A look at the top 10 universities for education in 2025
| Education Rank 2025 | Education Rank 2024 | University | Country/Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Stanford University | United States |
| 2 | 1 | University of California, Berkeley | United States |
| 3 | 3 | University of Oxford | United Kingdom |
| 4 | 4 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom |
| 5 | 5 | Harvard University | United States |
| 6 | 6 | University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
| 7 | 7 | Tsinghua University | China |
| 8 | 12 | Peking University | China |
| 9 | 9 | University of Toronto | Canada |
| 10 | 11 | UCL | United Kingdom |
Check out the full ranking of the best universities for education degrees here.
An education degree can lead to careers in teaching, school administration, or even research on learning methods.
Times Higher Education has ranked the best universities for education to help you choose the right one for your studies.
Three UK universities make the top 10: Oxford, Cambridge, and UCL. The University of Toronto is the only Canadian institution on the list.
US universities dominate the rankings, with 130 featured in total. The UK follows with 73, while Asia has 96.
Canada and Australia are also well-represented, with 23 and 36 universities, respectively.
The Times Higher Education rankings use the same 18 performance indicators as the overall World University Rankings 2025. However, the methodology is adjusted for each subject to fit the field. You can find the full details on the education ranking methodology here.
Top 10 Universities for Education Degrees
1. Stanford University
Stanford’s Graduate School of Education is one of seven schools at the university, alongside business, law, engineering, and medicine. It’s known as one of the best education schools in the US.
The school offers seven master’s programs, 21 doctoral programs, and three joint programs. Undergraduates can also minor in education or join the honors program.
Doctoral programs focus on advancing education research, covering learning psychology, curriculum studies, and teacher training.
2. University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley provides MA and PhD programs in education, exploring topics like race, class, gender, and the role of politics in education.
Undergraduates can take a minor in education, one of the university’s most popular choices.
Berkeley also offers courses for aspiring teachers, covering everything from classroom instruction to leadership roles in school districts.
3. University of Oxford
Oxford’s education department focuses on three key research areas:
- Language, cognition, and development
- Economy, policy, and society
- Knowledge, pedagogy, and design
Each area has dedicated research groups. The department also provides teacher training for primary and secondary levels and hosts seminars with leading education experts.
4. University of Cambridge
Cambridge offers both undergraduate and postgraduate education degrees.
The three-year undergrad program accepts just 42 students per year, with three possible tracks:
- Education, psychology, and learning
- Education, policy, and international development
- Education, English, drama, and the arts
Postgrad options include PGCE, master’s, and doctoral programs. The PGCE includes extensive school placements—secondary students spend at least 120 days in classrooms.
5. Harvard University
Harvard offers 13 master’s programs and multiple doctoral programs in education.
Master’s courses cover topics like arts in education, higher education policy, and human development. Faculty include experts in bilingual education, adult learning, and education economics.
6. University of Hong Kong
HKU’s Faculty of Education specializes in Chinese and English-language education, along with math, science, speech therapy, and tech studies.
It has seven research centers, including ones for educational leadership and communication disorders.
7. Tsinghua University
Tsinghua’s Institute of Education has five faculties:
- Educational policy and management
- Engineering education
- Higher education research
- Educational technology
- Basic education research
Six research divisions focus on technology, engineering, and policy.
8. Peking University
Peking University has trained teachers since 1902. Its Graduate School of Education offers master’s and PhD programs across four departments, two institutes, and seven research centers.
9. University of Toronto
U of T offers two teacher training programs:
- Master of Teaching (primary, junior, or senior levels)
- Master of Child Studies and Education (practice-based)
Graduates can apply for certification with the Ontario College of Teachers. Other programs include adult education, curriculum studies, and social justice education.
10. UCL
UCL provides undergrad and postgrad education degrees, including PGCEs for early years, primary, and secondary levels.
The three-year bachelor’s program allows third-year students to research their interests. For teaching certification, students can complete a one-year training program after graduation.
Postgrad options include MA programs in education technology and early years, as well as doctoral studies.
