1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Country: United States (US)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private land-grant research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1861, MIT has played a significant role in the development of many areas of modern technology and science. Founded in response to the increasing industrialization of the United States, MIT adopted a European polytechnic university model and stressed laboratory instruction in applied science and engineering.

MIT is one of three private land-grant universities in the United States, the others being Cornell University and Tuskegee University. The institute has an urban campus that extends more than a mile (1.6 km) alongside the Charles River, and encompasses a number of major off-campus facilities such as the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the Bates Center, and the Haystack Observatory, as well as affiliated laboratories such as the Broad and Whitehead Institutes.

Number of Undergraduate Students: 7,344

Number of Postgraduate Student: 4576

International Students: 3478

MIT University Student Enrollment:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology boasts a diverse and inclusive student body of more than 11,858, represented by 59 nationalities from around the world. International students make up about 30% of the total student population at MIT.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology international students are from:

Tuition Fees: $79,850 - $5,084

MIT top courses and their subject ranking

Category of Courses:

• UG

• PG

• Doctorate(Ph.D./D.Sc.)

• Executive Education

• Professional Courses

2. University of Cambridge

Country: United States (US)

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge stands as the second oldest English-speaking university, succeeding Oxford University. Its inception was sparked by a grievous offense committed by two students from Oxford, resulting in their execution. This event prompted scholars from Oxford to disperse to various smaller schools, among them Cambridge, to pursue their studies.

The instructional sessions and academic gatherings held in Cambridge eventually culminated in the establishment of a formal educational institution. In 1233, Pope Gregory IX formally recognized the University as an official seat of learning by issuing a decree. Over the centuries, numerous authors, including Geoffrey Chaucer, have made reference to the University in their literary works, such as Chaucer's renowned masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales, penned in the 14th century.

Number of Undergraduate Students: 12,580

Number of Postgraduate Student: 11,600

International Students: 9,948

With 20,000+ students from across the globe, it's a hub of international intellect. The teaching philosophy centers on small-group interactions through the Cambridge supervision system. They've got students from every nook and cranny of the world, over 20,000 strong. And if you're a postgrad, you're in even luckier company, with peers from 145 different countries.

If brainpower were a currency, they'd be minting Nobel Prizes like nobody's business, with 121 of those shiny awards under their belt. With a star-studded alumni list that includes scientists, poets, artists, politicians, and even a few members of the British Royal Family, Cambridge is like the Hollywood of academia. It's where legends are made.

Tuition Fees: £9,250 - £22,227

Cambridge University Course Fee:

Popular courses offered:

• Mathematics

• Economics

• Law

Notable alumni:

• Stephen Hawking, physicist and author

• Emma Watson, actress and activist

Category of Courses:

• UG

• PG

• Doctorate(Ph.D./D.Sc.)

• Continuing Education

• Executive & Professional Education

Cost of Living:

Living expenditure may be roughly £11,440 for a year, excluding tuition and college costs, as per estimates. The living costs will cover books, supplies, transportation, personal costs, and food costs. Students should budget at least £10,170 for a year in Cambridge on a moderate lifestyle while this may go up in subsequent years. Costs will naturally be higher during the vacations.

Colleges under Cambridge University:

Students live, eat, and socialize in one of the 31 autonomous Colleges of the University. Undergraduates participate in College supervisions, which are small group teaching sessions that are widely recognized as one of the top teaching formats in the world.

Each college has its own set of internal policies. They choose their own students while adhering to University norms, and the majority admit both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Representatives from colleges serve on the University Council and the Finance Committee. Here's a list of top 10 colleges that come under Cambridge University:

• Churchill College

• Magdalene College

• Peterhouse

• Clare College

• Corpus Christi College

• Trinity College

• Gonville and Caius College

• Hughes Hall

• Lucy Cavendish College

• Murray Edwards College

3. University of Oxford

Country: United Kingdom (UK)

The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. There is evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's second-oldest university in continuous operation. It grew rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris.

After disputes between students and Oxford townsfolk in 1209, some academics fled north-east to Cambridge where they established what became the University of Cambridge. The two English ancient universities share many common features and are jointly referred to as Oxbridge.

