Selecting a university to pursue tertiary education is an important decision every student has to make, but for international students, the decision has even more implications. When choosing a university to study abroad, other factors apart from quality education are very important, such as diversity and acceptance. 

This guide will provide a detailed review of the best universities for international students across the world. These universities offer exceptional learning, discovery, and personal development experiences.

1. University of Oxford

• Notable for: Ancient and Modern History, Arabic, Archaeology, and Anthropology. 

• Alumni: J. R. R. Tolkien, Stephen Hawking, and Malala Yousafzai.

• Acceptance rate: 17%

• International student percentage: 42%

Oxford University was established in the 12th century and is one of the oldest and leading universities globally. With over 900 years of history, Oxford has played a significant role in advancing European education. 

The university consistently ranks among the best universities for international students due to its commitment to fostering a global community. With 42% of its student population coming from outside the UK, the university prides itself on diversity and inclusivity, providing international students with a welcoming and culturally enriching experience.

The university’s unique collegiate system, based on 39 colleges of the best colleges for international students, provides students with a homely atmosphere and various traditions. This structure creates a unique educational culture within which students reside, learn, and stimulate their academic and social experience within their specific colleges while availing themselves of the unlimited facilities of the entire university.

The University of Oxford Ranking

Oxford has always been among the top universities in the world and often ranks as the world’s #1 according to Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE). 

2. Stanford University

• Notable for: Economics, Computer Science, Engineering, and Biology.

• Alumni: Google’s co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Netflix’s co-founder Reed Hastings, and former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

• Acceptance rate: 4%

• International student percentage: 23%

Stanford University, situated in California, Silicon Valley, is divided into seven schools: the School of Humanities and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the Graduate School of Business. These schools provide an extensive range of baccalaureate, master's, and professional programs and encourage cooperation between such disciplines as humanities, sciences, and professions. The focus on research activities, innovations, and entrepreneurship has made the university a leading science, technology, and business institution.

With 23% of its international student body, Stanford University fosters a culturally rich and diverse campus environment.

The University of Stanford Ranking:

It is well-known for its presence on the list of the best universities in the world, and according to THE, it ranks #2.

3. University of Cambridge

• Notable for: Archeology, Architecture, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.

• Alumni: Sir Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, Virginia Woolf, John Milton, and Sylvia Plath.

• Acceptance rate: 21%

• International student percentage: 38%

Cambridge, the oldest university in Britain, was established in 1209 and is highly rated internationally. It offers competitive academic courses, produces quality research, and has a very ancient background. Cambridge has 31 colleges of the best colleges in the world, including Homerton College, Jesus College, and Newnham College. 

Throughout the ages, Cambridge has played a significant role in the progression of science, literature, and philosophy studies and in developing the world’s knowledge and culture. Today, it remains a favourite of students internationally, thus retaining its position as a centre for education and excellence. 

High-quality academic, research, and teaching standards are qualities of this university, making it famous worldwide.

The University of Cambridge Ranking

Cambridge has always been among the best foreign universities in the world, along with Oxford, based on various global rankings such as the QS and THE Rankings. For 2024/2025, the University of Cambridge ranks #5 according to both rankings.

4. Harvard University

• Notable for: Social Science, Biological Sciences, and Mathematics.

• Alumni: Business tycoons like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, philosophers and writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and T. S. Eliot 

• Acceptance rate: 3.2%

• International student percentage: 25%

Harvard University, founded in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. It comprises Harvard College, the undergraduate level, and 12 graduate and professional schools, including the Harvard Law School, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Medical School.

Harvard University Ranking

Harvard remains one of the best universities in the world and is one of the best universities for foreign students. It is frequently on top of the charts. It is a long-standing member of the elite eight of the most critical world rankings among universities, including the QS World University and Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The university ranks #4 for this academic year according to both rankings.

5. University of Melbourne:

• Notable for: Law, Psychology, Arts and Humanities and Geography.

• Alumni: Immunologist Nobel laureate Peter Doherty, the renowned philosopher and ethicist Peter Singer, and world-renowned writer Germaine Greer.

• Acceptance rate: 70%

• International student percentage: 47%

The University of Melbourne comprises ten residential colleges offering students accommodation, tutoring, academic advisers, and community life. These colleges provide students with a perfect combination of living and learning atmospheres and promote a powerful system for individual development among youth.

The University of Melbourne Ranking:

The university has always been on the top-condition university list in Australia and internationally. It is also traditionally placed in the list of the 50 best world universities according to the most famous ratings, including the QS and THE rankings, and is considered as one of the best International student universities.

This giant university has gained popularity due to its research capability, high-quality education, and international market recognition. According to the QS ranking for this year, the university is also ranked #13.

6. Princeton University

• Notable for: Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services.

• Alumni: U.S. Presidents James Madison and Woodrow Wilson, Jeff Bezos, human rights activist Michelle Obama, Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison and many more. 

• Acceptance rate: 4.5%.

• International student percentage: 23%

Established in 1746, Princeton University is one of the most essential Ivy League institutions in the United States. Originally founded as the College of New Jersey, it was renamed Princeton University in 1896 to reflect its growing stature and broader academic mission. 

Princeton has six colleges, including Forbes College, Mathey College, and Butler College. These colleges provide undergraduate students with a sense of community through individualised student advising and an active social life on campus.

The University of Princeton Ranking:

Princeton is one of the best universities in the world and is consistently ranked within the top 10 by global university ranking agencies, internal or external. According to THE, it ranks #6 for this year.

7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Notable for: Aerospace Engineering, Biology, and Biomedical Engineering.

• Alumni: Buzz Aldrin, the astronaut who was part of the first group of two men to walk on the moon, and Shirley Ann Jackson, a physicist who was the first African American woman to earn a doctorate at MIT. 

• Acceptance rate: 4%

• International student percentage: 33%

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1861, it aims to advance knowledge and educate students in scientific and technological disciplines and other spheres of knowledge that can benefit society.

MIT is structured in five schools and one college: the School of Architecture and Planning, School of Engineering, School of Science, School of Humanities, Arts & Social Science, MIT Sloan School of Management, and Schwarzman College of Computing. These complementing schools provide multidisciplinary vocational training through academic theory and practical work.

MIT University Ranking

The university is ranked among the top in the world in terms of education and research facilities. It is considered the 1# in the QS World University Rankings and 3# in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings. 

Choosing the most suitable university for an international student is a pivotal decision that shapes your academic and professional future. The top universities for the 2024/2025 academic year offer world-class programs, global recognition, and vibrant multicultural environments, ensuring students excel academically and grow personally. Each institution has unique strengths, making them excellent options for those studying abroad. Whether you prioritise academic excellence, cultural diversity, or global opportunities, these universities stand out for international students.

For more options, explore our guides on the Best Spanish Universities for International Students and Top Universities in Boston, USA for International Students.