If you’ve travelled to many countries, you might have noticed that some of the top attractions include universities, colleges or other educational institutions. However, some universities have such striking campuses that you simply have to see them to believe in their beauty. These beautiful university campuses are known for their architecture, age, and stunning setting. Prestigious or not, these campuses alone make visiting these universities worthwhile.
That’s why, in honour of International Student’s Day on 17 November, Expat Explore has compiled a list of some of our favourite universities around the world. Read on to discover the most beautiful university campuses across many of the world’s top travel destinations.
Take a look at the most beautiful universities & campuses worldwide:
University of Bologna, Italy
The University of Bologna in Italy is undeniably one of the most special in the world. Not only is it strikingly beautiful, featuring stunning ancient architecture, but it is also the world’s oldest degree-awarding institution. So, whether you’re interested in awe-inspiring architecture, 19th-century history, or both, this beautiful university campus deserves a spot on your travel bucket list!
Related: Visit this university with Expat Explore on our 10-day Italy in Low Season tour.
University of al-Qarawiyyin, Morocco
The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fes, Morocco, is as old as it is absolutely breathtaking. This university was first built as a mosque between 857 and 859 before becoming an educational institution. Be sure to soak up its sights, such as amazing arches, meticulous tiling and, of course, the green roof that tops it all off.
Related: You can visit this university too! Embark on our Highlights of Morocco tour.
Salamanca, Spain
If you’d like to visit one of the most beautiful university campuses in the world, Salamanca in Spain will far exceed your expectations! This medieval Spanish building was founded in the 13th century and first started with teachings in physics, grammar and arts. However, some believe that the existence of a secret cave points to the university’s possible ancient ties with sorcery, especially black magic. When admiring this building’s exceptional exterior, try to spot the tiny frog which has become a good luck symbol of the city!
Related: Book our Spain & Portugal Explorer tour to visit this university in person!
Trinity College, Dublin
Ireland has many enchanting sights and a rich architectural history to explore. Trinity College Dublin is the perfect example of both. The Museum Building of Trinity College Dublin, built between 1853 and 1857 is a masterpiece of Ruskinian Gothic architecture. This style went on to influence a generation of British and Irish architects. It’s also interesting to note that some of the world’s finest minds hail from Trinity, including writers Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett and scientists William Rowan Hamilton and Ernest Walton.
Related: Choose to explore Trinity College on our 7-day Irish Explorer tour.
St. Andrews, Scotland
Scotland is home to a university known not only for its captivating architecture and esteemed education but also for the ultimate love story! That’s right, this is the university where Prince William and Princess Kate fatefully met in the historic halls. This 15th-century marvel is a true late Scottish Gothic architectural masterpiece. The university’s Wardlaw Museum houses over 115,000 artefacts celebrating its rich history.
Related: Scotland is another country you can visit with Expat Explore on our Great Britain tour.
Cambridge College, Massachusetts, USA
While the USA has many famed and historic universities, Cambridge College in Massachusetts hosts two of the world’s most stunning campuses – Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). On the one end, Harvard offers incredible 17th-century pseudo-Georgian architecture while MIT might be one of the most interesting buildings you’ll ever see, combining many styles of architecture to form a wonderland for the eyes to explore.
Related: You guessed it! Harvard University is an optional highlight on our Eastern USA & Canada Escape tour.
University of Cambridge, England
On the other side of the pond, the United Kingdom brings us what most people would consider the one and only University of Cambridge (while the aforementioned is technically Cambridge College but let’s not get into it). This 13th-century marvel campus is also one of the world’s most prestigious universities to attend. Around every corner, you will find new botanical beauties and architectural gems!
Related: Visit both Cambridges and compare! See the UK’s University of Cambridge on our Best of UK & Ireland tour.
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
All the way down in South Africa lies a university surrounded by so much scenery that many locals and even international students flock to reside there simply for its beauty. The University of Stellenbosch is scattered across this old Dutch-influenced town, with many historic buildings as well as exciting new architectural projects serving as lecture rooms. And, while we’re in the Western Cape of South Africa, why not travel a short while to Cape Town, one of the country’s capitals, where another charming campus, the University of Cape Town, can be found?
