The Best Astronomy Universities in the World offer qualitative courses at different degree levels. So, if you are interested in studying astronomy, our top astronomy programs are all you need to kick-start the career path you desire.
Astronomy is generally recognized as a sub-field within physics. In order to be successful in this field, a student must be very strong in physics, mathematics, and the sciences, generally. However, this calls for a mind that can deal with conceptual frameworks and ideas readily, especially since the objects of study are seldom within reach.
In as much as Space may be the final frontier, astronomers are working hard to explore and understand it. Astronomy students will learn about the lifespan of stars, the evolution of solar systems, and the mysteries of black holes.
Also, Astronomers are making game-changing discoveries that can alter our perception of space.
This post provides you with detailed information about Best Astronomy Universities in the World that you can actually apply for.
You can scroll the table of content below to get an overview of all this post entails.
Table of contents
- What is Astronomy?
- 13 Best Astronomy Universities in the World
- #1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)- United States
- #2. Harvard University- United States
- #3. Stanford University- United States
- #4. Cambridge University- United Kingdom
- #5. Yale University- United States
- #6. Imperial College London
- #7. The University of Colorado Boulder- Colorado, U.S.A
- #8. EPFL – Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne- Switzerland
- #9. The University of Tokyo- Japan
- #10. University of Toronto- Canada
- #11. The University of Chicago- United States
- #12. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München- Germany
- #13. Peking University- China
- #14. National University of Singapore- Singapore
- Editor’s Recommendation
What is Astronomy?
Wikipedia defines astronomy as a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena; it uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution.
It can further be said to be the study of the sun, moon, stars, planets, comets, gas, galaxies, gas, dust, and other non-earthly bodies and phenomena.
Humans have long gazed toward the heavens, searching to put meaning and order to the universe around them. Although the movement of constellation patterns imprinted on the night sky was the easiest to track, other celestial events such as eclipses and the motion of planets were also charted and predicted.
Being one of the oldest natural sciences, astronomy focuses on observing celestial bodies. In the early years, Babylonians, Greeks, Indians, Egyptians, Chinese, Maya, and ancient indigenous people of America made an exact observation of the night sky.
In present times, modern astronomy, however, contains many elements of the movements and properties of these bodies, and these two terms are often used interchangeably today.
How Can I Become An Astronomer?
To become an astronomer, you need to obtain a fundamental education and certificates.
Most striving astronomers commence their college-level studies in physics, though some earn a bachelor’s degree in astronomy. Though undergraduate degree programs in physics don’t provide in-depth knowledge of astronomy per se, they give students a strong background in electromagnetism, classical and quantum mechanics, optics, and thermodynamics, all of which aid a better understanding of astronomy at an advanced level.
The bachelor’s degree programs in astronomy and astrophysics are the starting point. It provides students with a solid background in the laboratory and theoretical astrophysics as well as in the fundamentals of physics and mathematics. Research opportunities are available to supplement classroom instruction.
Sequentially, candidates who aim for astronomer positions in research, whether at a college or university, a research and development laboratory, or within the federal government, must earn a Ph.D. in astronomy. Ideally, Ph.D. programs cover courses in computer science, statistics, calculus, and linear algebra but will focus on a specific subfield of astronomy, such as cosmology.
Graduates of Ph.D. programs in astronomy can kick-start their careers in temporary postdoctoral research positions. They spend two to three years working under the supervision of experienced astronomers.
To help you, we’ve put together a list of the best astronomy universities in the world. Learning from the best is always a good way to go; it shapes you into the best.
13 Best Astronomy Universities in the World
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Harvard University- United state
- Stanford University-United state
- Cambridge University- United Kingdom
- Yale University- United state
- Imperial College London- United Kingdom
- The University of Colorado Boulder- Colorado
- EPFL – Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne- Switzerland
- The University of Tokyo- Japan
- University of Toronto- Canada
- The University of Chicago- United state
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München- Germany
- Peking University- China
- National University of Singapore- Singapore
- Cornell University- United state
These top universities for astronomy offer students the opportunity and platform to study Astronomy in any of the fields listed above.
#1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)– United States
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Founded in 1861 in response to the increasing industrialization of the United States, MIT adopted a European polytechnic university model and stressed laboratory instruction in applied science and engineering.
MIT hosts a vibrant interdisciplinary program of research and education in Astronomy and Astrophysics. These activities span multiple departments, including the Astrophysics Division of MIT Physics, the Planetary Division of MIT Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), and the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AeroAstro).
Acceptance rate- 8%
Graduate rate- 91%
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#2. Harvard University– United States
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with about 6,700 undergraduate students and about 15,250 postgraduate students. Therefore, it is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research making it one of the best universities the world has ever provided.
Harvard is one of the most selective institutions for astronomy out of all the colleges and universities surveyed for the Best Astronomy Universities in the World.
And prospective students can apply early action to Harvard University. Although the university’s website states that submitting an early application does not gain students an advantage in the admissions process.
However, Harvard University is good at different professional programs, especially astronomy programs. That is to say, it’s one of the best schools to study astronomy.
Acceptance rate- 5%
Graduate rate- 98%
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#3. Stanford University– United States
Stanford is known for its academic strength, wealth, proximity to Silicon Valley, and ranking as one of the world’s top universities in astronomy. The University is located in the United State of America.
Its core aim is to Prepare students to make meaningful contributions to society. the university does that by engaging citizens and leaders in a complex world.
Therefore, the record has proven to be among the top astronomy schools in the world.
Acceptance rate- 5%
Graduate rate- 95%
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#4. Cambridge University– United Kingdom
The University of Cambridge is a collegiate public research university in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It was Founded in 1209 and granted a Royal Charter by King Henry III in 1231. (Diazepam)
Moreover, Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world’s fourth-oldest surviving university. The University of Cambridge one of the universities that offer the best astronomy programs.
