Lori Meadows
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in India is the largest university in the world by enrollment, with over 7 million students. Other large universities include the National University of Bangladesh, Anadolu University in Turkey, the California Community Colleges System, and Columbia University in New York. The size of a university can be an important metric, indicating its popularity and reputation, but it is not the only factor that contributes to its appeal and quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University with the most students in the world | Indira Gandhi National Open University, with 7.14 million students enrolled |
| University with the most students in Nepal | Tribhuvan University, with 482,000 students |
| University with the most students in Iran | Payame Noor University, with 430,000 students |
| University with the most students in Egypt | Al-Azhar University, with 270,000 students |
| University with the largest undergraduate enrollment in the US | Arizona State University, with 65,200 students |
| University with the smallest student body in the US | California State University-Fullerton, with 37,000 students |
| University with the largest in-person enrollment in the US | Texas A&M University, with 75,000 students |
| University with the most students in New York City | NYU, with 60,000 students |
| University with the most students in Minnesota | University of Minnesota, with 52,000 students |
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What You'll Learn
Indira Gandhi National Open University, India: 7.14 million students
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a public open and distance learning university located in Delhi, India. Named after the former prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi, the university was established in 1985 with a budget of 20 million rupees. The Indira Gandhi National Open University Act of 1985, passed by the Parliament of India, brought the university into existence.
IGNOU is the world's largest university, with an active enrollment of over 7 million students. The university has a vast reach, with 69 Regional Centres, 2,000+ Learner Support Centres across India, and 25 Overseas Study Centres in 15 countries. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (FYUP) and skill-based courses, with a total of 325 programmes. The university also offers live classes in 14 regional languages and provides diploma and certificate-level courses.
IGNOU has been recognised for its excellence in distance, online, and open learning systems, receiving the prestigious A++ accreditation from NAAC. It has also been ranked among the top ten "Institutes of National Importance and Central Universities" for its efforts in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. The university's role in shaping India's educational landscape is significant, and it continues to strive for academic and professional growth for its students.
IGNOU's innovative distance learning programs have attracted students from diverse backgrounds, including international students, marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities. The university's integration of technology with education, such as MOOCs on SWAYAM and its Learning Management System (LMS) portal, has enhanced the accessibility and affordability of quality education. Additionally, IGNOU has introduced audiobooks for Self-Learning Materials (SLMs) in management courses and has recorded promotional materials in regional languages, further expanding its reach and inclusivity.
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Tribhuvan University, Nepal: 482,000 students
Tribhuvan University (TU) in Nepal is the largest university in the country, with 482,000 students. Established in 1959, it is also the oldest university in Nepal. The university is located in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, and was named after the late King Tribhuvan. Tribhuvan University offers a wide range of academic programmes, with 1,000 undergraduate and 500 postgraduate courses across various disciplines. In addition, the university has a strong presence throughout Nepal, with 62 constituent campuses and over 1,080 affiliated colleges.
As one of the leading universities in Nepal, Tribhuvan University holds a Guinness World Record for the significant number of graduates it produces. The university's 49th graduation ceremony, held in December 2023, saw over 73,000 students graduating. This impressive number of graduates reflects the university's impact on higher education in the country.
The university has a rich history, with all postgraduate classes initially held at Tripureshwor Campus, where the administrative office was located. It was only in 1967 that the university relocated to its main campus in Kirtipur, an ancient town situated southwest of Kathmandu. Over the years, Tribhuvan University has expanded its programmes and facilities to accommodate the growing demand for higher education in Nepal.
Tribhuvan University's academic structure consists of five technical institutes and four general faculties. The university offers a comprehensive range of courses, with 115 technical proficiency certificate-level programmes, 1,079 Bachelor's-level courses, and 1,000 Master's-level courses. Additionally, Tribhuvan University provides the opportunity to pursue PhD degrees within its technical institutes and faculties. The university's diverse academic offerings cater to a vast number of students, contributing to its high enrolment figures.
The university also has a free student union that advocates for the rights and interests of its students. The union is democratically elected by the students and works to solve problems for all students, regardless of political affiliations. Tribhuvan University's commitment to its students extends beyond academics, fostering a supportive environment for its large student body.
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Payame Noor University, Iran: 430,000 students
Payame Noor University, located in Iran, is a standout institution when it comes to student population, boasting an impressive enrollment of 430,000 students. This remarkable number solidifies its position as one of the largest universities in the world by student population. Established in 1987, Payame Noor University, or PNUA for short, has a unique structure that contributes to its massive scale.
The university operates as a distributed learning institution, utilizing a network of over 600 centers and branches spread across Iran. This decentralized approach to education allows PNUA to reach a vast number of students, particularly those who might not otherwise have access to higher education. The university's mission is to provide educational opportunities to all, regardless of geographical constraints, and its extensive network of centers makes this a reality.
