Which City Has the World’s Biggest University Campus?
Largest Universities in the World have always fascinated Indian students considering studying abroad, as these megaversities offer a truly global atmosphere, unparalleled networking opportunities, and a diverse range of programs. With 2025 admissions around the corner, understanding which institutions top the list by campus size, student enrollment, and global rankings is key to making the right decision for both academic growth and future career prospects.
Largest Universities in the World 2025: By Campus, Student Population & Global Rankings
| Criteria | Leading University (2025) | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largest by Area | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | India | Over 1,000 acres, millions of students, global centers |
| Largest by Enrollment | Anadolu University | Turkey | 2+ million students (distance & on-campus) |
| Top Global by QS 2025 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USA | #1 QS Ranking (14th consecutive year) |
| Largest Campus (Urban) | University of Mumbai | India | Multiple campuses, ~700 affiliated colleges |
The term “largest university” can refer to land area, student headcount, or global reach. Institutions like IGNOU and Anadolu are unmatched for enrollment, while MIT, Oxford, and Harvard represent the elite in academic prestige and research opportunities for Indian students.
Top 10 Largest Universities in the World – 2025 Rankings
| University | Country | Type | Student Enrollment | QS 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | India | Open/DL | ~4,000,000 | N/A |
| Anadolu University | Turkey | Open/DL | 2,000,000+ | N/A |
| California State University System | USA | Public System | 484,000+ | Varies |
| National University, Bangladesh | Bangladesh | Public | 2,000,000+ | N/A |
| University of Mumbai | India | Public | 700,000+ | Within 1500 |
| Bangkok University | Thailand | Private | ~400,000 | N/A |
| University of Delhi | India | Public | ~400,000 | QS #328 |
| Osmania University | India | Public | ~300,000 | N/A |
| University of Pune | India | Public | ~600,000 | N/A |
| University System of Ohio | USA | Public System | ~500,000 | Varies |
Indian students seeking multi-campus, global opportunities can also refer to the Top 100 Universities in the World for brand reputation and research focus. Choosing between large open universities and top-ranked global institutions depends entirely on your academic and career priorities.
Largest Universities by Area (Campus Size)
| University | Country | Campus Area (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | India | 1,000+ acres |
| Berry College | USA | 27,000+ acres |
| Stanford University | USA | 8,180 acres |
| Duke University | USA | 8,600 acres |
| Banaras Hindu University | India | 2,700 acres |
Campus size can play a major role for students who value sports, research parks, and vibrant student communities. Universities with large campuses often provide better accommodation, recreational, and academic facilities, supporting all-round student growth.
Top Ranked Mega Universities by QS 2025 (Academic Prestige)
| University | Country | QS 2025 Rank | Speciality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USA | 1 | Technology & Engineering |
| Imperial College London | UK | 2 | STEM, Business |
| Stanford University | USA | 3 | Computer Science, Business |
| University of Oxford | UK | 4 | Humanities, Medicine |
| Harvard University | USA | 5 | MBA, Life Sciences |
While not necessarily the ‘largest’ by numbers, these universities are consistently ranked highest for academic rigour, research output, and global employability. They offer a wealth of scholarships, and their alumni networks are unparalleled worldwide.
Eligibility and Entrance Exams: How to Get Into a Mega University Abroad
- Academic Requirements: High GPA in Class 12 (for UG); Bachelors/CGPA >3.0 (for PG courses).
- Entrance Tests: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE for English proficiency. SAT/ACT required for US undergrad; GRE/GMAT for Masters/MBA courses.
- Key Documents: Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, updated Resume/CV, Transcripts.
- Deadlines: For Fall 2025 intake, applications usually close between November 2024 and January 2025 for most global universities.
To understand more about exam requirements, see the detailed guides for IELTS Exam and SAT Exam.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at the Largest Universities
| University | Annual Tuition (UG) | Scholarships for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|
| MIT | USD 55,000+ | MIT India Scholarships, Need-Blind Aid |
| Oxford | GBP 30,000–44,000 | Rhodes, Felix, Clarendon |
| IGNOU | INR 5,000–30,000 | Fee waivers (merit/economically weaker sections) |
| University of Toronto | CAD 40,000–60,000 | Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship |
| National University of Singapore | SGD 25,000–45,000 | NUS-India Scholarships |
- Fully/Partially funded scholarships available for Indian students at most top-ranked and large universities worldwide.
