Nearly 17,000 people participated in an international survey to determine the best country to study abroad, according to the U.S. News & World Report in 2024. The final results took into account the country’s education system, global job opportunities, and QS World University Rankings.
In this article, we briefly discuss the survey results to help you navigate your decision to choose an excellent destination for higher studies.
United States
The QS World University Rankings 2025 show that 15 American universities are among the top 50 worldwide, making the US the most sought-after destination for international students. It houses the three big giants, MIT, Harvard, and Stanford, and is hugely famous for its rich alumni network and top-notch faculty and industry professionals. The USA is home to the largest concentration of world-ranking universities in the world.
Notable Courses: US universities stand out for master’s degrees in computer science, business administration, entrepreneurship, dentistry, medicine, and public health courses.
Average Expenditure: Beyond the personal expenses, studying at any university in the US can cost you $60,000–$70,000 per year. Travel flights rate around $500-$2,000 for a round trip. Depending on the university and region, the overall annual budget may be anywhere between $40,000 and $90,000. You’ll also have to factor in fees involved in the F-1 visa application.
Financial Aid: Several universities offer in-house scholarships, as well as government support for underprivileged and meritorious students. Scholarships you can consider include:
- USIEF
- Wharton Fellowship Programs
- National Overseas Scholarships
United Kingdom
Great Britain, world-famous for its cultural and political agility, ranks 3 out of the 5 top universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025. It offers great digital infrastructure, picturesque culture, and skilled professionals at top-tier universities. The UK has arguably the longest-running history of hosting international students for higher education, with many prominent historical figures among its alumni.
Notable Courses: The faculties at its leading universities include Nobel laureates and prominent leaders of the world. UK universities offer world-leading programs in green engineering, law and governance, social sciences, economics, and medicine.
Average Expenditure: Public universities in the UK are slightly cheaper than private universities, costing around £10,000–£25,000 per year. Travel can be anywhere between £500 and £1,500. Part-time work, student Oyster travel cards, and budgeting your monthly expenses are some of the ways to reduce your financial burden.
Financial Aid: The UK is one of the few nations that offers shorter bachelor’s and master’s programs, which lowers overall costs. You can gain more international exposure in the job market through the Graduate visa, allowing you to live and work in the UK for two to three years following graduation. Several universities provide financial assistance through scholarships for deserving and disadvantaged students in addition to external scholarships, such as:
- Chevening scholarships for Master’s students
- Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)
- Commonwealth Scholarship
Germany
Europe’s biggest economy, Germany, is a great pick for the best country to study abroad for international students. Its low-cost and sometimes zero tuition fee policy, particularly for public universities, offers accessible and high-quality education. Germany is an excellent destination to consider for its well-educated population, easily accessible financial and legal support to new business owners, and economically stable GDP, creating exciting opportunities for fresh graduates in the job arena.
Notable Courses: Germany has great universities for STEM courses, along with other courses like business administration, public policy, dental, and pharmaceutical studies.
Average expenditure: Living in Germany is cheaper in comparison to other top-ranking countries. Public universities charge no semester fees, accommodation in dormitories is affordable, and part-time work offers decent hourly pay. Overall, an annual budget of €11,000–€50,000 is sufficient for you to study in Germany.
Financial Aid: DAAD and Erasmus+ scholarships are excellent options in Germany that provide coverage for tuition fees and living expenses.
Canada
The presence of globally recognized institutions like the University of Toronto, UBC, and McGill University and smooth pathways for permanent citizenship make Canada an ideal location for people aiming to settle abroad.
Notable Courses: We highly recommend Canada for marketing, management, bioengineering, economics, international relations, tourism, architecture, and urban planning courses. The universities in Canada give you a competitive edge with high-tech facilities and professors with global perspectives who are leading experts in their fields.
Average Expenditure: Canada will offer you affordability along with diversity. Average tuition fees in Canadian universities are CAD 15,000–40,000 annually. Housing is available with a starting range of CAD 8,000–15,000. Living in a less metropolitan/more suburban city can be even cheaper.
Financial Aid: You can apply for a variety of scholarships in Canada, including government-funded scholarships and various others, based on merit, need, program, and research grants. The following is a list of a few options:
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
- National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship
France
An international icon for its landscapes, history, and fashion and lifestyle scene, France ranks 3 universities in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings. It is ideal for students seeking opportunities in the fashion and business industries. Since France is one of the largest economies in the world, you can expect great corporate job opportunities and learning platforms.
Notable Courses: MBAs from France’s leading business schools have high demand in the start-up world; pure science, pharmacy, radiology, and bioengineering courses, alongside fashion design and fine arts, are among France’s most popular program offerings.
Average Expenditure: Tuition fees at universities in France range between €2,000 and €3,770. Housing services are available from €3,000 to €12,000, and the mandatory health surcharge is €300–€800. A budget of €12,000 to €50,000 per year will be sufficient for you to live comfortably in France.
Financial Aid: After an acceptance letter from a university in France, you can avail of diverse national and international scholarships. Here are a few of them:
- Emile-Boutmy Scholarships by Science Po
- Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- Scholarships by EDHEC Business School
Concluding Remarks
When narrowing down your ideal destination, take into account its residency programs, immigration laws, and student safety regulations to avoid future complications. Choosing the best country to study abroad can be a daunting task, but there is no one size fits all answer. The right country for you will depend on your specific needs, goals, and preferences. So, which country are you aiming to study abroad in?
