Largest Universities in the World by Enrollment Numbers

Out of the many institutions across the world, some universities are exceptionally large and enroll many learners into their institutions. To better understand some of the largest universities in the world and what they have to offer to both global citizens and individual students, let’s take a look at a list of the largest universities in the world today.

Universities are not only classrooms, they like small worlds full of energy where learning happen and future people get shaped. They stay as the heart of education, making new knowledge and guiding millions of students. Some of these places are very special, not only for their study quality but also because they are so huge in size.

Think of walking inside a massive campus with students coming from many cities, states or even countries. That’s why knowing the largest universities in the world is getting more and more interesting for students today.

At the top of the list, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in India leads with more than 7.14 million enrollments. Then comes names like the National University of Bangladesh and Anadolu University in Turkey, plus a lot more.

If you study in one of the largest universities in the world, you don’t only learn but also join extra activities, sports, and grow fully in mind and body. When people talk about the largest universities in the world, it can mean by enrollment or by campus size. Here, we are going to check the largest universities in the world by enrollment.

Top 10 Largest Universities in the World 

The following universities are the largest in the world by latest enrollment numbers. 

Source: Ceoworld Magazine

Largest Universities in the World: Know Details

In this section, we are going to be discussing the top 10 largest universities in the world.

Indira Gandhi National Open University

• Location: New Delhi, India
• Enrollment: Approximately 7.14 million students

The Indira Gandhi National Open University is one of the largest universities in the world, started in 1985. It got 21 schools, nearly 1843 study centres, 56 regional centres and even 21 overseas centres across 15 countries. IGNOU gives a wide choice of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programs, so students from every part of India and other countries can study here. The main office is in New Delhi, India, and it works as a private university.

National University of Bangladesh

• Location: Gazipur, Bangladesh
• Enrollment: About 2.1 million students

Started in 1992, the National University of Bangladesh (NUB) is counted as one of the largest universities in the world and also the biggest in Bangladesh. This university has millions of students studying through its 57+ affiliated colleges and institutions. NUB gives both graduate and post-graduate education with its four main units – School of Undergraduate Studies, Centre for Post-Graduate Studies Training & Research, M.Phil./Ph.D. Programme Unit, and Centre for Curriculum Development and Evaluation. The main goal of NUB is to make higher education easy and reachable in rural and semi-urban areas of Bangladesh, by giving affordable and flexible programs for students.

Anadolu University

• Location: Eskişehir, Turkey
• Enrollment: Approximately 1.97 million students

One of the largest universities in the world, Anadolu University is a public university started in 1958 in Eskişehir, Turkey. The university gives both in-person and distance learning options. It is famous for its open education system and many different programs, which attracts students from Turkey and other countries too.

Islamic Azad University

• Location: Tehran, Iran (with branches internationally)
• Enrollment: Over 1.5 million students

Started in 1982 in Tehran, Islamic Azad University is one of the largest private universities in the world. It has two independent and 31 state university branches with 367 campuses all over Iran. There are 1,051 Sama schools and 118 skills training schools and entrepreneurship colleges. Every year, the university takes more than 3 lakh students. It gives Associate, Bachelor, Master, Professional Doctorate, Residency and Ph.D. degrees.

California Community Colleges System

• Location: California, United States
• Enrollment: Around 2.1 million students

The California Community Colleges System is a network of 114 community colleges that collectively enrol over 2.1 million students, making it the largest higher education system in the United States. The California Community Colleges System provides affordable and accessible two-year degrees and transfer programs, playing a crucial role in preparing students for further education or directly entering the workforce.

Allama Iqbal Open University

• Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
• Enrollment: 1.02 million

Allama Iqbal Open University is the biggest in Pakistan. Started in 1974, it helps students learn from home. It offers online and distance learning programs for working people, women, and others who can’t go to normal university.

Laureate Education, Inc.

• Location: International
• Enrollment: 875,000

Laureate Education is not one university but many universities in different countries. It gives degrees in business, health, design, and more. Students from all over the world join for international education.

Bangladesh Open University

• Location: Gazipur, Bangladesh
• Enrollment: 650,000

Started in 1992, Bangladesh Open University is the second biggest in Bangladesh. It helps students in remote areas study without going to city campuses. Most courses are by distance learning.

Universitas Terbuka

• Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
• Enrollment: 646,467

Universitas Terbuka is Indonesia’s main open university. It lets people study from anywhere in the country. Students who work or live far from cities can complete degrees online or with printed materials.

National Technological Institute of Mexico

• Location: Mexico
• Enrollment: 620,000

This is a technical university system in Mexico with many campuses. It focuses on engineering, technology, and innovation. Students can learn job-ready skills and many go into industries like tech or manufacturing.

Tribhuvan University

• Location: Kirtipur, Nepal
• Enrollment: 604,437

Tribhuvan University is the oldest and biggest in Nepal. It has many colleges under it. Students study arts, science, business, and more. It is very important for higher education in Nepal.

Universities with the Largest Campus Areas Globally

Why Choose a Big University to Study Abroad?

When students plan to study in other country, they think, should I go to small college or a big one? Going to a big university has many good things. It helps in study and also for job later.

1. First, in a big university there are many students. You can meet friends from different countries. You learn about new cultures, make friends from other places, and even talk better in English or other language.
2. Second, big universities have many courses. If you like business, engineering, computer, medicine, arts or even fashion, you will find a course for you.
3. Third, big universities have good things like big libraries, science labs, sport centers, and clubs. They also help in career, give internship, and tell you about placements.
4. Last, they have many old students called alumni. These people already working in many countries. They can help you get jobs and chances in future.
5. So, for many students, choosing a big university abroad is a smart and safe choice.

Admission Process at the Largest Global Universities

When you want to study in a very big university outside India, you must do some steps. It is not too hard if you do one by one.

• First, you have to pick your course. Like if you want to do engineering or medicine or computer. Every course ask for different marks and sometimes exam also.
• Then you need papers. Marksheets, IELTS or TOEFL score, also SOP where you write why you want to study, and LOR. For some subjects they even want CV or portfolio.
• After this, you go online. Big universities have website. You make ID, fill form, put your papers and pay money for form.
• Sometimes they also call you for interview or test. Don’t worry, they send full detail on email.
• After sending, you must keep looking on email. One day they send you result and offer letter. If they give you seat, you accept it and pay deposit.
• Last thing is visa. Without visa you cannot go, so after offer letter you apply for student visa.

If you feel confused, these universities have help desk people. You can ask them, they answer.

Are Open University Degrees Recognised for Study Abroad?

Open universities occupy the king’s share of the list of the largest universities in the world. However, a lot of times, students are left wondering whether their degree from an open university would be accepted as part of the university application process abroad or not. Here, candidates should rest assured that as long as their university is recognised by the government of the country, their degree will hold value in the admission process. To be on the safer side, candidates are advised to check with their preferred university abroad on whether they would accept their open university degree or not.

Got more doubts? Feel free to get in touch with our Shiksha Counselling Service on our website.