According to Statista, there are over 2.5 million international students from just the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. And this figure is expected to rise exponentially as more countries open their borders to students following lockdowns because of the pandemic.
Getting an international education is an opportunity many students seek and with immigration policies evolving every year, this is becoming more possible. Many countries are constantly competing to provide the best educational experience for international students. And with such an array of options available, it’s no wonder many students find it challenging to choose a study destination.
There are so many benefits and reasons for you to study abroad, however, if you’re having difficulty picking a country, and you keep asking yourself, ‘where is the best place to study as an international student?’, here is a list of the top 5 countries for you:
It is without question that the United States, home of the free and land of the brave, is a popular study destination for many international students. And for a good reason. The US is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, allowing people from all places to find a home and feel welcomed. It is also a country that has over 50 of its universities in the top 100 universities in the world.
In addition to this, with over 4000 universities scattered across the country, there are courses for about every line of education you can think of. The country is also home to many mega-companies and startups, making it easy for you to find a job once you graduate, after all, it isn’t called the land of opportunity for nothing.
It isn’t all work and no play in America though, you will find lots of entertaining activities and exploration to do in this country. Each state has a variety of landscapes, subcultures, history and stories to tell. There are rainforests, mountains, rolling plains, sparkling coastlines, and magnificent canyons to enjoy. You’ll find endless sources of entertainment and pleasure in cities like Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, New York, New Orleans and more. And let’s not even talk about the food you’ll get to enjoy like the tacos in California, fried chicken in the South or pizza in Chicago. This is a dream come true for any international student, it’s not a surprise the U.S has the highest number of international students worldwide with over a million at the time of writing.
The quiet, unassuming yet equally adept and prosperous neighbours of the United States. Canada is no slouch and should not be overlooked. This is a top destination for all international students seeking quality education, a high standard of living, vast employment opportunities and a pathway to permanent residency. Canada is also a multicultural country with over 500,000 international students.
You can explore the cosmopolitan cities of Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, or be captivated by the natural surroundings of Whistler, Banff or Halifax. You’ll find rocky coasts, snowy mountains, forested lakes, arctic glaciers and more!
Canada holds its own in the educational department too. The education in this country is internationally-recognised, with an impressive higher-education system, and many of Canada’s universities feature in global rankings. With great safety statistics, friendly communities, and wonderful healthcare, Canada should definitely be on your shortlist of study destinations.
Another heavyweight study destination that sometimes gets overlooked but not anymore. Australia ranks third in the world for most international students and has multiple universities in the top 100 list of universities worldwide. You will find a high standard of living, various employment opportunities, a straightforward path to permanent residency and quality education without breaking the bank.
Furthermore, the qualifications you get from Australian universities are becoming increasingly sought after in the job market worldwide. There are more than 22,000 courses across 1,100 institutions offering technical courses, technical diplomas and university degrees. Also, in 2021, the Ranking of Higher Education Systems placed the Australian education system as 8th in the world. Educational institutions in Australia are quick to embrace new technologies and leading innovation in several sectors, like cryptography, economics, science, and technology.
Australia is a multicultural country with more than 200 languages being spoken and over 400 thousand international students living across student-friendly cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth and so on. In addition, Australia has multiple cities listed as among the safest worldwide for students, plus you’re allowed to work part-time as an international student.
It’s not all about education in Australia, Down Under as it’s popularly called is home to many wonders for you to explore. There are hilly terrains, nature reserves, velvety green countrysides, UNESCO World Heritage sites, lovely beaches, numerous architectural wonders, once-in-a-lifetime theme parks, Hollywood studios, famous celebrities and much more. Regional areas like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Bay, Perth etc offer a city-like experience in a quiet and serene environment.
Any list of the best countries for international students is not complete without the United Kingdom. This is a country that boasts some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. British universities are internationally renowned for their cutting-edge research projects and facilities, ensuring that you’re at the forefront of innovation and discovery.
While more expensive than other countries we’ve listed so far, there is so much for you to explore since the U.K consists of many countries, including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The UK is a multicultural society with vibrant student life. You can check out world-class museums, the ruins of Stonehenge, an intriguing mix of history alongside 21st-century modernity, the rolling countryside of England and Wales, the highlands of Scotland and more are enough to keep you occupied outside your studies.
Finally, the British government has implemented policies to attract more international students and facilitate work visas after graduation. This will make it easy for you to stay in the U.K once you graduate.
New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa, is renowned for quality education due to its robust quality assurance systems for public and private providers through its numerous quality assurance agencies for the different education sectors. Just like the other countries on this list,
New Zealand is multicultural and very welcoming to international students from all over the world. Ranked number 2 on the Global Peace Index, international students can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and a perfect balance between modernity and beautiful nature. The country has a thriving economy and adopts a hands-on learning approach so every student gets an equal chance to thrive and succeed. Also, New Zealand offers international students the option of a Post-Study Work Visa for up to 3 years, depending on what course you studied and where you studied.
There is also a myriad of things for you to do in New Zealand. Whether you prefer mountains, beaches, forests, plains or fjords, or a variety of stunning landscapes, you have your pick of the litter. Did you know that the Oscar-winning trilogy epic The Lord of the Rings was filmed here? You can visit popular sites like the Franz Josef Glacier, ancient glowworm caves in Waitomo, watch the southern lights in Lake Tekapo, and bungee jump in Milford Sound.
Kiwis are also known to be amazing and welcoming people so you won’t find it difficult settling in.
STILL CAN'T DECIDE?
The truth is, all these countries are great and you will not make a wrong decision in picking one over the others. And whether you’re looking for big cities or small towns, hot weather or cooler climates, there is a place for everyone.
However, making a decision is hard and you need to consider factors such as costs, availability of courses, culture and tradition or something else. With the right research, you can make a well-informed decision. But if you’re still having trouble choosing the right country for you, schedule a free consultation with our experts today. We will make sure you’re enrolled in the right course and in the perfect country for you.