Welcome to our Student Spotlight series, where we bring you authentic reviews and insights from students studying at some of the world’s top universities.
Get ready to delve into firsthand experiences, opinions, and advice shared by real students navigating their academic journeys at prestigious institutions across the globe.
From campus life to academics, and extracurricular activities to student support services, this series aims to provide a candid and informative look at what it’s like to be a student at these renowned universities.
Qatar University
Qatar University (QU) is a public research university located on the northern outskirts of Doha, Qatar. It is the only public university in the country.
Here are some details about Qatar University:
- History: Established as the College of Education by a decree from the Emir of Qatar in 1973. The college began with a total of 150 students and was later expanded to become the University of Qatar in 1977 with four new colleges.
- Academics: QU hosts ten colleges – Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics, Education, Engineering, Law, Sharia and Islamic Studies, Pharmacy, College of Health Science, College of Medicine, College of Dental Medicine, College of Pharmacy and College of Nursing. Courses are taught in Arabic and English. The university offers the widest range of academic programs in Qatar, with 50 Bachelors and 47 Masters programs.
- Rankings: Ranked 11th among 100 universities in the MENA region according to QS Top Universities
- Research: Qatar University Research Complex is a purpose-built state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the university’s capacity to achieve its objective of serving the community and country through research.
- Student Life: QU offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events. The university also has several on-campus housing options for students.
University of Luxembourg
The University of Luxembourg (Uni.lu) is a public research university in Luxembourg City. Founded in 2003, it’s the only public university in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Here’s a glimpse of the University of Luxembourg:
- A Young and International University: Established in 2003, Uni.lu is a relatively young university with a strong international focus. With more than 7,000 students and approximately 2,400 employees from around the world, it provides a truly cosmopolitan learning experience. Over 60% of the student body is international, and the majority of staff members and academics also have international backgrounds.
- Multilingual Environment: The university’s multilingual environment is a major perk. Courses are generally taught in two languages, typically French and English or French and German. Some courses are offered in three languages, while others are entirely in English.
- Academics: Uni.lu offers a comprehensive range of academic programs. There are 18 bachelor’s degrees, 46 master’s degrees, and doctoral programs. Bachelor’s degrees all require a semester abroad, providing students with valuable international experience. The university also offers vocational training and lifelong learning training courses.
- Research Focus: The University of Luxembourg is a world-class research university. It has a strong focus on both fundamental and applied research, and it strives for excellence in education as well. The university places a high importance on research and its societal impact.
- Faculty and Student Life: The university is divided into three faculties: Faculty of Science, Technology and Communication (FSTC), Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF), and Faculty of Language and Literature, Humanities, Arts and Education (FLSHASE). The university offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events.
Here are some additional details about the University of Luxembourg:
- Rankings: Ranked 1st in Luxembourg and 381st in the 2024 QS World University Ranking.
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19.3 (in 2023)
- Strategic Development Areas: Digital transformation, medicine and health, and sustainable and societal development.
University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is a prestigious public research university located in Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong. Established in 1887 as the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese, it is the oldest tertiary institution in Hong Kong.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the University of Hong Kong:
- History and Reputation: HKU has a long and distinguished history, playing a pivotal role in Hong Kong’s development into a global financial center. It’s consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, achieving the following rankings in 2024:
- #26 Worldwide in QS World University Rankings
- #35 Worldwide in Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- #42nd Best-Ranked University Worldwide in Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities (ARTU)
- Ranked as the Most International University in the World in 2023 by Times Higher Education
- Academics: HKU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across ten faculties:
- Architecture
- Arts
- Business & Economics (HKU Business School)
- Dentistry
- Education
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine (Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine)
- Science
- Social Sciences
- English is the primary medium of instruction and assessment, making it accessible to a global student body.
- Research: HKU is a research-driven university with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. Researchers at HKU have made significant contributions in various fields, including medicine, engineering, and social sciences. The university was the first team in the world to successfully isolate the SARS-CoV coronavirus.
