Why Age and Size Matter When Choosing a University

When an institution has stood for over 100 years, it has proven something most newer universities cannot: the ability to outlast governments, recessions, and social upheaval, and still produce graduates who lead. The oldest universities in Maharashtra carry more than prestige. They carry internationally recognised degrees, deeply established alumni networks, vast research archives, and decades of placement relationships with global employers.

Size matters too. The largest universities in Maharashtra affiliate hundreds of colleges across entire regions, giving international students access to enormous program variety, diverse campus cultures, and accommodation options from metro cities to quieter towns. All of these institutions are accessible to international students through the centralised portal at fn.mahacet.org, with no entrance exam required.

How this list was compiled

The Oldest and Largest Universities in Maharashtra

#1 OldestEst. 1857 University of Mumbai — Mumbai

The University of Mumbai, founded on 18 July 1857 as the University of Bombay, is Maharashtra's oldest university and one of the three original universities established in India under the colonial education reforms of Sir Charles Wood's dispatch. For over 167 years it has been the academic spine of one of Asia's most dynamic cities. Today it affiliates more than 700 colleges spread across Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Sindhudurg districts, making it simultaneously the oldest and one of the largest universities in the state. Programs span arts, science, commerce, law, education, management, engineering, and fine arts at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The main Fort campus in South Mumbai sits within a UNESCO World Heritage Site precinct, and the Kalina campus in Santacruz houses the main teaching departments. For international students, the University of Mumbai carries immediate global recognition and sits in the heart of India's financial capital.

#2 OldestEst. 1923 Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) — Nagpur

RTMNU, commonly known as Nagpur University, was established on 4 August 1923 and holds the distinction of being Maharashtra's second-oldest university. It began with just six affiliated colleges and 927 students. A century later, it has grown into one of central India's most comprehensive public universities, with 503 affiliated colleges, 46 postgraduate teaching departments, and a student body exceeding 4 lakh (400,000). The university's jurisdiction spans Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Bhandara, and Wardha districts. It is accredited NAAC Grade A and ranked in the QS Asia Rankings 2026 (band 851-900). Programs cover arts, science, commerce, engineering, law, management, pharmacy, and education. Nagpur is India's geographic centre and a growing industrial hub, making RTMNU graduates well-placed for careers across central and eastern India.

#3 LargestEst. 1949 Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) — Pune

Named after India's first female teacher and social reformer, SPPU was established in 1949 through the Poona University Act and has since grown into Maharashtra's largest university by affiliated college count, with over 800 colleges across Pune and Nashik districts. Pune is nicknamed the "Oxford of the East" for good reason: its education ecosystem is dense, diverse, and cosmopolitan. SPPU offers programs across science, technology, management, social sciences, law, humanities, and education, and ranks 56th nationally in the NIRF 2025 University category with a NAAC A+ accreditation. International students from Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East consistently choose Pune for its affordable costs, student-friendly culture, and thriving IT and automotive industry for placements.

#4Est. 1957 Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University — Amravati

Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, established in 1957 and named after the revered saint and social reformer Sant Gadge Baba, serves the Vidarbha region of eastern Maharashtra. It affiliates over 450 colleges across Amravati, Akola, Washim, Buldhana, and Yavatmal districts, making it one of the largest affiliating universities in Maharashtra's eastern belt. Programs cover arts, science, commerce, law, engineering, and education. The university's jurisdiction covers a vast rural-agricultural belt, giving students a grounded perspective on India's rural economy and development challenges. For international students interested in India's heartland culture alongside academic study, Amravati offers genuine immersion at a very low cost of living.

#5 Largest CampusEst. 1958 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (BAMU) — Aurangabad

BAMU was established in 1958 and named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India's Constitution. Spread over 725 acres, it holds the distinction of being the largest university in Maharashtra by total campus area. It affiliates over 450 colleges across the Marathwada region, covering Aurangabad, Jalna, Osmanabad, and Beed districts. Programs span arts, science, commerce, law, management, and technology. Aurangabad is a rapidly growing industrial and tourism city, home to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Sites). For international students, BAMU offers an enormous campus, affordable fees, historic surroundings, and direct connectivity to Mumbai and Pune.

