If you intend to study abroad, choosing where (country) to study is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
It is a decision you must make right.
And, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which destination should be top of your list.
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In all, you must pick a country that aligns best with your academic goals, budget, cultural preferences, and long-term plans.
If you’re undecided – you don’t know which country is best for your study abroad, below are the countries that in the past decades have become the darling destination for international students.
You can pick your option from here!
To arrive at this list, we considered factors that most affect international students and spoke to some international students – they shared their experiences with our team.
Key factors to consider
When deciding on a study abroad destination, consider the following factors:
- Quality of Education
- Cost of Living and Tuition Fees
- Cultural Experience
- Language
- Post-Graduation Opportunities
- Available funding options
- Safety and Quality of Life
Which country is best for abroad study?
Below are the top Countries for studying abroad:
1. United States
Quality of Education: The U.S. houses some of the best universities and colleges in the world with the likes of the prestigious Harvard, MIT, and Stanford all in the country.
The country’s educational system is so excellent that it serves as an example to other nations.
Institutions in the USA are known for their emphasis on research, flexibility, and comprehensive support for students.
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The United States currently houses over 1,057,188 international students; all of whom can’t be wrong about choosing the country.
The numerous opportunities (and options to build a career in the country) offered to international students after their studies top the chart for why the USA is the best country to study.
Cost of living and tuition fees: In the USA, tuition fees can be high or moderate (depending on your program).
It ranges from (as low as) $7,000 to $60,000 per year.
For expensive programs, there is a consolation, many universities offer scholarships and financial aid to assist in paying the fees.
The cost of living varies widely by city – major cities like New York and San Francisco are more expensive than smaller towns.
Cultural Experience: As a country with one of the most immigrant populations in the world, the cultural experience you’ll gain here is amazing.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and be part of different cultural activities.
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Language: If you’re an Engish speaker, you’re in luck.
English is the primary language of instruction in the USA. You can get along easily.
Post-Graduation opportunities: After school, the U.S. offers you the opportunity to build a career in the country (if you wish to remain part of its community).
There are job opportunities, particularly in technology, finance, and healthcare.
Depending on your program, you can qualify for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program (which allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation).
Safety and quality of life: You already know, the U.S. is generally safe, however, you still need to be careful of your environment.
The quality of life is high, with excellent healthcare, infrastructure, and opportunities for residents.
2. United Kingdom
Talk about excellent education, that’s what the UK offers, the likes of the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and many other prestigious institutions are in the UK.
Many institutions in the UK are top-rated due to their rigorous academic standards and emphasis on specialized knowledge and critical analysis.
According to the QS World University Rankings, Oxford and Cambridge are consistently ranked among the top five universities globally.
For learning, there is no better place to look than the UK.
Tuition fees and cost of living for students: Tuition fees for international students in the UK vary across programs and institutions.
In some institutions, international students pay as low as £6,000 while some programs cost over £38,000 annually.
Big cities like London (the capital) are expensive, with average living costs estimated at around £1,265 per month.
However, cities such as Manchester and Glasgow are affordable.
Monthly expenses average between £600 and £1,000.
If you’re interested in universities/colleges with affordable tuition fees, check out this article about cheap universities in the UK.
If you are interested in cultural events, the UK’s cultural calendar is filled with events like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Glastonbury Music Festival, the Chelsea Flower Show and many other locally celebrated events.
Just like the USA, the UK has an option for students to stay back in the country and build a career through the UK government’s Graduate Immigration Route.
You can remain in the UK for two years post-graduation to work or look for work.
Safety and quality of life: The UK currently ranks 44th out of 163 countries According to the Global Peace Index.
They have a well-developed public healthcare system (the National Health Service (NHS)) which is free at the point of use for residents.
In addition, public services, including transportation and social services, are of high quality.
3. Canada
Canada is not a surprise addition here, the nation has done excellently well in education for decades.
Universities like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia top the chart in Canada and perform excellently well on the world stage.
With over 800,000 international students already in the country, Canada is ready to welcome more students.
Tuition fees won’t be a major issue in Canada even if you’re on a tight budget because some institutions in the country offer education at a cheap rate (while still maintaining the quality) however, expect to pay high for some programs.
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The cost of living is relatively affordable compared to the U.S. and UK, with cities like Montreal and Ottawa being less expensive than Vancouver and Toronto.
Cultural Experience: Canada is multicultural and welcoming.
You’ll enjoy your stay here, especially in large cities.
With English and French as official languages, you have the opportunity to learn a new language in Canada.
4. Germany
As a student, you can’t get it wrong with Germany, the country has witnessed increasing popularity among international students in the past few decades.
Germany is popular for its rich cultural heritage, advanced technology, and robust education system.
The country is home to some of the world’s best universities.
According to the QS World University Rankings, several German institutions rank among the top 100 globally.