- Campus Life: HKU’s main campus is located on a beautiful 14-hectare site on Hong Kong Island. The campus offers a variety of facilities and amenities for students, including libraries, museums, sports facilities, and student residences. The university also has a vibrant campus life with a wide range of clubs, societies, and activities.
- International Outlook: HKU is a truly global university with over 340 exchange partnerships with leading universities worldwide. The university has a diverse student body, with over 9,000 international students from over 96 countries, creating a rich and multicultural learning environment.
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a Swiss federal research institute and university in Lausanne, Switzerland, specializing in natural sciences and engineering. It is one of the two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, the other being ETH Zurich. EPFL is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, and is currently ranked 14th in the QS World University Rankings and 15th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
History
EPFL was founded in 1853 as a private school called the “École spéciale de Lausanne”. In 1969, it was renamed the “École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne” and became a federal institute of technology.
Academics
EPFL offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, natural sciences, and architecture. The university has five schools:
- School of Basic Sciences
- School of Engineering
- School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering
- School of Life Sciences
- College of Management of Technology
Research
EPFL is a research-intensive university with a strong focus on innovation. The university has over 3,000 researchers working in a variety of fields, including:
- Microelectronics
- Robotics
- Biomedical engineering
- Energy
- Sustainable development
Campus
EPFL’s main campus is located in Lausanne, Switzerland. The campus is home to over 10,000 students and 5,000 staff. The campus has a variety of facilities and amenities, including:
- Libraries
- Laboratories
- Sports facilities
- Student residences
Student Life
EPFL has a vibrant student life with a wide range of clubs, societies, and activities. The university also has a number of on-campus housing options for students.
Notable Alumni
EPFL has a number of notable alumni, including:
- Jacques Dubochet, Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2017)
- Michael Grätzel, inventor of the dye-sensitized solar cell
- Martin Vetterli, President of ETH Zurich
University of Geneva
The University of Geneva (UNIGE) is a public research university located in Geneva, Switzerland. It is the second-largest university in Switzerland and consistently ranked among the top universities in the world.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the University of Geneva:
- History and Reputation: Founded in 1559 by French theologian John Calvin, UNIGE has a long and distinguished history. Initially a theological seminary, it gradually evolved into a center for enlightenment scholarship and today offers a wide range of programs across various fields. The QS World University Rankings place UNIGE at #122 in the world for 2024.
- Academics: UNIGE offers more than 500 degree programs, including 129 Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, 80 doctoral programs, and over 300 continuing education programs. The university is composed of eight faculties:
- Sciences
- Medicine
- Arts
- Social Sciences and Economics
- Law
- Theology
- Psychology and Educational Sciences
- School of Translation and Interpretation
- Research: UNIGE is a research-intensive university with a focus on fundamental knowledge acquisition. Researchers at UNIGE explore a wide range of topics including life sciences, medicine, law, and social sciences.
- Campus Life: UNIGE has its main campus situated on the left bank of the Rhône River. The university offers a vibrant student life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events. There are also several student housing options available.
- International Outlook: UNIGE embraces a global perspective. The university has a diverse student body, with over 16,500 students from more than 150 nationalities. Additionally, UNIGE offers a significant number of courses and programs in English.
University of Macau
The University of Macau (UM) is the only public comprehensive university in Macau. It’s an international university with a multicultural campus that was founded in 1981.
Here’s a closer look at UM:
- International and Modern: UM fosters a global perspective with 80% of its faculty members recruited internationally. English is the primary medium of instruction, making it accessible to a diverse student body. This international environment allows students to develop a global mindset and intercultural competence.
- Academic Excellence: UM offers over 130 bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programs across a wide range of disciplines including literature, language, business administration, engineering, computer science, health sciences, law, and social sciences. The university is known for its strengths in various fields, with 12 subjects ranking in the top 1% of the Essential Sciences Indicators (ESI) rankings.
