Top 50 Universities In The World

New York University (NYU) 

Location: New York University, 70 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012

History

Founded in 1831, New York University is now one of the largest private universities in the United States. Of the more than 3,000 colleges and universities in America, New York University is one of only 60 member institutions of the distinguished Association of American Universities.

From a student body of 158 during NYU's very first semester, enrolment has grown to more than 40,000 students attending 18 schools and colleges at five major centres in Manhattan and in sites in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. Today, students come from every state in the union and from 133 foreign countries. The faculty, which initially consisted of fourteen professors and lecturers (among them artist and inventor Samuel F. B. Morse), now totals over 3,100 full-time members.

Courses offered

More than 15 schools, 10 international academic centres and the new NYU Abu Dhabi portal campus comprise the New York University academic community. The university's schools and colleges offer a diverse spectrum of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and specialised degree programmes.

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)

All freshmen and transfer applicants must complete the Common Application and the NYU Supplement to the Common Application. Applicants are strongly advised to apply online -- though you can download a paper copy of the Common Application and NYU Supplement from the official website.

Freshmen are considered only for fall (September) entry.

Freshman Early Decision: 1 November
Freshman Early Decision II: 1 January
Freshman Regular Decision: 1 January

Graduate admission processes vary according to the chosen course. Refer to the relevant school/ college web page from the official website for more details.

Tentative cost of courses

The tuition fee for full-time undergraduate students in 2009-2010 was $42,550. The tuition fee per credit for a graduate course at NYU in the spring 2011 semester is estimated to start at $954. Refer to the NYU website for updates and details.

Scholarships offered

If you believe you will need financial assistance to enable you to attend NYU, you are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid. Although NYU is not able to meet the full need of every student, they do everything possible to coordinate adequate resources to enable you to invest in a higher education at NYU.

Scholarships and grants are types of gift aid that do not have to be repaid. They may take the form of university scholarships, federal or state grants, or outside scholarships.

Descriptions of university-wide and school-based scholarships at NYU for which you may qualify are provided in the Undergraduate Admissions area of the NYU website. All admitted undergraduate students are automatically considered for these programmes based on academic merit.

Graduate students are usually offered scholarships for each separate academic year as determined by their individual schools within NYU.

Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) 

Location: The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, China

History:

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a forward-looking, comprehensive research university with a global vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. CUHK teachers and students hail from all corners of the world. It has over 20,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, of whom 3,000 come from regions outside Hong Kong. CUHK graduates are connected worldwide through an expansive alumni network.

As a top university in Hong Kong and Asia, CUHK aims to nurture students with both specialised knowledge and wisdom for life. The education experience here is distinguished by a flexible credit unit system, a college system, bilingualism and multiculturalism. There are general education courses to broaden students' perspectives and develop in them the ability to face the challenges of contemporary society.

Courses offered

CUHK's eight faculties offer a wide array of excellent undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

At CUHK, students can choose their major and minor subjects from a full range of disciplines, from traditional areas like history and philosophy, reputable programmes like translation and journalism, professional subjects such as law and medicine, and practical training in education and nursing.

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)

It is best to refer to the Undergraduate Admissions Handbook from the official website for the latest details on undergraduate admission requirements and procedures.

Graduate School applicants can submit applications online. Paper application forms are also obtainable at the Graduate School Office (Room G01, G/F., Academic Building No.1, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T.). Completed application forms and required support documents should be returned to the relevant divisions, as specified in the "Notes for Applicants" of the application form. All supporting documents, including transcripts from the universities attended by the applicants and confidential recommendations from two referees, must reach the relevant divisions before the application deadline (refer to the official website for the deadline applicable to your chosen programme).

Tentative cost of courses

The university's tuition fee for 2010-11 was HK$42,100 (For non-local students, the tuition fee for 2010-11 was HK$100,000). A caution fee of $450 had to be paid upon enrolment. This is refundable on withdrawal from the university, but is usually used as graduation fee. The hostel fee for 2010-11 was around $8,500, depending upon the type of hostel. The above fees, plus food, books, transportation, and pocket money should total between $86,000 and $144,000 per student per year. Refer to the official website for the latest information applicable.

For students admitted newly into the Graduate School, the tuition fee should be normally paid within two weeks from the date of the admission notification. For research postgraduate programmes, students who have to continue studies or submit their thesis after the Normative Study Period will be put on continuing status and will be required to pay tuition fees. Those who have completed all course requirements (including submission of thesis) but cannot pass the IT Proficiency Test within the Normative Study Period must pay the Late Examination Fee for IT Proficiency Test as well. The fee level is $500 per term. For taught postgraduate programmes, students who have to continue studies after the Normative Study Period will be given continuing status and will be required to pay tuition fees, unless otherwise specified by the programme concerned. Those who have completed all course requirements but cannot pass the IT Proficiency Test within the Normative Study Period have to pay the Late Examination Fee for IT Proficiency Test as well. The fee level is $500 per term.

Scholarships offered

For local undergraduate students in need of help to meet part of the cost of their university education, the HKSAR Government has made provisions to offer grants and loans under its Tertiary Student Finance Scheme -- Publicly-Funded Programs (TSFS) and Non-Means Tested Loan Scheme (NLS). To be eligible to apply for either of these schemes, students must take up an exclusively University Grants Committee-funded/ publicly funded place in a recognised programme and have the right of abode in Hong Kong or have resided or had their homes in Hong Kong continuously for three complete years before the commencement of the programme. These schemes do not cover students who are in Hong Kong on student visas.