At the top of the char are:
- Technical University of Munich (#49)
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (#59)
- Heidelberg University (#65)
If you’re a student on a tight budget, Germany should be your top choice destination.
One of the most attractive aspects of studying in Germany is the affordability.
Most public universities in the country charge no tuition fees for undergraduate programs except for a small semester fee.
And guess what?
This policy applies to both domestic and international students!
As the largest economy in Europe and the fourth-largest in the world, Germany is a great place to build your career after graduating.
The country is known for its strong industrial base, particularly in the engineering, automotive, and manufacturing sectors.
Germany has available job opportunities for graduates, especially those in fields like engineering, IT, healthcare, and finance.
Many universities have strong ties with industries and offer students opportunities for internships and job placements.
If you’re a fan of research, you’ll be pleased to hear that Germany is a global leader in research and innovation.
The country invests heavily in research and development (R&D). In 2022, they allocated about 3.1% of its GDP to R&D, which is above the EU average.
Institutions like the Max Planck Society and the Fraunhofer Society are renowned for their cutting-edge research.
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You’ll have access to numerous research opportunities, particularly at the postgraduate level.
With over 11 million foreign nationals currently living in the country, you can expect to enjoy different cultures.
You can always count on cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt to have fun with festivals like the Oktoberfest in Munich and the Berlinale Film Festival in Berlin.
In addition, you’ll get the opportunity to learn German; one of the most spoken languages in the world.
In Germany, the cost of living is generally affordable compared to other Western European countries but it varies according to where you live.
On average, you need around €600 – €1,000 per month to cover living expenses like rent, food, transportation, and health insurance.
As a student in Germany, you’ll enjoy benefits like discounts on transportation, cultural activities, and events.
5. Australia
Often referred to as the “island continent” due to its size and isolation, Australia has gained the attention of international students globally.
The country’s capital city is Canberra, but Sydney and Melbourne are its most famous cities (even among international students).
Each will give you vibrant urban experiences with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne’s street art.
If you’re a student who loves adventure, this is your right study destination.
You can explore the Outback, a vast and remote area with stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.
Other famous natural wonders include the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world, perfect for snorkelling and diving.
Another iconic site is Uluru, a giant sandstone rock formation in the heart of the country, sacred to the Indigenous Anangu people.
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Aside from the amazing wildlife and attractions, Australia is home to several top-ranked universities globally.
The likes of the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, and the University of Sydney lead the country’s university chart.
According to the QS World University Rankings, these institutions are consistently ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide.
Australia isn’t the cheapest country to study in but your tuition depends on your level and program of study.
On average, you can expect to pay between AUD 20,000 and AUD 45,000 per year as an undergraduate, while postgraduate programs range from AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 annually.
If you’re studying in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, expect to spend more, the cost of living is higher in these cities than in other areas of the country.
Cities like Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth are more affordable, with monthly costs sitting between AUD 800 to AUD 1,800.
Post-graduate opportunities: If you intend to stay in the country after your studies, you are in good hands.
Australia has a strong job market, especially in healthcare, engineering, IT, and education.
As of April 2024, the unemployment rate is low at about 3.9%, showing a high demand for skilled workers.
With the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), you can stay in the country for up to four years (depending on your qualifications) after graduating.
Key facts:
- Top ranking universities in Australia: University of Melbourne (QS World University Ranking #33), Australian National University (QS World University Ranking #30), University of Sydney (QS World University Ranking #40).
- Average tuition fees: Undergraduate: AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000 per year; Postgraduate: AUD 22,000 – AUD 50,000 per year.
- The average cost of living for students: Sydney and Melbourne: AUD 1,500 – AUD 2,500 per month; Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth: AUD 1,200 – AUD 1,800 per month.
- Unemployment rate: 3.9% (Australian Bureau of Statistics, April 2024).
- Global Peace Index: Australia ranks 13th globally (2023).
6. Netherlands
The Netherlands, often called Holland, is a small but amazing country. It is located in Western Europe with Amsterdam as the capital.
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The country is famous for its canals, museums like the Van Gogh Museum, and historic Anne Frank House.
Some people remember the country for its flat landscape, dotted with windmills, tulip fields, and picturesque villages.
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If you’re a fan of cycling, you’ll be pleased to hear that Dutch people are popular for their cycling culture.
They have extensive bike paths and more bicycles than residents.
The country has a strong tradition of tolerance and liberal policies, you’ll enjoy your stay here.
Holland has one of the best educational systems in the world, particularly in fields like engineering, technology, and business.
Consider universities like Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, and Eindhoven University of Technology, if you want to study here.
Other countries that are worth mentioning are
- Japan
- Sweden
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Singapore
If you want to study abroad, choosing the right study destination is very important, the country where you study can help shape your future.
However, your choice should depend on your personal preferences and academic and career goals.
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The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Singapore are all excellent choices.