Best Countries To Study Abroad In 2024: Top Picks And Benefits

Imagine initiating an educational journey in 2024 that takes you across borders and opens up a pool of diverse opportunities. With over 7,50,000 Indian students currently studying overseas, the quest for quality education, cultural experiences, and career opportunities steers this trend. 

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Choosing the right country is foremost on the list of factors to consider when planning to study abroad. Other factors include cost, quality of education, and cultural adaptability. For instance, Canada hosted over 2,30,000 Indian students in 2023 alone, reflecting a 16% increase from the previous year. This is just the beginning; some more exciting countries are ideal to study abroad after graduation! 

But which are the best countries to study abroad amongst the list of so many favourites? This guide will walk you through the top picks and the benefits each offer. So, without further ado, get into details!

Key highlights

When choosing the cheapest countries for Indian students to study abroad, it’s essential to consider not only the tuition fees for universities but also the cost of living. 

Here is the table highlighting what’s inside the blog. 

Why Study Abroad?

According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs, the number of international students studying abroad has surged remarkably. Over 1.3 million Indian students chose to study abroad in 2023. Why so? To gain academic excellence and employment prospects.

It’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about gaining an education that prepares you for the global stage. So, if you’re considering studying abroad, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom — it’s an investment in your future.

Here are the amazing benefits that college abroad offers!

• Academic Excellence: International institutions often offer opportunities and access to world-renowned faculty. For instance, Germany, known for its excellent engineering programs, has over 3,50,000 international students benefiting from its state-of-the-art facilities and teaching methods.
• Enhanced Employability: According to the British Council, international graduates often earn 10-15% higher starting salaries. 79% of employers value international experience when hiring. 
• Affordable Education: Countries like Germany and Norway offer free or low-cost tuition fees for international students like you. Average annual living expenses in Germany are INR 8L (€9K)

8 Best Countries For Indian Students To Study Abroad 

As per the Economic Times, Indian students are the largest international student group, constituting a noteworthy 40% of the total international student population. This indicates a significant trend of Indian students seeking abroad opportunities.

If you’re one of them, prepare for a bright future by choosing from the best countries to study abroad. The countries listed in this section offer more than just academic excellence — they provide a life-changing experience that blends education with personal growth. 

Are you wondering if it’s worth it? So, hear from the best: Aisha from Mumbai highlights the affordability and quality of education in Germany: “With low tuition fees and excellent research opportunities, Germany was the perfect choice for my engineering degree. The practical approach to learning has prepared me well for my career”.

The table shows the best countries to study abroad by ranking.

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1. United Kingdom

Did you know that, according to QS Best Student Cities 2025, London is ranked as the best student city in the world? What’s better than this if you aim to study in the UK? Moreover, the UK offers rich cultural experiences and academic excellence, with over 6,05,000 international students in 2023.

Now, are you worried about finances? Here is something for you – Government initiatives like the Chevening Scholarships support you in pursuing your studies in the UK.

Here are the top universities and the approximate fee structure you need to consider.

Eligibility Criteria To Study In UK Universities

• Academic Requirements: A high school diploma for undergraduate courses and a bachelor’s degree with at least a second-class upper division for postgraduate courses.
• English Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL scores are mandatory. Some universities accept Pearson Test of English (PTE) scores.
• Additional Documents: Personal statement, references, and sometimes a portfolio (for arts courses).
• Visa Requirements: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK institution.

Check out each university’s score requirements below.

2. Australia

Australia offers a compelling combination of high-quality education, cultural diversity, and great student life. Australia was termed as a most-visited destination due to its welcoming environment and top-ranked universities. As per the AU government, the country hosted 5,00,000 international students in 2023.

The Australian government also provides various scholarships and financial aid, such as the Australia Awards, to grant support. In addition, approximately 79% of graduates find jobs within three months of completing their studies. So, you may expect a high employment chance post-graduation, making Australia one of the best countries for Indian students to study abroad.

See the table below to understand the top universities, tuition fees, and score requirements.  

Eligibility Criteria To Study In Australian Universities

• Academic Requirements: High school certificate for undergraduate courses, bachelor’s degree for postgraduate studies.
• English Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL scores are essential. PTE Academic is also widely accepted.
• Financial Evidence: Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
• Health Insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory.
• Visa Requirements: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.

