What comes to mind when you think of a big school? Maybe a few thousand students, a sprawling football field, or a cafeteria that can feed an army? Let’s crank that up a notch—or a thousand. We’re talking schools so massive they make small towns look puny. Welcome to the world of the biggest schools in the world.
From student populations that rival city counts to campuses bigger than some national parks, these schools are next-level huge. Let’s take a tour, shall we?
- Biggest K-12 School in the World by Student Population: City Montessori School
- Biggest Tertiary School in the World: Indira Gandhi National Open University
- Biggest School in the World by Land Area: Berry College
- Biggest Schools by Continent
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Biggest K-12 School in the World by Student Population: City Montessori School
Location: Lucknow, India
Population: 61,345 students
Let’s start with the big kahuna. City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, India, is the undisputed heavyweight champion of enrollment. With around 61,345 students, it’s a metropolis of learners. And yes, it holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest school in the world by student population (for K-12 education).
So how does CMS pull this off? Simple: they don’t try to cram 60,000 kids into one building. The school operates across 20 campuses, each functioning like its own mini school, but all under one massive umbrella. Picture a franchise, but for education.
Founded in 1959 by Dr. Jagdish Gandhi, CMS has a lofty mission: promoting world peace through education (no pressure, right?). Beyond the numbers, the school boasts a curriculum that balances academics, extracurriculars, and global citizenship.
What’s it like to study there? Imagine being part of a crowd so big, you’d need a map just to figure out where your friends are. But with resources galore and endless opportunities, it’s the kind of place where dreams can grow as big as the student body.
Biggest Tertiary School in the World: Indira Gandhi National Open University
Location: Delhi, India
Population: 4 million students
If we’re talking about universities that take “big” to a whole new level, look no further than Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in India.
This isn’t just the largest university in the world by enrollment: it’s a juggernaut that has redefined what accessibility in higher education looks like. With a staggering 4 million students enrolled (yes, you read that right—million!), IGNOU leaves every other institution in the dust.
What makes IGNOU so massive? It’s all about reach. IGNOU operates as an open university, meaning it caters to students across India and around the globe through distance learning programs.
Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote village, chances are there’s an IGNOU center nearby, ready to provide education that fits into your life. Its network spans 21 schools of study, 67 regional centers, and over 2,667 learner support centers, which makes it a logistical masterpiece.
Why does it matter? IGNOU isn’t just about big numbers. It’s about making education accessible to everyone, regardless of geography or financial means. From marginalized communities in rural India to ambitious professionals overseas, the university’s reach is a testament to its mission: democratizing education on a massive scale.
Biggest School in the World by Land Area: Berry College
Location: Mount Berry, Georgia, USA
Land area: 27,000 acres
When it comes to sheer land area, no school or university comes close to Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia, USA. Spanning an astonishing 27,000 acres (yes, that’s 42 square miles!), Berry College is practically its own wilderness preserve.
Does anyone actually use all that land? Absolutely. The college has a low student-to-land ratio (approximately 2,000 students to 27,000 acres), which makes it one of the most unique campuses in the world.
Berry College’s sprawling campus includes forests, meadows, lakes, and even mountains. It’s home to an extensive trail system for hiking and biking, as well as working farms, research facilities, and plenty of natural habitats for wildlife.
Students enjoy the freedom to explore, conduct research, and even participate in running the college’s working farms. The land isn’t just for show: it’s an integral part of the learning experience.
If you’re looking for a school where you might bump into a deer or two on your way to class, Berry College is the place to be. As the biggest school in the world by land area, it offers an experience within a thriving ecosystem that inspires and educates.
Biggest Schools by Continent
When it comes to the biggest schools in the world, every continent brings its A-game in a unique way. Some schools boast mind-blowing student numbers, while others take pride in campuses so big you might need a GPS just to find homeroom.
Let’s take a world tour and see what makes these schools the top dogs of their regions. Spoiler alert: they’re all ridiculously impressive.
