10 Best Computer Science Universities Worldwide

International Students looking to maximize their earnings in the field of computer science should look for universities with strong academic programs as well as a large return on investment (ROI) over time. Universities abroad are more innovative in the aspect of computer science which gives you the benefit of standard learning and excellent knowledge to build up your career in computer science.

To help build up your career, we’ll introduce you to the Best Universities for Computer Science according to The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019 by subject. The criteria used to compile the ranking include academic reputation, employer reputation, and research citations.

1. The University of Oxford, UK

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world’s second oldest surviving university. It ranks number 1 of the best universities for Computer Science worldwide. It is located in and around Oxford’s medieval city centre. As a modern, research-driven university, Oxford has made an enormous impact on the world over the centuries. More recently, its computer science department’s Medical Imaging Group has been developing software to improve support for early diagnosis and intervention and to print 3D models to guide surgeons when preparing for hip replacement surgery. An early diagnosis helps clinicians reduce the duration of pain suffered by patients as hip osteoarthritis progresses.

2. ETH Zurich- Switzerland

Established in 1855 as the Federal Polytechnic School, a century and a half later ETH Zurich is now considered among some of the world’s most prestigious universities in science and technology. It has produced over 20 Nobel Prize Laureates, including the father of modern physics and the inventor of the general theory of relativity Albert Einstein. ETH has a long-running and successful history of designing computer systems and developing software tools. The department maintains long-term research collaborations with global high-tech players such as IBM, Microsoft, Google, SAP, and Disney.

3. Stanford University, USA

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford University was founded in 1885 by Jane and Leland Stanford, “to promote the public welfare by exercising an influence in behalf of humanity and civilization.” Breakthroughs at Stanford include the first successful heart-lung transplant, the debut of the computer mouse, and the development of digital music. The alumni include 17 astronauts, 18 Turing Award recipients and two Fields Medalists.

4. The University of Cambridge, UK

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is a collegiate public research institution. In the last few years, it has beamed its searchlight on Quantum Computing and Bioinformatics in addition to Artificial Intelligence, electronic security, and very high-speed networking. The design of the world’s first computing system, the basis for modern computing, the creation of the first programmable computer as well as the webcam were all attributed to having been invented at Cambridge University. About 92 affiliates of the university have also been awarded Nobel Prizes, covering every category.

5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology- United States

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is an independent, coeducational, private research university based in the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts. It ranks 5th of the best universities for Computer Science. Established in 1861, MIT aims to ‘further knowledge and prepare students in science, technology and other fields of study that will best benefit the nation and the world today’. Its motto is Mens et Manus, which translates as “Mind and Hand”. Scientific discoveries and technological advances accredited to MIT include the first chemical synthesis of penicillin, the development of radar, the discovery of quarks, and the invention of magnetic core memory, which enabled the development of digital computers. MIT’s current areas of research include digital learning, sustainable energy, Big Data, human health and much more.

6. Carnegie Mellon University, USA

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private, global research university, and one of just 25 universities to be admitted to the World Economic Forum’s Global University Leaders Forum. Its motto is ‘My heart is in the work’. Established in 1900 by the famous industrialist Andrew Carnegie, initially as the Carnegie Technical Schools, the university became the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1912.

CMU emphasises close collaborations between faculty and students to address scientific, technological and societal challenges, as well as making things ‘from art to robots’.The university lays claim to many examples of ground-breaking inventions and pioneering research into brain science, data, start-ups and driverless cars, among others. It was the first institution (via professor Scott Fahlman in 1982) to create a ‘smile’ in an email. The Association of University Technology Managers has ranked it first among US institutions for start-up companies created per research dollar spent, between 2008 and 2012.

7. Georgia Institute of Technology, USA

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), founded in 1885 as a trade school, is among the world’s leading technological and scientific research institutions. It has been ranked by Tech. Co as North America’s top public university for ‘the best-equipped graduates to make an impact in the world of technology’, and among the top 10 public universities in North America by U.S. News and World Report. It also produces more women engineers than any other institution in the nation. In the past few years, it has beamed its searchlight into Machine Learning, Analytics, Cybersecurity, amongst others.

8. Princeton University, USA

Princeton is one of the oldest universities in the US and is regarded as one of the world’s most illustrious higher education institutions. Founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey, it was officially renamed Princeton University in 1896 in honour of the area where it is based, opening its famous graduate school in 1900. Princeton is also one of the world’s foremost research universities. This is no wonder because research is on-going to see that machines are created that learn to operate in the real world through both experience and existing human knowledge, research into how people and machines make decisions, how technology affects society, etc.

9. Harvard University, USA

Dating back to 1636, Harvard University is the oldest university in the US and is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the world. It ranks 9th in the best universities for Computer Science. It was named after its first benefactor, John Harvard, who left his library and half his estate to the institution when he died in 1638. It has made notable contributions to the world of computer science and there is on-going research which aims to develop the capabilities needed for computer-agent systems to function as intelligent, helpful team members over the long term and in uncertain, dynamic environments.

10. California Institute of Technology, USA 

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a world-renowned science and engineering research and education institution, where extraordinary faculty and students seek answers to complex questions, discover new knowledge, lead innovation, and transform the future. Caltech has six academic divisions with a strong emphasis on science and technology teaching and research. Currently, it has devised strategies for teaching programming to children and is seeking to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the automated processes that identify earthquake waves and assess the strength, speed, and direction of shaking in real time.

Learning about the best universities for Computer Science was revealing and exhilarating, wasn’t it? Give your career the boost it deserves by choosing to study among the best.

Good luck!