The university and its constituent colleges also administer their own scholarships, bursaries, loans and student campus work schemes. Admission Scholarships are awarded to new students of outstanding academic merit. Other scholarships are primarily awarded to students who have completed at least one academic term at the university and been nominated by a faculty, school, department or other relevant units. Scholarships are awarded mainly on the basis of academic performance while outstanding achievements in extracurricular activities, community service, sport, the arts etc. may also be taken into consideration.
The university administers a number of scholarships and prizes for graduate applicants, which are awarded on the basis of academic performance. Nominations from faculties/ departments are normally needed for most of these scholarships/ prizes, whilst those for overseas studies are usually open for application. Further information on scholarships and prizes are available from the OAFA website (refer to the official website for the address).

Financial assistance/ scholarships for disabled students are available through various schemes supported by outside organisations. Disabled students may approach OAFA to discuss their needs and seek advice and assistance as necessary.

Postgraduate Studentships are available in most Graduate Divisions for full-time students registered for research degree programmes. Students awarded studentships will receive stipends in return for assisting in the teaching and research work of the Graduate Division. The provisional monthly stipend for Postgraduate Studentship was around $12,800-$13,400 for 2010-11.

The University of Queensland (UQ) 

Location: The University of Queensland, Brisbane St Lucia, QLD 4072

History

The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia's premier learning and research institutions. It is the oldest university in Queensland and has produced almost 180,000 graduates since opening in 1911. Its graduates have gone on to become leaders in all areas of society and industry.

UQ is one of the three Australian members of the global Universitas 21 alliance. This group aims to enhance the quality of university outcomes through international benchmarking and a joint venture e-learning project with The Thomson Corporation.

UQ is proud to be a founding member of the national Group of Eight (Go8) -- ¬ a coalition of leading Australian universities, intensive in research and comprehensive in general and professional education.

UQ is a pacesetter in discovery and translational research across a broad spectrum of exciting disciplines, ranging from bioscience and nanotechnology to mining, engineering, social science and humanities.

Courses offered

UQ offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that are informed by the latest research and delivered in state-of-the-art learning spaces.

The University of Queensland offers a range of undergraduate qualifications suited to different levels of experience and employment needs.

Postgraduate coursework qualifications from UQ can provide you with specialised knowledge, give you a significant advantage in the employment market, enable you to upgrade your qualifications, enhance your promotion potential or open the way for a career change.

UQ offers the following types of research programmes:

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Higher Doctorates

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)

How you apply to study at UQ varies depending on whether you are a domestic or an international person applying to study an undergraduate, postgraduate or research programme. Admission requirements are determined by the university's policies and rules.

Once your application has been accepted and approved, you will receive an offer for a place at UQ. If you decide to accept your offer, you will need to enrol by the due date. Find out more about the enrolment process by visiting the UQ Enrolment website (refer to the official website).

Tentative cost of courses

As a student you have a range of costs to consider. These are:

1. Academic fees
2. Books and equipment cost
3. Living costs

Some programmes may involve additional costs such as the need to purchase a uniform or to have a first aid certificate. Such costs are outlined in the programme information in the courses and programmes website (refer to the official website).

For academic fees, see the tables of indicative fee costs or use the fees calculator (both available at the official website) to estimate what your semester fees will be.

Scholarships offered

Scholarships for international applicants for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programmes vary according to the programme opted for. Please refer to the official website and click your programme of choice to find out more. International students also have the option of a general scholarship.

UQ offers financial support to research higher degree (RHD) students through a wide range of scholarships. It currently supports over 1600 RHD students from an annual scholarships budget of more than $24 million in Australian Government and university funding.

Australian Government Scholarships, too, are available for international students.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) 

Location: The University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4

History

The University of British Columbia, established in 1908, educates a student population of 50,000 on major campuses in two cities and holds an international reputation for excellence in advanced research and learning.

The largest campus is 30 minutes from the heart of downtown Vancouver, a spectacular campus that is a 'must-see' for any visitor to the city -- where snow-capped mountains meet ocean, and breathtaking vistas greet you around every corner.

The second major campus is in the dynamic Southern Interior city of Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley. UBC Okanagan, open since 2005, provides an intimate learning community in the spectacular wine-growing region of British Columbia.

Courses offered

UBC offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to its students. The university also provides students with a wide range of online and correspondence courses through the Office of Learning Technology (OLT). UBC offers a variety of opportunities for lifelong learning including in-person and online courses, workshops, seminars, and certificate programmes. Collaborative, interdisciplinary research and teaching (including master's and doctoral programmes in such studies) are also on offer by the university.

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)

For undergraduate admission, you have to first choose the programmes (you have to have a first choice and a second choice) that interest you. You then have to check if you meet all the requirements (English language requirements, general admission requirements as well as programme-specific requirements). Finally, you apply online. The online application for UBC's Vancouver and Okanagan campuses opens in September and closes on February 28. Admissions decisions for most programmes are made in April or early May.

Applying to Graduate Studies at UBC is a simple five-step process:

1. Explore the graduate programmes
2. Review the admission requirements
3. Prepare your application
4. Apply online
5. Send the documents to the grad programme office

Tentative cost of courses

Tuition fees for undergraduate programmes are reviewed annually by UBC's Board of Governors and are subject to change. International student fees are also assessed with a cost-of-living increase of approximately 2-3 per cent per year. All estimated costs are quoted in Canadian dollars.

