Where Should You Go For You Next Degree?
Studying abroad is more than just earning a degree—it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone and expanding your worldview. For today’s students, choosing a country involves more than reputation alone. They want affordable tuition, quality institutions, program diversity, career opportunities, and cultural adventure. From snowy Nordic countries to sunny Southern Hemisphere havens, here are 20 of the best countries to study abroad in, based on what real students value most.
20. Japan
Japan is a blend of futurism with its centuries-old customs. Some of its highest-ranked universities, including the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University, are world-renowned for their engineering, robotics, and science courses. Japan has upped its English-teaching programs in recent years, welcoming nearly 200,000 foreign students. Tuition fees are low, especially at national universities, and students have access to many government and institutional scholarships. Japan is also a cultural experience to reside in—clean cities, efficient public transportation, and a high-technology society make it ideal for students keen to expand their horizons.
19. Spain
Spain is a popular destination for students seeking a vibrant culture with intense academic programs. From the University of Barcelona and Complutense University of Madrid, students can pursue courses in humanities, art, and business as well as social sciences. Tuition at public universities is low, particularly for programs taught in Spanish, while living costs are low to medium relative to much of Western Europe. Mediterranean lifestyle, cosmopolitan towns, and favorable weather make Spain a satisfying place to call home.
18. Italy
Italy is perfect for students studying design, history, fashion, or architecture. Home to some of the finest schools in the world such as the University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, and Sapienza University of Rome, tuition in Italy is relatively low, and there are plenty of scholarships available for international students. Italy's cultural landmarks, history of art, and cuisine add to the educational experience.
Selman Utku, Wikimedia Commons
17. Switzerland
Switzerland ranks high on academic success, safety, and quality of life. ETH Zurich and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) are elite institutions particularly well-established in the STEM fields. Tuition rates are reasonable, though living costs rank among the highest in Europe—yet often well worth it due to Switzerland's thriving labor market and post-graduation job prospects.
Mediacom EPFL, Wikimedia Commons
16. Netherlands
With over 2,100 English-taught courses available, the Netherlands is a favorite among non-native speakers. The Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, and Leiden University are just a few of the globally respected institutions. Tuition is low for EU students, and tuition for non-EU students is very affordable compared to the UK or US. The Dutch education system is interactive and discussion-based, with a culture of critical thinking. Students lead a high standard of living, with the option to cycle almost anywhere.
15. Germany
Germany is still shining because of its no-tuition policy at most of the state universities, even for international students. It's best in the STEM and applied disciplines, with institutions like the Technical University of Munich and Heidelberg University. More than 370,000 overseas students reside in Germany, attracted by good quality education and a stable economy. More courses are taught in English, and students can benefit from reasonable living costs (particularly in smaller cities).
Jan Beckendorf, Wikimedia Commons
14. France
France combines rich culture with academic excellence. Universities such as Sorbonne, Sciences Po, and École Normale Supérieure are at the forefront of humanities, business, and political science. Non-EU citizen international students pay higher tuition than EU citizens, but tuition is still affordable and numerous scholarships exist. French universities are breathtakingly located in old cities and have a romantic but intellectually demanding environment. And with weekend getaways to vineyards or the Alps, the lifestyle gains are as high as the academic.
VVVCFFrance, Wikimedia Commons
13. Canada
Canada boasts world-class universities like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia. With its liberal and multicultural society, Canada receives over 300,000 foreign students. The tuition fee is affordable compared to North America, and there are plenty of scholarships available. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) permits graduates to stay and work in the nation for up to three years post-graduation, leading the way for smoother transition into permanent residence.
12. Australia
Australia has over 370,000 international students and is now a leading education and student-supporting nation. Melbourne University, Australian National University, and Sydney University lead the rankings for research and teaching. The fees are relatively high, as well as living costs, but the experience is enhanced by world famous beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and liberal post-study work rights.
Donaldytong, Wikimedia Commons
11. China
There is no denying the rise of China as a hub for international students. It is especially sought after by engineering, business, and political science students with institutions like Tsinghua and Fudan. Fees are low, and there are numerous scholarship opportunities. With over 400,000 international students, China boasts an energetic academic and social life. A bonus to this is the experience of one of the world's largest economies and an age-old cultural heritage dating thousands of years back.
me (w:User:pfctdayelise), Wikimedia Commons
10. United Kingdom
Despite rising tuition fees and Brexit problems, the UK remains a prime place to study. The likes of Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics are global giants. Courses are also made short here—three years for undergraduate, one year for most master's programs—to balance out fees. With over 600,000 overseas students, the UK has incredible academic heritage along with rich campus life. From Shakespeare to startups, it is a country where brains meet business.
