A Catholic university is a private university run by the Roman Catholic Church or by Roman Catholic organizations such as religious institutes. Those with closer ties to the Holy See are specifically called pontifical universities.
By definition, Catholic canon law states that "A Catholic school is understood to be one which is under control of the competent ecclesiastical authority or of a public ecclesiastical juridical person, or one which in a written document is acknowledged as Catholic by the ecclesiastical authority" (Can. 803). Although some schools are deemed "Catholic" because of their identity and a great number of students enrolled are Catholics, it is also stipulated in canon law that "no school, even if it is in fact Catholic, may bear the title 'Catholic school' except by the consent of the competent ecclesiastical authority" (Can. 803 §3).
According to the census of the Vatican's Congregation for Catholic Education, the total number of Catholic universities and higher education institutions around the world is 1,358. The Dominican Order is "the first order instituted by the Church with an academic mission", founding studia conventualia in every convent of the order, and studia generalia at the early European universities such as the University of Bologna and the University of Paris. The Catholic religious order with the highest number of universities around the world today is the Society of Jesus with 114.
Like other private schools, Catholic colleges and universities are generally nondenominational, in that they accept anyone regardless of religion or denominational affiliation, race or ethnicity, nationality, or civil status, provided the admission or enrollment requirements and legal documents are submitted, and rules and regulations are obeyed for a fruitful life on campus. However, non-Catholics, whether Christian or not, may or may not participate in otherwise required campus activities, particularly those of a religious nature.
Catholic University "Our Lady of Good Counsel", Tirana
Catholic University of Angola, Luanda
Austral University, Buenos Aires
Catholic University of Santiago del Estero, Santiago del Estero
Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, Buenos Aires
Saint Thomas Aquinas University of the North, San Miguel de Tucumán
Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Cordoba
Universidad Católica de La Plata, La Plata
Universidad Católica de Salta, Salta
Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires
Universidad FASTA, Mar del Plata
Australian Catholic University, campuses nationwide including Sydney
Campion College, Toongabbie, near Sydney
University of Notre Dame Australia, campuses in Fremantle, Sydney, and Broome
Catholic-Theological Private University Linz, Linz
Catholic University College of Education Graz (CUCE Graz), Graz; f.2007
International Theological Institute, Trumau (near Wien)
Private University College of Education of the Diocese of Linz (Ph-Linz), Linz; f.1968
Notre Dame University Bangladesh, Dhaka
Catholic University of Brussels, Brussels
Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven (before 1968), succeeded by:
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven (Flemish)
Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve (French)
Catholic university of Mons (Facultés universitaires catholiques de Mons), Mons
ICHEC Brussels Management School (Institut Catholique des Hautes Etudes Commerciales), Brussels
St John Berchmans University College, Heverlee, Heverlee
Saint-Louis University, Brussels, Brussels
Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen, Geel
Université de Namur, Namur
Université Catholique de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, Cotonou
Universidad Católica Boliviana, La Paz
Universidad Católica Boliviana Cochabamba, Unidad Académica Regional Cochabamba
Universidad Católica Boliviana Santa Cruz, Unidad Académica Regional Santa Cruz
Universidad Católica Boliviana Tarija, Unidad Académica Regional Tarija
Unidad Académica Campesina-Carmen Pampa, Carmen Pampa; a satellite campus of the Catholic University of Bolivia
Centro Universitário da FEI, São Bernardo do Campo
Centro Universitário Franciscano, Santa Maria
Institutos Supereriores de Ensino La Salle, Niterói
Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas, Campinas
Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, Goias
Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte
Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, São Paulo
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre
Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília
Universidade Católica de Pelotas, Pelotas
Universidade Católica de Pernambuco, Recife
Universidade Católica de Petrópolis, Petrópolis
Universidade Católica de Santos, Santos
Universidade Católica do Salvador, Salvador
Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande
Universidade da Amazônia, Belém
Universidade do Sagrado Coração, Bauru
Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo
Universidade Santa Úrsula, Rio de Janeiro
Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista
University of Vale do Paraíba, São José dos Campos
Catholic University Institute of Buea, Buea
Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda
Catholic University of Central Africa, Yaounde
Assumption University, Windsor, Ontario
Brescia University College, London, Ontario
Campion College, Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan
Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface, Saint Boniface, Manitoba
Corpus Christi College and St. Mark's College, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dominican University College, Ottawa, Ontario
King's University College (University of Western Ontario), London, Ontario
Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy, Barry's Bay, Ontario
Redeemer Pacific College, Langley, British Columbia
Regis College, Toronto, Ontario