International tuition is calculated at $703.93 per credit for most programmes.

• Average tuition costs for 30-36 first year credits (full-course load): $21,118 - 25,341
• Living cost, books and student fees: $12,500 - 14,500
• TOTAL (September to April): $33,618 - 39,841

For up-to-date information, including an online cost calculator, visit the UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan official website.

For most programmes, graduate tuition is assessed as an annual programme fee, which is divided into three equal instalments due at the beginning of academic terms starting in September, January and May. This fee is the same regardless of how many course credits the student is registered in.

Online programmes charge tuition on a per-credit basis.

Current tuition fees for all graduate programmes can be found in the UBC Calendar online.

Scholarships offered

UBC has dedicated $3 million CDN to financial aid and awards for international undergraduate students. Need-based and merit-based awards programmes are available to international students. The Government of Canada makes a number of scholarships and awards available to foreign students planning to study in Canada.

The University of British Columbia offers and administers many programmes that provide financial help to graduate students.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies is responsible for merit-based graduate awards at the Vancouver campus of the University of British Columbia. Graduate Awards manages a number of award competitions each year and administers payment of both internally-funded and externally-funded awards. Graduate students at UBC's Vancouver campus who have questions about need-based funding should visit the Student Financial Assistance and Awards website (link available at the official website).

Graduate students at UBC's Okanagan campus who have questions about merit-based or need-based funding should visit the UBC Okanagan website.

Presence in India: The Centre for India and South Asia Research (CISAR) is a research facility at The University of British Columbia (UBC). CISAR brings together faculty, research associates, and graduate and undergraduate students with an interest in the cultures, historical evolution and contemporary developmental challenges of the subcontinent.

CISAR's multi-faceted mandate includes:

• The development of inter-disciplinary research on South Asia
• The dissemination of research findings through seminars, lectures, conferences and publications
• The promotion of interaction between the university and members of the South Asian communities in Vancouver and British Columbia.

CISAR creates links between UBC specialists on India and South Asia and those situated elsewhere in Canada and abroad.

University of Copenhagen

Location: University of Copenhagen, Nørregade 10, DK-1165 Copenhagen K

History

With over 37,000 students and more than 7,000 employees, the University of Copenhagen is the largest institution of research and education in Denmark. The purpose of the university -- to quote the university statute -- is to 'conduct research and provide further education to the highest academic level'.

Approximately one hundred different institutes, departments, laboratories, centres, museums etc., form the nucleus of the university, where professors, lecturers and other academic staff, as well as most of the technical and administrative personnel carry out their daily work, and where teaching takes place.
These activities take place in various environments ranging from the plant world of the Botanical Gardens, through high-technology laboratories and auditoriums, to the historic buildings and lecture rooms of Frue Plads and other locations.

On 1 January 2007, the university merged with The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University and The Danish University of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The two universities are now faculties at the University of Copenhagen.

Courses offered

The University of Copenhagen is the largest educational institution in Denmark. Together, the eight faculties offer over 200 programmes for study in health sciences, humanities, law, life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, science, social sciences, and theology.

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)

The University of Copenhagen does not offer Bachelor's Degree programmes taught in English. You can read more about these programmes offered in Danish, at the official website.

To apply for admission to a Master's degree programme please contact the relevant faculty directly.

Tentative cost of course
The relevant faculty, when contacted directly, will inform you about their tuition fees. According to the university law in Denmark tuition fees are charged from students from non-EU/EØS countries.

Scholarships offered

If you wish to apply for a Danish Government Scholarship, please visit the website of the Danish Agency for International Education (IU). Please note that only a few countries are included in this programme. IU can inform you if your country is included in the programme and guide you further in applying for the Danish Government Scholarship.

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Location: UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia

History

UNSW commemorated 60 years of extraordinary achievement in 2009.

UNSW is renowned for the quality of its graduates and its commitment to new and creative approaches to education and research. Its motto -- Scientia Manu et Mente ("Knowledge by Hand and Mind") -- encapsulates the university's central philosophy of balancing the practical and the scholarly.

UNSW is a founding member of the prestigious Group of Eight research intensive universities in Australia and a member of the Universitas 21 international consortium.

Established in 1949, UNSW has expanded rapidly and now has close to 40,000 students, including more than 7000 international students from over 130 different countries. The university has developed an extensive network of alumni chapters throughout Asia.

The main UNSW campus is located on a 38-hectare site at Kensington, seven kilometres from the centre of Sydney. Other campuses are the College of Fine Arts (Paddington), UNSW@ ADFA (Canberra), and sub-campuses at Randwick and Coogee, as well as research stations around NSW.

Courses offered

The university offers more than 300 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate (coursework as well as research) programmes as well as short courses. UNSW has a broad disciplinary base, with Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences; Built Environment; Engineering; Law; Medicine and Science, as well as the College of Fine Arts, UNSW@ADFA and the Australian School of Business.

UNSW is host to groundbreaking research in fields as diverse as quantum computing, molecular engineering, photovoltaics, robotics, biomedical research, financial markets and design and interactive cinema.

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)

The application deadlines for all faculties are as follows:
Semester 1: October 31
Semester 2: April 30
Late applications may be accepted subject to vacancies. Note that not all programmes can be started in Semester 2.

