Best countries to study as an international student 2024
Hey student, do you want to study in the best country as an International Student or are you an international student looking for the best country to study in?
If yes is your answer, then, here is a great opportunity for you to choose one of the best countries to study as an International Student. 
Here are the 15 best countries to study as an international student in 2024:
In 2024, these 15 countries stand out as some of the best destinations for international students that are craving a high-quality education and unique experiences.
These are some of the best courses for job opportunities in the UK.
Table of Contents
1. United States (U. S)
The United States is known for its top-tier universities and diverse study programs.
The United States has the ability to attract students from around the globe and this makes it serve as one of the best countries to study as an international student.
From Ivy League institutions to state-of-the-art research facilities, the U.S. provides a comprehensive educational experience.
See Also: Best demand courses for jobs in Australia
Pros: Having world-known universities, offer different academic programs and research opportunities.
Cons: High tuition fees, hard to get admissions, difficulty in visa.
Top universities in the United States:
- Harvard University
- Stanford university
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Princeton university
Cost of studying in the United States:
Tuition: $20,000 – $60,000+ per year
Living Expenses: $15,000 – $25,000 per year
2. United Kingdom
This is a home to esteemed universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London. 
The UK offers a rich academic heritage. Its multicultural cities provide students with a blend of historic charm and modern changes.
Pros: Prestigious institutions, rich academic history, English language.
Cons: High living costs, limited work opportunities for non-EU students.
Top universities in the UK:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- University College London (UCL)
Cost of studying in the UK:
Tuition: £10,000 – £30,000+ per year
Living Expenses: £10,000 – £15,000 per year
3. Canada
This is one of the best countries to study as an international student, it is known for its welcoming attitude and high-quality education.
Canada boasts stunning natural landscapes and world-class institutions. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal offer vibrant student communities.
These provinces are the best to study in Canada for international students.
Pros: High-quality education, multicultural environment, post-graduation work options.
Cons: Harsh winters, limited job opportunities in certain regions.
Top universities in Canada:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill university
- University of Montreal
- University of Alberta
Cost of studying in Canada:
Tuition: CAD $15,000 – CAD $35,000+ per year
Living Expenses: CAD $10,000 – CAD $15,000 per year
4. Best countries to study as an international student – Australia
This country is known for its relaxed and easygoing lifestyle and exceptional research opportunities.
Australia is a great country for students seeking a relaxed environment with excellent academic resources.
Pros: Research opportunities, quality of life, relaxed atmosphere.
Cons: Expensive tuition for international students, distance from other countries.
Top universities in Australia:
- University of Melbourne
- Australian National University (ANU)
- University of Sydney
- University of Queensland
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Cost of studying in Australia:
Tuition: AUD $20,000 – AUD $45,000+ per year
Living Expenses: AUD $15,000 – AUD $25,000 per year
5. Germany
This country is a hub for engineering and technological studies. It’s a great university for students that want to engage in engineering programs.
Germany offers tuition-free or low-cost education at its well-regarded universities, often conducted in English.
Pros: Low-cost education, strong engineering programs, vibrant cities.
Cons: Limited English programs, language barrier for daily life.
Top universities in Germany:
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich)
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- Heidelberg University
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Free University of Berlin
Cost of studying in Germany:
Tuition: Low or no tuition for international students in public universities
Living Expenses: €8,000 – €12,000 per year
6. Best countries to study as an international student – France
Here is another great country to talk about. France is one of the best countries to study as an international student, with a focus on arts, culture, and history.
France draws students to its renowned universities and picturesque landscapes. The beauty of Paris adds to the experience.
Pros: Cultural experiences, historic universities, affordable tuition.
Cons: Language barrier, complex visa process.
Top universities in France:
- Sorbonne university
- École Polytechnique
- Paris Sciences et Lettres university (PSL)
- University of Paris-Saclay
- École Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris)
Cost of studying in France:
Tuition: €3,000 – €20,000+ per year
Living Expenses: €8,000 – €12,000 per year
7. Netherlands
This is a country known for its progressive teaching methods and English-taught programs, the Netherlands combines innovation with a high quality of life.
Pros: Innovative teaching methods, English-taught programs, high quality of life.
Cons: Limited scholarships, and high living costs.
Top universities in the Netherlands:
- Delft University of Technology
- University of Amsterdam
- Leiden University
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Utrecht University
Cost of studying in the Netherlands:
Tuition: €6,000 – €20,000+ per year
Living Expenses: €10,000 – €15,000 per year
8. Switzerland
This is a great home to some of the world’s best hospitality and business schools. Switzerland provides a unique blend of education and picturesque landscapes.
Top universities in Switzerland:
Pros: Prestigious hospitality and business schools, scenic landscapes.
Cons: High cost of living, limited part-time work opportunities.
Top universities in Switzerland:
- ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
- University of Zurich
- University of Geneva
- EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
- University of Basel
Cost of studying in Switzerland:
Tuition: CHF 1,000 – CHF 2,000 per year (varies by canton)
Living Expenses: CHF 18,000 – CHF 25,000 per year
9. Sweden
This is one of the best countries to study as an international student, it is known for its awesome performance in research. Sweden offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for international students.
Pros: Sustainability focus, research opportunities, scholarships.
Cons: Long winters, high living expenses.
