Top 10 Online Universities In The World In 2021

The need to balance work and family life with education has made online learning an ideal choice for many students. Today, you can get an online Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from one of the top online universities in the world without needing to travel to another country. You now have access to some of the world’s best academic and professional programs from the comfort of your home.

However, choosing which university you’ll like to pursue your online degree can be challenging due to the overwhelming number of universities today that offer online programs. So, we’ve taken an in-depth look at the top online universities in the world, and compiled a list of top 10 universities where you’re sure to get a world-class online degree. If you’re wondering how we came up with this list. Here! Let’s look at the rationale behind our ranking:

Rationale for our top 10 online universities list

At present, there is no internationally recognised university ranking dedicated solely to universities offering online degrees. However, using a simple methodology, we’ve created our list from top-ranking universities in the world that offer great online programs. Here are the two factors we’ve considered:

1. We’ve looked at universities featured in the latest QS World Ranking (The 2022 QS World University Rankings) released on June 8, 2021 by TopUniversities. The QS ranking is one of the best-known and most-widely read university rankings in the world. Independent academic experts agree that the results are over 99% reliable. You can read more on the QS ranking methodology here. The universities in our list fall within the first 60 universities in the 2022 QS World University Rankings.
2. Secondly, we’ve selected the top online universities in the world that offer above 10 Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees taught fully online, as listed on com. Some top universities like MIT, Harvard, and Oxford typically offer mostly short courses online.

So, here are the top 10 online universities in the world in 2021

1. University College London (UCL), UK: UCL ranked 8th in the world, and was rated the top university in the UK for research strength in the most recent Research Excellence Framework. UCL has 27 online programs; medicine and health, education and training, social sciences programs, etc. You can access world-class research expertise and innovation, completely online.
2. The University of Edinburgh, UK: The University of Edinburgh has 87 online programs, including blend learning and fully online programs. They ranked 16th in the world, and are consistently among the best 50 universities in the world. As an online learner, you’ll get an equal learning experience like any on-campus student, with access to a vast range of library resources, and IT support.
3. Columbia University, US: Columbia University ranked 19th in the latest QS Rankings. There are 20 online programs available, including business and management, natural sciences and mathematics courses, etc. Columbia online is the university’s platform for accessing online programs, and leveraging on online and digital technologies for learning.
4. Johns Hopkins University, US: Johns Hopkins ranked 25th in the latest QS Rankings. They provide some of the best online Master’s programs in the US. You don’t need to physically be on a Johns Hopkins campus, to get the benefits of a world-class Johns Hopkins education. 93 online programs are available; including engineering, business, arts degree programs, etc.
5. Northwestern University, US: Ranking 30th in the world, Northwestern University offers 24 blended or fully online distance learning programs. Just like any on-campus student, you’ll have access to an equivalent curriculum, a highly interactive online classroom, and you’d need to meet the same admission standards.
6. The University of Manchester, UK: With 216 fully online or blended programs, the University of Manchester is one of the top online universities in the world, ranking 27th in the latest QS Rankings. All online programs are highly interactive and flexible. You’ll have access to a worldwide community of learners and professionals, and can also get flexible payment options and scholarships to fund your online program.
7. King’s College London, UK: Ranking 35th in the world, King’s College offers 40 online programs, including a good number of law courses. The online programs are flexible with 6 entry points yearly, giving you the opportunity to choose the most suitable time for you. Specialist services like career and disability services are available, and you’ll get a dedicated Student Success Advisor to provide you with support throughout the course of your study.
8. University of Sydney, Australia: Currently ranked 38th, the University of Sydney is one of the top online universities in the world, providing a world-class research and learning experience. With 205 online programs, courses cover a range of arts, health, engineering degrees, and more. You’ll have access to online clubs and societies programs, online industry and community projects, and so much more.
9. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), US: Consistently ranked among the world’s top-tier universities, and currently 40th in the world, UCLA offers a range of online programs, with most being Engineering degrees. UCLA Extension provides a personalised approach to online study with instructors and support providers, and a highly interactive community of students from across the globe.
10. Monash University, Australia: Currently ranked 58th in the world, Monash University is renowned for top quality teaching and world-class facilities. With 43 blended or fully online programs, you have access to an array of subject areas, including a good number of medicine and health programs. Amongst several other online learning supports, you’ll have online learning advisers (OLAs) who are subject-matter experts in each of your course units. They’ll provide help with your assessments, and real-life application of your study.

If you choose to pursue an online degree in any of these top online universities in the world, you’ll graduate as an in-demand employee, prepared to take the next huge step in your career. Learn more about how to get a good degree online.

About Author

Ofure Odibeli 

Ofure Odibeli is a freelance writer and editor who has worked across a range of digital and traditional media platforms. As a versatile writer, her projects have cut across several niches, including public health, education, history, health and wellness, real estate, international relations, and lifestyle. Her specialties are writing and editing, content marketing, and creative services. She currently works as a freelance writer on Upwork, an Editorial Consultant for the African Women’s Collaborative for Healthy Food Systems, and a writer for MotivationAfrica. Ofure is available for editing and writing projects, as well as private consultation. Contact Ofure at ofureodibeli@gmail.com

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