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Top 10 Largest Universities in the World by Enrollment in 2024

Biggest University

Universities are more than just academic institutions; they shape the future by offering students access to a wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences. In 2024, the list of the world's largest universities showcases institutions with vast student enrollments, innovative approaches to learning, and inclusivity as a core mission. Leading this list is India’s Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), headquartered in New Delhi, India, with over 7 million students, making it the world’s largest university by enrollment.

1. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

• Location: New Delhi, India

• Number of Enrollments: 7,140,000

• Founded: 1985

• Motto: "The People’s University"

• Highlights: IGNOU’s primary mission is to make higher education accessible to everyone. By offering a range of online and distance learning programs, it has become a leader in accessible education worldwide.

2. National University of Bangladesh

• Location: Gazipur, Bangladesh

• Number of Enrollments: 2,097,182

• Highlights: Known for providing access to rural students, this public university focuses on making quality higher education accessible across Bangladesh, especially in rural and semi-rural areas.

3. Anadolu University

• Location: Eskişehir, Turkey

• Number of Enrollments: 1,974,343

• Highlights: A non-profit institution, Anadolu University is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation in science and research.

4. California State University (CSU)

• Location: California, United States

• Number of Enrollments: 1,800,000

• Highlights: The largest university system in the U.S., CSU offers diverse programs and contributes significantly to education and workforce development in California.

5. Allama Iqbal Open University

• Location: Islamabad, Pakistan

• Number of Enrollments: 1,027,000

• Highlights: This university primarily focuses on distance education and online courses, making it one of Pakistan’s most accessible higher education institutions.

6. Savitribai Phule Pune University

• Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

• Number of Enrollments: 665,000

• Highlights: Known for its academic diversity and research orientation, it is a leading university in India with a high number of enrollments and strong focus on inclusivity.

7. Bangladesh Open University

• Location: Gazipur, Bangladesh

• Number of Enrollments: 650,000

• Highlights: Bangladesh Open University specializes in distance learning and is dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality education.

8. Universitas Terbuka

• Location: Indonesia

• Number of Enrollments: 646,467

• Highlights: As Indonesia's premier open university, it offers a range of online and distance courses, making education more accessible to Indonesian students nationwide.

9. National Technological Institute of Mexico

• Location: Mexico

• Number of Enrollments: 620,000

• Highlights: Known for its focus on technology and engineering, this institute has a large student base, preparing students for careers in various technical fields.

10. Tribhuvan University

• Location: Kirtipur, Nepal

• Number of Enrollments: 604,437

• Highlights: Established as Nepal’s first national institution of higher education, Tribhuvan University remains a leader in Nepalese education with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.

Table of the World’s Largest Universities by Enrollment (2024)The Impact of Large Universities on Global Education

These universities emphasize inclusivity, accessibility, and high-quality education, serving diverse student populations. Through distance learning, online programs, and regional centers, they reach students who might otherwise lack access to higher education, making them pillars of educational democratization worldwide.