When you study abroad, the country where you attend university becomes your home away from home. Whether you prefer a small, quiet town or a big, lively city, your dream destination is out there – you just have to find it.
At Studee, we work with universities from 28+ countries all over the world. You might not know which country is right for you yet, but with so many great locations to choose from, we’re here to help you navigate this decision.
Here are some of the things you need to think about when choosing which country to study in as an international student:
Career aspirations
Knowing what career path you want to take can help you decide what country you should study in based on the opportunities available to you there. Different countries are known for certain industries and may have more to offer in terms of professional experience, networking opportunities, and job placements after graduation.
This also means that your university will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and strong connections in the industries the country is renowned for, ensuring you receive the highest quality education in your area of interest.
For example, students thinking of working in business may benefit from studying in the UK. Its capital city, London, is one of the world’s leading locations to start a business and is home to some of Europe’s most prestigious companies. The city is also home to some of the top business schools and universities in the world.
If having the option to work in your study abroad country is important to you, remember that your ability to do so will vary depending on where you study. Some countries allow students to stay and work after completing their studies, while others are more restrictive and require you to leave immediately after graduation, limiting your opportunities. In destinations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA, international students can apply for a post-study work visa, giving you time to gain professional experience, explore career pathways, and consider pursuing permanent residency in your study abroad country.
Visa restrictions
It is likely that you will need a student visa to study abroad, but you could face certain restrictions based on where you study. If you want to get a part-time job and earn some extra income during term time, you may only be permitted to work for a certain number of hours. In the UK, students can work for no more than 20 hours a week. Alternatively, in Sweden, there is no limit to the number of hours you can work during term time, as long as you study for at least 40 hours per week.
Your visa could also limit what kind of work you can do. In the USA, international students on an F-1 visa can seek part-time work, but must only accept on-campus employment in their first year of study. After your first year, your university may also offer the opportunity to work off-campus through a Curricular Practical Training CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
If you have dependents, such as a partner, spouse, or children, your student visa may impose restrictions on bringing them abroad. Canada is one of the most flexible countries for international students with dependents. Most student visa holders can bring their immediate family, provided their study permit is valid for at least a year, they are legally married or have lived with their partner for at least a year, and their children are under 18 years old. Spouses and partners can also apply for a work permit, allowing them to earn an income while you study.
On the other hand, the USA is more restrictive for dependents, particularly for partners and spouses. Although international students can bring dependents over on an F-2 visa, this only grants your relatives the right to live in the USA, meaning that they cannot participate in paid employment without changing their visa status.
Visas can also complicate long-term plans, with some countries requiring dependents to leave once you have graduated. Evaluate your options to determine what country best suits the needs of you and your family both during and after your studies.
For more information on visas, read our full guide here.
Application costs
When applying to study abroad, you will need to provide various documents, such as a student visa, travel and healthcare insurance, language certifications, and examination results. The cost for these can vary significantly by country. For example, if you want to study in Australia, you could expect to spend as much as $1,600 AUD to apply for a student visa, which will allow you to stay there for a maximum of 5 years depending on the length of your university program.
Understanding how these additional expenses may impact your budget will help to determine which destinations are the most affordable for you.
Tuition fees
Many universities require students to pay for their studies in the form of tuition fees. These can differ considerably depending on which country you study in. For instance, the USA, England, and Australia have some of the highest tuition costs globally. On the other hand, students can study at a low cost in countries such as Germany, France, Austria, and the Czech Republic if they meet specific requirements.
Student loans are available in multiple countries to help students cover the cost of tuition, but be aware that you will be expected to pay these loans back once you have graduated. You can also save money on your tuition fees through scholarships, bursaries, and sponsorships. Be aware that most universities will require proof that you can pay your tuition upfront before you apply to study there.
Research the options available in different countries and how much you could save compared to how much you are expected to spend in order to find the best value for your budget.
Living costs
The cost of living in a country can greatly impact your decision to study there. Cities like Hong Kong, New York, and Singapore offer many opportunities for students, but are also some of the most expensive places to live. However, some universities offer loans or affordable housing to financially support students, so it’s always worth doing your research to see what options are available to make even the more costly cities work for your budget.
To make an informed choice, create a budget that includes housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other expenses you might have. Then, compare this budget to the average living costs in the countries you're considering. This will help you find a study destination that fits your financial situation.
Term dates
Academic calendars vary across the globe which means universities accept students on different dates throughout the year. Your personal goals, the completion of qualifications, and the time needed to obtain any necessary application documents may all influence when you want to begin your study abroad journey. European countries like the UK and France typically begin their semesters in September, whereas countries like Australia and New Zealand welcome students from February or March.