Number of Undergraduate Students: 12,580

Number of Postgraduate Student: 13,445

International Students: 12,000

Tuition Fees: £28,845 - £58,600

Cambridge University Course Fee:

• MA in Education

• MSc in Banking, Finance, and FinTech

• Master in Engineering Science

• Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

• MSC in Biochemistry

• MA in Public History

• Master in Law

Popular courses offered:

• Mathematics

• Law

• Medicine

Notable alumni:

• C.S. Lewis, writer and scholar

• J.R.R Tolkien, author and academic

• Theresa May, former British Prime Minister

• Bill Clinton, former President of the United States

Category of Courses:

• UG

• PG

• Doctorate/Ph.D.

• Continuing Education

Cost of Living:

Our living costs can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle. These are estimated to be between £1,345 and £1,955 per month. Each academic year usually consists of three terms of eight weeks each, but you may need to be in Oxford for longer. We provide the cost per month so you can multiply up by the number of months you expect to live in Oxford. As a guide, you may wish to budget over a nine-month period to ensure you also have sufficient funds during the holidays to meet essential costs.

Top 10 Colleges under University of Oxford

The University of Oxford, situated in Oxford, England, boasts a legacy of learning so ancient it rivals even that of Yoda's. Unlike conventional campus-based universities, Oxford resembles a sprawling city-wide treasure hunt, encompassing 39 colleges and five private halls scattered throughout its environs. Renowned for its commitment to research, Oxford houses an impressive array of 70 research departments and an extensive range of academic programs. It holds prestigious memberships in esteemed academic consortia such as the Russell Group, the G5, the League of European Research Universities, and the International Alliance of Research Universities. With a highly selective admissions process, Oxford seeks out the brightest and most promising students. Below are the top 10 colleges under University of Oxford.

• Merton College

• St John’s College

• Lincoln College

• Brasenose College

• New College

• St Catherine’s College

• Worcester College

• Balliol College

• Harris Manchester College

• St Anne’s College

4. Harvard University

Country: USA

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. Harvard faculty are engaged with teaching and research to push the boundaries of human knowledge. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.

Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world.

Number of Undergraduate Students: 7,153

Number of Postgraduate Student: 14,495

International Students: 6,597

Tuition Fees: $ 78,000 per year

Top Courses of Harvard University:

• Arts & Humanities

• Business & Management

• Engineering & Technology

• Life Sciences & Medicine

• Social Sciences & Management

Notable Alumni:

• Bill Gates

Category of Courses:

• UG

• PG

• Doctorate/Ph.D.

• Continuing Education

At Harvard University, students have the option to reside either on-campus or off-campus. The university provides housing and real estate services to all students, accommodating approximately 350-500 students in each of the 12 houses available on campus. Harvard's unique House system is a cornerstone of the undergraduate experience, fostering a sense of community where students can integrate their academic, social, and personal interests.

For those seeking off-campus accommodations, Harvard offers a dedicated website, HarvardHousingOffCampus.com, where students can explore rental options provided by real estate agents. The platform also facilitates roommate searches. Many students who opt for off-campus living choose housing in the Cambridge and Boston areas.

Harvard University encompasses three primary campuses in Cambridge, Allston, and Boston. These campuses serve as vibrant hubs for students and faculty, driving research and innovation, and attracting visitors from across the globe.

5. Stanford University

Country: USA

Established in 1885, Stanford University stands as one of the oldest institutions in the USA offering study abroad programs. Renowned for its academic excellence, Stanford consistently ranks among the top 10 universities globally, providing a wide array of academic programs across seven schools, spanning fields such as arts and humanities, engineering, medicine, law, and business.

International students seeking admission to Stanford University must meet entry requirements and pay the application fee. While only one standardized test (either the ACT or SAT) is required, the university does not mandate English proficiency exams for international applicants. However, applicants not proficient in English may still need to provide language proficiency test results. Stanford operates on a test-optional basis, with no specific test score guaranteeing admission, offering flexibility in the admissions process.

Number of Undergraduate Students: 7,858

Number of Postgraduate Student: 9,388

International Students: 4,669

Tuition Fees: $ 80,000 per year

Top Courses of Stanford University:

• Engineering

• Law

• Art

• Science

• Business & Management

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Mass Communication & Media

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• Architecture & Planning

• Accounting & Commerce

Notable Alumni:

• Elon Musk

Category of Courses:

• UG

• PG

• Doctorate/Ph.D.

