. Cornell University: Ithaca, New York
Located in the Adirondack Mountains, Cornell gets major bragging rights for having eight waterfalls on campus.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 16
Undergraduate Population: 14,315
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
8. Hamilton College: Clinton, New York
This small, “College on the Hill” makes for a great getaway from busy city life. The fall is especially stunning.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 521
Undergraduate Population: 1,872
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
9. Vassar College: Arlington, New York
Vassar is known best for it’s recently renovated quad. Although, even if the quad was still under construction this college would have make our list for it’s jaw dropping fall foliage.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 268
Undergraduate Population: 2,345
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
10. Colgate University: Hamilton, New York
Maple and Oak trees line Colgate’s stunning campus, which overlooks farms, hills, and wooded areas around upstate New York.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 389
Undergraduate Population: 2,853
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
North East
1. Yale University: New Haven, Connecticut
Step inside the campus walls and prepare to be transported back in time to the Middle Ages. Don’t forget your turkey leg!
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 15
Undergraduate Population: 5,532
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
2. Harvard University: Cambridge, Massachusetts
It’s no surprise that the oldest university in the US is the epitome of brains and beauty. The sprawling campus has an eclectic mix of city and campus life, making it especially unique among the Ivy Leagues.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 3
Undergraduate Population: 6,699
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Situated along the Charles River, Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) architecture and sculptures make it stand out amongst the many other colleges near it. Look out for the Great Dome and the Stata Center.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 1
Undergraduate Population: 4,524
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
4. Smith College: Northampton, Massachusetts
Smith college is the third all-women’s college to make our list! Its campus is a hodgepodge of natural beauty, tradition buildings and modern architecture.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 701+
Undergraduate Population: 2,478
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Selective
5. Salve Regina University: Newport, Rhode Island
There’s only one word to describe Salve Regina: Grand. But then again, what else can you expect from a college made from Gilded Age mansions?
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 777
Undergraduate Population: 2,158
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
6. Dartmouth College: Hanover, New Hampshire
This rural, Ivy league campus offers a multitude of outdoor activities both on campus and off, even in the dead of winter, which seems to last forever here. Students are also required to spend at least one summer on campus, and it’s no surprise some come back for more.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 158
Undergraduate Population: 4,307
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
7. Middlebury College: Middlebury, Vermont
Part of Middlebury’s campus is on Bread Loaf Mountain. The name alone is scrumptious enough to include the college on this list. But if that wasn’t convincing enough, the college also has 270 miles of trails and some of the most beautiful winters in the country.
Oh, and they also have their own private ski mountain.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 206
Undergraduate Population: 2,562
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
8. University of Vermont: Burlington, Vermont
If we told you that you had to check out the university's Old Mill, you'd probably get lost looking at all the beautiful buildings along the way.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 551
Undergraduate Population: 10,973
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
9. Colby College: Waterville, Maine
Albeit, relatively difficult to get to, Colby is well worth the trek to Waterville. Once you get there, you’ll be greeted by a multitude of trees, a bird sanctuary, stunning buildings and the Johnson Pond.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 273*
Undergraduate Population: 1,857
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
10. College of the Atlantic: Bar Harbor, Maine
College of the Atlantic's campus has a special connection the environment around it. The campus considers the Atlantic Ocean its front yard, has two organic farms and a couple offshore island research stations.
Quick Facts:
Uni Rank: 980
Undergraduate Population: 388
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Not Selective
Canada
1. McGill University: Montreal, Canada
Also known as the Harvard of Canada, it’s a good thing McGill’s campus looks beautiful in the snow...
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 30
Undergraduate Population: 27,475
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Selective
2. University of British Columbia: Vancouver, British Columbia
This campus is filled to the brim with gardens of all shapes and sizes including a rose garden with ocean views.
Quick Facts: QS World Ranking: 45
Undergraduate Population: 34,098
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Selective
3. Royal Roads University: Victoria, British Columbia
Administrative tasks seem a lot more fun when the main administrative building on campus is in an actual castle.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: Unranked
Undergraduate Population: 5,300
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
Europe
1. Coimbra University: Coimbra, Portugal
The Baroque-style library on campus is one of the most stunning libraries in the world. Its bookshelves are made with Brazilian wood shipped from Portugal’s settlements in the New World!
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 451
Undergraduate Population: 9,859
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Selective
2. University of Salamanca: Salamanca, Spain
Some of the most stunning pieces of Plateresque facade are found on Salamanca's campus. Many of the buildings are covered in stucco with motifs etched into their surfaces. It’s quite the exotic university.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 651-700
Undergraduate Population: 28,000
Cost: $
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
3. University of Acala: Alcala de Henares, Spain
It’s hard not to fall in love with Alcala. Its notoriously laid-back attitude, stunning 16th century buildings and charming walkways make it one of the most relaxing places to study.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 601-650
Undergraduate Population: 20,000
Cost: $
Selectivity: Not Selective
4. Paris-Sorbonne University: Paris, France
When the center of your campus consists of the most recognizable building in Paris’ Latin Quarter, you know you’re doing something right.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 221
Undergraduate Population: 13,900
Cost: $
Selectivity: Not Selective
5. University of Rostock: Rostock, Germany
The most stunning part of this campus is the striking terracotta, red and white main building. The building is a fantastic example of 19th century Renaissance Revival architecture and sets this campus apart from many of its European counterparts.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 651-700
Undergraduate Population: 14,417 (2013)
Cost: $
Selectivity: Selective
6. University of Amsterdam: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Grab some friends, get on a boat and sail the day away in one of the many canals around campus. P.S. don’t forget the stoopwafel!