St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia
St. Jerome's University, Waterloo, Ontario
St. Joseph's College, Edmonton, Alberta
Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
St. Mary's University College, Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario
St. Paul's College, Fort Garry, Manitoba
St. Thomas More College, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
St. Thomas University, Fredericton, New Brunswick
Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec
Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec
Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec
Université Sainte-Anne, Pointe-de-l'Église, Nova Scotia
University of St. Michael's College, Toronto, Ontario
University of Sudbury, Sudbury, Ontario
Alberto Hurtado University, Santiago
Catholic University of the Holy Conception, Concepcion
Catholic University of the Maule, Talca
Catholic University of the North, Antofagasta
Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago
Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, Valparaiso
Silva Henríquez Catholic University, Santiago
Temuco Catholic University, Temuco
Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago
University of the Andes, Chile, Santiago
Catholic university in Hong Kong, Hong Kong
University of Saint Joseph (Portuguese: Universidade de São José), Macau; formerly Macau Inter-University Institute
Catholic University of Colombia, Bogota
Del Rosario University, Bogota; f.1653
La Salle University, Colombia, Bogota
Pontifical Bolivarian University, Medellin
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota
Saint Martin University, Bogota
Saint Thomas Aquinas University, Bogota
Sergio Arboleda University, Bogota
Universidad Católica de Oriente, Rionegro (near Medellin)
University of La Sabana, Chía
Académie des Beaux-Arts, Kinshasa
Université Catholique du Congo, Kinshasa
Universidad Católica de Costa Rica, San José; f.1993
Universidad de La Salle, San José; f.1994
Universidad Juan Pablo II, San José
Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb; f.2005
Universidad Católica de Santo Tomás de Villanueva, Havana
Catholic Theological Faculty, Charles University in Prague, Prague
Palacký University of Olomouc Saint Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology, Olomouc
University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Theology, České Budějovice (Budweis)
Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Santiago de los Caballeros
Universidad Católica Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo
Universidad Católica Tecnológica del Cibao, La Vega
Politecnica Salesiana University, Cuenca
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito
Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil
Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (La Universidad Católica de Loja), Loja
Universidad Centroamericana, San Salvador
Universidad Don Bosco, San Salvador
Ethiopian Catholic University of St. Thomas Aquinas (ECUSTA), Addis Ababa
Catholic Institute of Higher Studies - ICES (Institut Catholique d'Etudes Supérieures), La Roche-sur-Yon
Catholic University of Lyon, Lyon
Catholic University of Rennes, Rennes
Catholic University of Toulouse, Toulouse
Catholic University of the West, Angers
Centre Sèvres, Paris; Jesuit institution
Chavagnes Studium, Chavagnes en Paillers; Anglophone Liberal Arts Centre
ECAM Lyon (École catholique des arts et métiers Lyon), Lyon
École supérieure des sciences économiques et commerciales (ESSEC Business School), Cergy-Pontoise
Institut catholique d'arts et métiers (ICAM), Lille & 5 cities
Institut Catholique de Paris, Paris
Université Catholique de Lille, Lille
Catholic University of Applied Sciences Freiburg, Freiburg
Catholic University of Applied Sciences Mainz, Mainz
Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt and Ingolstadt
Munich University of Philosophy, Munich
University of Freiburg Faculty of Theology, Freiburg
Catholic Institute of Business and Technology, Accra; affiliated to the University of Ghana
Catholic University College of Ghana, Fiapre
Rafael Landívar University, Guatemala City
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala City; f.1676
Universidad Mesoamericana, Guatemala City
University Notre Dame of Haiti (Université Notre Dame d'Haïti), Port-au-Prince
Universidad Católica de Honduras, Tegucigalpa and various campuses throughout the country
Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest
Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur
Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati
Christ University, Bangalore
De Paul Institute of Science & Technology (DIST), Angamaly
Don Bosco Institute of Technology, Mumbai, Mumbai
Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore
Jesus and Mary College, New Delhi
Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur
Loyola College, Chennai, Chennai
Malankara Catholic College, Mariagiri, Marthandam
Pushpagiri Medical College, Thiruvalla
St. John's Medical College, Bangalore
St. Xavier's College, Calcutta, Kolkata; f.1860
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, Mumbai; f.1869
Sathyabama University, Chennai
Xavier University, Bhubaneswar
Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta; 8 schools including School of Medicine
De La Salle Catholic University, Manado, Manado
Parahyangan Catholic University, Bandung
Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta
Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Pineleng, Manado
Soegijapranata Catholic University (Unika Soegijapranata), Semarang
Universitas Atma Jaya Makassar, Makassar
Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta
Widya Mandala Catholic University, Surabaya
Ireland
All Hallows College, Dublin; affiliated with Dublin City University
Catholic University of Ireland, Dublin; became National University of Ireland
Mary Immaculate College, Limerick; a college of the University of Limerick