North America: The University of California System
Location: California, USA
Population: 236,070 students
When it comes to dominating the educational landscape in North America, the University of California (UC) system is the undisputed heavyweight. With 10 campuses, around 236,070 students, and an alumni list that reads like a celebrity guest list, the UC system is a movement.
Each campus has its own personality. UCLA in Los Angeles brings Hollywood energy, top-tier athletics, and endless sunshine. UC Berkeley? It’s the intellectual rebel, leading the charge in research, social activism, and tech innovation.
Over in San Diego, UCSD is all about cutting-edge science and stunning ocean views, while UC Santa Cruz feels like it was designed for a Netflix coming-of-age drama, nestled among redwoods with a killer cliffside view.
The UC system is influential. Its alumni include Silicon Valley moguls, Oscar winners, Nobel laureates like Jennifer Doudna, and even a few astronauts like Megan McArthur. The research coming out of UC campuses is shaping industries, solving global problems, and, let’s be honest, giving the Ivy Leagues a serious run for their money.
And the campuses? Talk about eye candy. Whether you’re walking through UCLA’s iconic Royce Hall, soaking in the view from UC Santa Barbara’s beachside location, or exploring the architectural wonders of UC Irvine, there’s no shortage of Insta-worthy moments.
South America: Universidad de Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Population: 328,000 students
When it comes to sheer influence in South America, the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) stands tall as a global powerhouse. With over 328,000 students, UBA is Argentina’s largest university and one of the most prestigious institutions in the region. Established in 1821, it has a rich history of producing leaders in politics, science, and the arts.
What makes it special? For one, UBA doesn’t charge tuition for undergraduate programs, which makes it accessible to students from all walks of life. Its urban campus is integrated into the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, with its iconic Faculty of Law building being a standout architectural landmark.
UBA’s alumni list reads like a who’s-who of trailblazers. Ever heard of Alberto Fernández, Argentina’s current president? He’s a UBA graduate. Or how about Raúl Prebisch, the economist who shaped development theories? Not to mention Luis Federico Leloir, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist in chemistry.
Europe: The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Location: Athens, Greece
Population: 65,000 students
When it comes to blending history and education, few institutions can rival the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (often called the University of Athens). Founded in 1837, it holds the title of the oldest university in Greece and one of the first higher education institutions in southeastern Europe.
The University of Athens serves a massive student body of over 65,000 students, making it the largest university in Europe. Its campuses include historic buildings located in the heart of the city, as well as modern facilities designed to support cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, law, and the natural sciences.
The university’s connection to history is palpable. Walking through its iconic buildings, you’ll feel the echoes of ancient Greece while enjoying access to world-class education. Its alumni roster is a reflection of its influence, featuring prominent politicians, Nobel Prize-winning scientists like Giorgos Seferis, and leaders in the arts and humanities.
Whether you’re studying philosophy in a city that inspired the field or pursuing innovative research in medicine, this institution offers the best of both worlds. With its combination of historical significance and forward-thinking education, it’s no surprise that the University of Athens is a shining star in European academia.
Asia: Tsinghua University
Location: Beijing, China
Land area: 460 hectares
Population: 80,000 students
We’ve already tipped our hat to City Montessori School as the Guinness World Record holder for the biggest school in the world. Now, let’s shift gears and talk about another colossal player in Asia: Tsinghua University in Beijing.
Tsinghua University in Beijing is a giant in every way that matters. What makes it big? For starters, Tsinghua’s campus stretches over 460 hectares (around 1,136 acres) in the heart of Beijing. It’s a combination of classical Chinese architecture and cutting-edge modern facilities, making it as much a visual feast as an intellectual one.
The university serves nearly 80,000 students, including a significant number of international scholars, which makes it a melting pot of cultures and ideas.
But Tsinghua’s real claim to fame is its academic clout. It’s ranked among the top universities in the world (ranked #20 in QS World University Rankings 2025). Its alumni roster reads like a who’s-who of global leaders, including CEOs, scientists, and politicians (fun fact: Xi Jinping, China’s president, is a Tsinghua graduate).