9. Singapore
Singapore blends their cultural values with Westernized schooling within a clean, high-tech environment. Universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are consistently ranked in the world top 20. Teaching is mostly in English, and fees are moderate with good scholarship schemes. Singapore is a hub for finance, technology, and biosciences, and students often have internships and networking opportunities available. It's also one of the safest countries in the world.
8. Sweden
Sweden is an innovative country renowned for being sustainable, socially fair, and possessing quality schools. Lund, Uppsala, and Stockholm University are some of the universities that offer numerous English-taught master's courses to select from. EU/EEA students study for free, while others pay reasonable fees with scholarships available. The study environment emphasizes independent thinking and collaboration. Beyond the classroom, students have access to clean cities, natural scenery, and a vibrant startup environment.
7. Argentina
Argentina offers extremely low-cost or even free education in public institutions like the University of Buenos Aires—even for international students. While most programs are in Spanish, the inexpensive lifestyle and rich culture make it appealing to those seeking full cultural immersion. Buenos Aires, which is also called the "Paris of South America," boasts European-style buildings, active street life, and a top-notch academic history. It's particularly famous for social sciences, humanities, and languages.
Jorge Lascar from Australia, Wikimedia Commons
6. United States
The US remains one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world—home to over 950,000 international students. With prestigious institutions like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and thousands more across all 50 states, the academic options are virtually limitless. Whether you’re studying film, computer science, philosophy, or medicine, there’s a world-class program for it. Though tuition and living costs are steep, sufficient scholarships, internships, and employment opportunities after graduation counterbalance these costs. And the multinational student communities and the storied campus life-from college football to state-of-art research facilities-make such an education in the US both a professionally enhancing and life-altering experience.
King of Hearts, Wikimedia Commons
5. Malaysia
Malaysia offers quality education at affordable costs. These institutions include University of Malaya and Taylor's University, which rank highly in Asia, with satellite campuses of Western institutions like Monash and Nottingham. They are cheaper to attend than Western countries and living costs are lower as well, with all operations in English. Malaysia is also a multicultural country with a tropical climate, and has great international student services. It's a solid all-around bargain for price and quality of education.
Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon, Wikimedia Commons
4. Brazil
Brazil combines studies with one of the liveliest cultures in the world. Public universities like the University of São Paulo and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro offer education at little or no cost—even to foreign students. Most of the courses are taught in Portuguese, so it is ideal for students who are ready to learn a new language. It is also ideal for environmental science, public health, and Latin American studies.
3. South Korea
South Korea is increasingly favored among students for its combination of modernity, safety, and technology-enhanced education. Seoul National University and Korea University are top-ranking universities with English-language programs in business, engineering, and the arts. Expenses are minimal, and daily living costs are modest. South Korea also boasts good internet infrastructure, good public transportation, and lively urban areas. With the explosion of K-culture globally, students are also drawn to the music, entertainment, and pop culture arena.
Goodbye4ever, Wikimedia Commons
2. Ireland
Ireland may be small, but it has a large academic bite. Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin are highly regarded globally, especially in life sciences, IT, and humanities. Mid-tier fees are often made up by scholarships, and lower fees are offered to EU students. Ireland is a friendly and welcoming place for international students, and its post-study work visa program allows graduates to stay for up to two years. Rich culture, stunning views, and welcoming citizens make it the envy of international students.
JoachimKohler-HB, Wikimedia Commons
1. New Zealand
New Zealand leads our list due to its mix of academic quality, natural beauty, and student-friendly policies. Universities like University of Auckland and University of Otago are known for quality research and personalized learning in class. Tuition is affordable, and there are lots of post-study work opportunities. Safety, outdoor adventure, and a laid-back lifestyle make it a dream destination for many. Whether you’re into marine biology or filmmaking, New Zealand offers space to grow—personally and professionally.
Ulrich Lange, Dunedin, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons
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