Top universities in Sweden:
- Lund University
- Uppsala University
- Stockholm University
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology
- Chalmers University of Technology
Cost of studying in Sweden:
Tuition: SEK 80,000 – SEK 140,000 per year
Living Expenses: SEK 8,000 – SEK 12,000 per month
10. Singapore
This is a one of the financial and technological hub countries. Singapore provides a strategic location for business and engineering studies.
Pros: Strategic location, business and tech opportunities, modern infrastructure.
Cons: High living costs, limited campus space.
Top universities in Singapore:
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
- Singapore Management University (SMU)
- Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
- Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
Cost of studying in Singapore:
Tuition: SGD $20,000 – SGD $45,000+ per year
Living Expenses: SGD $10,000 – SGD $15,000 per year
11. Japan
Japan is a country that is good at combining tradition and innovation. Japan’s universities are respected for their scientific and technological advancements.
Pros: Technological advancements, unique culture, strong research programs.
Cons: Language barrier, high living costs.
Top universities in Japan:
- University of Tokyo
- Kyoto University
- Osaka University
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Tohoku University
Cost of studying in Japan:
Tuition: ¥500,000 – ¥1,000,000+ per year
Living Expenses: ¥800,000 – ¥1,200,000 per year
12. South Korea
This is also one of the coolest and best countries to study as an international student in 2024, it’s a country that has a focus on technology and research.
South Korea’s universities is one of the universities that have gained international recognition in recent years due to their great academic performances.
Pros: Technological innovation, dynamic cities, growing academic reputation.
Cons: Competitive admissions, language barrier.
Top universities in South Korea:
- Seoul national university
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Yonsei university
- Pohang university of science and technology (POSTECH)
- Sungkyunkwan university
Cost of studying in South Korea:
Tuition: KRW 3,000,000 – KRW 8,000,000+ per semester
Living Expenses: KRW 6,000,000 – KRW 10,000,000 per year
13. New Zealand
This country is known for its natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. New Zealand offers a range of programs and a welcoming atmosphere.
Pros: Natural beauty, quality of life, outdoor activities.
Cons: Limited job opportunities, isolation from other countries.
Top universities in New Zealand:
- University of Auckland
- University of Otago
- Victoria University of Wellington
- University of Canterbury
- University of Waikato
Cost of studying in New Zealand:
Tuition: NZD $20,000 – NZD $40,000+ per year
Living Expenses: NZD $15,000 – NZD $20,000 per year
14. Ireland
Ireland is a country that has a strong literary tradition and vibrant culture. Ireland’s universities provide a mix of academic excellence and lively student experiences.
Pros: Literary heritage, friendly atmosphere, growing tech industry.
Cons: Relatively high living costs, and limited job opportunities.
Top universities in Ireland:
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Dublin (UCD)
- National University of Ireland, Galway
- University of Limerick
- Dublin city university
Cost of studying in Ireland:
Tuition: €10,000 – €25,000+ per year
Living Expenses: €7,000 – €12,000 per year
15. Spain
Spain is a great place from historic architecture to modern campuses. It is one the best countries to study as an international student and offers a unique blend of culture and education.
Pros: Cultural immersion, historic universities, vibrant cities.
Cons: Limited English programs, and bureaucratic procedures.
Top universities in Spain:
- University of Barcelona
- Autonomous University of Madrid
- Complutense University of Madrid
- Pompeu Fabra University
- University of Granada
Cost of studying in Spain:
Tuition: €800 – €3,500+ per year (varies by region)
Living Expenses: €7,000 – €12,000 per year
Which are some of the cheapest countries to study abroad?
- Germany: This is because many public universities in Germany offer low or no tuition fees for international students, making it a popular choice for affordable education.
- Norway: This is because public universities in Norway offer free education for international students, although living costs can be higher.
- Austria:This is because tuition fees are relatively low in Austria, and the country offers a rich cultural experience and high quality of life.
- Sweden: This is because Sweden has tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students, some universities offer scholarships, and living expenses are relatively lower than in other Western European countries.
Which country is the best for studying?
- US
- Canada
- UK
- Australia
- France
- Germany
- Italy
Which country pays the highest salary?
Switzerland: Switzerland is often associated with high salaries, particularly in sectors like finance, pharmaceuticals, and technology.
United States: The United States is known for its diverse and high-paying job market, especially in industries like technology, finance, and healthcare.
Norway: Norway’s strong economy contributes to competitive salaries, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, engineering, and finance.
Singapore: Singapore’s strategic location and strong economy provide attractive salaries, particularly in finance, technology, and business.
Australia: Australia offers competitive salaries in various industries, including healthcare, engineering, and information technology.
Germany: Germany has a strong job market with competitive salaries, particularly in engineering, technology, and manufacturing.
Canada: Canada offers good salaries in various industries, including healthcare, technology, and engineering.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is an enriching experience that opens up new opportunities for personal growth and academic excellence.
With a large number of options available, choosing the right country to pursue your educational career can be both exciting and challenging at the same time.
Some students find it exciting because of the new environment, experiences and new life while some find it challenging because they don’t even know the best country to choose with other factors.
It’s also recommended to choose among the best countries that pay a high salary, this will help you to start making good money immediately after your studies.
I believe that now that you have read this article, you can now choose at least one of the best countries to study as an international student.
Lucy Ifunanya is a versatile and skilled content writer, passionate about writing articles that resonate with her readers. With a creative mindset, she brings a unique blend of informative writing and SEO-driven methods to her articles.