1. Follow these steps to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees:
   Decide what you want to study and when you wish to start
2. Confirm that you meet the entry requirements
3. Lodge an application
4. Provide the required documentation
5. Submit your application either online or by post
6. Wait for your acknowledgement of application
7. Wait for the result of your application
8. Accept the offer
9. Wait for the electronic confirmation of enrolment
10. Wait for your information pack
11. Attend the enrolment and orientation programme

Refer to the official website for details on each of the steps.

Tentative cost of courses

You can check the tuition fees in the Tuition Fee Schedule (refer to the official website) which states the fees for each faculty, and are quoted for one unit of credit (UOC). Most courses are six units of credit, so you need to multiply these figures by six to work out the cost of one course. Full-time study at UNSW generally consists of four courses per semester or eight courses per year, so you need to multiply the figures again according to the number of courses you are taking.

Some courses have additional costs, for expenses such as laboratory kits, field trips and equipment. These costs are compulsory and are usually additional to the tuition fees. Textbooks are not a compulsory cost, but you should budget about AUD1000 per year for them.

Scholarships offered

The university provides scholarships specifically for International students and also offers more general scholarships for which International students can apply. There are also scholarships offered to International students that are supported by external organisations. For a full list of undergraduate and postgraduate (coursework) scholarships, information about eligibility and how to apply, visit the university's scholarships web page.

Presence in India

UNSW International has several staff members across India. Contact details can be obtained from the official website.

Peking University

Location: Peking University, No.5 Yiheyuan Road Haidian District, Beijing, P.R.China 100871

History

Founded in 1898, Peking University (PKU) was the first national comprehensive university in China. The campus, known as "Yan Yuan" (the garden of Yan), is situated at Haidian District in the western suburb of Beijing, with a total area of 2,743,532 square meters (or 274 hectares). It stands near the Yuanmingyuan Garden and the Summer Palace.

PKU is proud of its outstanding faculty, including 53 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 7 members of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), and 14 members of the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).

The university has effectively combined research on important scientific subjects with the training of personnel with a high level of specialised knowledge and professional skill as demanded by the country's socialist modernisation. It strives not only for improvements in teaching and research work, but also for the promotion of interaction and mutual promotion among various disciplines.

Courses offered

Peking University has become a centre for teaching and research and a university of a new type, embracing diverse branches of learning such as basic and applied sciences, social sciences and the humanities, and sciences of medicine, management, and education.

Tentative cost of courses
The tuition fees for international students, including accommodation information and estimated cost of living as well as updates, are listed on the official website.

Scholarships offered

Third year undergraduates, masters, and doctoral exchange students qualify as candidates for Peking University Academic Excellence Scholarships.

Basis Requirements:

1. Candidates must be regular students; they must not be on leave of absence or suspended from the school.
2. Obey all Chinese laws and university rules, register on-time, study hard, and have superior grades.
3. Undergraduates: Starting in their second school year, undergraduates must have passed all required classes with an average GPA of at least 3.0. Undergraduates must have passed all controlled elective classes.
4. Graduate students: Superior grades, great research ability, creative thought are all requisite. Doctoral students who apply for scholarships must have published their thesis and this must have taken place at Peking University and also published in an official publication for your department at Peking University.

Values of Scholarships:

• Doctorate Academic Excellence Scholarship:
• 1st Prize: 10,000 RMB; 5 students
• 2nd Prize: 5,000 RMB; 10 students
• Masters Academic Excellence Scholarship:
• 4,000 RMB; 15 students
• Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship:
• 3,000 RMB; 30 students

(Note: International students who receive scholarships from the Chinese government do not directly receive the scholarship. They will only physically receive a certificate of honour and a souvenir.)

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706

History

In achievement and prestige, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has long been recognised as one of America's great universities. A public, land-grant institution, UW-Madison offers a complete spectrum of liberal arts studies, professional programmes and student activities. Many of its programmes are hailed as world leaders in instruction, research and public service.

The university traces its roots to a clause in the Wisconsin Constitution, which decreed that the state should have a prominent public university. In 1848, Nelson Dewey, Wisconsin's first governor, signed the act that formally created the university, and its first class, with 17 students, met in a Madison school building on February 5, 1849.

From those humble beginnings, the university has grown into a large, diverse community, with about 40,000 students enrolled each year. These students represent every state in the nation, as well as countries from around the globe, making for a truly international population.

Courses offered

UW-Madison offers instruction in more than 100 fields, with more than 4,200 course listings. Learning takes place in a variety of settings -- from traditional classrooms, to undergraduate research opportunities, to service-learning experiences in the community. Additional opportunities for growth range from 800 student organisations to unique residential learning communities.

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)

All undergraduate students are encouraged to apply online using the appropriate version of online application as follows:
- Freshman Online Application
- Transfer Online Application
- International Student Online Application (for students who are not US citizens or permanent residents)
- Reentry Online Application (for students who previously attended UW but have not been enrolled for a semester or more)
While paper and online applications receive equal consideration, online application offers several benefits. Refer to the official website for further details on application procedures.

The Graduate School admission procedure is intricate and hence best accessed directly from the university's official website.

Tentative cost of courses
The website has detailed break-ups of the actual cost involved.