St. Patrick's, Carlow College, Carlow
St Patrick's College, Maynooth
St. Patrick's College, Thurles
European University of Rome, Roma; Legionaries of Christ
Libera Università Maria SS. Assunta (LUMSA), Roma
St. John's University (Italy), Roma
Studium Generale Marcianum, Venezia
Università Campus Bio-Medico, Roma
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele), Milano
Université Catholique de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, Abidjan
Elisabeth University of Music, Hiroshima
Kyoto Notre Dame University, Kyoto
Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University, Nagasaki
Nanzan University, Nagoya
Notre Dame Seishin University, Okayama
St. Catherine University, Matsuyama
St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki
St. Thomas University, Japan, Amagasaki
Seisen University, Tokyo
Shirayuri Women's University, Tokyo
Sophia University, Tokyo
Tokyo Junshin University, Tokyo
University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo
American University of Madaba, Madaba
Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi
Hekima University College, Nirobi; Jesuit
Regina Pacis University College, Nairobi
Strathmore University, Nairobi
Tangaza University College, Nairobi
Uzima University College, Kisumu
The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul & Bucheon
Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung
Catholic Sangji College, Andong
Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu
Catholic University of Pusan, Pusan
Incheon Catholic University, Incheon
Suwon Catholic University, Suwon
Daejeon Catholic University, Sejong(City)
Gwangju Catholic University, Naju
Mokpo Catholic University, Mokpo
Kkottongnae University, Cheongju
Sogang University, Seoul
Antonine University, Baabda
College La Sagesse St Joseph - Ashrafieh, Beirut
Notre Dame University - Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh
Saint Joseph University, Beirut
Université Saint-Esprit de Kaslik, Kaslik
Université Sainte Famille, Batroun
Faculty of Catholic Theology, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas
St. Ignatius of Loyola College, Kaunas (Garliava)
Sacred Heart University Luxembourg, Luxembourg City
Ecole Professionnelle Supérieure Agricole Bevalala, Antananarivo
Université Catholique de Madagascar, Antananarivo
Catholic University of Malawi, Montfort
Anahuac Mayab University, Mérida
Ibero-American University of Torreón, Torreón
Ibero-American University Tijuana, Tijuana
ITESO, Guadalajara; Jesuit university
La Salle University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua
Loyola University of the Pacific, Acapulco
Pontifical University of Mexico, Ciudad de México
Simon Bolivar University (Mexico), Ciudad de México
Tamaulipas Institute of Higher Education, Altamira
Universidad Anáhuac Cancún, Cancún
Universidad Anáhuac del Sur, Ciudad de México
Universidad Anáhuac México Norte, Huixquilucan
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Guadalajara
Universidad de Monterrey, Monterrey
Universidad del Valle, Ciudad de México
Universidad del Valle de Atemajac, Zapopan
Universidad Iberoamericana, Ciudad de México
Universidad Iberoamericana León, León
Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, Puebla
Universidad Intercontinental, Ciudad de México
Universidad La Salle, Ciudad de México
Universidad Panamericana, Ciudad de México
Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Puebla
Vasco de Quiroga University, Morelia
Catholic University of Mozambique (Universidade Católica de Moçambique), Beira
St. Xavier's College, Kathmandu
Netherlands
Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen; non ex corde
University of Tilburg, Tilburg
New Zealand
The Catholic Institute of Aotearoa New Zealand, Wellington
Catholic University of Dry Tropic Farming and Livestock, Estelí
Catholic University Redemptoris Mater, Managua
Central American University, Managua
Thomas More Universitas, Managua
Caritas University, Amorji-Nike
Catholic University of Nigeria, Abuja; Veritas University
Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu
Madonna University, Ihiala
Our Saviour Institute of Science and Technology, Enugu
Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
St. Augustine University, Epe
Notre Dame Institute of Education, Karachi
Sargodha Institute of Technology, Sargodha
Bethlehem University, Bethlehem
Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua, Panama City
Divine Word University, Madang
Universidad Católica Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Asuncion
Antonio Ruiz de Montoya University (UARM), Lima
Catholic University Los Angeles of Chimbote, Chimbote
Catholic University of Santa María, Arequipa
Catholic University of Trujillo, Trujillo
Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Lima
Universidad Católica de San Pablo, Arequipa
Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Lima
University of the Pacific, Lima
University of Piura, Piura & Lima
There are more than 40 universities — besides many colleges — in the Philippine Catholic Church. Among these universities are:
Adamson University, Manila
Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City
Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Manila
De La Salle University, Manila
Holy Angel University, Angeles City
Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines, Manila
Saint Louis University, Baguio City
Saint Mary's University, Bayombong
University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao, Cagayan
Poland
Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw
Jesuit University of Philosophy and Education Ignatianum, Kraków
John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin
Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Warsaw, Warsaw
Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Wrocław, Wrocław
Pontifical University of John Paul II, Kraków
In Poland also work faculties of theology in some public universities.
