Top 10 Countries to Study Abroad: Affordable, Cheapest, Best Countries and Tips

top 10 countries to study abroad
Explore the top 10 countries to study abroad in 2025. From affordable tuition to post-study work opportunities, discover the best destinations for international students. Learn about popular fields, tuition fees, and tips to choose the right study destination for you.

When you study abroad, you enjoy top-level education, explore different cultures and have a chance to pursue a rewarding career. It is important to pick the proper destination to succeed in school and develop as a person. This Blog looks into the top 10 countries to study abroad and highlights their education, cost and interesting advantages. If you wish to learn about the top 10 best countries to study abroad, the top 10 countries to study abroad in Europe or even top 10 cheapest countries to study abroad out there, this guide outlines them with concrete suggestions.

Also Read: Best Countries to Study Abroad

Why Study Abroad?

When you study abroad, you develop your educational profile, get familiar with many cultures and make yourself attractive to employers. In the words of UNESCO, more than 6 million students were enrolled in international education in 2023 and numbers are on the rise every year. Among the top 10 countries to study abroad in the world, courses are advanced, students enjoy a lively life and there are plenty of ways to network on a global level. We can now explore the most beautiful destinations.

Top 10 Best Countries to Study Abroad

The top 10 best countries to study abroad offer excellent lessons, rich experiences and good job opportunities. This list is put together using the criteria of ranking, how satisfied students are and how much the university is recognized internationally.

1. United States

The list of the top 10 places to study abroad cannot overlook the U.S. which includes prominent schools like Harvard and MIT. Since the U.S. has more than 4,000 universities, it is possible to study STEM, humanities and business in numerous ways. Students registered at the top US colleges benefit from OPT which offers them work experience after they complete their studies.

  • Key Universities: Harvard, Stanford, MIT
  • Popular Fields: Engineering, Computer Science, Business
  • Average Tuition: $25,000–$50,000/year
  • Pros: World-class education, extensive research opportunities
  • Cons: High tuition and living costs

Also Visit: Study in USA

2. United Kingdom

The UK is found in the top 10 countries to study abroad in Europe. This country is famous for its Oxford and Cambridge universities which provide short and intensive programs (such as a year-long master’s degree). Graduate Route visa holders are able to look for jobs in the UK for two years once their studies are done.

  • Key Universities: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London
  • Popular Fields: Law, Medicine, Literature
  • Average Tuition: £15,000–£30,000/year
  • Pros: Globally recognized degrees, rich academic heritage
  • Cons: High living costs in cities like London

Also Visit: Study in UK

3. Canada

Every year, many international students choose Canada as one of the top 10 countries to study abroad in the world because of its welcoming immigration and cheering steps. University of Toronto features among the best 20 universities on the world stage, according to QS World Rankings 2025.

  • Key Universities: University of Toronto, UBC, McGill
  • Popular Fields: Environmental Science, Engineering, AI
  • Average Tuition: CAD 20,000–40,000/year
  • Pros: Post-graduation work permits, multicultural environment
  • Cons: Cold climate in some regions

Also Visit: Study in Canada

4. Australia

Australia’s exciting way of life and excellent universities are what set it apart as one of the  top 10 best countries to study abroad. Research and innovation are the strengths of the Go8 universities, just like the University of Melbourne.

  • Key Universities: University of Melbourne, ANU, University of Sydney
  • Popular Fields: Marine Biology, Business, Engineering
  • Average Tuition: AUD 30,000–50,000/year
  • Pros: Post-study work visas, high quality of life
  • Cons: Distance from other continents

Also Visit: Study in Australia

5. Germany

Germany makes it into the top 10 cheapest countries to study abroad due to its low-cost or free tuition at public schools. The country is dedicated to engineering and technology and a lot of programs are taught in English.

  • Key Universities: LMU Munich, Heidelberg University
  • Popular Fields: Engineering, Automotive, Data Science
  • Average Tuition: €0–€3,000/year (administrative fees)
  • Pros: Low tuition, strong economy
  • Cons: Language barrier for non-German speakers

6. France

Studying in France, which is part of the top 10 countries to study abroad in Europe, comes with a lower cost and a lot of culture. The Sorbonne University draws in many students who are interested in art, fashion and humanities.

