Online Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are available from many foreign colleges, in addition to alternatives for blended learning that combine traditional on-campus instruction with online learning. However, which are the top colleges in the world for online degree programs?

How our ranking of the top online universities was created

There isn’t currently a globally renowned university ranking that includes colleges that provide online degree programs. However, there are many of excellent online education choices available at some of the universities that are listed in reputable university rankings.

Therefore, we chose the institutions that are listed in the QS World Ranking by TopUniversities and that provide at least ten fully online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for our list. The number of online courses that are listed on DistancelearningPortal.com served as our basis for this.

We didn’t only feature the top 10 institutions from the QS Rankings list; instead, we included all universities offering more than 10 online degrees out of the top 100 worldwide. This allows us to provide you with an extensive list. To help you understand the variety of study alternatives available, we have also given the number of online programs that were available on the date this article was written.

We have added the kinds of online disciplines that the universities provide to further streamline your search. In this manner, you can quickly determine whether the school offers courses in disciplines you might find interesting. Online degree programs in medicine, business, engineering, and education are among the most sought-after areas of study.

We placed topics with fewer programs under “more” so as not to list every subject offered by every university. By clicking on it, you can view the university’s complete catalog of online programs.

Top colleges with online degree programs

University College London:

Institution College London, or UCL, is a well-known public research institution in London, England. It was founded in 1826 and is notable for being the first entirely secular university in England as well as the first university in London. As part of the larger University of London, it is the largest postgraduate university in the UK and the second largest overall in terms of enrolment. With a focus on openness and collaboration, UCL offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across 11 faculties, drawing in a diverse student body from over 150 countries.

Columbia University:

Founded in 1754, Columbia University is an Ivy League academic university in New York City and one of the most prestigious and oldest institutions in the nation. With a history spanning the colonial era, it is the fifth oldest in the nation. Across its three undergraduate schools, several graduate and professional schools, and its busy campus in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Columbia University provides a broad range of academic offerings. It is renowned for its research contributions and distinguished alumni, and it is a leading center for academic excellence and intellectual exploration.

Edinburgh University:

One of Scotland’s four ancient universities, the University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583, making it the sixth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. This public research university attracts students from all around the world with its well-known academic reputation, regularly ranking among the top 50 worldwide. Science & Engineering, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Medicine & Veterinary Medicine are its three constituent colleges. It offers a vast array of programs in addition to a cutting-edge, international learning environment.

Johns Hopkins University:

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is a private research university situated in Baltimore, Maryland. It has a rich history that dates back to its foundation as the first American university to be modeled after European research institutions. Since its founding in 1876, Johns Hopkins University has led the country in research funding, pushing the boundaries of understanding across numerous disciplines. Known for having one of the best medical schools in the world, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) fosters a vibrant community of scholars and researchers while offering a rigorous academic environment.

The University of Manchester:

The University of Manchester, a public research university in England, stands out for its combination of rich heritage and cutting-edge research. Founded in 1824, it’s a “red brick” university, signifying its roots in the civic university movement, and boasts 25 Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and staff. With over 1,000 programs across various disciplines, it offers a diverse learning experience, attracting a large student body from over 190 countries. Its commitment to social responsibility and sustainability further strengthens its position as a leading institution known for both academic excellence and positive societal impact.

Northwestern University:

Northwestern Institution (NU) is a prestigious private research institution near Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois. It was founded in 1851. With its twelve schools and colleges, NU—regularly ranked among the top institutions in the US—offers a rigorous and comprehensive education. Renowned for its innovative research in fields such as engineering and medicine, vibrant campus life, and robust interdisciplinary emphasis, it attracts a diverse student body seeking intellectual stimulation and individual growth within a supportive setting.

