What are the 20 Best Countries to Study Abroad? (Comparison)

Best Countries to Study Abroad (comparing student options worldwide)

The best countries to study abroad are personal and based on key motivating factors These vary from person to person. We analyse some of the key reasons for people to study abroad and discuss the best countries to study in based on each reason.

What are the top reasons prospective international students factor in when choosing where to study?

There is a broad mix of reasons why students study abroad. The International Student Barometer (ISB) has captured key data on the student experience of over 4 million students. These are the core reasons they found:

• Strength of Academic Programs (94% said this mattered)
• Tuition Fees (86% said this mattered)
• Cost of Living & Proof of Finances Globally (87% said this mattered)
• Post-Grad Visa Pathways & Routes to Settlement Compared (66% said this mattered)
• Employability & Job Prospects Compared (96% said it matters to future prospects, and 77% said work opportunities mattered)
• Visa Difficulty Compared (81% said this mattered)
• Accessibility of Higher Education (84% said this mattered)
• Cultural Experience

Sources [ISB, EtioGlobal]

Ranking System

Based on popularity, we have chosen to compare 20 of the top countries to study in, globally. We rank our top picks in each category.

We make our verdict based on each category and align all categories at the end of the article to find a composite score. We use sources, data and information to make our decision on each category. You can also see the main factors that will help you choose the best country to study, for you personally. 

It is important to note, that while some of the information is based on QS world rankings, education indexes and more, some is based on average cost comparisons and other factors, that make it a comparative study, and not an exact science.

Most Popular Countries for International Students

Choosing where you study can be based on the popularity and availability of international student programs. The US has the most international students, with over 950,000, while the UK is its closest rival, with 630,000 international students, representing nearly 1% of its population.

Regarding where international students come from, Asia and Africa dominate the countries that send the most international students, while Germany and France send significant numbers of students abroad to study. 

Verdict: Top 3 countries for international students based on quantity of international students

1. USA
2. UK
3. Australia

The United States is the clear winner in the international students’ popularity contest, the United Kingdom is the closest competitor, and Australia edged out Germany for third. Let’s examine this further to see if some of the top reasons people study abroad align with the popularity of those countries for international students. 

Academic Programs at Top-Ranked Global Universities

It’s hardly a surprise when you look at the countries with the most international students that the UK and the US enjoy the best educational reputations in the world. That is why we’ve chosen the quality of academic programs next on our list. 

Many choose to study abroad according to academic programs afforded to them at highly ranked global universities. Attracted by global reputations, faculty expertise, and state-of-the-art research facilities, students often choose academic programs based on rankings in their preferred specializations. We look into which countries rank best on the QS ranking system, and then some of the world’s top universities.

Source – QS Academic Reputation (AR) Indicator 2024

Comparison of Top Global Academic Programs by Country

The USA and the UK have the most universities in the QS top 10 global academic programs, with four universities listed apiece, with Singapore and Switzerland finalising the top 10. Outside of the top 10, world-class academic programs still cater to different specialist subjects. Universities are ranked by QS on the following criteria with the weightings of the decision in brackets:

• Academic reputation (30%)
• Employer reputation (15%)
• Citations per paper (10%)
• Papers per faculty (5%)
• International Research Network (10%)
• Employment Outcomes (5%)
• Faculty Student Ratio (5%)
• International Student Diversity (5%)
• International Faculty Ratio (5%)
• Inbound Student Ratio (2.5%)
• Outbound Exchange Student Ratio (2.5%)
• Sustainability Score (5%)

Source [QS]

Top Ranked Universities by Country (QS World Ranking)

“The point of a university is not to prepare students to be financially successful, but to find out for themselves a bigger purpose for their lives”. 

Chancellor’s welcome address, University of Oxford

Source – QS World University Rankings

Verdict: Top 5 countries for international students based on quality of academic programs

1. USA
2. UK
3. Australia
4. Germany
5. Canada

So far, everything aligns. The most popular countries have the best academic programs. Do they have the most diverse?

Program Diversity

The ‘Course Title’ is now the second-highest ranking reason for people choosing an educational institution replacing employability.

International Student Barometer (ISB), EtioGlobal

Given that the course title is an important factor in an international student’s deliberating process, it is important to factor in the programs of study in the field in which you plan to study. We have offered some insight into the key specializations of each country and ranked each by the diversity of the academic programs represented in the top 1500 universities in the QS rankings. This is as follows:

Sources – QS, OECD Better Life Index, ISB

Verdict: Top 5 countries for international students based on diversity of academic programs

1. USA
2. UK
3. Germany
4. Canada
5. Australia

Diversity of programs is broadly consistent with each country’s academic ranking. Let’s look at other factors. 

