Top 10 Largest & Biggest Universities in the World
Last updated: Jul 29, 2025When we're discussing higher education, size can be an interesting metric particularly when we're discussing the largest university in the world. But which university actually is the biggest university in the world? Is it by campus size, number of students, or something else altogether? Whether you're an inquisitive student, a trivia buff, or simply checking out the world's greatest global education giants, this piece will take a closer look at the figures and facts behind the university that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Read on to find out which academic giant actually stands tallest and why it's more incredible than you could ever imagine.
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10 Largest Universities in the World By Enrollment
People across the globe choose the largest university in the world to continue their higher education because reputation matters. Thus, choosing a university with a large number of enrollments makes sure that the quality they offer is the best, making it trustable. Therefore, if you are also one of them and want to know about these biggest universities in the world, then go through the list below of the top 10 largest universities in the world.
- Indira Gandhi National Open University
- National University, Bangladesh
- Anadolu University
- California Community Colleges System
- Allama Iqbal Open University
- Laureate Education, Inc.
- Bangladesh Open University
- Universitas Terbuka
- National Technological Institute of Mexico
- Tribhuvan University
These are the 10 biggest universities in the world. They got the highest enrollments, making them the largest. Now, read below to learn extended details about every university.
Indira Gandhi National Open University
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is the largest university in the world. They offer distance learning and online courses not only in India but in over 15 countries globally. The university has 21 schools and a network of 1843 study centers, 56 regional centers, and 21 overseas centers. Furthermore, IGNOU offers a diverse range of courses to students in all forms, that is UG, PG, Diploma, and other professional courses. Besides, this is a private university.
- Location: New Delhi, India
- Enrollment: Approximately 7.14 million students
- Fees Range: INR 2,000 to INR 1,44,000
National University, Bangladesh
The National University, of Bangladesh is the second biggest university in the world. This institute is best for those who have distance and funds limitations, stopping them from attending a regular college. Moreover, it has around 57 affiliated colleges and institutes, offering UG, PG, Research, M. Phil., and Ph.D.Programs to the student on a large level. They aim to spread further in rural Bangladesh to offer affordable education.
- Location: Gazipur, Bangladesh
- Enrollment: Approximately 2.09 million students
- Fees Range: USD 480 - 1600
Anadolu University
This is known to be among the top 5 world largest university list. This university offers both in-person as well as distance learning modes of education to the students for their ease and better approach to learning. Furthermore, they offer a diverse range of courses to the students. Moreover, their faculty is also known to be top-notch in their respective fields.
- Location: Eskişehir, Turkey
- Enrollment: Approximately 1.97 million students
- Fees Range: USD 28 to 2,500
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California Community Colleges System
The California Community Colleges System is a network of 114 community colleges, making it one of the world biggest university based on its enrollment numbers. Moreover, this is the largest higher education system in the United States. Also, this system offers affordable education to students in two-year degree courses and transfer programs.
- Location: California, United States
- Enrollment: Approximately 1.8 million students
- Fees Range: USD 1,236 for in-state and USD 6,547 for out-of-state students.
Allama Iqbal Open University
The Allama Iqbal Open University is among the list of the biggest university in the world. It provides an accessible, affordable, and comprehensive education to learners not only in Pakistan but abroad also. They have a vast network of regional and study centers, helping the students who have distance restrictions. Moreover, they offer a diverse range of courses in all UG, PG, and other professional courses.
- Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
- Enrollment: Approximately 1.02 million students
- Fees Range: USD 25 to 45
Laureate Education, Inc.
It is also among the list of largest university in the world. This institute operates internationally and is a pioneer in the global higher education sector. This institute offers education to students globally in diverse courses of UG, PG, and other professional courses. Moreover, it has over 150 institutions in 10+ nations globally.
- Location: Headquarters at: Baltimore, Maryland
- Enrollment: Approximately 876K students
- Fees Range: USD 5,000 to 10,000
Also read : World’s Oldest University List: Top 10
Bangladesh Open University
The Bangladesh Open University (BOU) is the only private distance learning institute in Bangladesh. Moreover, it has a nationwide network of study centers, sub-regional centers, and regional centers. It provides a diverse range of courses to the students in fields of arts, sciences, business, and education, through its cutting-edge online learning methodology. Thus, it removes the distance boundations between the students and the institute.
- Location: Gazipur, Bangladesh
- Enrollment: Approximately 650K students
- Fees Range: USD 55 to 65
Universitas Terbuka
The Universitas Terbuka is one of the biggest universities in the world. This institute provides education to all Indonesians, regardless of their geography, financial capacity, or academic background. Moreover, the university provides several UG and PG courses in fields like social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, economics, and education, are available at this university.
- Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Enrollment: Approximately 646K students
- Fees Range: USD 1100
National Technological Institute of Mexico
The National Technological Institute of Mexico is committed to the advancement of science, technology, and innovation. TecNM offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, technology, natural sciences, business administration, and allied subjects from its 254 sites, in the entire Mexico.
- Location: Mexico
- Enrollment: Approximately 620K students
- Fees Range: USD 600
Tribhuvan University
The Tribhuvan is the oldest and the largest university in Nepal. It offers several courses to students in both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Moreover, students from various socio-economic backgrounds and different geographical areas, especially ones who are in remote areas of the country can benefit from the study programs of this university.
- Location: Kirtipur, Nepal
- Enrollment: Approximately 604K students
- Fees Range: USD 970
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Conclusion
This was all about the largest university in the world. Here, you get to know about the top 10 biggest universities in the world. Moreover, the majority of these institutes aim to spread education in the areas of the world that are isolated through geographical or economic factors. Thus, getting admission to such an institute will introduce you to the online and distance learning modes of education. However, if you want guidance for the same, then reach out to our study abroad consultants. They will take you through the admission and selection process easily.
Useful Links:
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- Top 100 Universities in the World
FAQs
Ques.1 Which Is the Largest University in the World Based On Area?
The Indira Gandhi National Open University, also famously known as IGNOU in Delhi, India is the largest university in the world. The enrollment here is around 7.14 million students.
Ques.2 Which University Has the Biggest Campus in the World?
Berry College in Rome, Georgia has the biggest campus in the world which is 27,000 acres, making it the world’s biggest college.
Ques.3 Which Is the Largest University in Asia?
Indira Gandhi National Open University is the largest university not only in Asia but in the entire world.
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