PNUA offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The university's focus is on providing a comprehensive education that caters to a diverse range of interests and career paths. To accommodate its large student body, the university employs a significant number of faculty members, ensuring that students receive the necessary support and guidance throughout their academic journey.
One of the key features that make PNUA unique is its utilization of distance learning technologies. The university takes advantage of online platforms and digital resources to deliver lectures, conduct discussions, and facilitate interactive learning experiences. This approach not only helps overcome geographical barriers but also ensures that students can access their courses and materials at their convenience. PNUA's embrace of technology plays a crucial role in its ability to educate such a large student population effectively.
The university's size and scope also contribute to its cultural significance in Iran. With students hailing from diverse backgrounds and regions, PNUA fosters a rich and diverse community that promotes cultural exchange and understanding. The university also actively encourages extracurricular activities, social events, and student initiatives to enhance the overall student experience and create a sense of community, even with its distributed nature.
Lastly, Payame Noor University's impact extends beyond just its student population. The university actively contributes to research and development in various fields, fostering innovation and scholarly pursuits. By embracing a modern approach to education and leveraging technology, PNUA has not only expanded access to higher education but also set a precedent for other institutions aiming to cater to a large and diverse student body. Its success serves as a testament to the power of distributed learning and the potential for technology to transform educational landscapes.
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Al-Azhar University, Egypt: 270,000 students
Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, has approximately 270,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the world by enrolment. It is Egypt's oldest degree-granting university, founded in 970 or 972 by the Fatimid Caliphate as a centre of Islamic learning. In addition to higher education, Al-Azhar oversees a national network of schools with approximately two million students.
The university offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and graduate study programs across 81 faculties, 9 institutes, and 359 academic departments. The main thematic focus areas include science and technology, management and business administration, arts, languages and humanities, agriculture, dentistry, and medicine. Al-Azhar University is also known for its prestigious Islamic teachings and is considered the chief centre of Arabic literature and Islamic learning in the world.
Historically, Al-Azhar has experienced political instability and undergone substantial reforms. In the 12th century, a new dynasty destroyed approximately 100,000 texts. During the time of the Ottoman Empire, the Hanafi dean held a prominent position. In the early 20th century, modernist thinkers led a curriculum reform, advocating for legal reform through ijtihad. In the 1960s, the university was nationalised, introducing secular subjects such as business, economics, science, medicine, engineering, and agriculture to the curriculum.
Al-Azhar University has played a significant role in Egypt's religious discourse. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has called on the university to counter extremist ideologies that emerged after the Arab Spring uprisings. The university has a long tradition of teaching all four schools of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence and has been associated with diverse opinions within Islam.
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Texas A&M University, USA: 60,000-75,000 students
Texas A&M University is one of the largest public universities in the United States, with a student population of almost 60,000 as of fall 2023. The university's student body is comparable in size to the population of DeSoto, a Dallas suburb. Texas A&M is the main university of the Texas A&M University System, a network of institutions that share a central board of governance. The system has an endowment of over $19.2 billion, the second-highest among US public universities.
Texas A&M was established in 1871 as the first public university in Texas and began classes in 1876. The university is known for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and military science, and it has a long history of military training and tradition. The school's students are referred to as the "12th Man" at university sporting events, symbolising their support for the players on the field and their willingness to step in if needed.
Texas A&M offers a broad range of degree programs that provide a strong educational foundation for graduate studies or career pursuits. The university is highly regarded for its return on investment, particularly for military veterans. The Wall Street Journal ranked Texas A&M second nationally as "most likely to help students land a job in key careers and professions". The university also has a strong research focus, surpassing $1 billion in total research expenditures in 2020.
Texas A&M has a diverse student population, with members of ethnic minority groups making up 42.2% of the student body. The university has a student-to-teacher ratio of 19:1 and a high freshman retention rate of 92%. The College of Engineering enrols the largest number of students, followed by the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The university's degree programs, combined with its strong reputation and focus on research, make it an attractive option for many students.
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Frequently asked questions
Indira Gandhi National Open University in India is the largest university system globally, with around 7.14 million students enrolled.
Arizona State University enrolled the most students out of any US school, with almost 65,200 students.
Texas A&M University, Western Governors University, Southern New Hampshire University, and University of Phoenix are among the largest universities in the US.
Tribhuvan University in Nepal had the highest number of full-time students in the world in the academic year 2023/24, with 482,000 students.
Yes, Payame Noor University in Iran and Al-Azhar University in Egypt had approximately 430,000 and 270,000 registered students, respectively, in the academic year 2023/24.