Some may stop at the educational indexes and isolate those metrics, which also offer insight into employment opportunities and development. 

We want to dig into ground-floor, penny-pinching reasons, as well as overall experience, to determine our own framework, which is reusable and may help you make a decision on where the best place to move is.

Tuition Fees Comparison

Some European countries such as Germany offer free or low-cost education. The cost of education in the UK, North America, and Oceania is typically higher, while Europe offers more modest fees. Asia too is competitive in terms of fees, with most taking up the middle ground. Let’s break down estimated tuition fee costs in countries around the world.

Note, that Germany is not the only European nation to offer free tuition fees. Several European countries, including Germany, Sweden, Finland, and France, offer free or low-cost tuition for EEA/Swiss students. Non-EEA students face moderate fees in each of those, except Germany. Also, Norway, which does not appear in this study.

Can I afford to study abroad? 75% say tuition fees and cost of living or key to their decision on where to study. Fees are also the number one reason for turning down an offer of a university place

ICEF Monitor

Verdict: Top 5 countries for international students based on tuition fees

1. Germany
2. Argentina
3. France
4. Italy
5. Spain

Once more, the popularity contest gives clues as to another immigration factor for international students. Both France and Germany have universities in the top 50 internationally-ranked universities, which didn’t quite get them into the top 3 for academic programs, but for cost, it’s a different story. Combining the quality of academic programs with the cost of tuition means Germany and France are compelling options for international students.

Visa & Proof of Funds (Living Costs) Comparisons

51% of prospective international students are reconsidering studying abroad due to rising living expenses.

IDP (International Development Program)

The costs of obtaining a student visa can vary from place to place. It may not be the defining factor for most, as most student visas worldwide cap out at around $400. It may be the little costs that can rack up. For example, the UK and Australia charge a yearly healthcare surcharge payable per year for the duration of your study but allow free healthcare access. In contrast, others may require a health insurance policy, which can vary considerably in cost. Other costs can rack up, too, including student maintenance or student service access, which some countries require. 

While those costs may not necessarily derail any of the nations from your thought process regarding your international education, proof of funds might. 

Proof of funds is the evidence of your financial resources during your study. This is not payable; this is the money set aside to finance your stay. Each country has differing requirements on how much you need to be able to show. It typically relates to living costs in the country. It is a reasonable expectation of spending across a year in that country on things like accommodation, food, bills and living expenses. 

We compare all the costs below, where all countries allow some work while studying, but pay particular attention to the Proof of Funds:

Other costs can include:

• Visa fees – typically ranging from €40 to €600
• Healthcare costs, which could include surcharges, insurance or private plans – typically range from €75 to around €1500.
• Additional costs that could include notarised, translated documents for visa processes, legal fees, medical exams, certificates (medical, police clearance), student maintenance/support contribution, books and study materials (budget €500-2500 depending)
• Living costs (typically use the proof of funds as a guide for how much you might need. Some cases, this does not reflect the cost of living, so read up on the price of groceries, accommodation, etc in the country you choose) – budget your proof of funds amount or €5000+ per year (whichever is higher)

Verdict: Top 5 countries for international students based on financial requirements (proof of finances)

1. China
2. Argentina
3. Italy
4. Spain 
5. Finland

There is not much variation in visa and healthcare fees here, so as stated, we look directly at proof of funds for this verdict. Germany actually compares well with Canada, Ireland and Singapore. It is cheaper than the UK, but as the financial proof comes in a blocked account, it adds a slight additional complication that might be undesirable to some who want to retain cash flow. However, combining the low tuition fees with a relatively low maintenance amount (proof of funds) Germany remains a great low-cost option for international students.

Post-graduation Routes Compared Worldwide

An International Student Barometer (ISB) study found permanent residency as a prime reason for choosing an institution, especially for students from the following countries:

• 79% of Indian students
• 88% of Nigerian students
• 79% of Pakistani students
• 74% of Chinese students
• 42% of Saudi students

International Student Barometer (ISB) study, EtioGlobal

Some international students place value on their routes to residence or citizenship as part of their decision-making process and aim to consolidate themselves in the country they choose to study, or at least want the option to. 

