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Do university size and popularity always go hand in hand? Apparently not, say students and professors at the world's exceptional small universities. While some students prefer large campuses and crowded student communities, others find value in the unique experience offered by smaller schools. So, size Doesn't Matter for the Top 2023 Small Universities.
THE (Times Higher Education) has once again unveiled its list of the finest small universities worldwide. These universities come from various countries including the US, China, South Korea, India, Japan, and France.
To make it onto the list, universities must meet certain criteria: they must already be included in THE's World University Rankings 2023, offer at least four subjects, and have fewer than 5,000 students. The average number of students among the universities in the 2023 best small universities list is 3,317. This is quite different from the average student count in THE's main global ranking, which is around 25,000.
Here are the top 20 small universities in the world for 2023:
Caltech might be small, but its achievements are remarkable. Not only has it maintained its position as the world's best small university for yet another year, but it also stands at the sixth spot in the overall World University Rankings. Impressive, considering it has just over 2,200 students.
Caltech offers various science and technology programs taught by renowned scholars. It boasts advanced facilities like the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Being a part of Caltech also means joining a community of successful alumni, including 39 Nobel Prize winners.
Established in 1986, POSTECH focuses on advanced education for aspiring engineers. It also provides students with opportunities to explore entrepreneurship through clubs, startup groups, patent training, and even leaves of absence to start their ventures.
UNIST, founded in 2009, is one of the youngest universities on this list. Despite its small size, it aims to be among the top 10 sciences and technology universities globally by 2030. UNIST offers all its courses in English and actively promotes internationalization among students and faculty.
Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa is the tiniest university on this list, with under 700 students. It's also the only university with fewer than 1,000 students.
It began in 1810 and many important people, like poet Giosuè Carducci, Nobel prizewinner in physics Carlo Rubbia, physicist Enrico Fermi, former Italian Prime Minister Carlo Ciampi, and mathematician Alessio Figalli, have been a part of it.
The university teaches about literature, science, politics, and social matters.
Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies has produced great Italian scientific and political minds, like former Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato and neuroscientist Giuliano Tononi.
To get into the university, students need top scores on their entry exam and show they know two languages. Once they're in, they can study for free.
Established in 1995 with campuses in Lugano, Mendrisio, and Bellinzona, Università della Svizzera Italiana is the only Swiss university where Italian is the official language.
The university keeps a small class size with one teacher for every eight students. They also have a student newspaper named L’universo.
École des Ponts ParisTech is one of France's oldest and most respected universities, known as grandes écoles. They focus on engineering and science research.
Starting as an engineering school, it now offers programs in computer science, math, finance, economics, urban studies, environment, and transportation engineering.
Bond University in Gold Coast, Australia, is a small place. They offer housing and activities for students, both local and international.
With just over 1,000 students, Brighton and Sussex Medical School is one of the smallest universities here.
It was created in 2003 through a partnership between Sussex and Brighton universities and local NHS groups, to train future doctors.
Founded in 1909 in Bangalore, India, the Indian Institute of Science has six main departments: biology, chemistry, electricity, interdisciplinary studies, machinery, and math.
Alfaisal University is found in the capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh.
Because it's a small university, students here have a good advantage with just 11 students for every teacher. This means smaller classes.
Alfaisal provides a variety of postgraduate and undergraduate programs in five areas: business, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and science.
This high-performing small university is situated in the lovely city of Lyon.
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon keeps its high student scores by selecting its students from special preparatory schools around France. Students from other countries can attend, but only if they pass tough entry exams.
A newcomer to this year's list, Abu Dhabi University is the biggest private university in Abu Dhabi.
It has three campuses: Khalifa City, Al Ain, and Dubai. There are six colleges: arts and sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, law, and programs for military colleges.
Reykjavík University is one of the world's top small universities, but it's the largest private university in Iceland.
Undergraduate courses are in Icelandic, but postgraduate and PhD programs use English. The teachers and staff at the university speak English well and can assist those who aren't fluent in the local language.
The university has four schools: law, business, computer science, and science and engineering.
Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT is Finland's only university that focuses on teaching and research in engineering and technology. It's especially known for its work in renewable technology, fighting climate change, and creating sustainable engineering solutions.
Around 15 percent of the students come from other countries, representing 94 different nationalities.
Despite having fewer than 4,000 students, Universiti Brunei Darussalam is the biggest university in Brunei when it comes to student numbers and subjects offered.
It started in 1985 and offers both bachelor's and master's degrees across nine faculties and seven research institutes.
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences has a bit over 4,000 students, spread across different campuses in Sweden, with the biggest one in Uppsala.
The university teaches more than just agricultural sciences. They also offer courses in architecture, engineering, and economics.
Research is a big focus, with about 1,500 papers published by the university each year.
With nearly 4,000 students, the University of Vaasa is one of the larger schools in Finland.
Every year, the university welcomes about 200 international students as part of its academic exchange program.
Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences is a private research-focused university that started in 2009.
The university is known for being eco-friendly, producing twice the electricity it uses. The campus is surrounded by pine and deodar forests. The buildings are energy-efficient, and they have over 100 modern labs and a library.
IMT Atlantique came to be in 2017 when two smaller institutions merged. It's one of France's grandes écoles and has three campuses: Brest, Nantes, and Rennes.
Source: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/best-universities/best-small-universities
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