University logos work differently from most logos we see every day. They aren’t designed to sell a product or chase attention. Instead, they are built to last for hundreds of years. That is what makes them so powerful.
When you see a university logo, you’re not just looking at a design but seeing a visual promise that bridges the gap between students and centuries-old university tradition. This collection features 100+ university logos from all around the world, showcasing how design, symbolism, and tradition come together to create identities that are timeless and meaningful.
The Heritage of University Heraldry
University logos are living relics of rich history. Many of them are deeply rooted in heraldry. It is a sophisticated visual language that first appeared in the 13th century to help knights identify one another on the battlefield.
Over the centuries, these shields and crests retained their original purpose and evolved into a visual reflection of the university’s authority, history, and intellectual lineage.
At the heart of all of this is the shield or escutcheon that follows the smallest of details, such as:
The Rule of Tinctures
To ensure high visibility on the battlefield, armies used to follow the heraldic law that forbade placing colors on colors or metals on metals. And universities still honor this almost 800-year-old design law to maintain prestige and clarity.
But this rule is not the only rule universities stayed loyal to. In traditional heraldry, animals and figures all face left, and the knights held shields that way so the animals seemed to charge forward. This was a subtle sign that showed the university’s ambition to progress.
Common Symbols And Mottos In University Logos
University logos are full of little details that carry big meaning. Nothing in a university logo is without reason; every shape, every image and every motto tells a story about the institution’s history, values and mission.
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Open Books
The open book in the university logo is perhaps the most iconic of symbols. It represents knowledge that is shared freely and openly. A great example of this is the University of Oxford’s logo. It features seven clasps on the book that stand for the seven liberal arts of the medieval curriculum.
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Torches
Torches are another common symbol, and they represent the passing of the flame of knowledge from one batch of students to the next. Torch logos suggest that universities are not just places of study but beacons that guide students toward new fields of study and ideas.
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Laurels & Trees
Laurel and trees often appear in university logos as they celebrate growth, achievement, and academic triumph. This reminds viewers that knowledge is nurtured over time, like a tree in the logo.
The Color Game
Colors in a university logo are more about decoration. It is a codified part of the institution’s DNA that communicates its identity. While startups keep changing their palettes to chase trends, universities play on their heritage. They use the brand color palette smartly to silently say that we have stood the test of time and will continue to.
Interestingly, not all famous university logo colors were chosen by the marketing teams or based on popular color trends but were derived from tradition. For instance, the Harvard Crimson was not a coincidence. In 1858, two rowers handed out crimson scarves to their teammates so spectators could easily distinguish them from other crews. The color caught on and, decades later, in 1910, was officially adopted as Harvard’s signature hue.
Similarly, Oxford’s deep dark blue didn’t appear by accident. It dates back to the Christ Church College where many of the rowers in the first Oxford-Cambridge Boat race of 1829 studied. Charles Wordsworth and Thomas Garnier chose white jerseys with dark blue stripes for Oxford to stand out against Cambridge’s lighter colors, and the shade itself was inspired by Harrow Blue, reflecting Wordsworth’s school days.
100+ Iconic University Logos
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Monash University – Australia
Monash University, Australia — Logo symbolizing knowledge and leadership.
If you look at Monash University’s logo, you’ll notice it’s more than a shield; it’s a story. Divided into four quadrants, it pairs an upright sword with an open book, honoring the university’s namesake, Sir John Monash, while celebrating the pursuit of knowledge.
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University of Queensland – Australia
The University of Queensland, Australia — Purple shield logo with an open book.
The University of Queensland’s logo invites you into a world of tradition and authority. It is a simplified graphic of a shield with a purple field representing the state of Queensland, with an open book in the center. The Jacaranda trees on the St Lucia campus inspire the UQ purple color also known as the deep Waratah purple.
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University of Adelaide – Australia
The University of Adelaide, Australia — Shield logo with book and Southern Cross stars.
The University of Adelaide’s emblem is a masterclass in ‘The Southern Sky’ symbolism. In the center, you will find an open book, representing the spread of knowledge. And hovering above it are five stars to represent the Southern Cross.
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University of Auckland – New Zealand
The University of Auckland logo symbolizes New Zealand’s islands and Auckland’s coastal identity.
If you take a moment to look at the University of Auckland’s logo its connection to the place becomes all the more evident. The three eight-pointed stars on the shield represent New Zealand’s main islands and reflect the university’s academic roots. The deep blue color is also a subtle hint at Auckland’s coastal identity.
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University of Bristol – UK
The University of Bristol logo represents enlightenment, maritime heritage, and education.
The University of Bristol’s logo features a shield that looks like a map of its own story. There is a radiant sun: enlightenment; a medieval ship: nodding to the city’s rich maritime past; a dolphin: borrowed from the emblem of the Colston family, and an open book at the center to reflect on education delivered.