Most countries offer a continuation pathway after graduation, with a Graduate Visa available in most nations, typically for 1-3 years after successfully completing your studies. After that, they offer differing pathways, typically requiring a skilled-employment visa or family visa to continue your stay, and offering a route to citizenship. 

Table Comparing Postgraduation Options Worldwide

Verdict: Top 5 countries for international students based on Post-graduation Routes & Ease of Settlement

1. Canada
2. Australia
3. Ireland 
4. UK
5. New Zealand

Postgraduate routes are available in most countries, including graduate visas or alternatives. The difference that stands out in Canada, Ireland, Australia and the UK is the route to citizenship. Canada and Ireland offer relatively fast routes to residence and citizenship and are not such a challenging environment as other nations, including Australia and the UK. The latter two countries offer good options for staying in skilled roles as long as you earn salaries over £38,700 and £44,000, respectively, and have the required skills, experience, and qualifications for your job. Beyond that, there is a clear and distinct pathway to settlement. 

Graduate Job Prospects

According to research, over 60% of students who study abroad report significant gains in critical career skills such as adaptability, intercultural understanding, and problem-solving.

Institute of International Education (IIE)

Job prospects are among the most critical reasons when considering where to study. Whether they plan to boost career prospects back home upon the completion of their degree or build a career in their host country, job prospects are central to decision-making. The Graduate Employability Index is a QS ranking system that accounts for students who move onto paid work within 15 months of graduation.

Verdict: Top 5 countries for international students based on job prospects

1. US
2. UK
3. Germany
4. Canada
5. Australia

How Accessible is Each Country in terms of university places and visas for International Students?

Getting into an accredited university in any country can be challenging, with competition for places among the world’s elite rising. Beyond whether your academic potential and qualifications to this points stacks up to the competition, you need to contend with the number of international student places in each country. We look into estimates of how many international students they have already and the density of students in the general population to decide the most accessible countries.

Verdict: Top 5 countries for international students based on accessibility of visas and university places

1. Canada
2. Australia
3. USA
4. UK
5. Germany

How Challenging is the Student Visa Process?

81% of international students said the visa process factors into their decision of where to study abroad

ISB, EtioGlobal

Visa processes can be hard to understand with different eligibility requirements for each country, as well as differences in what you need to prove when applying for a visa. The processing times also vary from country to country. Most student visa processes are not as difficult as other visa processes (like work and family visas) as long as you can prove:

• You have been offered a place at an accredited higher education (HE) provider in that country
• You can support yourself, or can prove funds from others to support yourself while you study
• You complete all application forms correctly, truthfully and don’t omit important information

Verdict: Top 5 countries for international students based on student visa processes

1. New Zealand
2. Singapore
3. South Korea
4. Netherlands
5. Germany

Student Experience

“One’s destination is never a place but a new way of seeing things”

Henry Miller

Student experience is a driving factor for many students when choosing where they plan to study. We’ve combined student experience with cultural experience, Human Development Indicator (HDI), and Student Satisfaction.

Sources include ISB, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Mercer Quality of Life Index used to define a points-based system factoring in a well-rounded student experience.

Verdict: Top 5 countries for international students based on student experience

1. Switzerland
2. New Zealand
3. Sweden
4. USA
5. Germany

Based on Safety

Safety has become the leading factor for international students when selecting where they study abroad

– ISB, EtioGlobal

Some are surprised to learn that safety ranked as the number one reason students looked at when choosing where to study. In an ISB study, it was revealed to have replaced Employability as the top reason in 2024. We look at the Global Peace Index to see how our 20 countries are viewed in terms of peace, safety and security.

Source: economicsandpeace.org

Verdict: Top 5 countries for international students based on safety

1. Switzerland
2. New Zealand
3. Finland
4. Singapore
5. Canada

Adaptability, language barriers & student support

Findings indicate that 80% of students manage the process of transition successfully it
still means that approximately 20% of students are failing to come to terms with the academic and social
demands of university life

University of Huddersfield study

Universities should be about learning and challenging yourself, but some challenges command greater support, like assimilating into a new country, homesickness, stress, and anxiety. Language barriers can be an additional obstacle, both in academic and social circles and in day-to-day life. Most countries, particularly in the major city hubs offer English-speaking tuition on many courses, while others have fewer, and in some the language barrier is much more noticeable. We look into adapting to a host country and some of the support systems in place.