• Continuing Education

Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford University exemplifies academic excellence and innovation, challenging stereotypes about American education. With its sprawling 8000+ acre campus hosting over 16,000 students annually, Stanford stands as one of the world's most prestigious private research universities. Established in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of their late child, the university consistently ranks among the top five in the United States, attracting students from all 50 states and over 90 countries.

Living Expenses:

• Average living expenses (Bachelors) $82,478

• Average living expenses (Masters) $93,891

• Average on-campus living expenses $20,747

6. Imperial College London

Country: UK

Imperial College London, a top-ten global university, stands out for its excellence in science, engineering, medicine, and business, earning accolades such as the Silver Athena Swan award for promoting women's careers in STEM. Founded in 1907, it transitioned from a college of the University of London to an independent institution in 2007.

With multiple campuses, including the main campus in South Kensington, Imperial hosts over 15,000 students, with guaranteed housing for first-year undergraduates and limited options for returning undergraduates and on-campus graduate students at the Silwood Park campus. The university's straightforward approach, with English as the primary language of instruction, ensures clarity in learning across its four academic divisions.

Number of Undergraduate Students: 11,722

Number of Postgraduate Student: 11,069

International Students: 3,542

Tuition Fees: £32,550 - £47,880

Popular courses offered:

• Aerospace Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Computer Sciences & Information Systems

• Medicine

Notable Alumni:

• H.G. Wells, author

• Brian May, musician and astrophysicist

Category of Courses:

• UG

• PG

• Doctorate/Ph.D.

• Continuing Education

Living Cost:

Below is a rough estimate of what you might anticipate spending to maintain a reasonable standard of living in London. We have taken into account essential expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation. Tuition fees and academic materials are not incorporated here, but it's important to include them when creating your own budget.

The fundamental prices for items such as groceries, personal expenses, utilities, and insurance remain consistent regardless of your study location. However, expenses associated with housing and transportation are more London and Imperial-centric.

7. National University of Singapore (NUS)

Country: Singapore

The National University of Singapore (NUS) stands as Singapore's leading institution, offering a global perspective on education, research, and entrepreneurship while emphasizing Asian perspectives and expertise. With a presence across three campuses in Singapore, comprising 16 colleges, faculties, and schools, our university hosts a diverse community of over 40,000 students representing 100 countries, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment. Additionally, we've established the NUS Overseas Colleges program in more than 15 cities worldwide.

At NUS, our interdisciplinary approach to education, research, and entrepreneurship facilitates close collaboration with industry, government, and academia to tackle critical issues relevant to Asia and beyond. Our faculty members, supported by university-level research institutes, centers of excellence, and corporate laboratories, focus on various themes including energy, sustainability, healthcare, aging, materials science, financial resilience, Asian studies, and Smart Nation initiatives such as artificial intelligence, data science, operations research, and cybersecurity.

Number of Undergraduate Students: 27,604

Number of Postgraduate Student: 8,304

International Students: 3,542

Tuition Fees: 30,612 to 169,866 SGD

Subjects taught at National University of Singapore:

• Computer science

• Physical sciences

• Business & economics

• Arts & humanities

• Engineering & technology

• Social sciences

• Life sciences

• Psychology

• Clinical, pre-clinical & health

• Law

Category of Courses:

• UG

• PG

• Doctorate/Ph.D.

• Continuing Education

Living Cost:

The annual costs below have been derived based on a conservative estimate for a reasonably comfortable lifestyle, excluding the vacation period. The actual amount could be higher or lower depending on each student’s expenditure and lifestyle.

Students are responsible for sourcing for their own accommodation in Singapore. Off-campus accommodations are available at market rates, and students will need to independently source for such accommodation.

8. University of Chicago

Country: United State (US)

Founded in 1856, the University of Chicago stands as a distinguished private research institution situated in the bustling urban hub of Chicago, the third most populous city in the United States. Renowned for its academic prowess, Chicago consistently ranks among the top universities nationally and internationally, making it a formidable contender outside the Ivy League.

Apart from its strong foundation in the arts and sciences, Chicago boasts prestigious professional schools like the Pritzker School of Medicine, the Booth School of Business, and the Harris School of Public Policy Studies. Notably, University of Chicago alumni have played pivotal roles in shaping various academic disciplines, including sociology, economics, law, and literary criticism.

Number of Undergraduate Students: 7,470

Number of Postgraduate Student: 10,546

Number of International Students: 4,748

Chicago University is one of the top business schools in the US. The campus of one of the best universities in the USA and the world hosts 17,000+ students annually. Also, if you are especially looking for the best universities in the USA for international students in Engineering, you may check out our blog on 15 Best Engineering Schools in the US for a specially curated list.