The availability of different start dates gives you the chance to choose your ideal country based on how well their intake suits your study abroad timeline.
Culture
Exploring different cultures, lifestyles and perspectives is one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of studying abroad.
As an international student, you’ll have the unique opportunity to live in a different country. This is an excellent way to experience new traditions, learn new values, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and broaden your understanding of the world. The empathy, tolerance, and respect you develop for the people you meet and the cultures you immerse yourself in will benefit you for the rest of your life, both personally and professionally.
However, adapting to cultural differences can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know what to expect. When you travel to a new country, there will inevitably be customs, greetings, and even daily routines to get used to. It is always worth staying up to date with these to avoid accidentally causing offence or making any mistakes when communicating with others.
In some countries, opinions on LGBT, gender, and racial rights can vary greatly, which might impact how comfortable or safe you feel to live there.
Do your research before you apply so that you can make an informed decision about moving to a new country, interact respectfully with natives there, and prepare yourself to adopt a different culture. Think about what is culturally important to you and what you want from the community you might discover there.
Safety
Everyone should feel safe in the country that they live in. Knowing that you’re secure and protected is essential when deciding where to study, especially for international students who may be visiting a country for the first time.
As well as wider issues such as crime rates and political stability, local amenities such as public transport, student support services, and the presence of local law enforcement can all contribute to how comfortable you feel living and studying in a particular country. If safety is a priority for you, locations like Iceland, New Zealand, Ireland, and Denmark are among some of the safest in the world.
Languages
Traveling to a new country is a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you can’t speak the local language. You might prefer to study in a country where you are already familiar with, or perhaps even entirely fluent in, the native dialect. If you’re up for a challenge, you might want to master a new skill by choosing a country where you have to learn an entirely new language. Or, you might benefit from a country where multiple languages are spoken.
Languages like English and Spanish are widely spoken worldwide so they can be useful to know if you’re trying to communicate with someone. However, natives will appreciate international students trying to talk to them in their own language as this is typically a sign of respect.
It’s also important to remember that some universities require students to be proficient in certain languages and students may be required to take tests like IELTS and TOEFL in order to apply.
No matter what your choice is, having a few basic phrases ready to use when you study abroad will be incredibly helpful when getting around and interacting with locals.
Travel expenses
Consider the travel requirements to your study destination, including the duration and whether it involves direct flights, such as the long journey from the US to Australia. Evaluate the cost of travel and check if any universities in the area offer discounts, travel packages, or support for international students. This information will help you plan your journey and manage your expenses effectively.
Your home
Where you currently live can influence the type of location you want to study in. Perhaps you live in a small town and want a change of speed by moving to a vibrant city like New York, Paris, or London. Maybe you live by the sea and wouldn’t feel at home unless you’re studying by a beach, in which case, you should consider a country like Australia which is famous for its beautiful coastline.
Evaluate what you love about your home country and what you would like to change about it, and use this to decide which destinations are most likely to suit your needs.
Weather and climate
Hot or cold? Sun or snow? Whatever the weather, there’s a country to suit your preferred climate.
Your mental health and productivity can be significantly impacted by the climate of your study abroad destination. Warm weather and plenty of sunshine can boost your mood, increase your energy levels and make you feel more motivated.
On the other hand, if you can’t stand the heat and you’re prone to getting sunburn, a cooler climate might help you to stay focused, comfortable, and more productive.
If you’re looking to study somewhere with warmer temperatures, consider countries like Italy, Spain, Australia, and Greece. For cooler climates, countries like Iceland, Finland, Canada, and Norway are your best choice.
Distance from home
Studying in another country is a big step to take. For some, traveling somewhere closer to home will be more comfortable than attending university on the other side of the globe.
If you want to study internationally but aren’t ready to migrate too far, look for universities in the same continent as where you currently live, or consider neighboring countries that are easy to travel to. Students may also benefit from reduced fees and easier access to necessary application documents when studying in a nearby destination.
Second opinions
Learning from the experiences of other people is one of the best ways to make an informed decision on which country you want to study abroad in. Seek the opinions of those who have traveled, lived or studied in different countries and draw up a pros and cons list for each country based on their advice and personal knowledge.
Whether it’s friends, family members, student advisors, university professors, or alumni, there are plenty of avenues you can explore to help evaluate your options. Discussing your choices with those who know you best is a great way to find the country that is the right fit for you based on your needs and aspirations.
Ready to start your study abroad journey? Tell us your study plans and we’ll help you find your ideal program at your dream destination.
