The world is made up of over 5000 universities each enrolling thousands of students annually. This article takes a closer look at the world’s largest universities and the number of admissions done by them.
World’s largest universities
| Rank | University Name | Yearly Student enrollment | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | Over 4 million | India |
| 2. | California Community Colleges System | Over 2 million | United States |
| 3. | National University, Bangladesh | Over 2 million | Bangladesh |
| 4. | Anadolu University | Over 1.5 million | Turkey |
| 5. | Islamic Azad University | Over 1.3 million | Iran |
| 6. | Laureate Education, Inc. | Over 1 million | United States |
| 7. | Bangladesh Open University | Over 1 million | Bangladesh |
| 8. | Universitas Terbuka | Over 800,000 | Indonesia |
| 9. | National Technological Institute of Mexico | Over 600,000 | Mexico |
| 10. | State University of New York system | Over 500,000 | United States |
1. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Yearly enrollment: over 4 million students
IGNOU, established in 1985, is the largest open university in the world. It is located in New Delhi, India and offers over 200 certificate, diploma, degree and doctoral programs in various fields of study. With a student enrollment of over 4 million, IGNOU has transformed the face of distance education in India and has become a pioneer in the field of open learning.
IGNOU is known for its innovative pedagogy, which includes the use of self-instructional print and digital study materials, teleconferencing, web-based learning, and face-to-face interaction with academic counselors. The university is also committed to ensuring that higher education is accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic status, age, or location. It provides a range of support services to its students, including academic counseling, study centers, and online tutorials.
IGNOU has collaborations with various national and international universities, and its academic programs are recognized by professional bodies such as the University Grants Commission and the Distance Education Council. The university has also been ranked among the top 50 open universities in the world by the International Council for Open and Distance Education.
2. California Community Colleges System
Yearly enrollment: over 2 million students
The California Community Colleges System is the largest community college system in the world, with 116 colleges spread across the state of California. It serves over 2.1 million students every year, and provides a range of certificate, degree, and transfer programs in various fields of study.
The California Community Colleges System is known for its diverse student population, which includes people from all walks of life, including working adults, veterans, and international students. The system is committed to providing affordable and accessible higher education to all, and offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
The community college system also has a strong focus on career and technical education, and offers courses in areas such as nursing, automotive technology, and computer science. It also provides various support services to its students, including counseling, tutoring, and career services.
3. National University, Bangladesh
Yearly enrollment: over 2 million students
Established in 1992, National University is the second-largest university in Bangladesh, with over 2 million students enrolled in its various programs. The university offers courses in a variety of fields, including arts, science, and commerce, and has a strong focus on research and innovation.
National University is committed to providing quality higher education to all, and offers a range of flexible learning options, including distance education and evening courses. It also provides various support services to its students, including academic counseling, library facilities, and research grants.
The university has collaborations with various national and international universities, and its academic programs are recognized by professional bodies such as the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh. National University has been ranked among the top universities in Bangladesh, and is known for its academic excellence and student-centered approach to learning.
4. Anadolu University
Yearly enrollment: over 1.5 million students
Located in Turkey, Anadolu University is the fourth-largest university in the world, with over 1.5 million students enrolled in its various programs. The university is known for its open education programs, which include undergraduate and graduate courses in various fields of study, including engineering, humanities, social sciences, and business.
Anadolu University is committed to providing accessible and affordable higher education to all, and has a strong focus on distance education. The university uses various technologies, including online learning, satellite television, and mobile applications to deliver its courses to students across Turkey and around the world.
The university also provides various support services to its students, including academic counseling, library facilities, and career services. Anadolu University has collaborations with various national and international universities, and its academic programs are recognized by professional bodies such as the Council of Higher Education.
5. Islamic Azad University
Yearly enrollment: over 1.3 million students
With over 1.3 million students, Islamic Azad University is the largest university in Iran and the fifth-largest university in the world. The university has over 400 campuses across Iran and provides courses in various fields of study, including engineering, business, medicine, and humanities.
Islamic Azad University is committed to providing quality higher education to all, and has a strong focus on research and innovation. The university provides various support services to its students, including academic counseling, library facilities, and research grants.
Islamic Azad University has collaborations with various national and international universities, and its academic programs are recognized by professional bodies such as the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology. The university has also been ranked among the top universities in Iran and the world.
6. Laureate Education, Inc.
Yearly enrollment: over 1 million students
Laureate Education, Inc. is the largest network of private universities in the world, operating in over 25 countries. The network has over 1 million students enrolled across its various institutions, which offer courses in areas such as business, medicine, law, and education.
Laureate Education is committed to providing quality higher education to all, and has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The network provides various support services to its students, including academic counseling, career services, and mentorship programs.
Laureate Education has collaborations with various national and international universities, and its academic programs are recognized by professional bodies such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The network has also been ranked among the top universities in the world by various international ranking agencies.
7. Bangladesh Open University
Yearly enrollment: over 1 million students
Established in 1992, Bangladesh Open University is the country’s only public distance learning university. The university has over 1 million students enrolled in its various programs, which include undergraduate and graduate courses in various fields of study, including arts, science, and business.
Bangladesh Open University is committed to providing quality higher education to all, and has a strong focus on distance education. The university uses various technologies, including online learning and satellite television, to deliver its courses to students across Bangladesh and around the world.
The university also provides various support services to its students, including academic counseling, library facilities, and research grants. Bangladesh Open University has collaborations with various national and international universities, and its academic programs are recognized by professional bodies such as the University Grants Commission. The university has also been ranked among the top universities in Bangladesh.
8. Universitas Terbuka
Yearly enrollment: over 800,000 students
Founded in 1984, Universitas Terbuka is Indonesia’s only open university and the eighth-largest university in the world, with over 800,000 students enrolled in its various programs. The university provides courses in various fields of study, including engineering, education, and social sciences.
Universitas Terbuka is committed to providing accessible and affordable higher education to all, and has a strong focus on distance education. The university uses various technologies, including online learning and satellite television, to deliver its courses to students across Indonesia and around the world.
The university also provides various support services to its students, including academic counseling, library facilities, and research grants. Universitas Terbuka has collaborations with various national and international universities, and its academic programs are recognized by professional bodies such as the Ministry of Education and Culture.
9. National Technological Institute of Mexico
Yearly enrollment: over 600,000 students
The National Technological Institute of Mexico is a public research university located in Mexico, and the ninth-largest university in the world, with over 600,000 students enrolled in its various programs. The university provides courses in various fields of study, including engineering, science, and business.
The National Technological Institute of Mexico is committed to providing quality higher education to all, and has a strong focus on research and innovation. The university provides various support services to its students, including academic counseling, library facilities, and research grants.
The university has collaborations with various national and international universities, and its academic programs are recognized by professional bodies such as the Council for Accreditation of Engineering Education. The National Technological Institute of Mexico has also been ranked among the top universities in Mexico and the world.
10. State University of New York system
Yearly enrollment: over 500,000 students
The State University of New York (SUNY) system is a public university system located in New York, USA, and the tenth-largest university in the world, with over 500,000 students enrolled in its various campuses. The university provides courses in various fields of study, including business, engineering, medicine, and humanities.
SUNY is committed to providing quality higher education to all, and has a strong focus on research and innovation. The university provides various support services to its students, including academic counseling, library facilities, and career services.
The SUNY system has collaborations with various national and international universities, and its academic programs are recognized by professional bodies such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The system has also been ranked among the top universities in the USA and the world.
Conclusion
The largest universities in the world enrol over 500,000 students annually. The list provides the largest universities in the world and the student enrollment.
