Where to study abroad in 2026/27

Choosing the right country to study abroad is an exciting step, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s important to do your research and think about what matters most to you. Studying abroad gives you the chance to explore a new culture, meet people from around the world, and earn a degree at the same time.

Where you choose to study can have a big impact on your overall experience. Things like tuition fees, living costs, lifestyle, teaching styles, and even future job opportunities can be very different from country to country.

Popular destinations such as Canada, Belgium, and France continue to attract international students thanks to their strong universities and welcoming student communities. However, some traditionally popular destinations (like the US, UK and Australia) have faced tighter visa rules or political changes, which has pushed more students to explore alternative options.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key things to think about so you can confidently choose the study abroad destination that’s right for you.

---

Why should I study abroad?

There are two big reasons to think about studying abroad as an international student.

First, it’s an amazing chance to immerse yourself in a new culture. You’ll get to experience different traditions, lifestyles, and histories that can completely change the way you see the world.

Many students admit that the cultural differences can be a bit of a shock at first (check out our tips on dealing with culture shock), but over time, this becomes one of the best parts of studying abroad. Living in a new country helps you grow as a person and gives you skills that future employers value – showing that you can work with people from different backgrounds and adapt to new environments.

Second, studying abroad can give you access to universities and programmes that might not exist in your home country. For example, North America and Europe host over 70% of the top 1,000 universities in the QS World Rankings, while Africa currently has less than 5%, though this is slowly changing.

If you have the financial means or scholarships to help, attending a world-class university with leading professors and excellent research facilities can be an advantage.

Of course, this also means admissions at top universities can be very competitive. Strong grades are important, but they’re not the only thing that matters. Universities also care about who you are outside the classroom. Participating in extracurricular activities that you’re passionate about, especially ones related to your field of study, can really help your application stand out.

---

Which country suits your lifestyle the best?

When choosing where to study abroad, it is important to think about the kind of lifestyle you want to lead. The country you pick can have a big impact on your day-to-day life, from the weather and scenery to local culture and social opportunities.

If you love sunny days and beaches, countries like Australia could be perfect. Many Australian universities are located near the coast, including Queensland and New South Wales in the east and Victoria and South Australia in the south, giving you the chance to enjoy both city life and the great outdoors.

If you are more drawn to historic towns, cobblestone streets, and café culture, countries in Europe such as Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Germany offer a rich mix of history, culture, and vibrant student life. You can explore museums, architecture, and local traditions while making the most of your free time.

It is also worth considering how culturally diverse a city is. Cosmopolitan cities like London, New York, Paris, Sydney, and Toronto welcome students from all over the world, allowing you to meet people from many backgrounds and find your own community. In these cities, cultural differences are celebrated, and it is easier to feel at home even if local customs are different from what you are used to.

To help you compare your options more easily, you can explore a full list of study destinations on our all countries page. This page provides an overview of each country, and you can also dive deeper into individual city pages within each destination to learn more about student life, universities, and living environments. Taking the time to explore both countries and cities can help you find a place that truly fits your lifestyle and study goals.

---

Where do you dream of travelling?

Travelling abroad for your studies is a big step and can be influenced by your dream destinations. In addition to thinking about the lifestyle you want to lead while studying, it is also a great chance to explore a country or region you have always wanted to visit. Studying in a new place allows you to discover its culture, history, and natural beauty up close, rather than just as a tourist.

You can find study opportunities in nearly every part of the world, from remote peninsulas in Iceland and the scenic Highlands of Scotland to Gibraltar at the tip of Spain’s south coast and many other fascinating destinations. Choosing a location that excites you means you can combine your education with unforgettable travel experiences, weekends spent exploring new cities, and adventures that will stay with you long after graduation.

---

What language will you speak while you study abroad?

Language is an important factor to consider when choosing where to study abroad. Whether you want your course to be taught in English, French, Spanish, Italian, or another language, make sure the university offers programs in the language you prefer.

Studying abroad is also a fantastic opportunity to learn a new language or improve one you already know. If this is a goal, check that your skills meet the required level or consider a pathway or preparatory course to get ready.