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University of Glasgow – UK
The University of Glasgow logo features historic symbols of St. Mungo in bright, distinctive colors.
The University of Glasgow has one of the most unique logos featuring the miracles of St. Mungo, the Bird, the Tree, the Bell, and the Fish; each of these symbols carries centuries of history. The bright colors make the logo instantly attractive.
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University of Warwick – UK
The University of Warwick logo combines scientific innovation with historic symbolism.
The University of Warwick’s logo is a rare example of a university embracing science as symbolism. A stylized DNA double helix runs through the shield, reflecting the institution and its research-driven mindset. You can also find historic elements that balance the design, such as the elephant and castle, which represent the city.
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Durham University – UK
The Durham University logo features the Cross of St Cuthbert, symbolizing the institution’s historic and cultural heritage.
The Durham University logo centers on the Cross of St Cuthbert, the 7th-century gold and red cross pattee that identified the institution as the guardian of Northumbria’s ancient heritage. It uses a direct replica of the saint’s pectoral cross. It also uses the Rule of Tinctures for maximum prestige.
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University of Birmingham – UK
The University of Birmingham logo symbolizes unity and heritage.
University of Birmingham’s logo is bold and full of character. A two-headed lion dominates the shield, symbolizing the union of the university’s founding colleges. On the right side, there is a mermaid, drawn from Sir Josiah Mason’s coat of arms, which hints at the university’s historical roots.
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University of Sheffield – UK
The University of Sheffield logo represents unity, knowledge, and local heritage.
The University of Sheffield logo is a rich collection of local and academic symbols, centered on a shield bearing a sheaf of eight silver arrows. The sheaf is a visual pun on the River Sheaf, and the arrows signify strength through unity. And on top of the arrows sits an open book again representing knowledge.
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University of Southampton – UK
The University of Southampton logo reflects local heritage and academic tradition.
The University of Southampton’s logo reads like a map of where it comes from. A silver dragon sits boldly on a blue shield, borrowed from the city’s own crest and shaped by its long maritime history. Beneath it, an open book keeps the focus on learning, while a stag slips in a reference to the New Forest just next door.
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University of Leeds – UK
The University of Leeds logo features the iconic Parkinson Building tower.
The University of Leeds logo is instantly recognizable thanks to the silhouette of the Parkinson Building, one of the city’s most familiar landmarks. The clock tower is part of the university’s visual identity and a source of pride.
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University of Nottingham – UK
The University of Nottingham logo reflects medieval heritage and the River Trent.
The University of Nottingham’s logo features a stylized castle tower set above a wavy line and serves as a dual tribute to Nottingham’s medieval heritage. The tower is the iconic Nottingham castle while the wavy line represents the River Trent.
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Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) – Germany
LMU Munich’s logo uses asymmetry to convey a modern, flexible academic identity.
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich takes an unusual approach to its visual identity and this contract is exactly what makes it stand out. The LMU wordmark plays around with asymmetry by using a thinner L accompanied by a thicker M and an even thicker U. This wordmark looks contemporary and intellectually flexible, just like the university.
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Heidelberg University – Germany
Heidelberg University’s seal reflects its medieval heritage and enduring academic tradition.
The Heidelberg University’s seal feels like a direct window into its medieval origins. Founded in 1389, the university has a traditional circular seal that reflects its status as Germany’s oldest university. At the center, St. Peter appears with the keys to heaven alongside the Palatinate Lion, and encircling this scene is the Latin motto Semper Apertus, meaning “Always Open,”
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KU Leuven – Belgium
KU Leuven’s logo uses clean typography to express a modern academic identity.
KU Leven’s logo takes a refreshingly modern route. Instead of leaning on medieval seals, it uses a clean typographic design that is framed by the overlapping shades of blue. The logo feels organized, contemporary, and very much aligned with a forward-thinking European university.
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Delft University of Technology – Netherlands
TU Delft’s logo symbolizes innovation, discovery, and technological progress.
Delft University of Technology keeps its identity sharp and unmistakably modern. The wordmark is clean and precise, reflecting the university’s engineering mindset. The cyan U and flame resting on top of the T draw from the myth of Prometheus and symbolize discovery, progress, and the sharing of knowledge.
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University of Amsterdam – Netherlands
The University of Amsterdam logo reflects its strong connection to the city.
The University of Amsterdam’s logo is all about clarity and connection. The most recognizable feature of the logo is the trio of vertical crosses, borrowed directly from the city’s coat of arms, highlighting the link between the university and Amsterdam. There is also a U hidden between the Xs.
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Leiden University – Netherlands
Leiden University’s logo symbolizes wisdom, freedom, and academic heritage.
Leiden University’s logo carries the weight of history without feeling dated. At the center, you will find Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, shown with a shield and spear to represent the university’s role as a protector of knowledge and freedom. The motto on the logo Praesidium Libertatis or Bastion of Liberty, and it traces back to the university’s founding in 1575, and it is tied to the resistance and independent thought of the school.
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Wageningen University & Research – Netherlands
Wageningen University & Research’s logo emphasizes sustainability and global impact.
Wageningen University & Research keeps its identity clear, focused, and true to its mission. The logo centers on a bold green square with a blue squiggly graphic that represents nature, growth, and sustainability. The modern wordmark presents WUR as a global, impact-driven institution.
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Utrecht University – Netherlands
Utrecht University’s logo symbolizes enlightenment, truth, and knowledge.
The Utrecht University logo is built around a powerful idea of enlightenment. At its center is a golden sun, which is a symbol of truth and clarity. The rays of the sun suggest knowledge speaking outward.
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University of Copenhagen – Denmark
The University of Copenhagen logo reflects royal heritage and academic authority.
The University of Copenhagen’s logo is representative of its royal origins. At the center of the seal, you will find King Christian I, who is the founder of the university. There are other elements, including a crown, a scepter, and an orb, that show authority. This emblem, paired with modern typography, makes the logo more versatile.
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Karolinska Institute – Sweden
Karolinska Institutet’s logo represents medicine, healing, and health research.
Karolinska Institutet’s logo speaks the language of medicine without needing any explanation. In the center is the Staff of Aesculapius, which is the ancient symbol of healing. Pairing that with a rooster symbolizes vigilance, and these elements reflect the university’s focus on medical science and human health.
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University of Helsinki – Finland
The University of Helsinki logo symbolizes the light of knowledge and truth.
The University of Helsinki’s logo keeps things simple while carrying a strong idea. The emblem is a stylized flame, which is a modern take on the torch of knowledge that represents the light of science and the pursuit of truth.
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Sorbonne University – France
The Sorbonne University logo represents unity across disciplines, blending modern fluid design with its historic academic roots.
Sorbonne University’s logo reflects fluidity; the calligraphic S made out of layered curved lines suggests a place where multiple disciplines come together. The confident typography makes the logo feel modern, while the dome connects it back to its roots.
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Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) University – France
The PSL University logo highlights clarity through clean, bold design.
PSL University’s logo is intentionally straightforward, and that is exactly the point. It is built around the bold PSL wordmark, and the design uses clean, geometric lettering that projects clarity.
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École Polytechnique – France
The École Polytechnique logo combines mathematical rigor with military heritage.
École Polytechnique’s logo is discipline and history in a logo. The symbol at the center is an X formed by crossed cannons, which symbolizes advanced math and the school’s military roots.
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University of Montreal – Canada
The Université de Montréal logo blends modern design with architectural identity.
The University of Montreal’s logo feels confident and contemporary. The logo is a wordmark paired with a geometric M that echoes the name of the university and the Roger Gaudry Building tower.
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University of Alberta – Canada
The University of Alberta logo combines heritage symbolism with a clean, modern look.
The University of Alberta’s logo blends history with modern clarity. The heraldic shield reflects the province’s natural beauty and its political heritage, and it goes perfectly well with the sans-serif wordmark.
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McMaster University – Canada
McMaster University’s logo blends tradition with a modern academic identity.
McMaster University’s logo is a great balance between heritage and modernity. The emblem features a shield with additional design elements, such as an open book and maple leaves, that connect it to its Canadian roots.
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Korean Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) – South Korea
KAIST’s logo reflects innovation and a future-focused identity.
KAIST’s logo is sleek, modern, and looks forward. The wordmark sits on top of a tilted blue square that almost looks diamondesque, symbolizing precision and stability. The design looks global and reflects the future of science and technology.
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Yonsei University – South Korea
Yonsei University’s logo blends tradition, knowledge, and academic pride.
The Yonsei University’s logo is a thoughtful and great blend of tradition and symbolism. The shield design on the logo features an open book, torch lights, and the deep Yonsi blue color conveys the university’s integrity, nobility, and proud legacy.
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Korea University – South Korea
Korea University’s logo features a bold tiger symbolizing courage, tradition, and pride.
Korea University’s logo is a bold emblem that exudes courage, tradition, and national pride. The tiger symbolizes bravery and dignity and embodies the ‘Spirit of Korea’. Framed within the classic shield, the university highlights its legacy and knowledge.
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Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) – Hong Kong SAR
HKUST’s logo symbolizes knowledge and ambition with a sun and open book.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology carries deep symbolism and captures the university’s ambition and heritage. At the top of the design, a golden sun radiates energy. Under the sun, the university is an open book that reflects its academic pursuits.
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Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) – Hong Kong SAR
CUHK’s logo features a phoenix symbolizing wisdom, nobility, and tradition.
The stylized phoenix in the Chinese University of Hong Kong logo symbolizes wisdom and nobility. It is also a nod to the cultural reference of ‘Bird of the South’. The colors purple and gold carry a deep meaning of longevity and high status.
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Shanghai Jiao Tong University – China
Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s logo reflects engineering heritage and academic authority.
The Shanghai Jiao Tong University logo is a classic academic design that reflects its deep engineering roots. In the center of the seal is an anvil with hammers that is a reminder of the industry, technology, and education. With a deep maroon red, the logo successfully conveys authority and national pride.
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Zhejiang University – China
Zhejiang University’s logo features the Qiushi Eagle, symbolizing courage and the pursuit of truth.
The Zhejiang University logo is a traditional circular seal. At its center is the “Qiushi Eagle,” a soaring bird that represents courage, speed, and the relentless pursuit of truth, which are core values of the university. The outer ring balances tradition and global outlook, with the name written in Chinese calligraphy above and in English below.
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Fudan University – China
Fudan University’s circular seal symbolizes unity and academic tradition.
With a classic circular seal, the Fudan University logo adds a distinct personality to the university. The double frame in the seal offers ideas of unity, continuity, and academic completeness.
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University of California, San Diego (UCSD) – USA
UC San Diego’s seal features an open book and star, symbolizing knowledge and discovery.
The UC San Diego identity balances tradition with modernity. The official seal features an open book with a star above it, bearing the motto ‘Flat Lux’, a clear nod to knowledge and discovery.
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor – USA
The bold block “M” symbolizes the University of Michigan’s strength, legacy, and modern identity.
The iconic block M is a bold, slab-serif letterform that represents the university’s strength, legacy, and leadership. Rather than using ornate heraldry, Michigan University relies on the minimalist symbol to create a brand that looks and feels modern.
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Johns Hopkins University – USA
The Johns Hopkins shield represents heritage, credibility, and academic excellence.
The Johns Hopkins University identity leans into heritage, credibility, and academic authority. The shield features multiple elements that speak of the rich history and premium education.
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University of Toronto – Canada
The University of Toronto logo blends heraldic tradition with a refined, scholarly modernity.
The University of Toronto’s identity is deeply rooted in tradition, and the heraldic shield gives it an instantly recognizable academic image. Using blue and white, the logo feels stable and looks scholarly. The refined wordmark gives it a modern look with historic gravitas.
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University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – USA
A bold blue wordmark that suggests movement, optimism, and modern education.
The UCLA blue stands at the heart of the brand and is drawn from the California sky and the Pacific Ocean. The wordmark adds to this, and the capitalized UCLA leans slightly forward and feels active rather than static.
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McGill University – Canada
A classic red crest symbolizing tradition, scholarship, and continuous learning.
The McGill University logo is unapologetically traditional, and the three red martlets add character to the logo. These footless birds are a neat metaphor for scholarship that never pauses. followed by a crown and an open book that is all tied together with a zigzag line taken from the McGill family crest.
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University of Melbourne – Australia
A bold blue crest featuring Nike, symbolizing honor, achievement, and academic excellence.
The University of Melbourne logo leans heavily into symbolism, but does so with such confidence and clarity. Nike, the winged goddess of Victory, is at the center of the logo, which is a classic image of honor and achievement.
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University of Tokyo – Japan
Overlapping ginkgo leaves in gold and blue symbolize resilience, tradition, and global outlook.
The University of Tokyo’s logo is iconic and culture-rich, featuring two overlapping ginkgo leaves that symbolize resilience, longevity, and the Hongo campus’s ginkgo trees. The golden leaf symbolizes autumn’s brilliance, while the pale blue leaf is a nod to ‘UTokyo Blue’ and the open sky. Paired with a clean serif or sans-serif wordmark, the Ginkgo Mark is instantly recognizable, both in Japan and on the global stage.
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Kyoto University – Japan
A circular seal featuring a camphor tree symbolizes growth, resilience, and Kyoto University’s academic heritage.
Kyoto University’s logo is a timeless circular seal with a camphor tree in the center that is an emblem of growth, resilience, and the university’s academic spirit. The vertical kanji inscription reinforces the university’s heritage.
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King’s College London – UK
A bold red wordmark conveying prestige and modern tradition.
King’s College London’s logo is a sleek, modern wordmark that captures the university’s prestige and its central London identity. The regal red in the design conveys energy, authority, and passion. The combination of fonts creates a hierarchy that balances tradition with a contemporary look.
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London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) – UK
A bold red mark symbolizing global impact and academic authority.
The London School of Economics and Political Science, has a logo that is both bold and modern, reflecting its global reputation in social science. The striking red square housing the LSE acronym is designed for instant recognition. The vibrant LSE Red conveys the energy of its London roots, while the clean typography adds a sense of academic authority.
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École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) – Switzerland
A bold, minimalist wordmark reflecting Swiss precision and innovation.
The EPFL logo is a great example of a Swiss modern design that’s clean, bold, and purposeful. The wordmark is in a thick, sans-serif font that reflects the school’s focus on science, technology, and forward-thinking research.
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University of Manchester – UK
A bold purple mark highlighting heritage, paired with a clean serif wordmark for a modern academic identity.
The bold purple tab featuring the ‘Manchester’ and the founding year 1824 reflects the university’s roots in the Manchester Mechanics’ Institute. Beneath the tab, the full name, The University of Manchester, appears in a clean, modern serif typeface, keeping the brand unified and professional.
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University of Sydney – Australia
A classic heraldic shield symbolizing strength, authority, and tradition.
The University of Sydney logo blends classic British heraldry and Australian identity. In the center is a silver shield bearing the red Cross of St George, which is overlaid by the golden lion symbolizing strength and authority.
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Carnegie Mellon University – USA
A bold red wordmark expressing innovation, authority, and academic strength.
The Carnegie Mellon University logo is a modern, authoritative wordmark that balances tradition with a bold digital presence. Carnegie Red (#C41230) is the signature color, symbolizing energy, innovation, and passion.
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Northwestern University – USA
A classic purple seal symbolizing tradition, knowledge, and enlightenment.
The Northwestern University logo features a deep vibrant purple that has been a part of the university’s identity since 1894. The formal seal in the logo features an open book at the center that is inscribed with a Greek phrase translated to ‘The Word full of grace and truth’, which is then framed by a sunburst representing enlightenment.
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University of British Columbia – Canada
A clean blue shield combining natural symbolism with academic tradition.
The University of British Columbia logo balances tradition with modern clarity. At the heart of the logo is a shield split into two sections: the upper half showcases a radiant setting sun over stylized waves, and the lower half features three open books, a timeless icon of the pursuit of knowledge.
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University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) – Australia
A bold crest blending British heritage with Australian identity and academic strength.
With a golden lion featured in the logo, the University of New South Wales’ British academic roots are clear. And the lower section shows the Southern Cross on a blue background, anchored by an open book that symbolizes learning. The bold combination of colors reflects the university’s dynamic presence.
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University of Hong Kong (HKU) – Hong Kong SAR
A refined crest symbolizing the union of Eastern heritage and Western academic tradition.
The University of Hong Kong logo brings together British tradition and Chinese heritage, reflecting its role as a bridge between East and West. HKU Green and Gold, with touches of red and blue, convey growth and excellence.
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Nanyang Technological University (NTU) – Singapore
A bold crest and wordmark symbolizing innovation, stability, and global academic excellence.
The Nanyang Technological University logo reflects the university’s rise to world-class status. The vibrant NTU Red conveys energy and innovation, while deep NTU Blue reflects stability and research excellence. Overall, the wordmark links heritage and forward-looking appeal.
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Seoul National University – South Korea
A refined emblem combining Korean heritage with global academic excellence.
With an open book, a torch, a pen, and a laurel wreath that signals Seoul National University as a leading research institution. The Korean references in the logo make it hit home, linking it to the local roots with a global outlook.
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Technical University of Munich – Germany
A clean, minimalist monogram symbolizing precision and modern innovation.
The Technical University of Munich logo reflects German minimalist design at its best. It is precise, modern, and highly functional. The bold TUM monogram is set in custom sans serif and arranged tightly in a clear unified block. This logo positions the university aligned with modern innovation.
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University of Texas at Austin – USA
A bold lettermark in iconic burnt orange, expressing pride, tradition, and strong identity.
The University of Texas at Austin’s lettermark logo is confident and instantly recognizable, which reflects its heritage and flagship status. The all-caps lettering is designed to convey pride and presence at a single glance. However, the defining element is the signature burnt orange, deeply ingrained in the brand’s identity.
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University of Washington – USA
A simple, bold “W” in royal purple that conveys confidence, tradition, and academic pride.
The bold W serves as an iconic symbol of the University of Washington’s stability and confidence. The color and typography give the logo design a sense of royal distinction and pride.
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University of Wisconsin-Madison – USA
A red shield with a white “W” and bold serif text, expressing tradition and strength.
The University of Wisconsin logo reflects tradition with a stylized crest with a red shield and a white “W, at the center. This emblem is framed with a golden border. Below it, a bold “WISCONSIN” wordmark appears in a classic serif typeface, designed to feel strong and timeless.
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Australian National University (ANU) – Australia
A shield featuring the Southern Cross and a gold boomerang, representing Australia’s identity and heritage.
The formal coat of arms of the Australian National University reflects its identity. At the center is a shield featuring the Southern Cross, which represents its place in the Southern Hemisphere, and a gold boomerang that acknowledges Australia’s Indigenous heritage.
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – USA
A bold orange “I” outlined in blue, symbolizing strength, unity, and academic pride across the University of Illinois.
