The University of Luxembourg ranks 5th in the percentage of international students in a global ranking, according to the Times Higher Education. Université du Luxembourg - Uwe Bellhäuser

The University of Luxembourg ranks 5th in the percentage of international students in a global ranking, according to the Times Higher Education. Université du Luxembourg - Uwe Bellhäuser

Here are the top five universities with the highest percentage of international students, according to an article published on 12 May by the World Economic Forum:

“1. American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. International students make up 84% of the 5000-strong student body. Some 99 countries are represented on campus.

2. Central European University, Hungary. International students make up 77% of the student body. Students come to the university from over 100 countries across five continents.

3. London School of Economics and Political Science, London. International students make up 70% of the student body. More than 140 countries are represented.

4. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin. Just over 2000 are enrolled and about 62% are classed as international students.

5. University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg. Around 55% of students attending are from other European countries and beyond.”

Students increasingly choose to complete their degrees in a different country to their own. Other teaching methods, systems, and degrees, experiencing a different culture, learning another language and making friends from around the world are some of the factors why the international proportion at universities grow.

But not every university is attractive. The location (i.e., the city where it is based), its academic reputation and field-specific expertise also play a role. Hence the London School of Economics and Political Science’s high percentage of foreign students.

Luxembourg may be a special case, as around 47% of its population are foreign residents. Many students from the neighbouring countries also choose Luxembourg’s only university. The student population is made up of 115 nationalities.

World rankings

The University of Luxembourg ranked 178th of 200 in the world university rankings by the Times Higher Education in 2017.

The Young University Rankings, previously known as the THE 150 Under 50 Rankings, globally evaluates universities that are less than 50 years old. In 2017, Luxembourg managed to get into 11th place. In comparison to 2016, when it achieved rank 14, the University of Luxembourg climbed up three positions.

Its strategic research priorities for 2014-2017 were computational sciences, law with a focus on European law, finance and educational sciences.