Scholarships offered

There is a range of scholarship opportunities available at UW-Madison. Most UW-Madison scholarships are offered by a specific campus school or college within the university -- such as the College of Letters and Science or the School of Nursing. Additional campus-wide scholarships are open to any admitted or enrolled student. Each school and college maintains its own scholarships and awards them to students according to various criteria.

Refer to the Scholarships@UW-Madison web page for more details.

Presence in India

Established in 2007, the University of Wisconsin-Madison India Initiative brings together faculty across campus, alumni, and friends to support, enhance, and increase awareness about India's arts, cultures, economy, history, religions and society.

Top 50 UNIVERSITIES in the World – No.49/Osaka University

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Osaka University

Location: Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan

History

Osaka University was founded in 1931 as the sixth imperial university, starting with two faculties: Medicine and Science.

In 1933, Osaka University merged with Osaka University of Engineering, thereby establishing the School of Engineering. It changed its name from Osaka Imperial University to Osaka University in 1947. Comprised of the five schools of Science, Medicine, Engineering, Letters, and Law, Osaka University made a fresh start under the educational reform conducted by the government in 1949. Concurrently, the Department of Liberal Arts was also established.

Following the semi-privatisation of what were known as Japan's national universities, Osaka University again made a fresh start on April 1, 2004. Semi-privatisation was the most momentous change since its founding and, after this change, the administrative structure of the university changed drastically.

Osaka University established a Diversity Promotion Committee in April 2006 to promote the quality of research and education at the university by empowering diverse personnel, particularly women, who may have been prevented from realising their full potential due to social factors.

Courses offered

The university has a number of undergraduate and graduate schools as well as research facilities offering a huge variety of courses.

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)

The admission process at Osaka University is elaborate, and best accessed directly from the official website.

Tentative cost of courses:

Refer to the official website for updates and details.

Scholarships offered

Osaka University General Education Curriculum Scholarships may be awarded to second-year students who have achieved an excellent record in the liberal arts during their first through third semester. Regarding financial aid for international students and for Japanese students studying outside Japan, contact the Department of Research Promotion and International Affairs (contact details provided at the official website).

Seoul National University (SNU)

Location: Seoul National University, Gwanak _ 599 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Korea

History

Founded in October 1946, Seoul National University honours the ideals of liberal education and aims to teach students a lifelong love of learning that will form the basis for continuous personal growth.

SNU is committed to preparing students to work and live in an increasingly competitive global environment. As South Korea's first national university, Seoul National University has a tradition of standing up for democracy and peace on the Korean peninsula.

Graduates have long served as public servants in key positions of the Korean government. In teaching, research, and public service, Seoul National University continues to set the standard of excellence.

The mission of Seoul National University in the twenty-first century is to create a vibrant intellectual community where students and scholars join together in building the future. As Korea's leading research university, Seoul National University is committed to diversifying its student body and faculty, fostering global exchange, and promoting path-breaking research in all fields of knowledge.

Courses offered

The university has 16 undergraduate schools, 71 graduate majors, 27 cooperative programmes and 6 professional graduate schools.

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)

SNU's academic year begins in the spring. The university offers admissions for the fall semester as well as the spring.
For the latest information on application deadlines, refer to the official website.

The standard method for submitting the application (Form 1, available at the official website) is via the Online Application System. The application fee should be paid online as well. Applicants who fail to apply online due to unforeseen circumstances must apply in person at the Office of Admissions. For more details, refer to the official website.

Tentative cost of courses

Tuition fees are normally paid twice a year before each semester begins. Normally, first semester registration takes place at the end of February, and second semester registration takes place at the end of August each year. Specific due dates will be notified on the university website.
It is the university's policy that students are responsible for their tuition bill. This responsibility includes reviewing their tuition fees statement online and making sure their tuition fees are paid by the due date.

For the latest detailed fee chart depicting estimated expenses for undergraduate as well as graduate courses, refer to the university's website (separate fee charts available as downloadable files in PDF format).

Scholarships offered

SNU offers a variety of scholarship programmes for foreign students. About 50 per cent of students are partially or entirely exempt from tuition fees. SNU scholarship programmes are mostly merit-based, but the university applies more generous criteria for international students. Internal scholarships are awarded each semester, and external scholarships are generally provided until graduation if all requirements are continually satisfied.

For information on scholarships for prospective undergraduate/ graduate students, visit the admissions information pages of the university's website.

Presence in India

SNU has a university partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Chennai, as well as a research institute partnership with Nava Nalanda Mahavihara in India.

Source: India Syndicate

31. National University of Singapore (NUS)

Location: National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119077

Continuing our series of the top 50 universities in the world. Here are the detailed profiles of universities 31 through to 40.

History

A leading global university centred in Asia, the National University of Singapore (NUS) offers a global approach to education and research, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. Its transformative education includes a broad-based curriculum underscored by multi-disciplinary courses and cross-faculty enrichment, as well as special programmes which allow students to realise their potential. Over 30,000 students from 100 countries further enrich the community with their diverse social and cultural perspectives, making campus life vibrant and exciting.

Courses offered

NUS has 14 faculties and schools, including a music conservatory. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate (higher degree) courses. The Office of the Deputy President (Research and Technology) helps to facilitate and develop research at NUS, and establish world-leading research programmes.

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)

Undergraduate admission is coordinated through the Office of Admissions. The admission exercise for local students usually takes place between February and March each year. For international applicants, the exercise commences in October of the previous year.

