The 10 best places to study abroad — where to go to satisfy your wanderlust
Culture, courses, people and places: studying abroad comes with a host of benefits to help you grow as a person. Check out our online guide on 10 fantastic places to study around the world.
10 min read
- Top study destinations: Germany, Japan, Australia, Spain, Argentina, Switzerland, Italy, France, South Africa, and Austria are known for academic excellence, culture, and affordable living costs.
- Benefits of studying abroad: You’ll learn about different cultures, benefit from high educational standards, boost your career prospects, and grow as a person.
- Financial accessibility: Learn how much it costs to study in these top destinations, with detailed information on tuition fees, scholarships, and living expenses.
In 2020, studying was all about having an internet connection, a desk, and an office chair at home. 2021 and beyond? The jury’s still out. But it’s never too early for you to think about studying abroad: so dust off the atlas, spin the globe, and see what options you have for doing a semester, a full year, or even your entire degree abroad. From Asia to South America, here’s our take on the 10 best places to study abroad. Note: the 2022 QS World University Ranking is provided for each university listed below.
1. Germany
The facts:
- Best universities: Technical University of Munich (50th), Heidelberg University (63rd), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (64th)
- International students in Germany: 411,000
- Tuition fees: None! Tuition fees were abolished in 2014
- Average monthly rent: Plan to spend around €500-€600 for a one-bedroom apartment; €290-€350 for shared accommodation (expect to pay more in Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt, though)
- Average monthly living costs: €750
2. Switzerland
The facts:
- Best universities: ETH Zurich (8th), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (14th), University of Zurich (70th)
- International students in Switzerland: 19,000
- Tuition fees per semester: Zero if you are on an exchange program (annual tuition fees for regular students are between €900 and €1,700 per year)
- Average monthly rent: Expect to spend around €820-€1,800 for a one-bedroom apartment; €455-€820 for shared accommodation (Zurich and Geneva can end up costing more than this)
- Average monthly living costs: Around €1,000 per month
3. Italy
The facts:
- Best universities: Politecnio di Milano (142nd), University of Bologna (166th), Sapienza University of Rome (171st)
- International students in Italy: 32,000
- Tuition fees per semester: €450-€2,000 (these fees are means-tested, meaning you pay less or more depending on how much your parents earn as well as your own financial stability)
- Average monthly rent: €600+ for a one-bedroom apartment; €250 for shared accommodation (expect to pay more in Venice and Rome)
- Average monthly living costs: Around €500 per month
4. France
The facts:
- Best universities: Université PSL (44th), Institut Polytechnique de Paris (49th), Sorbonne University (72nd)
- International students in France: 358,000
- Tuition fees per semester: €0-€300 (plus a modest €91 campus contribution)
- Average monthly rent: Plan to spend around €400 for a one-bedroom apartment; €200 for shared accommodation (count on these rates doubling if you’re eyeing up Paris as an option)
- Average monthly living costs: Around €500-€600
5. South Africa
The facts:
- Best universities: University of Cape Town (226th), University of Witwatersrand (424th), University of Johannesburg (434th)
- International students in South Africa: 45,000
- Tuition fees: €1,160-€3,500 per semester
- Average monthly rent: Around €600 for a one-bedroom apartment, €800 for mid-size accommodation; €300-€400 for shared accommodation
- Average monthly living costs: Around €515 per month
6. Austria
The facts:
- Best universities: University of Vienna (151st), Vienna University of Technology (180th), Graz University of Technology (277th)
- International students in Austria: 60,000 (26% of students overall)
- Tuition fees per semester: €0-€363 for EU/EAA students; €727 for all others
- Average monthly rent: Around €650+ for a one-bedroom apartment; around €400 for shared accommodation
- Average monthly living costs: €550
7. Japan
The facts:
- Best universities: University of Tokyo (23rd), Kyoto University (33rd), Tokyo Institute of Technology (56th)
- International students in Japan: 2,800
- Tuition fees per semester: Around €1,400-€2,100 for a national university
- Average monthly rent: Expect to spend €1,700 in more rural areas and around €3,400 in Tokyo
- Average monthly living costs: Around €900+ per month
8. Australia
The facts:
- Best universities: Australian National University (27th), University of Melbourne (37th), University of Sydney (38th)
- International students in Australia: 869,000
- Tuition fees per semester: €6,100
- Average monthly rent: Around €470-€1,070 for a one-bedroom apartment; €220 to €540 for shared accommodation (count on paying more in Perth and Sydney)
- Average monthly living costs: Plan to spend between €660 and €950+
9. Spain
The facts:
- Best universities: Universitat de Barcelona (168th), Universidad Autònoma de Madrid (207th), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (209th)
- International students in Spain: 194,800
- Tuition fees per semester: Around €400 to €1,250
- Average monthly rent: Expect to spend €1,000 (in Madrid), €850 (in Barcelona), and €600 (elsewhere) for a one-bedroom apartment. Anything starting from €250 for shared accommodation
- Average monthly living costs: Around €400
10. Argentina
The facts:
- Best universities: Universidad de Buenos Aires (69th), Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina (322nd), Universidad de Palermo (391st)
- International students in Argentina: 50,000
- Tuition fees per semester: None—all public universities are tuition-free
- Average monthly rent: Around €225 for a one-bedroom apartment; €100 for shared accommodation
- Average monthly living costs: €200 per month
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Studying abroad can be an amazing experience, but it has its difficulties, too. If you’re struggling with the language barrier, you can take courses or find language partners to improve your skills. For homesickness and culture shock, try to be open-minded and keep exploring, but stay connected to loved ones back home, too. The academic side of things can also be tricky, so you might want to talk to professors for advice and research how to transfer your credits correctly. Remember: Even when it’s uncomfortable, these are all great opportunities to learn and grow.
First: Research your financial aid options in advance. Talk to your home university's study abroad office, and look online to find out which scholarships are available from your program, destination country, or private organizations. When you’re applying, don’t forget to highlight your academic achievements, cultural interests, and financial need.
As much as possible, immerse yourself: Try local food, check out cultural events, and explore your surroundings. If you’re living in a larger city, check out museums and historical sites, or take day trips to see more of the country. Maybe you can join a community sports team or find a volunteering opportunity. Connecting with locals and other international students to build a support network is always a good way to start feeling more at home. And be open and curious — you never know where this experience might lead.
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