The Top 10 Best Research Institutes in The World

Hey there, future inventors and academic aspirants, looking for the best research institutes in the world? Ready to study at the best of the best and make a name for yourself amongst the stars, standing toe to toe with pioneers such as Stephen Hawking, Albert Einstein and Marie Cury? Get prepared to reshape the boundaries and break all barriers by studying at the best research universities. Whether you’re a budding scientist or an avid sociological surveyor, these top 10 research institutes in the world are the perfect avenues for you to grow and maybe even create something out of nothing! 

1. Chinese Academy of Sciences (Beijing, China)

Nature Index ranking: #1

Average fees: 40,000 RMB - 45,000 RMB ($5,500 - $6,200) per year

Acceptance rate: 58%

Popular subjects: Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Physical Sciences

The Chinese Academy of Sciences is one of the best research institutes in the world, if not the best. As the world’s largest research institute, CAS has over 100 research institutes, a total of three universities, and over 70 thousand full-time employees working towards maintaining its glowing reputation. Students especially interested in Chemistry, Physical Sciences, and Environmental Sciences should look forward to the amazing research.

2. Harvard University (Cambridge, USA)

Nature Index Ranking: #2

Average fees: $70,000 - $80,000 per year

Acceptance rate: 4%

Popular subjects: Biological Sciences, Health Sciences, Physical Sciences

Perhaps the first institute that must have popped up in your head is the Massachusetts-based Harvard University. As one of the best research universities one can ever hope to stumble across, Harvard has harboured tens of thousands of brilliant minds globally who have worked to change the tides of how our society has progressed. The university’s elite research facilities and societies make it worthy enough to make it into our list of the top 10 research institutes in the world.

3. Max Planck Society (Munich, Germany)

Nature Index Ranking: #3

Average fees: 0 tuition fees, $2,500 - $3,000 per year semester fees

Acceptance rate: undetermined

Popular subjects: Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemistry

Located in the German capital of Munich, the Max Planck Society or Institute is one of the most elite research institutions in the world, let alone Germany. Boasting more than 80 research institutes and over 20,000 full-time employees, students searching for the best research institutes in the world can rest assured that their growth is in safe hands if they choose to study and research here. In the year 2021, the budget of the Institute reached numbers such as 1.97 billion euros, most of which was contributed by the federal government.

4. National Center for Scientific Research (Paris, France)

Nature Index Ranking: #4

Average fees: $150 - $250 per year

Acceptance rate: undetermined

Popular subjects: Chemistry, Physical Sciences. Environmental Sciences

Based in the city of love, the French National Center for Scientific Research is a premier offering our list of the top 10 best research institutes in the world. With over 30,000 full-time employees and sleek world-class research facilities, the institute is a dream for any graduate student looking for research opportunities. From complex biological and chemical research to studying Roman law and gender stereotypes, the CNRS has something for everyone. 

5. Stanford University (California, USA)

Nature Index Ranking: #5

Average fees: $80,000 - $90,000 per year

Acceptance rate: 3.9%

Popular subjects: Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemistry

Another quality entry from the United States in our list of the top 10 research institutes in the world, Stanford has long since established itself as a step above the rest globally. Recognised for honing some of the sharpest minds who have made their place in some of the biggest positions in the world, it comes as no surprise that the research opportunities at Stanford are a cut above the rest, too. The 33km+ campus boasts over 20 research institutes focusing on the various facets of the human condition. Considering how low the university’s acceptance is, check out our blog on navigating Stanford University's Acceptance Rate.

6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, USA)

Nature Index Ranking: #6

Average fees: $55,000 - $65,000 per year

Acceptance rate: 4.1%

Popular subjects: Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Health Sciences

The city of Cambridge (not to be confused with the city of Cambridge in England) has produced yet another slot in our list of the best research institutes in the world. MIT was founded in 1861 and since then has produced over 90 Nobel laureates and established its presence as a haven for future researchers and scientists. Named as the number 1 global university by QS World Rankings for 2024, MIT should be one of the top names if you wish to explore tier 1 research universities. 

7. Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres (Bonn, Germany)

Nature Index Ranking: #7

Average fees: 0 tuition fees

Acceptance rate: undetermined

Popular subjects: Physical Sciences. Environmental Sciences. Chemistry

Constituting 18 research centers, the Helmholtz Association is truly one of the best research institutes in the world. With its strategic location in one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, Germany, aspirants have the chance to learn in a study-focused environment. 

8. The University of Cambridge (Cambridge, England)

Nature Index Ranking: #8

Average fees: $25,000 - $50,000 per year

Acceptance rate: 21%

Popular subjects: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences

This Cambridge, unlike the one that houses MIT and Harvard, is situated in the UK and has habilitated the future owners of about 1,500+ tech start-up companies. The University of Cambridge makes it to our list of the top 10 research institutes in the world for obvious reasons, such as being at the forefront of the research behind the identification of a DNA’s structure and splitting of an atom. Being one of the best research universities and even making it into the list of tier 1 research universities, Cambridge University’s research department focuses on an interdisciplinary approach. Learn more about Cambridge University in our blog about its history, courses, fees and more.

9. The University of Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)

Nature Index Ranking: #9

Average fees: $3,000 - $5,000 per year

Acceptance rate: 34.2%

Popular subjects: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences

As one of the oldest functioning universities in modern-day Japan, the reason why the University of Japan makes it on our list of the best research institutes is its top-of-the-line research facilities as well as notable alumni such as Masatoshi Koshiba and Ei-ichi Negishi. The university, in addition, receives about $2.3 billion in funding from the government to carry out its research activities. Become a part of the academic revolution taking place in the Land of the Rising Sun by joining one of the best research universities.

10. Peking University (Beijing, China)

Nature Index Ranking: #10

Average fees: $14,000 - $25,000 per year

Acceptance rate: 28-30%

Popular subjects: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences.

Last but not least is Peking University, located in the heart of China’s capital, Beijing. As an important entry on our list of the best research institutes in the world, Peking University boasts 8 great research facilities where you will have the chance to interact and grow with the smartest minds in China and the world. In 2018 and 2019, the overall budget of the research conducted by the university stood at around $1.82 billion and $2.75 billion, respectively, signaling trust in the capabilities of one of the best research universities.

‍

That wraps up our list of the top 10 research institutes in the world. From CAS in China to the Max Planck Society in Munich, these tier 1 research universities and research centers can end up becoming your destination for premier research opportunities. If you are truly invested in the field, consider where your research interests lie and then consider further research on which institute meets your needs the best. Also if you are really planning to study in any of these universities, you will need to clear GRE entrance exam, majority of these universities consider Gre scores arevital for graduate programs worldwide.