Remember, language matters both inside and outside the classroom. Everyday interactions with locals and other students give you a chance to practise your skills in real-life situations, which can boost both your confidence and fluency while giving you a richer cultural experience.

---

How much does it cost to live and study in the country?

Your final decision on where to study may come down to your budget. Tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses can vary widely depending on the country you choose, and even between cities in the same country.

While scholarships, bursaries, and other forms of funding are available, not all students will qualify. It’s important to plan ahead and make sure you can afford both tuition and day-to-day living costs in your chosen destination. Many students also consider part-time work to help cover expenses during their studies.

Country	Average Annual Tuition (International Students)	Estimated Living Costs (Per Year)	Notes
USA	$25,000 – $40,000 (public) $45,000 – $65,000 (private)	$12,000 – $18,000	Specialised courses like Law or MBAs can be more expensive
Canada	$20,000 – $40,000	$10,000 – $15,000	Costs vary by city; Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive
UK	£15,000 – £30,000	£12,000 – £15,000	London is more expensive than other cities
Germany	Mostly free – €500 – €3,000 administrative fees	€9,000 – €12,000	Public universities are free, excellent value for money
Sweden	Free for EU/EEA students €8,000 – €15,000 for non-EU students	€10,000 – €13,000	Some programs are in English
Denmark	Free for EU/EEA students €10,000 – €15,000 for non-EU students	€11,000 – €14,000	High quality universities, cost of living is higher than Germany
France	€3,000 – €10,000	€10,000 – €13,000	Public universities are very affordable, private institutions cost more
Netherlands	€6,000 – €15,000	€11,000 – €14,000	Many programs offered in English
Australia	AUD $30,000 – $50,000	AUD $15,000 – $20,000	Popular coastal cities can be expensive
New Zealand	NZD $25,000 – $40,000	NZD $12,000 – $15,000	Living costs higher in cities like Auckland

Tips for students:

• Always check university websites for the latest tuition and fees.
• Some scholarships and bursaries can reduce tuition by 25-50% or more.
• Living costs depend heavily on city choice, lifestyle, and accommodation type.
• Don’t forget extra expenses like travel, health insurance, and study materials.

For more detailed information on the costs of studying abroad, including travel and living expenses, see our article how much does it cost to study abroad.

---

Getting a student visa

If you plan to study abroad, you will almost certainly need a student visa for the duration of your studies. Visa rules, application processes, and fees vary from country to country, so it’s important to research these carefully before choosing where to study.

Take a look at our guide to international study visas, where you can find more information about applying for a visa, costs, and answers to common questions.

It’s also worth thinking about your plans after graduation. Some countries allow international students to stay and work for a period of time, while others have stricter rules. Understanding post-study work rules can help you decide which destination best fits your career and lifestyle goals.

---

Choose the discipline you would like to study

The subject you want to study can play a big role in narrowing down your options for study abroad. For more specialised or niche subjects, like Coastal Management or Marine Biology, your choices may be limited to just a few universities or countries with strong programs in that field. Researching where these courses are offered will help you focus your search.

If you’re interested in highly competitive subjects, such as Business, Engineering, or Medicine, you may want to consider universities that are highly ranked in that field. In many cases, countries like the USA and the UK offer some of the best programs and can provide a strong pathway to top career opportunities after graduation.

If you are considering your post-graduation options, take a look at our most employable degrees article to get some more information about which degrees have strong employment rates, and other things to take into account.

Remember, the best university for your subject is not always the biggest or most famous, it’s the one that matches your learning style, career goals, and the kind of academic and social environment you want to experience.

---

Compare the standard of education with university rankings

If you want to make sure you’ll receive the quality of education you’re looking for, reviewing world university rankings can be helpful. Rankings aren’t the only factor to consider when choosing a study destination or a university, but they do give a useful indication of a country’s education standards and the strength of its research programs.

To make this easier, we’ve put together a detailed guide on global university rankings. You can use it to understand how to compare universities across different countries and get a sense of their academic reputation and performance before making your decision.

---

Study experiences of others in this country

No matter how much research you do, you won’t know for sure what studying abroad will be like until you experience it yourself. One of the best ways to get a sense of life and study in a new country is to talk to students who are already there or have been there before.