- Research Oriented: Research is a core aspect of UM’s mission. The university established numerous research institutes focusing on humanities, social sciences, applied physics, Chinese medicine, microelectronics, and more.
- Vibrant Campus Life: The scenic UM campus is situated on the eastern side of the Coloane Island. It offers a variety of amenities including libraries, museums, sporting facilities, and student residences. The university also boasts a vibrant campus life with a multitude of student clubs, organizations, and activities.
- Rankings and Reputation: UM is consistently ranked among the top universities in Asia. Here’s a glimpse at its standing in 2024:
- #193 in Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- #33 in Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings
- #26 in Times Higher Education Young University Rankings
- #254 in QS World University Rankings
ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
ETH Zurich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich), also known as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, is a prestigious public research university in Zurich, Switzerland.
Founded in 1855 with a focus on educating engineers and scientists, it has become a global leader in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Academic Excellence and Reputation:
- Consistently ranks among the top 20 universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2024).
- Houses over 22 Nobel Laureates, 2 Fields Medalists (recognizing outstanding mathematicians), 3 Pritzker Prize winners (awarded for architecture), and 1 Turing Award winner (considered the Nobel Prize of computer science) – a testament to the exceptional caliber of its faculty and alumni.
- Offers a broad range of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral programs across 16 departments, encompassing disciplines like Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Management, and Social Sciences.
Research Powerhouse:
- A driving force for innovation with a strong emphasis on fundamental and applied research.
- Houses numerous cutting-edge research institutes tackling global challenges in areas like sustainable development, robotics, artificial intelligence, and biomedicine.
International Outlook:
- Embraces a global perspective with over 43% of its student body coming from outside Switzerland.
- Provides a truly international learning environment fostering intercultural exchange and collaboration.
- Offers many Master’s and doctoral programs in English, making it accessible to students worldwide.
Student Life:
- Located in the heart of Zurich, a vibrant and beautiful city offering a high quality of life.
- Provides a supportive and dynamic campus life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events catering to diverse interests.
- Offers on-campus housing options for students, along with support services for international students.
Additional Points of Interest:
- Language of Instruction: Bachelor’s programs are primarily taught in German, while most Master’s and doctoral programs are offered in English.
- Tuition Fees: The university offers relatively affordable tuition fees for international students, especially compared to other top universities, with semester fees of around CHF 800 (approx. USD 870) for 2022/23.
- Financial Aid: ETH Zurich provides various scholarship opportunities for international students to help manage education costs.
Overall, ETH Zurich is a dream destination for aspiring scientists, engineers, and mathematicians seeking a world-class education, a vibrant research environment, and an international learning experience.
University of St Gallen
The University of St. Gallen (HSG), also known as HSG Universität St.Gallen, is a prestigious research university located in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
It’s a leader in business administration, economics, law, international affairs, and computer science. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
History and Reputation:
- Established in 1898 as a “Business Academy,” HSG has a long tradition of excellence in business education.
- Consistently ranked among the top business schools in Europe (e.g., #351 in QS World University Rankings 2024).
- Produced more billionaires in Europe than any other European university, highlighting its focus on successful business careers.
Academics:
- Offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral programs across its five schools:
- School of Management
- School of Finance
- School of Economics and Political Science
- Law School
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Focuses on an integrative approach, combining business administration with insights from law, social sciences, and international affairs.
- Strong emphasis on practical application alongside theoretical knowledge to prepare students for real-world challenges.
Research:
- Conducts high-level research in various areas related to business, economics, and social sciences.
- Research is conducted through 40 institutes and research institutes, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Unique Aspects:
- Triple Crown Accreditation: Holds the prestigious EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA accreditations, signifying the highest standards in business education globally.
- Small But Renowned: HSG is one of Switzerland’s smallest universities, but it boasts the largest faculty for business administration in the country, ensuring a personalized learning experience.
