In late January 2023, Times Higher Education (THE) released its much-anticipated annual World University Rankings. As part of that data, THE also releases an updated list of the world’s most international universities—a metric which incoming international students should pay close attention to.
If you or someone you know is thinking of studying abroad, start by looking at some of these universities! Although rankings aren’t everything, they can reveal which institutions stand out in certain categories. The universities on this year’s list are great choices for international students seeking a global, diverse, and welcoming environment.
In this article, we’ll review the methodology behind the list, consider why it matters, and look at which ApplyBoard partner institutions are among the world’s most international universities in 2023.
Not sure yet which country is right for you? Start here to decide which popular destination country is best for your study abroad journey.
Why Are These the Most International Universities of 2023?
As Times Higher Education notes, universities are global by nature. Most universities seek to reflect voices and academic perspectives from around the world.
Some are better at achieving this goal than others; the institutions on THE’s “Most International Universities” list have a higher-than-average percentage of international students and staff. These universities are also respected around the world, and are global collaborators, bringing together diverse points of view in their research.
This list is based on the following scores from the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. Each of these factors are weighted at 25%:
- Proportion of international students
- Proportion of international staff
- International co-authorship
- International reputation
International students should consider more than ratings when choosing which institution to pursue their studies at. However, those who want to become global citizens and learn alongside a diverse community of peers would be hard-pressed to find better institutions than these.
Still deciding not just where, but what to study? Check out these in-demand careers to consider in 2023.
The Most International Universities Partnered with ApplyBoard
Although universities from Hong Kong and Switzerland top the list, universities from the United Kingdom also have a strong presence in the top 20. Universities from Ireland, Canada, Australia, and the United States follow closely behind, with institutions from each of these nations appearing throughout the list.
ApplyBoard is proud to highlight and celebrate eight of our partner institutions that made the 2023 list. You can learn more about each of these prestigious universities, and apply to them yourself, on the ApplyBoard Platform.
#16: Trinity College Dublin – Ireland
Trinity College Dublin’s staff and students are from 120+ countries, with 28% of its students coming from outside of Ireland.
#22: University of Edinburgh – UK
International students at the University of Edinburgh make up over 44% of its student population and come from 165+ countries.
#27: Australian National University (ANU) – Australia
ANU has established relationships with 170+ universities worldwide, enabling international cooperation in scientific research and academic exchange.
#46: University of Sheffield – UK
The University of Sheffield is home to 30,000+ students from 150+ countries. International students make up a full third of its student population.
#70: Johns Hopkins University – USA
With a presence in over 150 countries, Johns Hopkins’ international students total 20% of the student body and represent 120+ different countries.
#83: University of California, Irvine – USA
Nearly 1,000 international graduate students from 65+ different countries enroll at UC Irvine each year. Over 60% of its postdoctoral scholars come from abroad.
#117: Arizona State University – Tempe – USA
In the fall of 2021, 46% of Arizona State University’s incoming first-year students came from racialized communities—its most diverse class yet.
#153: University of Iowa – USA
The University of Iowa offers scholarships to outstanding international first-year and transfer students to help cover estimated costs.
Congratulations to these eight universities for creating a safe, welcoming, and diverse environment for incoming international students!
Ready to start your own study abroad journey? ApplyBoard can help guide you, from application to arrival and beyond.