The majority of graduate programmes in NUS admit students twice a year, in August and January. The corresponding applications deadlines are the preceding 15 November and 15 May respectively. However, some programme follow different timelines, and prospective students are advised to check with the graduate studies website of the Faculty offering the programme.

There are various methods of application for the graduate research programme but online applications are STRONGLY preferred. The other methods include downloading an application form and requesting for an application form to be posted to you.

Tentative cost of courses

At present, undergraduate education at NUS is highly subsidised by the Government of Singapore, which pays for the bulk of the operating costs besides the infrastructural costs. The university's fees are reviewed and adjusted periodically to reflect the cost of providing education to students. For a detailed break-up of annual tuition fees, refer to the university's website.

The university's fees are reviewed and adjusted periodically to reflect the approximate cost of providing education to students. Unlike undergraduate education, most graduate programmes are designed to be largely self-funding, with little or no subsidy from the Government of Singapore. Nonetheless, at present, all graduate research programmes and some graduate coursework programmes remain subsidised to a significant extent. The annual tuition fees for different categories of government-subsidised graduate programmes are available at the official website.

Scholarships offered

The university is committed to providing a quality education to all its students and to ensuring that no deserving student is denied admission because of financial difficulty.

Undergraduate students in need of help can apply for financial aid which will be offered if they meet the eligibility criteria. Financial aid will be in the form of a financial aid package which may comprise a combination of loans, bursary and work-study assistance. Students who are in need of financial assistance should approach the Office of Admissions, which oversees matters pertaining to student financial aid.

There are some scholarships available for applicants wishing to pursue their higher degree either through coursework or research programmes. For details, refer to the official website.

Presence in India

NOC Experience India! was launched by the NUS Overseas Colleges to provide both postgraduate and undergraduate students the opportunity to discover entrepreneurship in India as well as experience the richness of India's culture. The programme is also designed as a training ground for students to develop both business and personal skills.

32. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

Location: Lausanne, Switzerland

History

EPFL is a top-ranked research and teaching institution that attracts some of the best intellects in the world to its campus in an idyllic spot overlooking Lake Geneva and facing the Alps.

EPFL is one of the two Ecoles Polytechniques fédérales in Switzerland. Like its sister institution, ETHZ, it has three missions: education, research and technology transfer at the highest international level. Associated with several specialised research institutes, the two EPFs form the EPF domain, which is directly dependent on the Federal Department of Home Affairs.

The institution brings together a campus of more than 10,000 people. By its novel structure, the school stimulates collaboration between students, professors, researchers and entrepreneurs. These daily interactions give rise to new and groundbreaking work in science, technology and architecture.

Courses offered

EPFL offers 13 complete study programmes at the Bachelor's and Master's levels in engineering, basic sciences, computer and communication sciences, life sciences, civil engineering, architecture and the environment.

These study programmes are designed to be flexible and modular. They meet the requirements of the Bologna accords and as a result, students can take advantage of a wide array of exchange opportunities, and the degrees they earn are internationally recognised.

Within EPFL's Doctoral School, PhD students share ideas, provide mutual support and intellectual stimulation, and round out their education with high-level
specialised courses. PhD students benefit from EPFL's scientific expertise and excellent infrastructure.

Students in EPFL's School of Continuing Education have the opportunity to strengthen and update their skills and knowledge, giving them a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving professional environment. The school offers a wide range of courses from seminars to postgraduate Master's degrees. These modular programmes can also be adapted to meet individual companies' needs.

With more than 250 laboratories and research groups on campus, EPFL is one of Europe's most innovative and productive technology institutes.
The school's unique structure facilitates trans-disciplinary research and encourages partnerships with other institutions. EPFL emphasises both fundamental research and engineering applications.

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)
The online application form for bachelor studies is only open from 18 January to 30 April.

A Master from EPFL is a highly regarded degree across the world. Anyone holding a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university can apply to one of the EPFL masters programmes. However, please be aware that admission is competitive. Only candidates with excellent academic records and references have good chances to be accepted. Current EPFL students are accepted in the master programme of their field of study and receive a re-registration form at the end of their bachelor studies. All other candidates must follow the full online application procedure.

The application process for the EPFL Doctoral School is entirely electronic. Your application will be submitted directly to your chosen doctoral programme. The programme's committee will evaluate and make a decision on your application, taking into account the research interests and potential thesis directors you indicate. Once your application has been considered, you will receive a reply directly from the programme. If you are admitted, you will then have up to one year to enrol. If you are being hired by an EPFL lab, your contract will be organised during this time. Some time will also be needed to sort out any visa and residence permit requirements. When you are ready to begin your doctoral studies, your programme coordinators and lab will work together to process your enrolment at EPFL.

Refer to the official website to find out the application deadlines for exchange students.

Tentative cost of courses

At the beginning of each semester, all students must pay for tuition within the set deadline. The invoice is issued by the Registrar's Office. The tuition fee (cost of attendance) for all bachelors and masters programmes is 633 Swiss Francs per semester. A one-time application fee will be charged at the beginning of the first semester at EPFL:

• 50 Swiss Francs, for holders of a Swiss Bachelor (except candidates presently studying at Bachelor level at EPFL or ETHZ, who do not pay any application fee)
• 110 Swiss Francs, for holders of a foreign Bachelor

In the case of doctorate studies, no fees are charged during the period of thesis preparation. The candidate does, however, have to pay a tax of CHF 1200 to attend the oral thesis examination.