  • Key Universities: Sorbonne, Sciences Po, École Normale Supérieure
  • Popular Fields: Art, Fashion, International Relations
  • Average Tuition: €2,000–€10,000/year
  • Pros: Cultural heritage, affordable tuition
  • Cons: Limited English-taught programs

Also Visit: Study in France

7. Netherlands

One of the main reasons for the top 10 countries to study abroad in Europe is its advanced style of teaching and many English programs. These universities are well known around the world.

  • Key Universities: University of Amsterdam, Delft University
  • Popular Fields: Sustainability, Business, Engineering
  • Average Tuition: €8,000–€20,000/year
  • Pros: English-taught courses, bike-friendly cities
  • Cons: High living costs in urban areas

Also Visit: Study in Netherlands

8. Sweden

In the top 10 best countries to study abroad, Sweden focuses on modern education methods and being environmentally friendly. Uppsala universities encourage learning that takes place in a group setting.

  • Key Universities: Uppsala University, Lund University
  • Popular Fields: Environmental Science, Design, Technology
  • Average Tuition: SEK 80,000–140,000/year
  • Pros: Innovative teaching, safe environment
  • Cons: High tuition for non-EU students

9. Japan

Studying in Japan makes it to the top 10 countries to study abroad because it offers the best of tradition and technology. Robotics and engineering are among the innovative programs offered by the University of Tokyo.

  • Key Universities: University of Tokyo, Kyoto University
  • Popular Fields: Robotics, Engineering, Anime Studies
  • Average Tuition: ¥500,000–¥1,000,000/year
  • Pros: Unique culture, advanced technology
  • Cons: Language barrier, high living costs

Also Visit: Study in Japan

10. New Zealand

New Zealand makes the top 10 best countries to study abroad because of its wonderful views and top-quality education. There are outstanding environmental and health programs at the University of Auckland.

  • Key Universities: University of Auckland, University of Otago
  • Popular Fields: Environmental Science, Medicine
  • Average Tuition: NZD 25,000–40,000/year
  • Pros: Safe, scenic environment
  • Cons: Remote location

Also Visit: Study in New Zealand

Top 10 Countries to Study Abroad

Here are the Top 10 Countries to Study Abroad discussed below: 

Country Average Tuition (USD) Key Fields Post-Study Work Options Language of Instruction
USA $25,000–$50,000 STEM, Business Yes (OPT) English
UK $20,000–$40,000 Law, Medicine Yes (Graduate Route) English
Canada $15,000–$30,000 AI, Engineering Yes (PGWP) English
Australia $20,000–$35,000 Marine Biology Yes English
Germany $0–$3,500 Engineering Yes German/English
France $2,500–$12,000 Art, Fashion Limited French/English
Netherlands $9,000–$22,000 Sustainability Yes English
Sweden $8,000–$14,000 Technology Limited English
Japan $5,000–$10,000 Robotics Limited Japanese/English
New Zealand $18,000–$30,000 Medicine Yes English

Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad

Top 10 cheapest countries to study abroad, Students on a budget may consider Germany, France or Norway, since they offer free tuition for international students. These places provide free or low tuition fees to EU students and costs of living are fair. You can go to German public schools without paying for tuition, while in France, education is subsidized. The fees in Malaysia and India can be as minimal as $3,000 per year.

Tips for Choosing the Right Country

  1. Look for programs that relate to the major strengths of the country (engineering in Germany and art in France).
  2. If you prefer to speak English, register for programs taught in this language.
  3. Balance what you spend on tuition and on living costs. DAAD (Germany) and Chevening (UK) are some of the scholarships you can use.
  4. Many people choose Canada and Australia because they can get post-study work visas.
  5. Check how comfortable you are with the people, customs and climate where you live.

Conclusion

You should pick from top 10 countries to study abroad based on your education needs, spending ability and cultural tastes. If you like American innovation, German prices or France’s culture, each country gives you unique experiences. Let this guide help you decide so you can start an important and lasting educational venture.

Top 10 Best Countries to Study Abroad FAQs

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Students can choose Germany, France, Norway, Malaysia or India as some of the best places to study abroad since the tuition fees are either nonexistent or affordable.

Certainly, the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany have many English-taught programs, especially for students coming from abroad.

Requirements for visas differ from one country to another. An example is that the USA gives F-1 visas to foreign students, the UK asks for a Student Visa and Canada lets in foreign students with a Study Permit. Go to the immigration website run by each particular country.

Joining factors such as the highly regarded education system, pricing of education, the country’s language, future job opportunities and cultural connection play a major role in choosing the best country to study in the world.

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