Chicken University, Batman University: 18 institutions with the weirdest names

Does your university name matter?

Research says it might: four-fifths of Russell Group graduates entered full-time work within weeks of leaving compared with two-thirds of those from other institutions, a survey for graduate recruiter Milkround found.

We know of the Harvards and Oxfords — which, by virtue of saying them, instantly tells us of their prestige despite their own dark sides — but what if a university carries one of the weirdest names in the world?

We’re talking about names that will make you do a double-take when you hear them, even possibly pulling out your phone to do a quick Google search to see if they actually exist.

This is hardly the outcome you would want when you mention your university, more so if you’re applying for a job.

Yet, despite all its strangeness, there are some benefits behind all this bizarreness. While their first impression isn’t great, don’t write them off just yet. Some of the weirdest names have hidden perks that may just work for the right kind of students and even you.

Just take a look at these universities:

18 institutions with the weirdest names 

1. Chicken University 

Chicken University has one of the weirdest names, and it definitely raises some eyebrows.

But once you learn that the university is a training and research centre for Genesis BBQ — a huge South Korean fast-food chain — it all makes sense. 

The university lives up to its name by teaching students how to cook the perfect fried chicken and start a business out of it. 

Established in 1952 by Dr. John Smith and Dr. Emily Brown, the university was originally named the Poultry Science Institute. It has gained popularity among farmers and researchers for its pioneering studies in poultry genetics and nutrition.

In 1976, the institute expanded its curriculum to include agricultural sciences, which prompted its name change to Chicken University. 

2. Batman University 

We hate to burst your bubble, but attending Batman University won’t make you like the DC superhero. It was actually named after the city it is located in. 

Established in 1960 in Batman, Turkey, the university began as an extension of Istanbul University’s Faculty of Agriculture. Over time, it has grown to become an independent institution in 1992.

The university offers programmes in engineering, arts and sciences, economics and administrative sciences, health sciences, and fine arts. 

3. Hamburger University 

Hamburger University may have one of the weirdest names, but it is actually a globally recognised institution that trains people in the fast-food industry. 

It was founded in 1961 by — you guessed it — McDonald’s and provides educational services to its employees and franchisees worldwide. Students can go through week-long programmes and graduate with a degree in Hamburgerology. Yes, that’s an actual degree. 

The university started as a way to standardise training for franchisees and employees worldwide. The programme focuses on topics such as McDonald’s history, restaurant management, and customer service. 

Today, Hamburger University has multiple campuses worldwide, including in the US, China, Japan, and Europe. 

4. Slippery Rock University

Another on of the weirdest names for a higher education institute is Slippery Rock University. 

The name comes from a nearby shallow stream known for its slippery rocks. Early settlers found these rocks difficult to cross, and the name stuck as the place developed. When the university was founded, it was located near this stream and took on the name “Slippery Rock.”

The university began as a teacher training institution, aiming to educate future educators for the growing communities in western Pennsylvania. Today, it has expanded and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programmes in business, education, health sciences, liberal arts, and STEM fields.

5. Beijing Normal University

Beijing Normal University’s name is a head-scratcher, and people may wonder, “Is there an abnormal university?”

The term “normal” actually refers to teacher training, which was historically referred to as “normal education.” 

The university was founded in 1902 during the late Qing Dynasty as the Faculty of Education of Capital Metropolitan University. It was one of the earliest institutions in China dedicated to teacher education.

It was first created to modernise China’s education system by training teachers with progressive educational methods. Today, the university is renowned for its comprehensive academic programmes in natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering, management, and education.

6. Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua

While having one of the weirdest names, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua doesn’t actually have much to do with the dog.

The university is located in Chihuahua, Mexico, which is the same place where the dog breed was first discovered, and that’s pretty much all the two have in common. 

The university was established in 1954, during a period when many universities in Latin America were seeking autonomy from government control to get academic freedom and self-governance. 

The term “Autónoma” refers to the university’s independence, highlighting its ability to make decisions regarding its academic and administrative affairs without external interference.

7. Colgate University

Colgate University is often confused with the popular toothpaste brand.

The name “Colgate” comes from its early benefactor, William Colgate, who was a successful businessman and devout Baptist. 

He made huge donations to the university in the mid-19th century, which helped it expand. Eventually, in 1890, the university was officially renamed Colgate University in his honour.

And yes, William Colgate then indeed went on to start the legendary toothpaste business.

8. Friends University 

Despite having one of the weirdest names, Friends University is one of the top universities in the country. 