The registration fee in the case of continuing education studies is CHF 1,160 for long programmes and CHF 580 for short programmes. Postgraduate students are also required to pay a contribution to costs, the amount of which is specified in each individual brochure.

Exchange students from partner universities are exempted from the EPFL tuition fees. Students coming from non-partner universities have to pay 30 CHF per hour of courses and a per semester tax of 53 CHF.

Besides tuition fees, you should plan your budget for your studies in Lausanne. Depending on your personal needs and standard of living, your annual expenses may add up to a sum between CHF 16,000 and 22,000. Additional information regarding individual items of an annual budget is given at the Student Affairs pages of the official website.

Scholarships offered

There are several ways you may obtain financial aid for your studies. You can get EPFL awards excellence scholarships to students with outstanding academic records from leading universities. There are also Research and Teaching Assistantships addressed to students who wish to get involved in research or teaching activities. Finally, EPFL participates in the scholarships programme that the Swiss government offers to foreign students wishing to do a part of their training at a Swiss university.

Refer to the official website for details.

Presence in India

The Indo Swiss Joint Research Programme - ISJRP supports cutting edge research that brings together faculty and students from Switzerland and India. It was founded in 2005 by the Swiss State Secretariat of Education and Research (SER) and the Indian Department of Science and Technology (DST) with the goal of furthering cooperation in strategic scientific and technical areas relevant to Switzerland and India.

This purpose is achieved primarily by supporting research partnerships between Swiss and Indian scientists, by promoting faculty and student exchanges between the two countries, and by facilitating access to specialised equipment and resources in the counterpart country.

ISJRP has three programme priorities:

• To catalyse the formation of Indo Swiss research partnerships and institutional links
• To facilitate the mobility of scientists and students between Switzerland and India
• To enhance excellence in research and research capabilities through combining the resources of both countries

Location: École normale supérieure, 45, rue d'Ulm, F-75230 Paris cedex 05

History

The École normale supérieure was created in Paris in 1794, during the French Revolution, to train the nation's future teachers according to the critical and secular spirit of the new Republic. In 1847, the École normale supérieure moved to its current location on rue d'Ulm, on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève near the Sorbonne and the Collège de France.

Early on, the École normale supérieure became home to elite research. In the mid-19th century, Louis Pasteur carried out his pioneering work within its walls. For decades, the ENS has been the most prestigious site of French intellectual and scientific life. It participated in all the great intellectual debates of modern France and educated entire generations of high-ranking civil servants and politicians, scientists and entrepreneurs, and provided intellectual training for Nobel laureates, Fields Medal winners and intellectual luminaries like Sartre, Foucault, Lacan and Derrida.

Not content to rest on its laurels, the ENS continues its fundamental mission of training its students to the role of leaders capable of bringing their creative vision and innovative solutions to bear on the increasingly complex and global issues of today's world. It does this through its dedication to assembling the world's most distinguished experts to teach its students to conduct pioneering research that transcends the traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Courses offered

Each department of the ENS offers courses to students during the undergrad, under the responsibility of the department's Director and its Director of Studies.

ENS master's programmes are run in association with partner institutions -- the Paris universities, the École des hautes études en sciences sociales, the École pratique des hautes études -- or another institution with which the ENS has an agreement.

At the École normale supérieure, doctoral studies are considered the last stage of research-based instruction, allowing students to delve even deeper into their field of knowledge, to master the art of research project management, and to continue to cultivate a creative and innovative outlook.

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)

The ENS recruits its students by way of a very competitive admission exam, or upon application on the basis of written records. Students are indeed selected according to the quality of their academic history, the depth of their knowledge, and their openness to innovation and creativity. The ENS seeks inventive, brilliant minds. National diplomas (masters and PhD) as well as the ENS' own diploma are issued at the term of the studies. For details, refer to the university's website.

Presence in India

At the very heart of the École normale supérieure's training and research strategies lies a network of historic international partnerships, to which important new affiliations are continually added.

All overseas initiatives are based on disciplinary and historical interests and have clear geographic priorities: Europe, Anglo-American regions and emerging countries (China, India, and Brazil). Among emerging countries, projects are in development with India, Brazil, West Africa and Iran, which continues to offer outstanding candidates, despite a geopolitical reality that makes obtaining a visa difficult.

34. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

History

Carnegie Mellon University is a global research university with more than 11,000 students, 84,000 alumni, and 4,000 faculty and staff. Recognised for its world-class arts and technology programmes, collaboration across disciplines and innovative leadership in education, Carnegie Mellon is consistently a top-ranked university.

The university began as a small technical school and evolved into what it is today under the guidance of exceptional leadership teams.

Its world-renowned faculty members are practicing professionals who bring extensive knowledge and experience into the classroom. With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, faculty members are extremely accessible and take a genuine interest in their students' work.

Courses offered

Carnegie Mellon University is helping to shape the world through education, research and outreach.

The campus atmosphere offers opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research. And it's not just graduate students. Undergrads often work alongside professors who are leaders in their fields, with a student-faculty ratio of 10:1.

While students typically enrol in one of the university's seven schools/ colleges, they still have the opportunity to study beyond one discipline.

Carnegie Mellon is widely recognised for its unique interdisciplinary environment, encouraging work across departmental lines. As a result, its graduates enter the world with the ability to solve complex problems.

