5 most prestigious women-only universities in the world

Let’s set the record straight — women-only universities are far from the outdated myths that often surround them.

For example, contrary to the stereotype that everyone at women-only universities identifies as female, these campuses are home to diverse gender identities, including nonbinary, genderqueer, genderfluid, and transgender individuals.

Another common misconception is that women-only universities are conservative. Natasha Badhwar, who studied at Delhi University’s Indraprastha College for Women (IPCW) in New Delhi, India, says otherwise.

“I met the sassiest, most confident women I have ever known at IPCW,” she said in an article for The Tribune.

Though gender-segregated education was seen by her generation as outdated, Badhwar chose IPCW for its Psychology Honours programme, despite warnings from friends and family that it was a “behenji” college.

“Behenji” is a respectful term for a sister but it also has a derogatory meaning of an uncool, unfashionable sort of women.

Her experience there turned out to be the opposite.

Free from the male gaze and societal judgments, Badhwar and her friends explored their voices, passions, and identities.

They found a sense of liberation and strength in ways they never anticipated.

Where did this pervasive negativity surrounding women-only institutions originate?

Graduates of womens universities are more likely to earn higher salaries and be successful in male-dominated fields. Source: AFP

Women-only universities in the 21st century

In the past, higher education was a privilege reserved almost exclusively for men. In 1836, however, Wesleyan College in Georgia broke barriers by becoming the first women’s college in the world.

Starting with just 90 students, the college now welcomes 700 students from across the US and about 20 countries. It offers Bachelor’s in Arts and Fine Arts and Nursing, along with eight pre-professional programmes in health, law, medicine, pharmacy, and more.

Today, unfortunately, the story of women universities has taken a bittersweet turn. As co-educational institutions have become the norm, the number of women-only universities has significantly decreased.

While some women’s colleges have chosen to adapt by opening their doors to male students, others have faced closures due to declining enrollment and financial pressures.

Japan, for instance, is home to the highest number of women-only universities globally, with these institutions representing 9% of its 800 four-year higher education establishments. 

This is because traditional gender expectations in Japan, such as the “salaryman” culture (which is largely male-dominated), have long influenced the educational system, limiting opportunities for women.

In response, women-only universities were established. They provided a supportive space where female students could develop their academic interests and prepare for careers.

Yet, the future of women universities is uncertain.

Over the past 20 years, while the overall number of universities in Japan grew from 600 to 800, women-only universities have steadily declined, with about one closing every year.

A case in point is Kobe Shinwa Women’s University, which transitioned to a coeducational model and rebranded as Kobe Shinwa University.

In an interview with Nikkei Asia, University President Tomoyo Mitsui noted that the institution had been considering this shift since 2018 to keep the institution competitive in a challenging market.

The fight to preserve women-only universities

But not everyone is on board with this shift. Students at South Korea’s Dongduk Women’s University strongly opposed plans to make the institution co-educational.

The demonstrations quickly grew, involving hundreds of students and even prompting police intervention on campus in November 2024.

The Dongduk student council, Naran, firmly rejected the co-education discussions in a statement. They argued that such a transition undermines the institution’s founding purpose: to empower women.  

“Women’s universities are vital spaces where women can engage in meaningful dialogue without the societal bias and discrimination they often face,” the council declared.

Their concerns are not unfounded. Discrimination against women in higher education persists globally.

In 2018, a Japanese government investigation revealed that at least nine medical schools had manipulated admissions to limit the number of female students. This was reportedly based on unfounded fears that women would abandon medical careers after graduation.

Such incidents highlight the systemic gender biases embedded in many societies. Women often face stereotypes that discourage them from pursuing their passions, with such biases affecting their career aspirations and educational achievements from an early age.  

However, some progress has been made. Following the scandal, the representation of women in Japan’s medical schools has improved. By 2023, women comprised 40.2% of medical students nationwide, up by 1.7% from the previous year.

