Times Higher Education (THE) has released its ranking of the world’s most international universities in 2026, with the University of Hong Kong at the top.
In the rankings, the University of Cape Town (UCT) is the only African University making it into the list.
UCT was ranked #39 (maintaining the same spot it occupied in 2020) above top universities such as Stanford University, Harvard University, Princeton University, University of California Berkeley (UCLA), Johns Hopkins University, and Yale University.
According to Times Higher Education, prospective students looking to study in the most international environments in the world should apply to universities in Switzerland, Hong Kong, Singapore or the UK.
One of the global higher education sector’s biggest concerns about the Covid pandemic has been how it will disrupt overseas student mobility, showing just how important internationalization has become for institutions.
The list of the world’s most international universities 2026, published today, reveals which universities have the strongest global links, based on their share of international students, staff, and publications, as well as their international reputations.
Methodology
The data in Times Higher Education’s ranking of The World’s Most International Universities 2026 are drawn largely from the “international outlook” pillar of the THE World University Rankings 2026.
This takes into account a university’s proportions of international students, international staff and journal publications with at least one international co-author. Each of these elements is given equal weighting in calculating the score for this pillar.
Only institutions that received at least 100 votes in the survey were eligible for inclusion. Universities must also receive at least 50 or at least 10 per cent of available domestic votes to be ranked.
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a QuestionMetrics and weightings
- 25 percent: proportion of international staff
- 25 percent: proportion of international students
- 25 percent: international co-authorship
- 25 percent: international reputation.
Did You Know : Top 15 Free Online Learning Platforms
-
Free Online Education Degrees : Coursera:
Coursera partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer a wide range of courses. While many courses are free, a fee is often required for certification.
-
Free Online Education Degrees: edX:
Founded by MIT and Harvard, edX offers high-quality courses from top universities and institutions around the world. Certificates are available for a fee.
-
Free Online Education Degrees : Khan Academy:
Khan Academy provides free educational content in various subjects, especially mathematics and science, using instructional videos and practice exercises.
-
Free Online Education Degrees : Udacity:
Udacity focuses on tech-related courses and nanodegree programs, offering free content as well as more in-depth paid programs.
-
Free Online Education Degrees : MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW):
MIT OCW provides a vast array of MIT's course content for free, covering a wide range of disciplines.
-
Free Online Education Degrees : Harvard Extension School:
Harvard Extension School offers a selection of free online courses. While some courses are free, others may require payment for a certificate.
-
Free Online Education Degrees: Stanford Online:
Stanford Online offers a variety of free courses in different disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and business.
-
Best Free Online Courses : Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative (OLI):
OLI offers free online courses and resources designed to improve learning outcomes through research-based methodologies.
-
Best Free Online Courses : FutureLearn:
FutureLearn partners with universities and institutions to offer a diverse range of free online courses. Certificates are available for a fee.
-
Best Free Online Courses: Alison:
Alison offers a wide range of free online courses, including diploma and certificate programs, covering various subjects.
-
Best Free Online Courses: Open Yale Courses:
Yale University provides free access to a selection of introductory courses through Open Yale Courses.
-
Best Free Online Courses : UC Berkeley Online:
UC Berkeley offers free online courses on a variety of subjects, ranging from computer science to humanities.
-
Best Free Online Courses : Google Digital Garage:
Google Digital Garage provides free courses on digital skills, including online marketing, data analysis, and more.
-
Best Free Online Courses : Codecademy:
Codecademy offers free coding courses, interactive exercises, and coding projects to help individuals learn programming languages.
-
Best Free Online Courses : LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com):
LinkedIn Learning provides a variety of video courses on professional development, technology, and creative skills. It offers a free trial period.