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)

For undergraduate admissions, Carnegie Mellon uses the Common Application exclusively. Along with the Common Application, the Carnegie Mellon Common Application Supplement is also required. The Office of Admission's "Applying to Carnegie Mellon" instruction book containing information regarding deadlines, financial aid, majors, etc. can be found in downloadable PDF format at the official website.

There is no single office that handles all graduate admissions at Carnegie Mellon. Requirements, application processes and deadlines vary from department to department. Therefore, it is recommended that students seek information early in their consideration of an academic programme directly from the department and programme of their interest. General information regarding all graduate degrees offered through Carnegie Mellon can be found in the Guide to Graduate Degrees and Programs.

Tentative cost of courses

A detailed, up-to-date break-up of cost estimates for undergraduate as well as graduate courses can be found at the university's website.

Scholarships offered

Carnegie Mellon University is happy to make available to its qualifying admitted undergraduate students both institutional grants and scholarship opportunities in order to help lower the cost of a Carnegie Mellon education. The benefit of grants and scholarships to the admitted student is that neither amount has to be paid back -- they are free money. Grant dollars are those institutional resources that the university awards to a student when they demonstrate a financial need via the financial aid process. Scholarships are awards that you do not have to repay. The Carnegie Scholarship is awarded to students when they enter as first-year students and is renewed annually if the student meets the cumulative 2.0 QPA requirement. The Carnegie Scholarships are awarded to artistically and academically talented middle income students who qualify for little to no need-based financial aid. Please be aware that External Transfer applicants are not eligible for scholarship consideration.

In the case of graduate courses, for information on departmental scholarships, grants, stipends, assistantships, fellowships, federal work-study and community service, contact the academic department you plan to attend to find out what is available. The department will also be able to discuss the requirements of these programmes.

Presence in India

Carnegie Mellon's partnership with SSN School of Advanced Software Engineering (SASE) in Chennai includes Carnegie Mellon's MSIT-SE programme taught by SSN faculty in India and Carnegie Mellon faculty via distance learning, plus two semesters of residency at Carnegie Mellon's Pittsburgh campus.

Location:

Please use the Campus Directory (available at the university's website) to find the complete mailing address for individuals or departments. Note that a street address is not required by the Post Office, as the entire Los Angeles 90095 zip code is assigned to the campus.

History

UCLA is one of the world's great research universities, number 11 in London's Times Higher Education rankings (2010-2011). Its faculty includes Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, multiple MacArthur fellows and scores of national academy members. Interdisciplinary teaching and research is a particular strength, with initiatives in the arts, stem cells and other biosciences, nanoscience, international studies and the environment.

There are almost 40,000 students at UCLA, roughly 27,000 undergraduates and 13,000 graduate and professional students. The student body is diverse both in cultural and economic terms.

Courses offered

The UCLA campus has one college and 11 professional schools offering a large variety of undergraduate and graduate courses, besides offering opportunities for continuing education.

Admission procedure/cycle (month/date)

The college as well as each of the schools has individual degree requirements and each is headed by a dean who has final academic authority.

UCLA is on the quarter term system with regular sessions in the fall, winter, and spring. UCLA accepts applications from first-time freshmen and junior-level transfer students. File a University of California Application for Admission and Scholarships (refer to official website). Use one application to apply to up to 9 UC campuses. UCLA's freshman admission policy is updated every year. Refer to the official website for the latest policy.

The UCLA application for graduate admission (refer to website) should be used to apply for all programmes with the exception of Medicine, Law, Dentistry, and MBA and MFE programmes in the Anderson Graduate School of Management, which have separate admission application processes.

University regulations do not permit an applicant to apply to more than one major, with the exception of already-established concurrent or articulated degrees.
Please decide which programme is most appropriate for you prior to submitting an application. Only one application can be considered.

Tentative cost of courses

Refer to the official website for an exhaustive, up-to-date break-up of cost estimates for undergraduate as well as graduate courses.

Scholarships offered

UCLA offers many scholarships to its freshmen. There are three types:

• Regents Scholarships: Students with outstanding academic records and personal achievement are considered for Regents Scholarships, UC's most prestigious scholarship award. Regents Scholarships may be either honorary or need-based. Depending upon the campus, annual Regents Scholarship awards range from $1,000 honoraria to scholarships that cover full financial need for students who qualify for financial aid. Regents Scholarships are awarded to entering freshmen for up to four years.
• Alumni Scholarships: Alumni associations at some campuses award scholarships to entering students who have demonstrated leadership, academic achievement and participation in extracurricular activities. Awards range from $300 to $15,000 and, at some campuses, are renewable annually for qualified candidates. You do not need to be a relative of an alumnus (a graduate of the University of California) to qualify for an Alumni Scholarship.
• Restricted scholarships: Restricted scholarships are available only to students with specific backgrounds, academic interests, career objectives and other criteria. You apply for these when you apply for admission by checking off the characteristics that apply to you.

In the case of graduate courses, student support funds at UCLA are provided in the form of grants, fellowships, traineeships, teaching assistantships and graduate student researcher appointments. Support based solely on need is also provided, in the form of work-study and loans, through the Financial Aid Office (refer to website). A student may receive both a departmental or Graduate Division award and an award based solely on financial need if the need-based criteria are met.

You are strongly urged to apply in all categories for which you may qualify.