You can connect with current or former students through university websites, online student forums, or testimonials. Paying attention to their experiences can give you a clearer idea of what to expect day-to-day.

Student satisfaction surveys are another useful source of information. Reputable surveys include Studyportals (global), National Student Survey (UK), HEDS (USA), QS Universities (global), and Deutsches Studierendenwerk (Germany). If you’re interested in a specific university or country, a quick online search should help you find these insights.

---

Alternatives to studying abroad

If studying abroad isn’t an option for you right now, you might want to consider some of the alternative options. These will still allow you to gain a university degree with a unique perspective, but allow you to either study from your home country, or take more time to prepare yourself for international study.

Online learning

Online learning, also referred to as distance learning, where you complete an academic degree through online courses from anywhere in the world, has become increasingly popular and continues to grow as a study option for international students.

There are two main types of online learning. The first is synchronous, which means “at the same time.” In this method, you attend live online classes alongside students from around the world, just like a traditional on-campus course. The second is asynchronous, where you receive weekly deadlines for assignments and watch pre-recorded lectures at your own pace. Many international students prefer asynchronous learning because it allows greater flexibility to manage your schedule and work at a speed that suits you. It can also accommodate for time differences that might make attending live online lectures more difficult.

Studying for a degree online can be an excellent choice if financial constraints or travel challenges make studying abroad difficult. It often costs only a fraction of an on-campus degree while still giving you access to high-quality education. Whatever path you choose, online learning offers countless opportunities to advance your career, gain new skills, and experience the benefits of international study from anywhere in the world.

Transnational education

When thinking about studying abroad, it’s easy to focus only on the “big name” universities, but a famous name doesn’t always mean the best experience for you.

Transnational education is becoming more popular – this is when universities offer international programmes, branch campuses, or partnerships abroad, allowing you to study in another country without necessarily choosing a globally famous school, and potentially staying closer to home. These options often provide excellent teaching, smaller class sizes, and more support for international students, sometimes at a lower cost.

Exploring lesser-known universities can open up opportunities you might not find at the top-ranked institutions and give you a chance to get a high-quality degree while truly experiencing life in a new country.

Pathway programmes

Pathway programmes are courses designed to prepare you for a bachelor’s or master’s degree. They are especially helpful if you don’t yet meet the entry requirements for a specific course, want to change your field of study, or need to improve your language skills before starting a degree in another country.

There are different types of pathway programmes. Some are created for bachelor degrees, others for master’s degrees (often called pre-master’s courses), and some focus specifically on improving language proficiency to ensure you can succeed in your chosen program.

Foundation degrees are also a type of pathway programme. These can be studied as standalone courses, and you earn a full foundation-level qualification upon completion. After finishing a foundation course, you can either continue onto a degree, sometimes for a shorter duration than the usual program, or leave higher education and enter the world of work.

Overall, pathway programmes serve as a stepping stone to higher education, and many offer guaranteed admission or a higher chance of acceptance to a specific university programme. They are a great way to build confidence, improve your skills, and prepare for the challenges of studying abroad.

---

Making your study abroad journey a reality

Choosing where and how to study abroad can feel overwhelming, but careful research and planning will help you make the best decision for your goals and circumstances. Start by thinking about lifestyle, budget, language, visa requirements, and academic opportunities. Creating a shortlist of your top countries and writing down the pros and cons of each can make it easier to compare options and identify the best fit for you.

Once you have chosen potential destinations, explore specific universities. Look at course offerings, teaching styles, campus life, student support, and entry requirements. Check whether programs are taught in your preferred language, consider scholarship opportunities, and evaluate how each university aligns with your future career plans. If studying abroad is not immediately possible, options such as distance learning or pathway programs can still provide access to quality education and prepare you for international study in the future.

By planning carefully, exploring your options, and keeping an open mind, you can create a study abroad experience that is educational, rewarding, and unforgettable. Shortlisting destinations and universities not only helps you stay organised and focused, but it also ensures that the time and effort you invest now lead to a truly enriching experience academically, personally, and culturally.