King’s College London:

King’s College London is a prestigious public research institution that was founded in 1831 and is well-known for its academic excellence, historical significance, and vibrant location in the heart of London. It consistently ranks among the top universities in the world and attracts a diverse student body thanks to its more than 180 undergraduate and graduate programs provided in a broad range of areas. King’s College London, with its strong research, focus, and proximity to internationally renowned institutions and cultural centers offers a unique learning atmosphere that encourages intellectual curiosity and global involvement.

University of California:

One of the state’s public university systems, the esteemed University of California (UC) system consists of ten campuses that are deliberately distributed throughout the state. Since its founding in 1868, it has maintained its position as one of the top institutions in the world. It is thought to be among the world’s most exclusive and selective university systems.

Each UC campus is unique in its way, offering a multitude of academic programs in several topic areas. From the bustling urban campus of UCLA in Los Angeles to the gorgeous coastal campus of UC Santa Barbara, the UC system offers a variety of campuses to meet the interests and aspirations of students.

The University of California system is renowned for its commitment to cutting-edge research, which has produced several ground-breaking discoveries and significantly increased global knowledge. Additionally, it emphasizes accessibility and affordability heavily, offering sizeable financial aid packages to ensure that talented students from a variety of backgrounds can pursue a UC degree.

University of Sydney:

The oldest university in Australia, the University of Sydney (USYD), was established in 1850 and is one of the country’s six prestigious “sandstone universities.” It is highly regarded for both research and innovation, consistently listed among the world’s best universities, and noted for its academic prowess. More than 170 countries send students to USYD, which attracts a vibrant student body with eight colleges and university schools offering a wide range of degrees. Its commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity confirms its standing as a leading institution whose innovative teaching and research are shaping the future.

Monash University:

Located in Melbourne, Monash University was established in 1958 and is the largest university in Australia. It is a leading public research institution. This university, which has campuses in China, Malaysia, Italy, India, and Indonesia, is among the top 100 in the world. Its impact on the world is well known. With ten faculties, Monash offers a broad range of programs, promoting excellence in research and attracting a diverse student body of international students seeking a life-changing educational experience.

The University of Texas at Austin:

UT Austin, often known as the University of Texas at Austin, is a well-known public research university and the flagship institution of the University of Texas System. This university, which was founded in 1883, has a distinguished history, a diverse student body of more than 52,000, and a consistent standing in the top tier of public universities nationwide. Attracting educators and learners from across the globe, UT Austin fosters research excellence with its 18 colleges and institutions and extensive academic programs.

University of Glasgow:

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is a world-renowned public research university and one of Scotland’s four ancient universities. Consistently ranking among the top 100 universities globally, it boasts a rich history, cutting-edge research, and a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across four colleges. With a strong focus on international collaboration and sustainability, the University of Glasgow attracts students and researchers from over 140 countries, fostering a vibrant and intellectually stimulating learning environment.

Georgia Institute of Technology: 

The Georgia Institute of Technology, often referred to as Georgia Tech, is a highly regarded public research university located in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1885, it’s a leading institution in science and technology, consistently ranking among the top public universities in the United States. Georgia Tech offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across six colleges, with particular strengths in engineering, computing, and design. It fosters a vibrant research environment, attracting students and faculty seeking to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.

University of Sheffield:

Founded in 1897, the Sheffield Institution is a renowned public research institution situated in Sheffield, England. It boasts a lengthy history, is listed in the top 100 institutions in the world, and its extensive academic offerings attract students from all over the globe. Its five faculties—Arts & Humanities, Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry & Health, and Science—offer a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and they foster a climate of top-notch research and global collaboration.

University of Birmingham:

Founded in 1900, the University of Birmingham in Birmingham, England, is a well-known public research institution. As a member of the esteemed Russell Group, it enjoys a stellar reputation in both research and teaching. It attracts a vibrant student body with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration from over 150 countries. It offers six colleges with a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university is well-known for its historical significance—ten Nobel Laureates have been among its faculty and alumni—as well as for its stunning, verdant campus, which is located not far from Birmingham’s bustling downtown.