Verdict: Top 5 countries for international students based on adaptability

1. Australia
2. UK
3. Canada
4. USA
5. Sweden

What the experts say

“Numbers and statistics aside, what makes a great student city? Before London, I studied in Aarhus, Toronto (#26) and Sydney (#6), thereby gaining varied perspective on the features of a great student city. In my opinion, here are the top four things that a city must have to be a world-class student city: Culture and character, Good public transport, Affordability, Cool hangout spots.”

Roop Gill, in Verge Magazine

From listicles to news articles, and popular opinion to academic circles, we look into the countries people are talking about online, in-person, and in print. What do the experts say is the best country to study abroad?

It’s important to remember that everyone thinks differently, and you must decipher your own reasons for moving.

Verdict: Top 5 countries for international students based on expert/press opinion

1. USA
2. UK
3. Australia
4. Canada
5. Germany

Overall Verdict

So, where is the best place to study abroad based on the main chosen factors for international students? Let’s take a look below at our combined and weighted scores.

How We Ranked

Through our calculations and based on the reasoning given by students in ISB survey, mentioned at the beginning of the article, we have weighted our rankings as follows:

• Academia (12%)
• Safety (12%)
• Postgrad Pathways (10%)
• Employability (8%)
• Adaptability (10%)
• Student Experience (8%)
• Accessibility (8%)
• Expert Opinion (8%)
• Diversity of Course Programs (7%)
• Proof of Finances (7%)
• Tuition Fees (7%)
• Visa Process (5%)

Note, that this is a comparative study between the 20 countries mentioned, and if others were to be included, it might change the results.

Overall Winner – Germany

Germany wins when you account for each and every category we’ve compared. It’s low costs are complemented by good prospects, quality academic programs and a strong standard of living. Germany is the best choice overall for international students, in our study. But it’s important to give more emphasis on the factors that matter most to you.

Runner Up – UK & US

It’s fitting that these two come as something of a package. No one would dispute their academic prowess, and if that category means most to you, and you receive an offer from a top-ranking university in either nation, it is next to impossible for most to say no.

USA Vs UK – Studying Abroad

Outside of the high-ranking institutions there are great options, and some excellent academic programs, as well as a dynamic student culture. If cost is no obstacle, and in the case of the USA in particular, you plan to return home after your study, then the opportunities in either country maybe too good to miss.

The top 5 best countries to study abroad (based on our analysis of tuition fees, maintenance costs, quality of academia, popularity, prospects and routes to settlement)

It is impossible to accurately say the best educational experience for students unless you know what matters most to you. As we’ve said, it’s a personal journey to choosing where you study. However, we can say some things from this statistical analysis. So, what are the best countries to move to?

1. Germany
2. UK
3. US
4. Canada
5. Australia

Europe’s Finest – Germany & Netherlands

Again, both Germany and The Netherlands offer excellent opportunities across the board, with high-ranking educational institutions, and low-cost study options. Both provide a good balance for international students. They may be a little more specialist-driven and geared more to short-term programs and Erasmus years than the UK and US mainly on account of potential language barriers, but they also offer a lot of programs with English as the primary instruction. A great choice for a quality, low-cost education. Sweden, France and Italy deserve a mention here too, for a strong performance across the board, only losing out on some metrics, particularly language barriers and cultural adaptability when it comes to the latter two, and Sweden walks the middle-ground in most metrics.

Asia’s Finest – Japan & South Korea

In our study, Japan and South Korea see off competition from China, Hong Kong, and even Singapore for education. It’s important not to discount the other three as they offer great education programs with fairly low costs, but these two edge it in Asia due to their consistency in multiple categories. China ranks lowly due to the complexity of visa processes, language barriers and other factors.

Honourable Mentions

Of course, there are many great programs globally, at universities in the Middle East, Africa, and South America also, as well as some in Europe that didn’t quite cut it on this one. But, let us know if you want us to analyze the pros and cons of other nations. Some honorable mentions include:

• Denmark
• Portugal
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Austria
• Brazil
• Peru
• Chile
• Costa Rica
• Turkey
• UAE
• South Africa
• Egypt

What matters most to you?

Let’s look at the table again and adjust the rankings based on your main motivating factors. You can omit any of the categories from your decision-making if you wish. But here, you can add extra points for the top 5 in the category that is most important to you.

For example, if academia is the most important thing to you, you can award more points in addition to what’s in the table.

You can do this for the top motivating factors to you. You could also change the scores and only award them to the top 1, 2 or 3. It’s entirely up to you and a base from which to work to determine the best place for YOU to study abroad. 

Decide For Yourself – What is the Best Country to Study Abroad?