You can find the score requirements accepted by the universities below.

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3. Germany

Germany is renowned for its low tuition fees and strong research infrastructure. 

It is attractive and one of the cheapest countries for Indian students to study abroad. In 2023, Germany hosted over 3,50,000 international students. The country’s education system and numerous government support programmes, like DAAD scholarships, make it a great choice.

Moreover, Germany is also the world’s fourth-largest economy, offering excellent job prospects for graduates. Not just academics, but your career can be worthwhile in this country!

Explore the best universities, annual fees, and scores you must attain to get there.

Eligibility Criteria To Study In German Universities

• Academic Requirements: Completing 13 years of education (if opting for undergraduate courses) or a bachelor’s degree for postgraduate courses.
• Language Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught courses. TestDaF or DSH for German-taught courses.
• Financial Proof: Blocked account showing around INR 8.5L (EUR 10,332) for living expenses per year.
• Additional Requirements: Letters of motivation, CV, and sometimes letters of recommendation.

Check out each university’s score requirements below.

4. Switzerland

Switzerland combines academic rigour with practical experiences. If you’re career-oriented, this country is a treat! In 2023, Switzerland attracted over 1,00,000 international students due to its blend of high academic standards and excellent quality of life.

Furthermore, the country ranks first in the Global Innovation Index for its strong emphasis on research and development. This focus on innovation doubles up your opportunities if you are in STEM fields.

Below are some Top courses and fee structures to get you started. 

Eligibility Criteria To Study In Switzerland Universities

• Academic Requirements: High school diploma for undergraduate courses; bachelor’s degree for postgraduate courses.
• Language Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught courses; TestDaF/DELF for German/French-taught courses.
• Financial Proof: Evidence of INR 18.3L (CHF 21K) per year for living expenses.
• Additional Requirements: Letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, CV, and research proposal for some programs.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory health insurance coverage is available for the duration of your stay.

Check out each university’s score requirements below.

5. Canada

As per US news, Canada ranks in the top 10 globally for quality of life and education.

The country boasts high employment opportunities, a welcoming environment, and diverse cultures. 

In 2023, Canada welcomed over 230,000 Indian students, reflecting its inclusive policies and strong post-graduation work opportunities.

Moreover, Government programmes like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allow you to gain valuable work experience after completing your studies. 

Here are some top universities and the average tuition fees you can explore.

Eligibility Criteria To Study In Canadian Universities

• Academic Requirements: High school completion for undergraduate courses; bachelor’s degree with 70-75% for postgraduate studies.
• Language Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL scores; French proficiency for programs in Quebec.
• Financial Proof: Proof of sufficient funds through bank statements or sponsorship letters.
• Additional Requirements: A statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, resume/CV.

You can find the score requirements accepted by the universities below.

Canada has lately been every student’s dream! Want further guidance on studying in Canada as an international student? LeapScholar is proud to have a highly qualified team of counsellors with 50+ years of combined experience helping students study abroad. Ready to take the Leap? Book a free counselling session right now!

6. United States

With over 1 million international students in 2023, the US remains a top destination due to its prestigious universities and comprehensive support systems.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the country is home to eight of the top ten universities in the world.

By studying in such top-class universities, international students contribute over $44 billion to the US economy annually. This highlights the significant impact you can make by choosing to study there.

Here are the top universities and the approximate fee structure you need to consider when studying abroad.

Eligibility Criteria To Study In US Universities

• Academic Requirements: High school diploma for undergraduate courses; bachelor’s degree for postgraduate courses.
• Standardised Tests: SAT/ACT for undergraduates; GRE/GMAT for graduates; TOEFL/IELTS for English proficiency.
• Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
• Additional Requirements: Letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume/CV.

Check out each university’s score requirements below.

Fund your desire to study abroad! Leap Finance provides collateral-free loans for US education at interest rates as low as 8.5%. Within 10 minutes, you can get funding for your tuition fees, transportation, and personal expenditures up to 100%. Click here to begin the loan application process now. 

7. New Zealand

In 2023, over 1,00,000 international students were drawn to New Zealand.  Needless to say, New Zealand is the best country for master’s for Indian students in this list of top 8.

