Most Difficult Universities in the World

Hey there! I’m thinking about potentially broadening my horizons. Apart from Ivy League in the USA, which colleges or universities around the world are considered the most difficult to get into?

Hello! That's an exciting goal to aim for. Outside of the U.S., there are indeed quite a few institutions with a reputation for being highly selective.

In the United Kingdom, for instance, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, collectively known as Oxbridge, are notoriously difficult to gain admission to, due to their rigorous academic standards, competitive student body, and extensive (and unique) application processes, which include additional tests and interviews.

In Asia, the University of Tokyo (Japan) is renowned for its tough admission standards. Tsinghua University and Peking University in China have a reputation for being exceedingly competitive as well, largely due to the highly rigorous Gaokao, which is the national college entrance exam in China.

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in India are another group of institutions known for their selectivity. For admissions, they use an intensely competitive entrance exam known as the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), which is notorious for its low acceptance rate.

The Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETHZ) in Switzerland, is one of the top STEM schools globally and has stringent admission criteria, particularly for students from outside of the European Union.

Lastly, the ENS Paris in France - it is a small and very selective school, known for its rigorous academics and highly competitive entrance examinations.

Remember to conduct a thorough examination of each institution's specific admission requirements, programs, and, equally important, cultural aspects before embarking on the application process. While these institutions are prestigious and globally recognized, it's crucial to ensure that they align with your academic and career interests. Good luck!