Studying abroad opens the door to quality education, new opportunities, and an international career. Learn how to choose the best country to study abroad in 2026

Choosing a country to study abroad may seem simple at first glance, but it’s not. When choosing a country, it’s important to do your research before making your final choice, as only the right country can open up the widest range of opportunities, both academic and professional.

Read on to learn what factors to consider when choosing the best country to study abroad.

What is the “right” country to study abroad in?

The “right” country is one that will give a student exactly what they are looking for: whether it’s advanced study in their chosen field, research opportunities, job prospects after graduation, or a simplified procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit.

Choosing a destination that perfectly matches your needs will make it easy to start your studies and adapt to your new life abroad.

Factors to help you choose the best country to study abroad

Choose the right discipline

Start by determining your field of study. This will determine which countries you will find the best programs in. According to QS TopUniversities, the strongest fields by country are as follows:

- Finance and Business – UK, Singapore, USA.

- Engineering and IT – Germany, Sweden, South Korea.

- Medicine and Healthcare – Canada, Netherlands, Australia.

- Design and Art – Italy, France.

- Environmental Sciences and Sustainability – Norway, Denmark, Finland.

You should also look out for interdisciplinary programs – they are becoming increasingly popular among the world’s leading universities.

Research the student visa process

Before choosing a country, be sure to check the student visa requirements. In most cases, the application process can take between 4 and 12 weeks, so plan ahead.

According to Study.eu, the easiest procedures for international students are currently in place in:

- Canada – Study Permit program with the ability to work up to 20 hours per week;

- Australia – simplified online process and permission to work while studying;

- Germany – no tuition fees at most public universities and the right to stay for up to 18 months after graduation to find a job;

- New Zealand – flexible employment conditions during studies and a postgraduate work visa for 1-3 years.

Canada and Germany also remain the most attractive destinations for students planning further immigration.

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How affordable is studying in a country

The cost of studying varies greatly depending on the country, university and program.

The StudyPortals Global Tuition Index shows the average costs per year (tuition + accommodation):

- Germany – €8,000 to €12,000;

- France – €10,000 – €15,000;

- Canada – €20,000 – €30,000;

- United Kingdom – €25,000 – €40,000;

- USA – €30,000 – €50,000;

- Netherlands – €13,000 – €20,000;

Tip: check not only the tuition fee, but also the costs of accommodation, health insurance, transport and study materials.

Are there scholarship programs?

Most countries offer government or university scholarships for international students. The most famous of them are:

- Chevening Scholarship (UK)

- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)

- DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

- Fulbright Program (USA)

- Australia Awards (Australia)

MastersPortal data shows that over 60% of international students receive partial funding if they apply in advance.

Safety and quality of life

Student safety, health and well-being are key factors in choosing a place to study.

According to the Global Peace Index 2025, the most peaceful and stable countries to study in are: Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Canada, and the Netherlands.

Many universities offer on-campus housing with 24-hour security.

Before moving, we recommend that you take out student health insurance that meets visa requirements and covers medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency care.

Language barrier

Even if a country is not English-speaking, this does not mean that you have to learn its language.

Over 65% of master's programs in Europe are now taught in English.

However, basic knowledge of the local language (German, French, Spanish, or Swedish) will help you adapt faster and find a job after your studies.

Post-study employment opportunities

The ultimate goal of studying abroad is personal and professional development.

According to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings, the best countries for graduate employment are Canada, Germany, Australia, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

These countries have Post-Study Work Visas, which allow you to stay for 1 to 3 years to find a job in your field.

University rankings

Ranking systems are a useful tool for navigating among thousands of educational institutions. Use official sources:

- QS World University Rankings

- Times Higher Education World Rankings

- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)

Rate universities not only by their ranking, but also by specialization, student-faculty ratio, international community and alumni reviews.

To make the right choice, start by defining your goal - education, research or further career. Then compare countries by education level, costs, language, employment opportunities and level of safety.

Remember: the best country to study is the one that meets your goals and plans for the future.

Are you planning to study abroad or are you already studying and need legal support?

An education lawyer from Visit World will help you at every stage - from choosing a university and applying for a student visa to resolving educational disputes.

Get professional advice on documents, academic differences, student rights and legal stay abroad.

Protect your rights and study confidently - order a legal consultation right now.

Let's remind you! Do you dream of studying in the USA and don't know where to start? We have already told you how to enter universities in the USA in 2026: choosing an educational institution, average tuition and living costs, scholarships for foreigners, a list of required documents and features of F-1 and M-1 student visas.

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