Located in Wichita, Kansas, the university was established in 1898 by the Religious Society of Friends. This explains its name, “Friends,” which refers to the religious affiliation of its founders.

The university started as a college offering primary and secondary education. It then expanded to include undergraduate and graduate programmes. Today, it offers many programmes that include liberal arts, sciences, business, education, and fine arts. 

9. Converse University 

No, Converse University has no connection to the popular Converse sneakers.

The university was named after a textile entrepreneur, Dexter Edgar Converse. He was the head of Converse College’s first board of directors and was among the school’s founders and donors.

The university was founded in 1889 as a women’s college. Dexter Converse donated US$125,000 to establish the institution, which was named Converse College, in honour of his generosity.

Today, it offers programmes in arts, sciences, education, and business. 

10. Universidad de Morón

For English speakers, Universidad de Morón may be one of the weirdest names you’ve heard, but no, it’s not a university for people with low intelligence.

Founded in 1960, the university is located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Its name comes from the city of Morón.

The university offers undergraduate and graduate programmes across many fields. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a degree in law, medicine, engineering, or any other field, Universidad de Morón ensures you receive the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career. 

11. Worms University of Applied Sciences

The name Worm University of Applied Sciences may make you squirm, but don’t worry — it is unrelated to creepy crawlies.

The university is actually named after the German city of Worms.

The university specialises in applied sciences, focusing on practical and hands-on education that prepares students for careers in various fields. It offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in areas such as engineering, computer science, business administration, social sciences, and design.

12. The Clown Conservatory

As tempting as it is to use this name as an insult, The Clown Conservatory is actually a performing arts school, and part of the Circus Centre.

It specialises in training people in the comedic and theatrical skills essential to clowning. This includes physical comedy, improvisation, mime, character development, and the use of props — not the clowning online that you may think of.

The college offers a three-year programme where students learn everything from costume design to comedy. Students will experience practical workshops, performances, and theoretical studies to develop their comedic timing, physical dexterity, and stage presence. 

13. Carpigiani Gelato University

As you can probably guess from its name, Carpigiani Gelato University is dedicated to teaching the art and science of gelato making.

Through a four-week intense training programme, students master the art of manufacturing gelato, with the goal of eventually opening their own gelato stores.

The university was established in 2003 by Carpigiani, a renowned Italian manufacturer of gelato machines, as a way to address the growing demand for high-quality gelato. 

The courses cover everything from the basics of gelato production to advanced techniques in flavour creation, marketing, and business management.

 

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14. Lovely Professional University

Located in Punjab, India, Lovely Professional University‘s (LPU) name comes from being established by India’s Lovely Group — a family-run business that started with Lovely Sweets before expanding into Lovely Automobiles, and now, LPU.

LPU is one of the top-ranked universities in the country. The university’s programmes in pharmacy, law, agriculture and allied sectors, architecture and planning, management, and engineering are ranked #16, #19, #22, #24, #38, and #50, respectively, on India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024.

Not only that, the school is also ranked within the top 10 in India by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.

Here, you’ll find more than 150 programmes — with tons of them accredited from institutions worldwide — and over 3,000 international students from 50 countries under the university’s halls.

15. University of the Incarnate Word

For our more religious readers, you may have guessed correctly that the University of the Incarnate Word is a faith-based university.

Founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the university was the first institution to offer higher education for women in central and south Texas.

It’s also a top school for veterans and is ranked first in the nation among faith-based universities that have graduated Hispanic students with bachelor’s degrees.

16. Madonna University

No, it’s not founded by the Madonna you’re thinking of.

The name “Madonna” is an artistic representation of the Virgin Mary, which is suitable for this Catholic institution. Madonna University is a private Roman Catholic institute in Livonia, Michigan.

It offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in more than 100 career-focused majors, and its graduate school delivers more than 30 master’s programmes and doctoral degrees in Education and Nursing.

17. College of Magic

We hate to burst your bubble, but this isn’t Hogwarts.

The College of Magic is a non-profit organisation in Cape Town, South Africa, teaching entertainment and magic performances.

Think large stage illusions, close-up card tricks, clowning, puppetry, or ventriloquism. As long as you’re aged 10 and above, the College of Magic welcomes all to learn their secrets.

 

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18. Ball State University

Don’t laugh. Don’t.

While its name may be the butt joke on Reddit threads such as this one, Ball State University is a world-class institute with highly respected programmes in education, architecture, business, communications, fine arts, sciences and humanities, and the health professions.

The university boasts an impressive 94% career placement rate for graduates, and offers generous financial aid for its applicants.

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on March 25, 2025.