#6Est. 1962 Shivaji University — Kolhapur

Shivaji University was inaugurated on 18 November 1962 by then-President of India Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, and named after the legendary Maratha warrior-king Chhatrapati Shivaji. Set on an expansive 853-acre campus in Kolhapur, it is one of Maharashtra's largest campuses by area and has a student body of approximately 300,000 enrolled through its affiliated colleges. Its jurisdiction covers Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, and Solapur districts of southern Maharashtra. Programs include arts, science, commerce, law, engineering, and management. Kolhapur is known for its traditional arts, foundry industry, and proximity to Goa, making it a culturally rich destination for international students seeking an authentic Maharashtra experience outside the metros.

#7Est. 1971 Symbiosis International (Deemed University) — Pune

Symbiosis International University was literally built around the idea of international education. Founded in 1971 specifically to support foreign students studying in Pune, SIU today ranks 24th nationally among universities by NIRF 2025 and 40th overall, with a QS World Ranking of 696. Accredited NAAC A++ and UGC Category-I, it offers programs in management, law, engineering, health sciences, media, and design across campuses in six cities. SIU enrolls students from over 80 countries annually and has a dedicated international student centre. For international students who want a structured support ecosystem, Symbiosis is in a class of its own in Maharashtra.

#8Est. 1990 North Maharashtra University (NMU) — Jalgaon

North Maharashtra University, officially renamed Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University in honour of the revered Marathi poet, was established in 1990 and serves the Jalgaon, Dhule, and Nandurbar districts of northern Maharashtra. It affiliates over 280 colleges and offers programs in science, arts, commerce, engineering, management, and law. Jalgaon is a major centre for banana cultivation and is one of Maharashtra's fastest-growing industrial towns. The university's relatively compact, student-focused campus makes it a strong choice for international students seeking affordability, personal attention, and a genuine north Maharashtra cultural experience at very low living costs.

#9Est. 1994 Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University (SRTMU) — Nanded

SRTMU was established in 1994 in Nanded, named after freedom fighter and philosopher Swami Ramanand Teerth. The university affiliates over 370 colleges across Nanded, Latur, Osmanabad, and Hingoli districts. It offers programs in arts, science, commerce, engineering, and management. Nanded holds deep spiritual significance as a major Sikh pilgrimage destination, home to Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, one of the five Takhts of Sikhism. This gives the city a warm international character that extends to foreign students. For students from countries with Sikh diaspora communities, Nanded has a particular cultural resonance.

#10Est. 1983 Solapur University — Solapur

Solapur University serves the industrially significant Solapur district in southern Maharashtra, which has a long history in textile manufacturing and is now a growing centre for manufacturing and logistics. Established originally as a sub-campus of SPPU and later constituted as an independent university, it affiliates colleges across Solapur and parts of Osmanabad districts, offering programs in arts, science, commerce, engineering, and management. For international students who prefer a quieter, industrially rooted city with lower living costs while remaining within a few hours of Pune and Hyderabad, Solapur University is a practical and value-driven option.

At a Glance: Maharashtra's Oldest and Largest Universities

Use this quick reference to compare the top institutions by founding year, city, and scale before building your shortlist.

Typical Fee Ranges Across Maharashtra Universities

All fees below are paid directly to the individual college after completing your registration via fn.mahacet.org. The one-time USD $1,200 registration fee (USD $50 provisional + USD $1,150 registration) is paid separately to the Maharashtra State CET Cell.

How to Apply as an International Student

All international admissions to Maharashtra colleges and universities are processed through one official portal: fn.mahacet.org. International students (Foreign Nationals, NRI, OCI, PIO, CIWGC) are exempt from MHT-CET and all state-level entrance exams. Follow the timeline below for the 2026-27 intake.

Your First Week in Maharashtra

Whether you arrive in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, or Kolhapur, the essentials are the same. Use this checklist to start your studies confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions