Proclaiming anything as 'the best' can be tricky, even with university rankings. The four top-ranking authorities have different standards, metrics, and perspectives for judging the schools. For instance, one school might be the best for research, while another might be tops for graduate outcomes.
Nevertheless, we forge ahead, despite conflicting rankings across the platforms. We rely on QS World Rankings in Biology to determine the best biology universities in the world. However, we will include the three other authorities' rankings in parentheses. According to QS, these are the world's best schools for biology.
Best Biology Universities in the World
- 1: Harvard University, USA (#1 on all platforms)
- 2: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA (Edurank: #19; ARWU: #3; THE: #5)
- 3: Stanford University, USA (Edurank: #3; ARWU: #2; THE: #4)
- 4: University of Oxford, UK (Edurank: #13; ARWU: #6; THE: #3)
- 5: University of Cambridge, UK (Edurank: #18; ARWU: #5; THE: #2)
Harvard University
Harvard is the United States' oldest, and most respected university. This private institution has educated heads of state, renowned scientists and artists, as well as 40 Nobel Prize winners.
Harvard offers seven pathways to a Biology degree, at various levels:
- Biology (Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Master of Liberal Arts)
- Chemical and Physical Biology (Bachelor of Arts - BA)
- Integrative Biology (BA)
- Molecular and Cellular Biology (BA, Ph.D)
- Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology (BA)
- Neuroscience (BA, Ph.D)
- Bioengineering (BA, Ph.D, also Bachelor of Science)
It goes without saying that Harvard rivals the UK's best universities for genetics studies, too. However, top-of-the-line facilities and private education are costly.
For the 2025/26 academic year: $59 560.
Estimated tuition for the 4-year programme: $240 876
Room and board estimated costs: $20 374/year (2024 rate)
UK students applying to Harvard must sit the US university entrance exams, either SAT or ACT. If doing so will unduly burden the student, this university will accept GCSE and A-Level predicted results. Students must apply before the January 1 2025 deadline, to start classes in Autumn.
For personalised help in preparation, you might consider a dedicated biology tutor.
Graduate Outcomes
Despite the hefty price tag, applications pour into Harvard's admissions offices. Of the thousands they receive, the school admits 3% (2024 data). But, there's a reason so many students set their sights on a Harvard education.
Of all the best universities for biology in the world, graduate outcomes are the highest at Harvard. The data show 100% employability, and global engagement of graduates. The programme's features reflect those outcomes:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT's motto is Mind and Hand. It's a simple statement that well expresses this school's mission. MIT strives to engage students minds so they can apply their hands to solve the world's most urgent problems.
At its founding, in 1861, MIT was a small college, a meeting place for like-minded fellows. Today, it is a sprawling complex, with over 11 000 students seeking wisdom from more than 1 000 masters.
Like Harvard, MIT is flooded with applications for enrollment each year.
Its website posts a 4.1% admissions rate.
Needless to say entry, into MIT is competitive. These are all the elements you need to put yourself in the running for a place in a biology programme:
- SAT or ACT entrance exams
- Two further SAT subject exams, in maths and science
- transcripts demonstrating a strong overall academic record
- satisfactory marks in chemistry and biology
- recommendation letters, preferably from your science or maths teachers
Working with a knowledgeable biology tutor can also improve your chances of success.
Once past those hurdles, MIT offers as much as the best universities for biology in the world do. The school presents a comprehensive biology syllabus, tailored to students' learning and career goals.
Indeed, this private research university has an entire, 8-storey building reserved for biological research.
Rather than offering undergraduate degree plans, it offers 'majors' - set courses, as numbered courses.
For instance, Course 7 prepares students for a career in biology research. Mandatory subjects include Organic Chemistry, Cell Biology, and Thermodynamics, among others.
MIT Graduate Outcomes
According to the MIT website, 68% of their undergraduate students continued their academic journey. A further 29% entered professions their MIT education trained them for. Only 3% followed a different path.
Tuition: $61 990
Student fees: $406
Housing; $13 060
Total estimated cost: $85 960
Financial aid is available.
Stanford University
This California private research university is famous for its undergraduate marine biology courses. Founded in 1885 as an educational outpost, its campus now spans 3 310 hectares, with several satellite facilities.
As a private institution, Stanford follows its own admissions procedures. Like the other American schools on this list, you must present an US university entrance exam score, and your school transcripts. Two teacher recommendation letters must accompany your application.
Students do not apply for a specific learning programme. They apply for admission to the university itself. No courses are required, nor must you state which programme you want to enrol in.
Once accepted, you will then declare your major. Stanford offers three biology-related majors. They are:
Biology
- a broad curriculum
- introductory courses
- lab courses
- elective courses
Biomechanical Engineering
- presents biophysical principles
- incorporates engineering principles
- integrates medical concepts
Biomedical Computation
- four focus areas
- informatic
- simulation
- cellular/molecular
- organ systems
Besides these, you'll find a Human Biology programme in Stanford's course catalogue. However, it studies the entire human experience, not just the biology of humans.
Financial Aid
All of Stanford's undergraduate programmes cost $65 910 for 2025/26, plus $21 709/quarter.
Stanford has particular policies regarding international students and financial aid.
- The school has limited funds to assist international students.
- International students indicating a need for financial aid are less likely to be accepted, based on available funds.
- If the student does not declare the need for aid on their application, they may not request financial aid throughout their undergraduate studies.
- If your citizen status changes while enrolled, you may receive consideration for financial assistance.
Stanford Graduate Outcomes
According to this school's records:
- just over 50% of Bio-Sciences graduates remain in academia.
- Of them, just over half continued their studies, while 33% engaged in research.
- 11% found their careers in education, either teaching or administrative staff.
- A further 30.8% found work in the biotechnology sector.
University of Oxford
Oxford is the oldest university in the UK, and the second-oldest in continuous operation in the world. The University of Bologna, in Italy, predates Oxford only by a few years, in case you were curious.
With that distinction, it's no wonder that Oxford is steeped in tradition. Even its Biology study programmes follow the lecture-self-study-assessment format.
However, that doesn't mean biology studies at Oxford are behind the times. These campuses brim with the latest technology, and explore cutting-edge ideas. This university even boasts one of the country's top programmes for zoology studies.
The government set the 2025-26 academic year tuition fee cap at £9 535.
That fee applies to all UK universities (with exception for some private schools).
Entry into Oxford is very competitive. It pays to know what the minimum entry requirements are, so you can meet - or, better yet, exceed them:
Minimum grades
- A*AA
- A* must be in Science or Maths
Required courses
- Biology
- another science
- Maths
Other requirements
- no written work
- no admissions tests
Oxford's reputation for academic excellence helps ensure positive graduate outcomes. The data backs that assertion. According to QS:
University of Cambridge
Cambridge is the second of UK's most famous universities. It offers some of the world's best educational opportunities and outcomes.
It's one of the best campuses to study biology at university. In fact, Cambridge pulls slightly ahead of its rival, Oxford, in UK universities for biology studies.
Students often enhance their academic journey by taking supplementary biology lessons alongside their studies.
At Cambridge, you'll find two pathways into biology studies: Physical Natural Studies, and Biological Natural Studies. You may aim for a 3-year Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA (hons)), or a 4-year Masters in Science (MSci).
As a Biological Natural Studies undergraduate, your syllabus features:
Year 1 (Part 1A)
- Maths for Biology (required)
- 3 courses to suit your pathway
- four selections, total
Year 2 (Part 1B)
- Maths for Biology (required)
- three additional courses
- choose a speciality
Year 3 (Part II)
- focus on your speciality
- or continue broad studies
Your fourth, optional year delivers Master's-level education. That year, you'll dedicate yourself wholly to your chosen field. This last stage is full of research and writing, but you'll have support and guidance throughout.
Minimum entry grades: A*A*A
Core requirements: Mathematics, plus two sciences; college-specific requirements.
Notes: Deferred entry and contextual admissions allowed, as needed.
Like all the best biology universities in the world, Cambridge delivers outstanding graduate outcomes.
| 📊Rankings | 🏫 School name | 💰2025 tuition | 🏆Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS #1 Edurank #1 THE #1 ARWU #1 | Harvard University | $59 560 | Best overall |
| QS #2 Edurank #19 THE #5 ARWU #3 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | $61 990 | Best for Biotechnology |
| QS #3 Edurank #3 THE #4 ARWU #2 | Stanford University | $65 910, plus $21 709 each quarter. | Best for Marine Biology |
| QS #4 Edurank #13 THE #3 ARWU #6 | University of Oxford | £9 535 | Best for Zoology |
| QS #5 Edurank #18 THE #2 ARWU #5 | University of Cambridge | £9 535 | Tops in UK for Biology |
For flexible remote learning, consider utilising biology online tutoring services.
Best Biology Universities: References
- QS World rankings by subject: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/biological-sciences
- Edurank by subject: https://edurank.org/biology/
- Times Higher Education by subject: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2024/subject-ranking/life-sciences#!/length/25/subjects/3051/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/scores
- ARWU Shanghai ranking by subject: https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/gras/2024/RS0301
- Harvard biology programmes: https://www.harvard.edu/programs/?degree_levels=undergraduate&search-by-keyword=biology
- Harvard tuition: https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/166027/harvard-university/tuition/
- MIT undergrad page: https://biology.mit.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-requirements/
- Graduate outcomes MIT: https://biology.mit.edu/graduate/why-mit-biology/career-outcomes/
- Stanford undergrad majors: https://majors.stanford.edu/majors
- Stanford grad outcomes: https://biosciences.stanford.edu/prospective-students/alumni-career-outcomes-dashboard/
- Oxford University Biology programme: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/biology
- Cambridge University Natural Sciences: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/natural-sciences-ba-hons-msci
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