The country’s excellent education system and unique natural viewpoints (Rotorua and Queenstown) are worth your investment.

And if you want to stay in New Zealand after you complete your studies and make a career here, there’s an option exclusively for you. The country offers a post-study work visa for up to three years.

Besides, according to OECD data, New Zealand ranks second globally in terms of education quality and life satisfaction.

Explore top-ranked universities and minimum score requirements below.

Eligibility Criteria To Study In New Zealand Universities

• Academic Requirements: High school completion for undergraduate programs; bachelor’s degree for postgraduate studies.
• English Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL scores.
• Financial Evidence: Proof of sufficient funds to cover living costs, typically INR 7.5L (NZD 15,000) per year.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory for all international students.
• Visa Requirements: Acceptance letter from a New Zealand institution.

Check out each university’s score requirements below.

8. The Netherlands

The Netherlands is the largest provider of English-taught courses in Europe. Over 2,000 English-taught programs are available across Dutch universities, making it an accessible destination for international students like you who do not speak Dutch.

The numbers are high! In 2023, over 85,000 international students studied in the Netherlands and benefited from its inclusive and innovative education system. 

The top university courses and their annual fee are mentioned below.

Eligibility Criteria To Study In The Netherlands Universities

• Academic Requirements: High school diploma for undergraduate courses; bachelor’s degree for master’s programs.
• Language Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL scores; Dutch language proficiency for courses taught in Dutch.
• Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses, typically around INR 9L (EUR 10,500) per year.
• Additional Requirements: Motivation letter, CV, letters of recommendation.

Below are the requirements that you must consider when studying in the Netherlands.

Cost Of Living In The Top 8 Countries

When considering where to study abroad, understanding the cost of living is also crucial. 

Each of the top countries has different costs of living. For instance, in Australia, you might budget around INR 11L (AUD 21K) per year for living expenses.

In Canada, the average INR is 8L (CAD 15K) annually. Meanwhile, Germany offers a more affordable option, with living costs averaging INR 6 to 9L (EUR 8K to 12K) annually.

These figures can vary based on lifestyle and city, but understanding these costs helps you plan your study abroad journey effectively.

You’ll see each country’s monthly estimated cost for your day-to-day needs below.

You might be wondering, how come you’ll manage such expenses as a student? Well, then, it’s time to keep your worries aside and learn some money-saving arrangements through scholarships!

Scholarships To Reduce Your Cost of Living

Accessing scholarships is a great relief for Indian students like you! It makes it easier for you to gain opportunities to study in the best countries abroad. 

There is a significant rise in government-backed scholarships, with over 50% of Indian students abroad benefiting from such financial aid programs. 

Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Germany offer scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition fees and providing generous stipends for living expenses. 

Find some exciting scholarships you can easily apply to study abroad. 

Job Opportunities After Studying In Top Countries

Earning a degree abroad isn’t just about completing the education; it’s a passport to exciting career possibilities. 

A 2023 report by the QS World University Rankings suggests that international graduates are increasingly sought after by employers. Also, employment is projected to grow by approximately 6.5% in 2024.

This means your time spent studying in one of the best countries will be a money-full advantage!

Here’s a detailed table outlining job opportunities and average expected salaries across different countries.

Conclusion

Finding the best countries to study abroad offers a gateway to educational experiences.

Now, you may ask, which ones are the best countries for Indian students to study abroad? Well, consider the UK and Germany as your top choices. 

The United Kingdom’s capital, London, stands out as the top QS Best Student City 2025, renowned for its world-class universities and vibrant cultural scene. Meanwhile, Germany, with cities like Munich, has a robust research infrastructure and low tuition fees. Thus, it is the most preferred destination for STEM students!

These countries also offer numerous scholarships to you, with millions of pounds, dollars, and euros allocated annually to support educational programmes. For instance, Australia alone provided scholarships worth over AUD 5000 (INR 2L) to international students in 2023.

Begin your journey with Leap Scholar and make the best countries to study abroad your academic home! Take the leap with Leap Scholar and benefit from our expertise in admissions, securing scholarships, and making the most of your international education experience. Start your journey today and transform your aspirations into achievements.

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