Top 20 countries with the highest number of universities

Education is the cornerstone of a nation’s development. Various studies and metrics have proven that this investment in human capital yirds substantial returns in various sectors.

It boosts productivity and creativity, fueling entrepreneurship and technological advancements, which collectively drive economic growth.

Before you read on, Nigeria does not feature in this list considering it has about 274 out of which over half are privately-owned.

Without further ado, below are the top 20 countries with most universities:

20. Colombia – 299

Colombia is a South American country bordering Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Venezuela.

As of 2024, the country has an estimated population of 52,359,000 people. It boasts of 299 universities and a national literacy rate of 99.12 per cent.

19. Ukraine – 300

In recent years, Ukraine became so popular for its war with neighbor, Russia. But before then, the country boasts of great institution of learning that attracts foreign nationals.

There are about 300 universities in Ukraine, hence ranked the 19th country in the world with most universities.

As of 2024, Ukraine population is estimated at 38,002,556 and has a literacy rate of 100 per cent.

18. United Kingdom – 337

The United Kingdom is a nation composed of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It has a population of about 67,978,000 as of 2024.

The UK has 337 universities and boasts of a literacy rate of 99 per cent. Which means 99 per cent of the population can read and write, a skill usually taught at the primary level of education.

17. Malaysia – 351

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country with institution of learnings where subjects are taught in Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil. The population of Malaysia as of 2024 is 34,695,000.

The country has 351 universities and a literacy rate of 95.71 per cent.

16. Pakistan – 359

Pakistan is a country located in South Asia and shares borders with India, Afghanistan, Iran, China, and the Arabian Sea.

The educational system in the country follows a standard pattern of primary, middle, secondary, and higher education. It has 359 universities, but a low literacy rate, depdning on region of the country,

At Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, has 96 per cent literacy rate while the Torghar District has just 23 per cent.

15. Philippines – 366

Philippines is a Southeast Asian nation with a blend of Spanish, American, and indigenous influences. Its educational system has undergone a significant educational reform with the implementation of the K-12 curriculum. This system, which was fully phased in by 2018, aims to provide students with a more comprehensive and globally competitive education.

Philippines has a population of 119,218,000 as of 2024. It has 366 universities. The language of instruction in Phillipine schools are primarily Filipino and English.

The literacy rate in the Philippines is 99.27 per cent.

14. Canada – 383

Canada is a North American country that borders the United States to the south. It has a population of 39,128,000 as of 2024 and 383 universities.

The country is renowned for its high-quality education system and but nearly half of its adults struggle with literacy.

13. South Korea – 401

South Korea is an East Asian country that has transformed itself from a war-torn nation to a global economic powerhouse.

With 401 universities, the country boasts one of the world’s most effective education system. About 98.80 per cent of its 51,738,000 population are literate.

12. Poland – 408

Poland is a Central European country which mandates education for all residents from age 7 to 18. The education system consists of primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary levels, followed by higher education.

Poland population as of 2024 is 40,155,000 and has 408 universities. It has a literacy rate of 99.80 per cent.

11. Iran – 440

Iran is a country located in Western Asia and has one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a history dating back thousands of years.

With a population of 89,852,000, Iran has 440 universities. Iran has a literacy rate of 88.96 per cent.

10. Germany – 461

Germany is a powerhouse in the heart of Europe with institutions and companies renowned for their engineering prowess.

Its education system features vocational training and theoretical education. Germany has 461 universities.

Meanwhile, public universities in Germany generally do not charge tuition fees, making higher education accessible to many.

It has a population of 83,249,000 and a literacy rate of 99 per cent for people over the age of 15.

9. France – 625

France is a Western European country which has oer the years played a pivotal role in shaping European an global histroy.

The educational system in the country features preschool, primary school, lower secondary school, upper secondary school and university.

France has 625 universities. 99 per cent of its 64,890,000 are literates.

8. Japan – 992

Japan is an island nation in East Asia renowned for its technological advancements. Schools in the country typically have longer school days and attend after-school clubs or cram schools (juku).

The nation has 992 universities. Meanwhile, 99 per cent of its 122,580,000 population are literates.

7. Russia – 1,010

Russia is the largest country in the world by landmass with a population of 143,920,000 as of 2024. It boasts a long-standing tradition of education, dating back to the Tsarist era.

The country has 1,010 univerisities with a literacy rate of 99.69 per cent.

6. Mexico – 1,139

Mexico is a country in North America with schools where subjects are taughts both in Spanish and English (due to its proximity to the United States). It has 1,139 universities.

The population of Mexico as of 2024 is 129,451,000 which 99.50 per cent are literate.

5. Brazil – 1,264

Brazil is the largest country in South America. It offers free and compulsory education for children aged 7 to 14.

The country has 1,264 universities and a general population of 217,720,205. It has 94.69 adult literacy rate.

4. China – 2,495

China is an Asian country and the most populous country in the world. It boasts a civilization that dates back thousands of years, with a profound impact on philosophy, art, and technology.

With 2,495 universities, China ranks fourth in the list if countries with most universities. The gaokao, a highly selective national college entrance exam, determines university admissions.

China has a population of 1,425,142,000 and a literacy rate of 99.83 per cent.

3. USA – 3,180

The United States of America (USA) boasts of universities ranks best in the world. With 3,180 universities, the country ranks as third on the list.

USA has a population of 341,943,000 as of 2024 and a literacy rate of 79 per cent.

2. Indonesia – 3,277

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, comprised of thousands of islands with a rich cultural tapestry influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Dutch heritage.

The country has one of the world’s largest student populations. It has 3,277 universities, making it the second country in the world with most universities.

Indonesia’s population as of 2024 is 279,955,000 and a literacy rate of 99.76 per cent.

1. India – 5,349

India is a South Asian country with a population of 1,442,624,000 as of 2024. It is the second most populous country in the world after China but the first when it comes to number of univerisities has it has 5,349 universities.

The literacy rate in India is 76.32 per cent.

Summary

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