6 Best Public Universities in Houston for International Students

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Houston is one of the cities in United States you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Houston can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.

There are 10 universities you can find in Houston, Texas, and 6 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Houston a great place for international students.

In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Houston, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!

Rank University Location
1 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, United States
2 University of Houston Houston, United States
3 University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Houston, United States
4 Texas Southern University Houston, United States
5 University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston, United States
6 University of Houston-Downtown Houston, United States

Public Universities in Houston

1. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

  • University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Page
  • With a heavy emphasis on concepts relating to cancer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is the largest cancer center in the country. It serves not only as a degree-granting institution but also as a cancer treatment and research institute. Aspiring students who want to pursue this aspect of the medical field will indeed find the institution a perfect and productive training ground.

    2. University of Houston

  • University of Houston Page
  • The University of Houston is one of the largest academic institutes in Texas, with a student population of over 40,000. UH is also home to the most innovative researchers contributing to advancements in artificial intelligence, biomedical sciences, and space exploration. The university offers over 300 degree programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

    3. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

  • University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Page
  • The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is an academic institution that heavily focuses on degrees related to health, medicine, and more. It offers comprehensive training to aspiring students who want to pursue a career in the medical field. To intensify the students’ educational experience, the university has its own research centers and greatly coordinates with numerous public hospitals.

    4. Texas Southern University

  • Texas Southern University Page
  • Texas Southern University (TSU) was primarily established to educate Black Americans. Today, not only is it known for being one of the largest black universities but also for welcoming international students from across the globe, making it one of the most diverse communities in the state of Texas. TSU offers over 100 educational programs at all levels. Students have countless options as various fields of study are being offered.

    5. University of Houston-Clear Lake

  • University of Houston-Clear Lake Page
  • The University of Houston-Clear Lake is one of the four independent members of the University of Houston System. It comprises four colleges, one each for business; education; human sciences and humanities; and science and engineering. These four colleges offer 90+ undergrad and grad programs annually. Besides its main campus, UHCL has branches in Pearland and Texas Medical Center.

    6. University of Houston-Downtown

  • University of Houston-Downtown Page
  • Since its establishment, the University of Houston-Downtown went through numerous changes to meet the educational needs of the fourth-largest city in America. The university is located in one of the most diverse communities in the country, which is why it is popular among international students. The university provides intensive supervision to clearly monitor the students’ academic progress.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Houston?

    Absolutely! International students in public universities in Houston can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.

    As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Houston, Texas charge up to 39,600 USD for bachelor’s and 21,000 USD for master’s studies.


    I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Houston, Texas. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.