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 57
Undergraduate Population: 19,388
Cost: $
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
7. University of Leuven: Leuven, Belgium
The university’s main building is so elaborate and gigantic, it’s not hard to believe that it used to be a Chateau.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 79
Undergraduate Population: 55,484
Cost: $
Selectivity: Not Selective
8. Wroclaw University: Wroclaw, Poland
Although Wroclaw has the typical European campus style, it also has a few striking modern buildings, which helps it stand out from the crowd of Gothic Colleges.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 701+
Undergraduate Population: 25,721 (may include graduates)
Cost: $
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
9. Vienna University of Economics and Business: Vienna, Austria
The Library and Learning Center is like something straight out of a sci-fi film. You’ll want to spend your days getting lost in the sweeping curves and secret nooks throughout the building.
Quick Facts:
Times Higher Education Ranking: 161
Undergraduate Population: 22,000
Cost: $
Selectivity: Not Selective
10. Bologna University: Bologna, Italy
Bologna’s campus is literally Bologna, the city. The university’s buildings are sprinkled in with coffee shops, bookstores and a ton of restaurants adding to the liveliness of the campus.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 208 (2015/2016)
Undergraduate Population: 52,787
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Selective
11. Aarhus University: Aarhus, Denmark
Aarhus is one of the freshest universities in Europe (and by fresh I mean built 1930) and is still under some construction. The university’s buildings all have yellow bricks and tile roofs and are all surrounded by sweeping green lawns, creating a dream-like campus.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 107 (2015/2016)
Undergraduate Population: 17,504
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Selective
12. University of Southern Denmark: Odense, Denmark
People don’t often refer to European Universities as modern but the University of Southern Denmark rivals some of the sleekest buildings in Asia.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 390
Undergraduate Population: 26,034 (2012)
Cost: $
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
13. University of Copenhagen: Copenhagen, Denmark
This city campus boasts the oldest library in Denmark and... you guessed it... it’s stunning.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 68
Undergraduate Population: 21,764
Cost: $
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
14. Uppsala University: Uppsala, Sweden
Uppsala gets 18 hours of sunshine in the summer. ‘Nuff said. (Don’t ask about their winters)
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 98
Undergraduate Population: 14,025
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
15. University of Oslo: Oslo, Norway
If you love patterns, this is the university for you. Your Instagram will thank you later.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 113
Undergraduate Population: 34,846
Cost: $
Selectivity: Selective
16. University of Glasgow: Glasgow, Scotland
With it fluted columns and dramatic archways it’s no wonder the University of Glasgow was the center of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 63
Undergraduate Population: 19, 230
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Selective
17. University of St. Andrews: St. Andrews, Scotland
This University is so beautiful, it literally turns people into princesses. #KateMiddleton
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 77
Undergraduate Population: 8,790
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
18. University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh, Scotland
The University of Edinburgh has been on every “World’s Most Beautiful Campuses” list since the beginning of time. Seriously. The University was founded the same year as the modern Gregorian calendar was implemented.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 19
Undergraduate Population: 23,301
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
19. National University of Ireland: Galway, Ireland
Local limestone buildings set against bright green grass and ivy is a sight for sore eyes.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 249
Undergraduate Population: 12,464
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Selective
20. Trinity College: Dublin, Ireland
The combination of cobblestone walkways, sweeping green lawns and 18th century buildings make Trinity the ideal Irish college.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 98
Undergraduate Population: 12,420 (2014)
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Very Selective
21. The Queen's University of Belfast: Belfast, Northern Ireland
This campus boasts almost 300 different buildings, all beautiful in their own way.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 195
Undergraduate Population: 18,875 (2014/2015)
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
22. Oxford University: Oxford, England
Harry Potter was actually filmed here. The place is obviously magical.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 6
Undergraduate Population: 11,728
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
23. Cambridge University: Cambridge, England
Cambridge’s iconic Gothic architecture and historic campus inspires students around the world to either apply or take a semester abroad there. It also doesn’t hurt that Cambridge is one of the best Universities in the world.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 4
Undergraduate Population: 12,220
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Very Selective
24. Royal Holloway, University of London: Egham, England
The chateau-like Founder’s building is home to the set of Downton Abbey!