Tuition Fees: $ 78,700 per year

University of Chicago Majors:

• Social Sciences

• Mathematics and Statistics

• Biological and Biomedical Sciences

• Physical Sciences

• Psychology

• Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

• Public Administration and Social Service Professions

• Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

• English Language and Literature/Letters

Top Courses:

• Arts & Humanities

• Business & Management

• Engineering & Technology

• Life Sciences & Medicine

• Social Sciences & Management

Notable Alumni:

Susan Sontag

Living Cost:

At UChicago, we are dedicated to ensuring that your education in the College is financially accessible for you and your family, regardless of your circumstances. We continually enhance our financial aid initiatives to address the needs of our students. Whether you're seeking more information about financial aid or looking to optimize your aid packages, we encourage inquiries from both families and students.

For students residing off-campus, the Room and Meals estimate included in the cost of attendance is allocated for off-campus housing expenses, covering rent, utilities, food, internet access, and other related costs. Room and board charges are no longer directly billed to the University. Following payment of tuition and fees, any remaining financial aid will be refunded to students to assist with their off-campus housing expenses.

9. University College of London (UCL)

Country: UK

University College London (UCL), established in 1826, stands as a prestigious public institution, making it England's third oldest university after Oxford and Cambridge. Situated in the heart of central London, UCL extends its reach globally with branch campuses in Qatar and Australia. Moreover, the university foster's international collaboration through exchange programs and research partnerships with esteemed institutions like the University of Montreal in Canada and Zhejiang University in China.

Welcoming students from approximately 150 countries, UCL's tuition fees are higher for non-U.K. and non-European Union students, with guaranteed housing provided for first-year undergraduates. UCL operates on a three-term academic calendar, with English serving as the primary language of instruction. Its diverse student body and extensive network of partnerships reflect its commitment to global engagement and academic excellence, positioning UCL as a leading institution in higher education.

Number of Undergraduate Students: 25,121

Number of Postgraduate Student: 19,745

Number of International Students: 24,145

Tuition Fees: £9,250

Here the top subjects in UCL:

• Education

• Architecture & Built Environment

• Archaeology

• Anthropology

• Pharmacy & Pharmacology

• Psychology

• Geography

• Medicine

• Anatomy & Physiology

• Biological Sciences

Category of Courses:

• UG

• PG

• Doctorate/Ph.D.

• Continuing Education

Living Cost:

Predicting "average living costs" can be challenging due to the varying priorities and lifestyle preferences of each student. Below, we offer some guideline amounts for essential living expenses that you'll need to budget for.

10. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

Country: USA

Established in 1868, the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) stands as a distinguished public research university and the flagship institution within the University of California system. Recognized as one of the 14 founding members of the Association of American Universities, Berkeley boasts several renowned research institutes, including the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and the Space Sciences Laboratory.

With an impressive roster of alumni, faculty, and researchers, Berkeley's contributions to academia are profound, with 99 Nobel laureates, 23 Turing Award recipients, and 14 Pulitzer Prize winners among its ranks. Notably, faculty member J. R. Oppenheimer spearheaded the Manhattan Project, leading to the creation of the first atomic bomb, while Nobel laureate Ernest Lawrence pioneered the cyclotron, facilitating the discovery of 16 chemical elements.

From its modest beginnings with just over 40 students, Berkeley quickly emerged as California's premier full-curriculum university, rivaling even the most esteemed institutions. By the early 1940s, its exponential growth propelled it to a position second only to Harvard in prominence.

Number of Undergraduate Students: 32,479

Number of Postgraduate Student: 12,828

Number of International Students: 3,256

Located in sunny California, the University of California at Berkeley, commonly referred to as UC Berkeley, upholds rigorous standards of academic excellence. Tuition for the 2023-24 academic year is approximately $15,444 for in-state students and $48,018 for out-of-state students.

Tuition Fees: $15,444 and $48,018

Here the Subjects in University of California:

• Architecture

• Art

• Business administration

• Computer Science

• Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences

• Education

• Journalism

• Law

• Mathematics

• Social Welfare

• Urban Design

Category of Courses:

• UG

• PG

• Doctorate/Ph.D.

• Continuing Education

Estimated Costs for Students:

Living Cost: