Yoga has been gaining more and more popularity as a form of exercise and spiritual practice around the world. With this increase in demand for yogic practices, many colleges and universities have begun offering yoga teacher training and yoga therapy programs. For aspiring yoga instructors or those looking to deepen their practice, here is a list of the best colleges and universities in the world for yoga teacher training/yoga therapy.

1. Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM), Chennai, India

The KYM Institute offers a 200 and 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program that is certified by the Yoga Alliance. The institute aims to promote the teachings of the legendary yogi T. Krishnamacharya and incorporates classical Hatha yoga practices, pranayama, Sanskrit, and yogic philosophy in their curriculum.

2. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers and Ashrams, Worldwide

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers and Ashrams have been around since 1957 and have been providing yoga teacher training programs for over four decades. They offer a comprehensive 200 and 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program that covers yoga philosophy, meditation, asanas, anatomy, Kriyas, and pranayama.

3. Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Massachusetts, USA

The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health is one of the largest yoga and health centers in the world. Their 200 and 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program is Yoga Alliance certified and combines traditional Hatha yoga with contemporary yoga practices. Students learn meditation, pranayama, asanas, and anatomy while also getting hands-on experience by teaching classes at the center.

4. The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, India

The Yoga Institute was founded over 100 years ago and was the first yoga institute established in the world. They offer a comprehensive 800-hour Yoga Therapy program that covers various aspects of yoga therapy, including yoga philosophy, anatomy, Ayurveda, and yoga psychology. Students learn a variety of yoga techniques and their applications, along with practical training in therapy and group classes.

5. YogaWorks, California, USA

YogaWorks is a well-known yoga studio chain in the USA, with many locations across the country. They offer a 200 and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training program that is Yoga Alliance certified. The curriculum covers asanas, pranayama, meditation, anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodologies. The program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to become confident and successful yoga instructors.

These are just a few of the best colleges and universities in the world for yoga teacher training and yoga therapy. The world of yoga is vast and diverse, and there are many excellent institutions out there that offer programs that cater to specific needs and goals. Whether you are looking to deepen your practice or become a certified yoga teacher, there is a program out there for you.