Related: Use your free time in Cape Town on our Cape Town and the Garden Route tour to visit the famous UCT campus.
University of Helsinki, Finland
Venture to Helsinki to explore the oldest educational institution in Finland! This 19th-century campus is certainly picturesque with its pastel colours designed by architect Alvar Aalto. However, the true star of the show is the breathtaking botanical garden that spans across 10 acres. Its accompanying greenhouse is an equally impressive sight; not only for its size but also the 800+ plant species on display.
Related: Enjoy a free day in Helsinki on our Helsinki to Warsaw tour and go see this university for yourself!
Tama Art University, Japan
The Tama Art University has two campuses – one appears like a striking artwork among the rolling hills of Setagaya, Japan. The other is located in Hachioji City, only 40 minutes away from Shinjuku. However, one look at the outside and one tour of the inside of the Tokyo campus (especially the library, designed by architect Toyo Ito), and the spirit of art in this institution will become clear as day.
Related: Free time in Tokyo on our Highlights of Japan tour is the perfect opportunity to visit Tama Art University!
Cornell University, New York, USA
The USA brings us another contender for the most beautiful campus in the form of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. This stunning campus sits in between grand gorges and overlooks Cayuga Lake, plus the architecture itself is something to behold. Marvel at a unique tapestry of architectural styles, such as Collegiate Gothic, Neoclassical, Victorian and Modern.
Related: Spend time in New York on our Eastern USA & Canada Escape (incl. New York) tour.
Berry College, Georgia, USA
Some universities feel like they belong in a fantasy or fairytale universe, and Georgia brings us just such a campus. Berry College, founded in 1902 by Martha Berry, is an enchanting liberal arts college in the countryside of Mount Berry. One can truly escape on a fantasy adventure across the 27,000 acres of fantastical forests and alluring lakes that surround the castle-like campus.
University of Coimbra, Portugal
The University of Coimbra, once referred to as the “General Study”, has a long history in Portugal and, in fact, only settled in its current location in 1537, over 200 years after its inception. When it was first established in Lisbon in 1290, the “General Study” specialised in arts, law and medicine. In 1308, the university moved its campus to Coimbra but not yet the location where you’ll find it today. The last move in 1537 brought the university to a campus overlooking the Mondego River. This UNESCO-listed site is a marvel to behold with its bleached walls and botanical gardens aplenty.
Related: Visit Lisbon, where this university was first established, on our Highlights of Spain & Portugal tour.
University of São Paulo, Brazil
If you’re going to visit the most beautiful university campuses across the globe, Brazil better be on your bucket list! Everything about the University of São Paulo is exquisite. From its centuries-old opulent architecture to the public squares perfectly lined with trees, this campus is a must-see! Plus, the university also promotes art in the form of museums and galleries across campus, the most famous of which is the Museum of Contemporary Art. Your eyes are in for a treat from start to finish!
Related: Explore stunning São Paulo on our Brazil & Iguazu Highlights tour.
Sorbonne University, France
Paris is undeniably the gem of France, with almost too many attractions and experiences to tick off in one trip. While most of the buildings in Paris are absolutely stunning, one of them might go unnoticed as a university! Head over to the Latin Quarter and fall in love with the mesmerising monuments and streets around this gorgeous campus. While the Research Institute that formed part of the University of Paris was established in 1257, the merger with Pierre and Marie Curie University enabled it to initiate its own prestigious scientific institutions.
Related: Join the Paris+ excursion to visit the Latin Quarter on our Best of Western Europe tour.
We hope you’ve enjoyed your private tour of the most beautiful universities out there! Whether you learned something or not, at the very least, you have a few new places to add to your travel bucket list.
If you’d like to visit any of the countries on our list, or the seven universities built into our itineraries, book a tour with Expat Explore, pack your stationery and meet us on the bus to make more memories for your money.