The bold iconic I is the visual identity of the University of Illinois logo. The orange letter is outlined in blue, conveying strength and stability. Previously, the bold I’’ was tied to athletics, but now it is a symbol for the entire university. The signature combination of Illinois Orange and Illinois Blue reflects both energy and academic authority.
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University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill – USA
The UNC Chapel Hill logo centers on the Old Well, with Carolina Blue expressing tradition and pride.
Tradition and culture are at the forefront of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill logo. The university relied on a classic seal featuring the Old Well, an iconic landmark and symbol of longevity. However, the defining element of the brand is Carolina Blue, which is a distinctive light blue almost always paired with white.
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Brown University – USA
Brown University’s logo uses a classic coat of arms to represent knowledge and tradition.
The Ivy League heritage shines through Brown University’s logo. At the center, you will find a traditional coat of arms that features a white shield with a red cross, and each section holds an open book that symbolizes the sharing of knowledge. At the top is a radiant sun representing the light of learning.
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Duke University – USA
Duke University’s logo uses a simple serif wordmark to convey tradition, prestige, and academic excellence.
Duke University’s logo may seem simple, but it is a great blend of tradition and brand recognition. Its primary academic mark is the “Duke” wordmark, set in a clean, elegant serif typeface, and represents the university’s prestige and the iconic Gothic campus.
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New York University (NYU) – USA
NYU’s logo uses a modern torch to represent knowledge, paired with a bold “NYU” wordmark.
The New York City charm shines through the torch, symbolizing the light of knowledge and the passing of learning from generation to generation. The torch is designed in a clean, modern style that reflects NYU’s urban lifestyle and overall vibe. The torch paired with a bold, sans-serif “NYU” wordmark makes it a confident, modern logo.
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Ohio State University – USA
The Block O represents Ohio State’s strength, tradition, and pride.
The Block O in The Ohio State University wordmark is designed to convey strength, tradition, and stability. The University’s athletic legacy shines through the block O, but it also represents Ohio State’s academic and research. The Scarlet red and Gray in the logo are the university’s pride and joy.
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Purdue University – USA
The bold P symbolizes Purdue’s innovation, progress, and engineering legacy in black and gold.
Purdue University’s logo reflects its heritage as an engineering school, with the letter P as the more recognizable symbol. The bold P represents progress, innovation, and the university’s drive towards the future. The old gold and black colors adopted in 1887 still shine through and carry prestige.
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University of Southern California – USA
USC’s logo features three torches symbolizing knowledge, paired with a classic cardinal red wordmark.
The ceremonial seal of the University of Southern California’s logo reflects prestige and tradition. It houses three torches that represent the Arts, Sciences, and Professions, with a settling sun right behind them that symbolizes knowledge. Paired with a custom serif wordmark and iconic colors, it truly stands out.
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University of Zurich – Switzerland
The Universität Zürich logo features a traditional seal and clean wordmark, reflecting academic heritage and precision.
The University of Zurich has a long history and a big role in the city. It has a modern/traditional logo featuring a deep, dark blue image of the city of Zurich, focusing especially on the Kollegiengebäude, the city’s most iconic tower. The logo also includes a monogram and the university’s full name in sans-serif font.
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National Taiwan University (NTU) – Taiwan
The logo features the Fu Bell, symbolizing truth and knowledge, paired with a traditional wordmark.
The National Taiwan University’s logo tells the campus’s unique story and heritage. It features the Fu Bell, the university’s landmark and symbol of the pursuit of truth, and the radiating lines represent the light of knowledge.
It pairs well with a modern wordmark, “NTU,” often paired with the full name in Chinese, and uses a bold serif font to convey tradition and stability.
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – USA
The MIT logo represents innovation, technology, and modern design.
MIT’s logo balances innovation and tradition, featuring the bold MIT wordmark in a clean, sans-serif font that reflects the university’s deep focus on science, engineering, and technology. The typographic design is modern, efficient, and forward-looking. The official colors of the logo, deep MIT red and cool gray, symbolized the energy and passion of the university.
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University of Cambridge – UK
The University of Cambridge logo represents tradition, academic excellence, and royal heritage.
The University of Cambridge’s logo has a rich history and reflects its 800-year-old history. The coat of arms features a red cross on white, reflecting the English heritage, with four gold lions in each quarter that symbolize the royal patronage. At this center is a closed book that represents learning and the university’s academic mission.
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University of Oxford – UK
The University of Oxford logo represents tradition and learning through its historic coat of arms.
The University of Oxford’s logo reflects centuries of history, and its coat of arms features a blue shield with an open book centered. It symbolizes learning, and the three golden crowns around the book are a symbol of royal patronage. The shield, then, is paired with a clean serif wordmark.
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Harvard University – USA
Harvard’s crimson shield and Veritas books symbolize truth and tradition.
The iconic crimson shield of Harvard University’s logo is deeply rooted in history. It features three open books that spell out Veritas, which is the Latin word for Truth. The signature Harvard Crimson is a deep, rich red that signifies the university’s identity and tradition.
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Stanford University – USA
Stanford’s logo features the iconic redwood tree, symbolizing growth, strength, and innovation.
Stanford University’s logo is closely tied to California and its spirit of innovation. The official seal features El Palo Alto, the historic redwood tree that symbolizes growth and strength. The logo reflects Stanford’s commitment to free inquiry and independent thought. The signature Cardinal red reinforces the university’s bold, distinctive identity.
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Imperial College London – UK
Imperial College London’s logo uses a clean blue wordmark to reflect clarity, innovation, and scientific focus.
The Imperial College London logo is simple, and its simplicity reflects the institute’s focus on science and technology. The modern wordmark is set in a clean, bold sans-serif font that offers clarity and impact. Moreover, the vibrant Imperial blue conveys the university’s authority and intelligence as it is committed to innovating and thinking beyond the lines.
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National University of Singapore (NUS) – Singapore
The NUS logo uses a shield and bold colors to represent knowledge, heritage, and unity.
The National University of Singapore pairs a wordmark with a shield featuring an open book, a walking lion, and three rings at the top right that are a symbol of the university’s founding merger of three institutions. The NUS blue and Orange look energetic and embody creative energy.
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University of California, Berkeley (UCB) – USA
The Berkeley logo uses a refined serif wordmark in blue to reflect prestige and tradition.
Berkeley’s logo stands out within the UC system. It emphasizes prestige and holds a flagship status. The ‘Berkeley’ wordmark uses a custom serif font with an elongated ‘y’ that provides a visual anchor for the overall design. Underneath the wordmark, you can find the name of the university in all caps. This logo is presented in vibrant Berkeley blue to celebrate the university’s historical connection to the Pacific Coast.
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Yale University – USA
Yale’s logo uses a classic serif wordmark in blue to convey clarity, tradition, and academic integrity.
Yale University is all about clarity. Its wordmark logo uses a custom typeface called Yale New, inspired by 15th-century Venetian fonts. The blue adds a touch of minimalist integrity that the institute is known for.
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Princeton University – USA
Princeton’s logo features a shield with an open book, symbolizing knowledge and tradition.
Princeton University’s logo is a reflection of history. The shield features an open book symbolizing what truth and learning are all about. The bold orange and black colors make the logo instantly recognizable. It conveys energy, contrast, and tradition.
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University of Chicago – USA
The University of Chicago logo shows a phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and knowledge.
The University of Chicago’s logo features a historically rich story of the university’s rebirth in 1890. On the seal, you will find a Phoenix on a shield, with the sun above. The logo’s Chicago Maroon color is a representation of the institution’s intellectual depth.
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Tsinghua University – China
The Tsinghua University logo features a circular seal with a star symbolizing knowledge and progress.
Tsinghua University’s logo is as unique as it gets. It features a circular seal with three concentric rings with the university’s name. The 5-pointed star symbolizes the light of knowledge and guidance of progress. The official colors, Purple and White, represent nobility, wisdom, and the blending of Eastern and Western traditions.
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Peking University – China
Peking University’s circular seal reflects tradition, unity, and learning.
Peking University is a pioneer of modern education in China. It features an iconic circular seal, which was designed in 1917 by Lu Xun, and uses stylized Chinese characters to look like human figures. The design is a marvel in humanistic values and balances design expertise with brand recognition.
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University of Pennsylvania – USA
Penn’s logo reflects tradition, heritage, and academic excellence.
Penn University’s logo is built around the legacy of the founder, Benjamin Franklinl The shield features an open book accompanied by symbols drawn from the Franklin and Penns family. The classic wordmark uses serif to depict heritage.
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Columbia University – USA
UBC’s logo symbolizes its coastal roots, blending nature, authority, and tradition.
The Columbia University logo reflects its coastal setting, featuring a setting sun and three blue waves on the shield. The Columbia University in the city of New York blue shade conveys the institution’s authority and connection to nature.
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Cornell University – USA
Cornell’s logo reflects openness, ambition, and academic confidence.
Cornell University is built around the institute’s open and inclusive education. The university seal features its two founders, Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White. The Carnelian Red is symbolic of confidence, energy, and ambition.
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University of Edinburgh – UK
Scottish heritage meets academic tradition in the University of Edinburgh logo.
The University of Edinburgh’s Scottish history is reflected in the logo. The coat of arms brings together national and local symbols, including the Scottish saltire, an open book for knowledge, and a castle representing the city of Edinburgh. In the modern logo, you can see the heritage symbol paired with a refined serif wordmark.
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The University of León
A historic crest reflecting León’s royal heritage and identity.