Acceptance rate- 5%
Graduate rate- 98%
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#5. Yale University– United States
Yale University is a private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1701, it is known as the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. and one of the nine Colonial Colleges chartered before the American Revolution.
Yale University is known for its excellent drama and music programs, which reach outside the classroom with student organizations such as the Yale Whiffenpoofs, a famous Acappella group, and the Yale Dramatic Association.
When you think of schools to go to for astronomy, the University of Yale shouldn’t be left out.
Acceptance rate- 6%
Graduate rate- 96%
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#6. Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a public research university located in London, England. It is a world-class university with a mission to benefit society and students from around who want to study in the UK.
The school is the only university in the UK to focus exclusively on science and is among the top universities in the world including the best astronomy programs. The college also has a research center at Silwood Park, and teaching hospitals throughout London.
Further, Imperial is organized through faculties of natural science, engineering, medicine, and business. Its emphasis is on the practical application of science and technology.
Acceptance rate- 13%
Graduate rate- 96%
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#7. The University of Colorado Boulder- Colorado, U.S.A
The University of Colorado Boulder welcomes an innovative culture, where students and faculty collaborate to test new concepts.
They support this culture by encouraging and giving students the platform to explore their creative labs and entrepreneurial events that allow everyone to question, experiment, seek answers, and find solutions.
It is situated in Colorado United States and offers different courses and degree programs including astronomy.
Acceptance rate- 70%
Graduate rate- 77%
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#8. EPFL – Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne– Switzerland
The École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne is a research institute and university in Lausanne, Switzerland, that specializes in astronomy, natural sciences, and engineering.
Jump to EPFL Alumni network – The mission of EPFL Alumni is to provide graduates of the school exclusive, international opportunities for older peers by fostering opportunities to meet in Switzerland or abroad. Hence, it is one of the best schools to study astronomy.
Acceptance rate- 9%
Graduate rate- 97%
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#9. The University of Tokyo– Japan
The University of Tokyo is a public research university located in Japan. It was established as the first imperial university in 1877. it is one of Japan’s most prestigious universities. However, the school is known as one of the universities in the world that offers the best online astrophysics degree programs and astronomy degrees programs.
Hence, It is among the top echelon of the select Japanese universities assigned additional funding under the MEXT‘s Top Global University Project to enhance Japan’s global educational competitiveness.
Furthermore, The school has 10 main academic divisions for bachelor education: astronomy agriculture, arts, and sciences, economics, education, engineering, law, letters, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, and science.
Undergraduates take liberal arts courses during their first two years of studies and specialize during the last two years.
Acceptance rate- 34%
Graduate rate- 97.4%
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#10. University of Toronto- Canada
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, located on the grounds that surround Queen’s Park. royal charter in 1827 founded the school as King’s College, the first institution of higher learning in the colony of Upper Canada. The university is popular ranking for its astronomy programs.
The university proudly boasts to be one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, driven to invent and innovate. Furthermore, It is a global leader in research and teaching and has a significant footprint, both in Canada and around the world.
The Department of astronomy and astrophysics is actively engaged in a wide range of observational and theoretical research and offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, as well as a wide range of graduate and undergraduate courses. With close to 100 faculty members, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students U of T is a lively and diverse atmosphere in research, teaching, and outreach.
Acceptance rate- 43%
Graduate rate- 98%
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#11. The University of Chicago– United States
The University of Chicago is a private university that was founded in 1890. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,264, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 217 acres. It utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. University of Chicago’s ranking in the Best Colleges is among National Universities.
The University of Chicago offers the best astronomy programs in the world. rich campus life in a big-city setting. In addition to the college, the university has postgraduate offerings that include the highly ranked Booth School of Business, Law School, Pritzker School of Medicine, and Harris School of Public Policy Studies.
‘Their undergraduate and Ph.D. programs prepare students to participate in the excitement of research and discovery in fields where UChicago has intellectual leadership – the exploration of dark energy, the structure and dynamics of the universe, and extrasolar planetary systems, among others.
Furthermore, It is home to some of the most venerated academic programs in the world, having established the fields of ecology, astronomy, and sociology
Acceptance rate- 8%
Graduate rate- 93%
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#12. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München- Germany
The University of Munich is a public university in research situated in Munich, Germany. It the known as Germany’s sixth-oldest university in continuous operation.
However, it is the most prestigious and largest institution of this kind in Germany with modern facilities and a conducive learning environment which made it be recognized in the world.
Further, it offers courses in various fields and degree programs including astronomy degree programs. As such, qualifies it as one of the best colleges for astronomy and astrophysics.
Acceptance rate- 34%
Graduate rate- 97.4%
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#13. Peking University- China
Peking University is a major research university in Beijing, China, and a member of the elite C9 League of Chinese universities. Founded in 1898, Peking University was originally known as the Imperial University of Peking.
The school is one of the most selective institutions for astronomy out of all the colleges and universities surveyed for the Best Astronomy Universities in the World.
Acceptance rate- 0.91%
Graduate rate- 97%
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#14. National University of Singapore- Singapore
The National University of Singapore is the first autonomous research university in Singapore. NUS is a comprehensive research university, offering a wide range of disciplines and degree programs, including the sciences and astronomy degree programs.
The university ranks consistently as one of the world’s top universities including one of the good colleges for astronomy. Also, they offer the most extensive college degree courses in Singapore.
on the other hand, NUS is one of the most selective institutions for astronomy out of all the colleges and universities surveyed for the Best Astronomy Universities in the World.
The School is driven by a shared purpose: to make a better world through education, research, and innovation.
Acceptance rate- 25%
Graduate rate- 72%
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