London has one of the largest concentrations of universities and higher education institutions in the world. It has 40 higher education institutions (not counting foreign Universities with London branches) and has a student population of more than 400,000. Among the institutions in London are some of the old colleges that today make up the federal University of London, modern universities, as well as a number of smaller and often highly specialised universities and colleges. Additionally, over 45,000 students in over 180 countries follow the University of London External System, established in 1858.

Major universities

Major universities are considered to be those included as universities in at least two of the three national rankings of universities. Key (lower numbers are better): Notes: a Member institution of the University of London from October 2024. b Formed by merger of City, University of London and St George's, University of London in 2024; historical rankings given for City. c College of the University of London until 2007. In addition to the institutions in London, Royal Holloway, University of London in Surrey, and the University of Reading in Berkshire are members of the London Higher membership organisation for London universities. Royal Holloway is also a member institution of the University of London

Branches of UK Universities in London

Specialised and private universities and higher education colleges

The following institutions are registered as higher education providers with the Office for Students. They are usually specialised in one or two academic fields. Unregistered higher education providers that have validation arrangements with UK universities include:

Foreign universities

A number of foreign university institutions operate in London without being recognised as British universities. Some are bona fide universities with their degrees validated by recognised accreditation bodies abroad or in the UK, while others are not validated at all or are validated by unrecognised accreditation agencies. Many foreign universities run study-abroad programmes based in London, but these are often restricted to students who spend the majority of their degree studying at the university campus in their own country, and are not independent university campuses. Some of the colleges offering foreign degrees in London are listed below.