The University of Leon’s logo is closely tied to the history of the city and the Kingdom of Leon. On the shield, you can find a lion at the bottom and a royal crown that appears above the shield and reinforces Leon’s past as a royal capital.
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Aalborg University
A modern Scandinavian mark symbolizing movement, progress, and ideas in motion.
The clean Scandinavian design of the Aalborg University features a simple geometric symbol that is made of three curved lines that suggest movement, progress, and streams of ideas coming together. The university’s name is written in bold, modern sans-serif typeface in all caps.
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Aalto University
A bold, modern logo signaling action, confidence, and impact.
Aalto University’s visual identity is bold, modern, and intentionally out of the box. Instead of a shield or any traditional symbol, this university uses a single punctuation mark, an exclamation mark. The exclamation mark is a clear signal of action, confidence, and the institute’s real-world impact. The wordmark is a clean sans-serif typeface and is usually in a black and yellow color combination.
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Aarhus University
A clean, abstract mark reflecting Aarhus University’s coastal heritage.
The Aarhus University logo is clean, modern, and very understated. While still reflecting the history, the new logo simplifies the previous maritime symbols in an abstract form. The abstract geometric design includes a diagonal stroke and a curved U shape. The blue color is also a representation of the university’s coastal roots.
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Aberystwyth University
A traditional crest celebrating Welsh heritage and scholarship.
The Welsh heritage shines through Aberystwyth University’s logo. The coat of arms features symbols like the Welsh dragon, reflecting the culture, and an open book that represents learning and research. The color palette, including red, gold, and green, conveys strength and passion.
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Abilene Christian University
A simple monogram uniting faith, tradition, and academic strength.
Abilene Christian University combines faith and academics in its logo. The design is simple and easy to recognize, featuring an ACU monogram with solid, interlocked letters that give this institute a strong presence. The full name beside the text logo is in classic serif typeface and in purple color, adding dignity and purpose.
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Abo Akademi University
A distinctive monogram symbolizing academic heritage and Swedish identity.
Abo Akademi University’s logo is a unique example of using design to reflect academic landmarks. The logo features a red monogram that is made of two interlocking As, giving the illusion of three towers. There is also a circle above the A signaling the Swedish identity.
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Academy of Art University
A bold, geometric mark expressing creativity and modern design.
The Academy of Art University’s logo is modern and reflective of its role as a leading art and design school. The geometric design features two As within one design, emphasizing clarity. The signature red-and-white color palette instantly adds energy and creativity to the logo.
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ADA University
A symbolic monogram representing leadership, learning, and responsibility.
The ADA University logo features a monogram atop four blue lines that symbolize the university’s pillars: Global Leadership, Innovative Learning, Social Responsibility, and Thriving Location. Each color has different emotions: blue for loyalty and communication, white for integrity, and red for vibrancy.
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Adamson University
A classic seal honoring faith, service, and academic tradition.
The Adamson University’s logo features a seal that is divided into multiple sections honoring the history of the institution. It includes symbols of Chemistry, the Fleur-de-lis for its Catholic identity, and elements of the Vincentian fathers that represent service and education. The signature industry colors reflect integrity, stability, and purity.
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Addis Ababa University
A symbolic seal uniting science, knowledge, and national pride.
Addis Ababa university’s logo is a blend of academic excellence and national pride. The seal features a golden gear with an atomic model in the center, symbolizing the engineering technology and science focus. Under it is an open book representing knowledge surrounded by wheat stalks that represent Ethiopia’s agricultural roots.
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Adelphi University
A clean wordmark symbolizing excellence and the light of learning.
Adelphi University’s logo is modern and approachable with a clean typographic style. It is a wordmark featuring the university’s full name in a golden hue that symbolizes excellence and the light of learning.
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Ahlia University
A fluid monogram reflecting tradition, authority, and academic excellence.
Ahlia University’s logo features an AU monogram with fluidly combined letters. The maroon and gray color combination shows the institute’s tradition and authority in premium education.
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Aichi University
A modern emblem expressing global outlook and academic progress.
The Aichi University has a modern global outlook with a stylized triangular A with a curved design at the bottom. Accompanying the emblem is a bilingual wordmark that shows the name in Japanese Kanji and English at the bottom.
Shields, Dragons, and Clever Design
And there you have it, a tour of 100+ university logos that prove brains and branding go hand in hand. We’ve seen dragons, torches, open books, and abstract monograms that show how universities make a lasting impression.
Each logo tells a story, no matter if it’s classic, modern, or completely out of the box. These logos pass the torch of knowledge (quite literally in some cases) from one generation to the next. Now, when you find a shield, an open book, or even a lion on a university logo then keep in mind that it’s not just a logo but history, legacy, and tradition in a design.
If you want to explore logo designing on your own, choose LogoDesign.net and let the creative juices flow!