Africa: University of South Africa
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Population: 370,000 students
Africa’s crown jewel of scale is the University of South Africa (UNISA), an open-distance learning university with over 370,000 students enrolled across the continent. If you thought online education was a new thing, think again: UNISA has been pioneering it for decades.
This institution serves students from every corner of Africa and beyond and offers flexibility that’s rare in traditional education. Its sprawling main campus in Pretoria serves as the administrative hub, but its reach extends far and wide, which makes it the lifeline for students who wouldn’t otherwise have access to higher education.
Australia/Oceania: The University of Sydney
Location: Sydney, Australia
Land area: 72 hectares
Population: 70,000 students
The University of Sydney combines size, history, and prestige into one stunning package. Its campus covers 72 hectares (around 180 acres) and is home to nearly 70,000 students, which makes it one of the largest in Oceania.
What really sets it apart is its jaw-dropping architecture. Think gothic-style sandstone buildings that wouldn’t look out of place in a historical epic. Founded in 1850, it’s Australia’s first university, and it continues to lead the region in research, innovation, and cultural impact. Bonus points for being a stone’s throw from Sydney’s iconic harbor.
Antarctica: A Big (Icy) Question Mark
Okay, so Antarctica doesn’t have traditional schools. The closest thing you’ll find is homeschooling or educational initiatives for the children of scientists stationed there. It’s not exactly a hotspot for enrollment numbers, but hey, it’s the only place where recess might involve dodging penguins.
While it doesn’t compete with the biggest schools in the world on other continents, it’s a fun reminder of just how unique education can be depending on where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the biggest K-12 school in the world by student enrollment?
The biggest K-12 school in the world by student enrollment is City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, India. With over 61,345 students, CMS operates across 20 campuses and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest K-12 school.
2. What is the world’s biggest school by land area?
The world’s biggest school by land area is Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia, USA. Spanning an incredible 27,000 acres (42 square miles), this college campus includes forests, lakes, mountains, and even working farms.
3. What is the biggest tertiary school in the world?
The biggest tertiary school in the world by enrollment is Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in India. With a staggering 4 million students, IGNOU offers distance learning and open education programs across the globe. Its flexible, accessible model makes it a leader in higher education.
4. Does the biggest tertiary school in the world offer quality academics?
Yes, the biggest tertiary school in the world, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in India, excels in academics despite its massive enrollment of over 4 million students. IGNOU offers over 200 programs across various fields such as science, arts, business, and technology. The university collaborates with top-tier institutions, maintains rigorous academic standards, and provides resources like study centers, online platforms, and research opportunities.
5. What is the biggest college in the U.S.?
Arizona State University (ASU), located in Tempe, Arizona, is the biggest college in the U.S. with an enrollment exceeding 145,000 students. ASU is widely recognized for its strong programs in business, engineering, and sustainability. Its renowned schools, such as the W.P. Carey School of Business and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, attract students from across the globe.
Takeaways
When you think about the biggest schools in the world, it’s easy to focus on their size; but these schools are so much more than just numbers. Here’s what you should know:
- The biggest schools in the world, like City Montessori School and IGNOU, prove that large student numbers can still deliver exceptional academics. They balance size with quality, which makes them leaders in global education.
- The biggest schools in the world use their size to do things differently. IGNOU’s distance-learning model reaches millions, while Berry College’s vast 27,000-acre campus offers students hands-on experiences with nature.
- The biggest schools in the world often double as cultural and historical icons. Universities like Tsinghua University and the University of Athens connect students to global history and push the boundaries of modern education.
- The biggest schools in the world are producing Nobel laureates, world leaders, and industry pioneers, which leave a massive footprint on education and society.
- Your perfect school might be big—or not. Whether you’re drawn to the prestige of the biggest schools in the world or prefer a smaller, more personal environment, finding the right fit is key. A college admissions consultant can provide expert, personalized guidance to help you make the best choice for your future.