Private University

Institution Types

A higher education institution established and funded primarily by private entities such as trusts, societies, foundations or corporations rather than by the government.

Private universities often have greater autonomy over curricula, fees and hiring than public institutions, and may emphasise particular strengths such as industry linkage. In many systems they must still obtain government recognition and accreditation.

Related Terms
Central University
A university established and primarily funded by the national (central) government through an act of the national legislature.
State University
A university established and primarily funded by a state or provincial government, usually serving the population of that region.
Deemed-to-be University
A status granted to a high-performing institution that confers university-like autonomy and the power to award its own degrees, even though it was not originally established as a full university.
Affiliation
An arrangement in which a college operates under the academic authority of a parent university, which sets the curriculum, conducts examinations and awards degrees.
Autonomous College
An affiliated college granted the freedom to design its own curriculum and conduct its own examinations while remaining linked to a university.