Even so, the journey toward equity in education is far from complete. Efforts must continue to ensure that all women have the opportunity to thrive, free from the barriers of discrimination and outdated stereotypes.

5 women-only universities and colleges around the world

Japan Women’s University

Japan Women’s University, founded in 1901, is the country’s oldest and largest private women’s university.

Dedicated to empowering women, the university cultivates intellectual curiosity, individuality, and untapped potential in its students, equipping them to thrive as independent and socially responsible individuals.

The institution operates across two campuses: Mejirodai in Bunkyō, Tokyo, and Nishi-Ikuta in Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. Complementing its higher education offerings, it also manages associated schools, from nursery to high school, creating a variety of learning opportunities.

Notable alumni from this women-only university include Rumiko Takahashi, a Japanese manga artist who has sold over 200 million copies of her work and Kazuyo Sejima, an award-winning architect and co-founder of SANAA (Sejima + Nishizawa & Associates).

In 2010, Sejima was the second woman to receive the Pritzker Prize, which was awarded jointly with Ryue Nishizawa.

 

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Wellesley College

Wellesley College is a prestigious private liberal arts college for women.

Since its founding in 1870 by Pauline and Henry Fowle Durant, the college has upheld a singular mission: to prepare women to lead boldly and make meaningful change.

That vision has come to life in extraordinary ways. Graduates from this women-only university have made waves as scientists, environmental champions, secretaries of state, civil rights leaders, financial innovators, media producers, and artists.

Wellesley College graduates do well. Madeleine Albright was the first woman to become US Secretary of State and Pamela Melroy is retired NASA astronaut and Air Force officer.

But perhaps the most popular is Hillary Clinton. The college even named a research and study centre after her.

Ewha Womans University

Ewha Womans University’s story began in 1886 when American missionary Mary Scranton taught a small class in her Seoul home.

From those humble beginnings, Ewha led the way in women’s education, becoming South Korea’s first government-accredited four-year university.

Today, it is one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions and the world’s largest women’s university, serving nearly 25,000 students with the support of 987 faculty members across 11 colleges, 15 graduate schools, and 66 research institutes.

Professional golfer Grace Park, winner of six LPGA Tour events, including one major championship, graduated from this women-only university in 2003.

Another distinguished alumna is Yoo Eun-hae, South Korea’s first female Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of Education under President Moon Jae-in.

Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University

The focus on women’s education in Saudi Arabia has opened doors to incredible opportunities, empowering Saudi women to excel and achieve their goals in diverse fields.

One of the standout achievements in this journey is the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. What began in 1970 with the establishment of the first educational college for women has grown into a vast network of 102 colleges.

Spread across 72 cities and catering to 600,000 female students, these institutions underscore Saudi Arabia’s dedication to advancing women’s higher education.

Graduates go on to make a name for themselves, including Amal Yahya al-Moallimi, Saudi Arabia’s second female ambassador.

She obtained a bachelor’s in English from the Princess Noura Bint Abdulrahman University and now represents the country in Norway.

 

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Duksung Women’s University

Founded in 1920 by women’s rights activist Ms. ChaMirisa, Duksung Women’s University (DSWU) has been a pioneer in women’s education in Korea.

Today, nearly 7,000 students thrive across two stunning campuses: Ssangmun Main Campus near Mt. Bukhan National Park and the Jongno Second Campus in downtown Seoul.

With 39 undergraduate majors and 22 graduate programmes, DSWU offers many opportunities for academic and personal growth.

Accolades like the “International Education Quality Assurance” certification from the Ministry of Education and its alumni further demonstrate its commitment to excellence.

Writer Choi Jin-young majored in Korean Language & Literature at DSWU. She made her debut in 2006 by winning the Silcheon Munhak New Writer’s Award and has since won various awards, including the 2020 Baek Shin-ae Literature Award, and the 2020 Manhae Prize for Literature.