- Beautiful Campus: The HSG campus is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance, offering a historic and scenic learning environment.
Student Life:
- Provides a vibrant campus life with a variety of student clubs, organizations, and social events.
- Strong international focus, with over 2,300 international students from around the globe.
- Offers excellent career support services to help students find job placements after graduation.
Overall, the University of St. Gallen is an ideal choice for students seeking a top-ranked business education in a beautiful and international setting. Its focus on practical application, renowned faculty, and strong alumni network make it a stepping stone to successful careers in business.
National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a prestigious public research university widely regarded as a leading academic institution in Asia. Founded in 1980 through the merger of the University of Singapore and Nanyang University, it boasts a rich history and a global reputation for excellence.
Here’s a comprehensive look at NUS:
Academic Strength and Reputation:
- Consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide (e.g., #11 in the 2024 QS World University Rankings).
- Offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across 17 faculties and schools, encompassing disciplines like Engineering, Medicine, Law, Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Dentistry, Computing, and Science.
- Houses world-class research facilities and faculty members who are at the forefront of their fields.
Research Powerhouse:
- A leader in research, with a strong focus on areas relevant to Asia and the global community.
- Houses numerous research institutes tackling challenges in areas like sustainability, healthcare, and technological advancements.
- Emphasis on interdisciplinary research collaboration across various faculties.
Diverse and Vibrant Campus:
- Located in Singapore, a dynamic and multicultural city-state known for its innovation and quality of life.
- The bustling campus reflects Singapore’s diverse population, with a strong international student presence (over 20,000 international students from over 100 countries).
- Offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events catering to diverse interests.
Additional Points of Interest:
- Language of Instruction: English is the primary medium of instruction.
- Accommodation: Offers on-campus housing options for students, along with various scholarship opportunities to support international students.
- Focus on Future-Ready Graduates: NUS curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills to prepare students for successful careers in a rapidly changing world.
Overall, the National University of Singapore is an excellent choice for ambitious students seeking a world-class education in a dynamic and international environment. Its strong academic reputation, cutting-edge research facilities, and diverse campus life make it a springboard for success in a globalized world.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a world-renowned public research university in London, UK. Established in 1907, it’s known for its exceptional focus on science, engineering, medicine and business (STEMB) fields, fostering a unique culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Academic Excellence and Reputation:
- Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities globally (e.g., #6 in the 2024 QS World University Rankings).
- Houses Nobel laureates, Fellows of the Royal Society, and other highly distinguished academics.
- Offers a prestigious and rigorous education with a strong emphasis on research.
- Undergraduate programs are highly selective, attracting talented students from around the world.
- Postgraduate programs cater to a variety of specializations within STEMB fields.
Research Powerhouse:
- A global leader in research with a focus on solving real-world problems and making a positive impact on society.
- Conducts cutting-edge research in areas like climate change, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and sustainable technologies.
- Strong emphasis on collaboration between researchers from different disciplines to find innovative solutions.
International Outlook:
- Embraces a global perspective with a diverse student body. Over 60% of students come from outside the UK, creating a truly international learning environment.
- Offers numerous international exchange and research opportunities, allowing students to broaden their horizons.
Central London Location:
- Situated in the heart of South Kensington, London, offering easy access to world-class museums, cultural landmarks, and historical sites.
- Provides a vibrant and dynamic city life experience alongside academic pursuits.
Additional Points of Interest:
- Focus on Entrepreneurship: Encourages a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, with dedicated support services for students and researchers to develop their ideas into businesses.
- Campus Life: Offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of student clubs, societies, and events catering to diverse interests.
- Financial Aid: Provides various scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students to help manage education costs.
Overall, Imperial College London is an ideal choice for ambitious and talented students passionate about STEMB fields. Its exceptional academic reputation, world-class research facilities, and international outlook provide a unique and enriching learning experience.