- Scholarship criteria: Academic merit, extracurricular achievements, test scores, leadership & financial need.
- Application window for 2025 admissions: Most open between January and March 2025.
Post-Study Work Visa and Career Prospects
- USA, UK, Canada, and Australia offer post-study work rights (ranging from 1 to 4 years) for international graduates.
- Most global megaversities have strong placement tie-ups in STEM, business, finance, and healthcare sectors.
- Indian students can pursue part-time jobs during studies (up to 20 hrs/week) in most countries.
- Graduating from a large, globally ranked university opens doors to multinational career opportunities worldwide.
For country-specific visa guidance, see our page on Student Visa Canada and Student Visa UK.
Which Is the Largest University in the World by Area (2025)?
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), India retains the title, with its main campus and vast network totaling over 1,000 acres and millions of enrolled students.
Which University Has the Most Students Globally?
- Anadolu University (Turkey) is often considered the world’s largest university by enrollment, with over 2 million active students (2025 data), followed by IGNOU and National University (Bangladesh).
Selecting among the world’s largest universities means balancing campus scale, academic reputation, fees, and post-study opportunities. Whether you aim for research excellence, global networking, or budget-friendly mega-campuses, the largest universities are an excellent gateway to international exposure and career success in 2025 and beyond.
Also read: Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in the World
FAQs on The Largest Universities and University Cities in the World (2025)
1. Which is the largest university in the world by student enrollment?
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in India is considered the largest university in the world by student enrollment, with over 4 million active students enrolled in various distance education and online degree programs as of 2024.
2. Which is the largest university city in the world?
The largest university city in the world is often considered to be London, United Kingdom, with over 40 universities and more than 400,000 students, making it a major hub for international higher education and diverse academic opportunities.
3. What is the largest university by campus size?
The university with the largest single contiguous campus area in the world is Berry College in the United States, covering approximately 27,000 acres in Mount Berry, Georgia. It is renowned for its expansive natural grounds and educational facilities.
4. What is the largest school in the world area-wise?
By land area, City Montessori School in Lucknow, India is the largest school in the world, though it is a school and not a university, with multiple campuses and a student population of over 55,000.
5. What are the largest universities in the world by area?
Some of the largest universities by campus area include: Berry College (USA) – 27,000 acres, Stanford University (USA) – 8,180 acres, Duke University (USA) – 8,610 acres, and Banaras Hindu University (India) – 2,700 acres. These universities offer vast space for research, residential, and academic facilities.
6. Which is the largest university campus in the world?
The largest university campus in the world is Berry College in Georgia, USA, which spans almost 27,000 acres, including forests, fields, and lakes, providing extensive facilities for academic and extracurricular activities.
7. What are the top 10 largest universities in the world by enrollment?
The top 10 largest universities by enrollment typically include: 1) Indira Gandhi National Open University (India), 2) California Community Colleges System (USA), 3) Anadolu University (Turkey), 4) National University, Bangladesh, 5) Bangladesh Open University, 6) Allama Iqbal Open University (Pakistan), 7) State University of New York (USA), 8) Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (Mexico), 9) University of South Africa, 10) Islamic Azad University (Iran). Figures are subject to yearly updates.
8. What are the top universities in the world 2024?
According to QS World University Rankings 2024, the top universities are: 1) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 2) University of Cambridge, 3) University of Oxford, 4) Harvard University, and 5) Stanford University.
9. Which university is ranked number 1 for engineering globally?
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) continues to be ranked number 1 in the world for engineering and technology according to global rankings like QS and THE in both 2024 and 2025.
10. What are the top universities in the world for computer science?
The top universities for computer science globally include: 1) MIT, 2) Stanford University, 3) Carnegie Mellon University, 4) University of California, Berkeley, and 5) University of Oxford, as per 2024 international rankings.
11. What are the top universities in the world for MBA programmes?
Some of the top universities for MBA programmes in the world are: 1) Stanford Graduate School of Business, 2) Harvard Business School, 3) INSEAD, 4) Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and 5) London Business School, based on most recent MBA rankings.
12. What are the top 10 largest universities in Asia by area?
The top 10 largest universities in Asia by campus area include: 1) Banaras Hindu University (India), 2) Osmania University (India), 3) Aligarh Muslim University (India), 4) Shivaji University (India), 5) Osaka University (Japan), and others. Many Indian universities dominate this list due to extensive land holdings and diverse facilities.
