11 Best Universities In Philadelphia For International Students 2025

Philadelphia is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 11 universities and colleges in Philadelphia, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 11 universities in Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania and Temple University are the top-performing schools in Philadelphia.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Philadelphia?

Applying to the universities in Philadelphia involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Philadelphia to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Philadelphia?

Tuition fees at Philadelphia’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 0 USD to 56,300 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 0 USD to 60,000 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Philadelphia!

As we cover the best universities in Philadelphia for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Philadelphia for International Students

The University of Pennsylvania is the fourth-oldest educational institution in the United States. Founded in 1740 by none other than Benjamin Franklin, this prestigious university boasts of nurturing minds to make an impact in society. The University of Pennsylvania is among the renowned Ivy League schools and offers around 400 undergraduate and graduate programs to a diverse student body.

Due to its excellent reputation in business, arts, and health programs, Temple University has become popular with students who want to study in the United States. The university offers a safe space where individuals can unleash their fullest potential through intensive training and research program. At present, Temple University aims to continue its legacy through constant innovation and improvement.

Drexel University is a world-class research institution that provides education in courses related to science, medicine, and arts. It aims to train students comprehensively in order to prepare them for the professional world. Since its establishment, the university did not fail in accomplishing its mission and is already well-known to numerous employers and industry leaders.

Thomas Jefferson University offers competitive programs in architecture, business, engineering, and the health sciences. Education and training at Jefferson are not only hands-on but interprofessional, as well. This allows students to have maximum exposure in preparation for their future professions while being able to practice collaboration with others, too.

Saint Joseph’s University is a private university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is one of the region’s leading academic institutions. It was originally a men’s college when it was established back in 1851, but started admitting women students in 1970. The university currently offers over 200 study programs in a wide range of disciplines and is known for the high employability of its graduates.

La Salle University was named after St. Jean-Baptiste de la Salle the patron saint of educators. The university is the world’s first educational institution to carry the saint’s name and legacy. Established by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, La Salle University continues to stay true to its founding values, upholding quality education and the mission to educate and inspire curious minds.

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is cited as the oldest museum and higher education institution for the arts in the United States. The museum curates collections of Obras maestras dating back from the 19th and 20th centuries. As well as delivering world-class degrees in fine arts, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts collaborates with the University of Pennsylvania for a holistic learning experience in the fine arts.

Chestnut Hill College (CHC) is a private Catholic college in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Sisters of St. Joseph established it as a women’s college in 1924. The college offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as arts, music, and science. CHC emphasizes the importance of providing students with a well-rounded college experience by providing them with an enjoyable social life, a healthy spiritual life, and a balanced life.

Moore College of Art & Design offers Bachelor’s degree programs in Fine Arts and a Master’s degree program. Bachelor’s degree programs in Fine Arts, or BFA in short, consist of both Major and Minor with a total of 20. All of the students in the college receive financial aid and are offered paid internships during their stay in the school. It has been around since 1848, providing art education to the youth and opportunities to showcase them through summer events, exhibits, press releases, magazines, and feature stories online. Various facilities are also available to students such as in-campus laundromats, lounges, dining areas, and residence halls. Art students in Moore College of Art and Design are ensured a safe, comfortable, creative, and inspiring environment perfect for their growth.

Curtis Institute of Music is a private music school that offers tuition-free education to aspiring musicians. It was established in 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students of the institute learn from several notable artists and music experts. 

Holy Family University stands out from other private, Catholic universities because of its core values: family, respect, integrity, service, responsibility, and learning. These are foundation of the university’s education and training of its students, whether undergraduate or graduate.

The university’s main campus is located in Northeast Philadelphia. It has a satellite campus in Newtown, where most onsite graduate programs are conducted. Online or blended-format programs are also offered for undergrad and grad students.