Every university in the world tries to cater to the needs of their students according to the resources, infrastructure and assets at their disposal, which in turn, also dictate the size and efficiencies of each respective institution. As such, a good way to determine the type of environment a student might desire is by looking at the size of the university. Institutions which are about 5000 students are classified as “small universities”. These places are characterized by their qualitative and inclusive development, and hugely merit based selection criteria.

Environments such as this encourage faculty and students to form more significant relationships and engage in productive collaboration more effectively. The principles behind many of these universities are designed to nurture a diverse and qualified group of students with strong perspectives on their career. In such an intimate environment being deliberately cultivated, it is vital to be informed about the standing of the education that is being received. To that end, here are the top 20 small universities in the world-

1. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)- Even though it has just under 2300 students, Caltech is the best university in the world, relying on world class research and exceptional scholars who participate in collaborative and inclusive research on all major scientific categories except medicine. At Caltech, much of the academic interaction happens informally, in coffee shops or in casual conversations, after running into a person or planning meets. On top of everything, Caltech is considered one of the top universities in the world.
2. ÉcoleNormaleSupérieure- Based around the centre of Paris, and with a student body of 2400, the ENS provides personalised, focused curriculum, where schedules are managed according to students’ needs. There is a feedback system that acts as a core bridge between students and teachers. There is a large emphasison work experience, as it is custom in the “grandesecoles” system.
3. ÉcolePolytechnique- Established in Palaiseau just outside Paris, it is well known as one of the most competitive universities in France. The student body consists of 2,429 enrolled candidates are among the brightest, young scientists in the country.In spite of its small size, the university has to offer a huge range of extracurricular activities, including skiing, sushi-making, wine-tasting and volunteering.
4. Pohang University of Science and Technology- Modelled directly after Caltech, this university focuses on a greater number of postgraduates rather than undergraduates.It has a low student-to-faculty ratio, on-campus housing and a high-quality campus environment. found an optimal mix of characteristics that can turn a small and relatively young university into an international powerhouse. The social life, relationships with academics and professional opportunities all benefit from the small size of the university.
5. ÉcoleNormaleSupérieure de Lyon- It is established in Lyon and is the smallest university on this list with a total number of students being 2218. It follows similar principles to its counter parts in Paris, where there is great emphasis on hands-on interaction and meaningful collaboration.
6. Swedish University of Agricultural Science- With its main campus in Uppsala, it is a specialist institution that provides education in all major disciples except medicine. With a student-to-faculty ratio being as low as 5:1, the university consists of 4000 students, placed across different campuses in Sweden. It supports an inclusive, highly social study environment.
7. Oregon Health & Science University- Maintaining a low student-to-faculty ratio, the college has around 3000 students across its many schools. This university functions as an academic medical centre that provides research and opportunities in every field, except arts and humanities. The institutions have been lauded for its high levels of comfort and cooperation, alongside its excellent facilities.
8. Koç University- It is one of the larger institutions on this list with upwards of 5,500 students across different colleges, and it provides education in all six primary subjects and is only one of three to do so. Despite being established in 1993, the university founded by the VehbiKoç Foundation, and has made an impressive impact in this short time.
9. University of Alaska Fairbanks- This is the flagship campus of University of Alaska. IT has grown a name for itself as an established agricultural and environmental development institution. With just under 4,000 students enrolled, it has renowned science programmes, the fine arts complex and the art department provide artistic activities and programmes, including a concert hall and student gallery.
10. Sabanci University- This university established itself relatively quickly, being founded in 1994 and having a student enrollment of 2,739, and featuring one of the highest student-to-faculty ratios on the list- sixteen students for every faculty member. While this may not guarantee a closer relationship with your mentors, the university boasts a system of cooperation that provides a more holistic, community oriented experience.
11. University of Neuchatel- With a student body of 4,358 strong, this university provides education across all subjects except medicine with just a little more than half associated with arts and humanities. The institution has been lauded for its interactive teaching systems.
12. Tokyo Medical & Dental University- What sets this college apart is that although all programs are taught in a medical context, it provides education across all subjects. With a student-teacher ratio of only three students per faculty member, this college prides itself on its ability to let teachers and students engage in collaborative efforts, within a structured system that actively rewards them for it. It is the second-highest rated university from Asia on this ranking, and has a student body of 2,872.
13. National Yang-Ming University- It is the only entry on this ranking from South Korea, with one of the largest student bodies of 4,496 enrolled candidates. It was established in 1975, and in 1994 it became the first university in Taiwan dedicated to biomedical education and research.
14. Indian Institute of Guwahati- This university was the sixth of its kind founded by the government and is based in Assam, India. With a student body of just under 5,000, it is considered a huge success, with a primary focus on engineering and technology. It encourages an outward growth oriented perspective and has grown significantly, in the last few years.
15. University of Tulsa- It is a private research university in America whose faculty includes prominent scholars, scientists, and writers, including Russian dissident poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko, political scientist Robert Donaldson and others. With a student body of 4,597, it provides education across all six primary subjects.
16. Yokohama City University-It is a public university in Yokohama, Japan with a student body of 4,122 with a student-faculty ratio of 4:1. In spite of having only 2 faculties, the university attracts a significant number of students from abroad- roughly around 3%.
17. Florida Institute of Technology- It is described as a residential campus and technology research park and higher education institution. With a student body of 4,408, the academic focus is on engineering, technology and aviation. It puts great weight on forming social and professional ties, extracurricular activities, creative expression, etc.
18. SavitribaiPhule Pune University- This college in India has the largest student body on this ranking, with around 4,858 students enrolled. It is mostly a post-graduate institution and lays great focus on research and conceptual understanding. The university is named after SavitribaiPhule, a social reformer and women’s rights activist who contributed to the empowerment of women through education.
19. National University of Science & Technology, Russia (MISiS)- Starting out as a mining academy, to this day prides itself as a premiere institution for the study of steel and metals. It has an established body of 4,411 students studying various courses- while the primary focus is on mining and metals, students also receive education in humanities and social sciences, although its true strengths are industrial engineering and physical sciences.
20. Tokyo University of Marine Science & Technology- A university based in Tokyo, Japan, it has a primary focus on marine science and other physical sciences, with no arts or humanities departments. It has a student body of 2,597 enrolled in various science oriented programs.