Catholic University of Portugal, Lisbon; Porto; Minho; Viseu
Paula Frassinetti-Superior School of Education, Porto
Bayamon Central University, Bayamon
Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce
University of the Sacred Heart, Santurce(San Juan)
Roman Catholic Theological Institute of Iaşi, Iaşi
Rwanda
Catholic University of Kabgayi, Gitarama
Catholic University of Rwanda, Butare
University of Makeni, Makeni
LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore
Catholic University in Ružomberok, Ružomberok
Faculty of Theology, University of Trnava, Bratislava
St Augustine College of South Africa, Johannesburg
Catholic University of South Sudan, Juba and Wau
St. Mary's University in Juba, Juba
Abat Oliba CEU University, Barcelona
Catholic University of Ávila, Avila
CEU San Pablo University, Madrid
Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid
ESADE, Barcelona
Holy Family University Center, Ubeda
Loyola University Andalusia, Cordoba and Seville
Pontifical University of Salamanca, Salamanca
Ramon Llull University, Barcelona
Real Centro Universitario Escorial-Maria Christina, San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Saint Louis University Madrid Campus, Madrid
Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia
Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid
University of Agricultural Engineering, Valladolid
University of Deusto, Bilbao
University of Navarre, Pamplona
Valencia Catholic University Saint Vincent Martyr, Valencia
Aquinas University College, Colombo
Comboni College for Science and Technology, Khartoum
Newman Institute, Uppsala
Switzerland
Faculty of Theology University of Lucerne, Luzern
University of Fribourg, Fribourg
Cardinal Tien College of Healthcare and Management, New Taipei
Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei
Providence University, Taichung
Wenzao Ursuline College of Languages, Kaohsiung
Saint Mary's Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Yilan
Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza
Mwenge Catholic University, Moshi
Ruaha Catholic University, Iringa
St. Augustine University of Tanzania, Nyegezi & Malimbe
St. Joseph University In Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
Thailand
Assumption University, Bangkok
Saint John's Group of Schools and University, Bangkok
Uganda
Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi
Superior Institute of Religious Sciences of St. Thomas Aquinas, Kiev
Ukrainian Catholic University, Lviv
Saint Joseph University - Dubai, Dubai
Digby Stuart College, London; constituent college of University of Roehampton
Heythrop College, London; constituent college of University of London
Leeds Trinity University, Leeds
Newman University, Birmingham
St. Mary's University College, Belfast
St Mary's University, Twickenham, London
There are 244 Catholic higher education degree-granting institutions in the United States. Among the most well known are:
Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Fordham University, New York City, NY
Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX
Villanova University, Villanova, PA
Universidad Católica del Uruguay Dámaso Antonio Larrañaga, Montevideo
Universidad de Montevideo, Montevideo
Alphonsian Academy; Redemptorists
Institute of the Theology of the Consecrated Life Claretianum; Claretians
Patristic Institute Augustinianum; Augustinians
Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum; Legionaries of Christ
Pontifical Biblical Institute; Jesuits
Pontifical Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies; White Fathers
Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music
Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family
Pontifical Oriental Institute; Jesuits
Pontificia Università Gregoriana; Jesuits
Pontificia Università Lateranense; Diocese of Rome
Pontifical University Antonianum; Franciscans
Pontifical University of the Holy Cross; Opus Dei
Pontifical University of St. Bonaventure; Conventual Franciscans
Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum); Dominicans
Pontifical Urbaniana University; Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
Pontificio Ateneo Sant Anselmo; Benedictine
Salesian Pontifical University; Salesians
Andrés Bello Catholic University, Caracas
Jesus the Worker University Institute, Caracas
Santa Rosa Catholic University, Caracas
Catholic University of Tachira (Universidad Católica del Táchira), San Cristóbal
Universidad Monteávila, Caracas
Loyola University Chicago Vietnam Center, Ho Chi Minh City
Charles Lwanga College of Education, Monze
DMI St. Eugene University, Chibombo and Chipata
Zambia Catholic University, Kalulushi
Catholic University of Zimbabwe, Harare
Some of the universities, including Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, are ranked in the top list of universities according to the Times Higher Education journal. There is so far no list of academic rankings of Catholic universities.