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 235
Undergraduate Population: 7,489
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
25. Durham University: Durham, England
One way to make your friends jealous is to live in England. Another way is to live in castle. Luckily Durham’s got you covered.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 74
Undergraduate Population: 13,265 (2015/2016)
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
Middle East/Africa
1. Technion- Israel Institute of Technology: Haifa, Israel
Technion is located up on Mt. Carmel, surrounded by pine trees and sweeping views of Israel. Sidenote- Did someone say caramel??
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 213
Undergraduate Population: 9,251 (2014)
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Selective
2. Alexandria University: Alexandria, Egypt
The founders of the city basically invented the concept of a university and housed the most important library of the ancient world, sounds like a pretty good place study to me.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 701+
Undergraduate Population: 45,000+ (may include grad students)
Cost: $
Selectivity: Not Selective
3. Stellenbosch University: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Like wine? Then Stellenbosch University was made for you. The campus is surrounded by wineries!
Quick Facts: QS World Ranking: 395
Undergraduate Population: 19,042
Cost: $
Selectivity: Selective
4. University of Cape Town: Cape Town, South Africa
The University of Cape Town literally looks like it was etched into the mountain behind it. Not only is the scenery diverse here, so are the students. The university’s population hails from over 100 countries from around the world.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 191
Undergraduate Population: 18,421
Cost: $
Selectivity: Selective
Asia
1. University of Mumbai: Mumbai, India
Located in the vibrant city of Mumbai, this campus’s sweeping archways and lush surroundings can’t be beat.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 701+
Undergraduate Population: 549,432
Cost: $
Selectivity: Not Selective
2. Peking University: Peking, China
It’s no surprise that one of the top universities in China also boasts some of the most exemplary examples of Chinese architecture. Not to mention that the campus sits on a former imperial garden.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 39
Undergraduate Population: 18,737
Cost: $
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
3. Yonsei University: Seoul, South Korea
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in South Korea, Yonsei prides itself on its ancient architecture and luscious green landscape.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 112
Undergraduate Population: 26,731
Cost: $
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
4. Xiamen University: Xiamen, Fujian, China
With mountains behind it and a sea in front of it, Xiamen University makes for a picture-perfect postcard (or Snapchat) moment.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 451-460
Undergraduate Population: 17,847
Cost: $
Selectivity: Selective
5. Tsinghua University: Beijing, China
Although Tsinghua University mostly consists of Chinese architecture, many of the university’s newer buildings are built using western styles creating a nice balance between old and new.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 24
Undergraduate Population: 15,184
Cost: $
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
6. University of Peradeniya: Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
If your definition of paradise is lush green hills, rivers and flowing trees- the University of Peradeniya is for you.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: Unranked
Undergraduate Population: 9,605
Cost: $
Selectivity: Very Selective
7. Jahangirnagar University Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
As you walk through the main entrance of Jahangirnagar University it is hard not to stare. The deep red buildings play off of the bright green flora and fauna to create a mesmerising campus you will never forget.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: Unranked
Undergraduate Population: 10,983 (2014)
Cost: $
Selectivity: Extremely Selective
8. Nanyang Technological University: Singapore
Everything about this university is cutting age. Most of the intricately designed buildings are covered in green moss creating living structures for all to enjoy.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 13
Undergraduate Population: 24,312
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
9. Chulalongkorn University:Bangkok, Thailand
Let’s cut to the chase. Yes, the campus is beautiful. Yes, the academics are great. But the reason you’re really here is for the food. Delicious, delicious Thai food.
Quick Facts: QS World Ranking: 252
Undergraduate Population: 25,464
Cost: $
Selectivity: Selective
New Zealand/ Australia
1. University of Otago: Dunedin, New Zealand
Otago feeds off of its breathtaking natural surroundings. Any day spent studying by a river sounds like a good day to me.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 169
Undergraduate Population: 14,983
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Not Selective
2. University of Sydney: Sydney, New South Whales
Sydney definitely has its perks. You get to study at a university that’s modeled after Oxbridge and relax on one of the most famous beaches in the world.
Quick Facts: QS World Ranking: 46
Undergraduate Population: 33,505 (2014)
Cost: $$$$
Selectivity: Not Selective
3. University of Western Australia: Perth, Western Australia
When a university’s original plan is to have “buildings in a park,” you know it’s going to be special. The campus accomplishes its intent with a sunken garden, a grass-covered amphitheater and a swan river.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 102
Undergraduate Population: 19,839
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Not Selective
4. University of Melbourne: Melbourne, Victoria
University of Melbourne’s main campus is just a short walk from the center of the second largest city in Australia. Or a short walk to the beach.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 42
Undergraduate Population: 25,565
Cost: $$$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
5. University of Queensland: Brisbane, Queensland
From its inception the University of Queensland’s wanted to be a “gem in a beautiful subtropical setting,” it definitely accomplished its goal.
Quick Facts:
QS World Ranking: 51
Undergraduate Population: 36,322
Cost: $$
Selectivity: Somewhat Selective
Final thoughts...
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