Top 10 Best Colleges Outside the U.S.: Asia Pacific Features Three

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Prospective students are actively searching for the best colleges outside the U.S. amidst growing issues over visa rejection, changing immigration policies, and educational regulations within countries. 

When it comes to choosing where to pursue higher education, international students today enjoy a world of opportunities. From the academically renowned universities of the United Kingdom to the vibrant, fast-growing economic powerhouses in Asia.

10 Best Colleges Outside the U.S. 

Based on the data published by Times Higher Education and Visual Capitalist, this ranking of the best colleges outside the U.S. is studied objectively according to their global standing. Read on to discover the institutions below. 

1. University of Oxford, UK 

Renowned for its groundbreaking research, the University of Oxford is no stranger to being hailed as Europe's top university. With an impressive network of 44 colleges and halls and boasting over 100 libraries, Oxford houses the largest library system in the United Kingdom. 

Its legacy of academic distinction dates back to 1096, earning it a place among the oldest surviving universities in the modern world. However, among the many crucial factors future students must weigh, the cost of living in Oxford should be placed first, as it can fluctuate significantly based on lifestyle choices, accommodation types, and personal spending habits.

Global rank: 1

Region: Europe 

2. University of Cambridge, UK 

The University of Cambridge is a remarkable institution on the global academic stage, offering students access to over 100 libraries that open doors to boundless learning opportunities. Committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, the university invests an impressive US$1.98 billion in research, fueling innovation and shaping the future of academia. 

With a legacy spanning more than 800 years, Cambridge is also home to a rich array of arts, science, and cultural museums that enhance the student experience beyond the classroom. 

Global rank: 5

Region: Europe 

3. Imperial College London, UK 

Specializing in science, technology, engineering, medicine, and business, Imperial College London proudly holds its place as the third-best university in Europe. Its distinguished legacy includes 14 Nobel Prize laureates, among them the legendary Sir Alexander Fleming, the Scottish physician who discovered penicillin.

Operating on a three-term academic calendar, Imperial goes beyond traditional learning. Through its International Research Opportunities Programme, undergraduates have the chance to gain invaluable hands-on research experience by spending at least eight weeks studying at partner universities around the world.

Global rank: 9

Region: Europe

4. ETH Zurich, Switzerland 

ETH Zurich stands tall as a powerhouse in science and technology education, renowned for its cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research across 16 dynamic departments. For over 150 years, it has served as Switzerland’s premier hub for innovation and discovery, inviting inquisitive minds from around the world to delve into its world-class research programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

Global rank: 11

Region: Europe

5. Tsinghua University, China 

Tsinghua University remains a fierce contender alongside NTU for the crown of Asia’s best university, especially renowned for its expertise in engineering and computer science. Since its founding in 1911, Tsinghua has built an international reputation as a leader in these disciplines.

The campus buzzes with over 110 student organizations, offering a vibrant mix of opportunities for learners to engage with everything from cutting-edge technology to creative arts, enriching their university experience.

Global rank: 12

Region: Asia Pacific 

6. Peking University, China 

Established in 1898, Peking University boasts a rich and enduring legacy among Asia’s elite institutions. With a vibrant student body of over 33,000, it is a magnet for ambitious scholars, thanks in part to its cutting-edge research hubs like the Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics & Technology, and the State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Materials Chemistry and Applications. 

Committed to real-world impact, Peking University actively promotes global exchange programs, giving students invaluable opportunities to broaden their horizons and collaborate across borders.

Global rank: 13

Region: Asia Pacific 

7. National University of Singapore, Singapore 

For years, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has stood out as a beacon of academic brilliance, celebrated not just across Asia but worldwide. Its commitment to innovation shines through a vast spectrum of programs, from engineering and business to computer science, arts, and even music. 

Pushing boundaries further, NUS champions a multidisciplinary approach to research, collaborating closely with leading industry partners to drive breakthroughs that resonate far beyond the campus.

Global rank: 17

Region: Asia Pacific 

8. University of Toronto, Canada 

The University of Toronto, Canada’s top-ranked university, has earned international acclaim for its merit in fields like engineering, humanities, and medicine. Nestled in the vibrant city of Toronto, the university spans three bustling campuses home to over 97,000 students and more than 1,200 clubs and organizations. Boasting the largest library system in Canada, it offers access to 42 libraries that fuel research and discovery across its campuses.

Global rank: 21

Region: North America 

9. UCL, UK 

Situated in central London, University College London (UCL) consistently ranks among Europe’s top universities, known for its academic leadership and global influence. Its distinguished alumni include iconic figures such as Alexander Graham Bell and Mahatma Gandhi. With 11 faculties spanning disciplines from Arts and Humanities to Medical and Life Sciences, UCL continues to deliver a robust and dynamic educational experience that drives innovation and scholarship worldwide.

Global rank: 22

Region: Europe 

10. Technical University of Munich 

With a vision to foster cutting-edge education, spark entrepreneurial spirit, and prepare students for an ever-evolving job market, the Technical University of Munich encourages its forward-thinking students through a reimagined approach to engineering. Its latest breakthroughs embrace a transdisciplinary model, seamlessly integrating natural and life sciences, medicine, humanities, business management, and social sciences to drive innovation across fields.

Global rank: 26

Region: Europe

As global dynamics reshape student priorities, the search for quality education has expanded well beyond American borders. The best colleges outside the U.S. have emerged as formidable academic powerhouses, delivering cutting-edge research, culturally rich learning environments, and unparalleled opportunities on the global stage.

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