Are you interested in knowing which country is best for study abroad? The Student Helpline overseas education experts have shortlisted the 8 top countries to study abroad in 2025 based on an online survey of 98,227 students representing (studying and working abroad) 142+ countries. Check out our approach of shortlisting best country to study abroad for Indian students, if you want to know more about how this rating was created.
To determine which is the best country to study abroad for Indian students, we examined 98,227 students from 142+ different nations. Following are the primary factors that were chosen because of their major influence on student choices::
Moreover, secondary parameters such as popular courses, best cities to study, and graduate employability rankings were also taken into account to provide an overview. To give clear and useful advice for choosing the best countries to study abroad, each parameter regardless of their category was given major consideration.
Know In Detail About The Best Country To Study Abroad For Indian Students From The List Of Eight!
Ready to discover the 8 top countries to study abroad? The best countries to study in the world for studying abroad in 2025 are listed here by The Student Helpline overseas education consultants!
The United States of America is arguably the best country to study abroad for Indian students. With over 1 million international students in the US with India and China being the major contributors, over 200,000 Indian students have enrolled in the universities in the US in the past years.
Every year the government of the US spends around 700 Billion USD on its education, showcasing the lowest unemployment rate of 3.7%. But what makes the US the best country in the world to study is its diverse student environment and high-paying post-study work opportunities.
Parameters | Overview |
No. of Indian Students Studying In USA | 269,000 Indian students |
Acceptance Rate of Indian Students | 89.1% |
Cost of Studying in USA (Annually) | INR 21L to 38L per year (USD 25,000 to 45,000 per year) |
Cost of Living in USA (Monthly) | INR 8L to 12L per month (USD 10,000 to 15,000) |
QS World University Rankings | 197 ranked institutions |
Immigration Policies | Flexibility of Student Visa Rules (F1, OPT) Long-term Residency Options Challenging |
High-Paying Scholarships | Fulbright Foreign Student Program Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program |
Graduate Employability Ranking | 91.7% |
Best Cities To Study in USA |
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Table 1: Overview of primary parameters to study in USA for Indian students.
(Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Ministry of External Affairs India, EducationUSA.gov)
Note: All the statistical data will vary based on individual choice of university, programme and needs.
Here's a list of top USA universities for Indian students based on QS World University Rankings for 2025:
Listed below are the trending courses to study in USA:
The United Kingdom ranked #1 in Europe is the best country to study abroad in all of Europe. The only country in the world where the majority of the top-ranking universities have shown the lowest acceptance rates over the years, the UK is one of the most competitive places to study abroad.
Although surviving in the UK is tough, it adds so much value to a student's overall personality. The competitive nature of the UK and the country extensive support to international students make it the second-best country to study abroad.
Parameters | Overview |
No. of Indian Students Studying In UK (in 2024-25) | 185,000 Indian students |
Acceptance Rate of Indian Students | 77.2% |
Cost of Studying in UK (Annually) | INR 10.7 L to 33.8 L (£12,000 to £38,000) |
Cost of Living in UK (Monthly) | INR 90 K to 1.18 L (£1,023 to £1,334) |
QS World University Rankings | 90 institutions ranked |
Immigration Policies | Graduate Route to study, work and stay for two years |
High-Paying Scholarships | Commonwealth Masters Scholarships Rhodes Scholarship |
Graduate Employability Ranking | 88.4% |
Best Cities To Study in UK |
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Table 2: Overview of primary parameters to study in UK for Indian students.
(Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Ministry of External Affairs India, British Council)
Note: All the statistical data will vary based on individual choice of university, programme and needs.
Here's a list of top UK universities for Indian students based on QS World University Rankings for 2025:
Listed below are the easiest courses for Indian students 2025 to study in UK:
Last year Australia hosted 600,000 international students with a major crowd coming from China and India. 7 of the Australian universities are included under the top 100 universities globally. Some of the best courses to study in the world are taught at Australian universities.
Australia is more affordable as compared to the UK and the USA. However, it's Graduate Employability Index of Australia is comparatively lower as compared to other countries to study abroad because of which it is ranked on 3rd place on our list.
Parameters | Overview |
No. of Indian Students Studying In Australia (in 2024-25) | 135,301 students |
Acceptance Rate of Indian Students | 73% |
Cost of Studying in Australia | INR 15L-37L per year (AUD 20K to 50K per year) |
Cost of Living in Australia (Monthly) | INR 1 L to 2L ($1,500 to $2,500) |
QS World University Rankings | 30+ ranked institutions |
Immigration Policies | Streamlined student visa process (acceptance rate of 85% to 95%) |
High-Paying Scholarships | Australia Awards Scholarships Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards |
Graduate Employability Ranking | 81.3% |
Best Cities To Study in Australia |
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Table 3: Overview of primary parameters to study in Australia for Indian students.
(Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Ministry of External Affairs India, Department of Education.gov.au)
Note: All the statistical data will vary based on individual choice of university, programme and needs.
Based on the QS World University Rankings for 2025, the top five Australian universities are:
Listed below are the trending courses in Australia for Indian students 2025 to study in Australia:
Canada is one of the most preferred and the best places to study abroad for Indian students, since it provides a Post-Graduation Work Permit to students which allows them to stay and work in Canada for 3 years.
The courses offered in Canada are affordable and with lower crime rates, and a high standard of living Canada is one of those study abroad countries that offers the best learning experience to students.
Parameters | Overview |
No. of Indian Students Studying In Canada (in 2024-25) | 135,301 students |
Acceptance Rate | 73% |
Cost of Studying in Canada | INR 15L-37L per year (CAD 20K to 50K per year) |
Cost of Living in Canada (Monthly) | INR 1 L to 2L (CAD 1,500 to 2,500) |
QS World University Rankings | 30+ ranked institutions |
Immigration Policies | Streamlined student visa process (acceptance rate of 85% to 95%) |
High-Paying Scholarships To Study In Canada | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) University of Waterloo International Master's and Doctoral Awards |
Graduate Employability Ranking | 81.3% |
Best Cities To Study in Canada |
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Table 4: Overview of primary parameters to study in Canada for Indian students.
(Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Ministry of External Affairs India, EduCanada.org)
Note: All the statistical data will vary based on individual choice of university, programme and needs.
Based on the QS World University Rankings for 2025, the top five Canadian universities are:
Here are five short-term courses for Indian students in Canada for 2025:
Germany offers some of the best courses to study abroad in the world to students who are interested in research. The entire German nation is well known for providing the best research and innovation centric learning curriculum. The number of foreign students in Germany has grown by 55.7% in just ten years, from 2013-14 to 2023-2024.
Talking about tuition fees, Germany is a paradise for students who wish to spend less money since the average tuition fees in Germany is much lower as compared to other countries to study abroad.
Parameters | Overview |
No. of Indian Students Studying In Germany (in 2024-25) | 49,483 students |
Acceptance Rate | 82% |
Cost of Studying in Germany | INR 8L-26L per year (€10K to €35K per year) |
Cost of Living in Germany For A Student (Monthly) | INR 88K (€992) approx. |
QS World University Rankings | 45+ ranked institutions |
Immigration Policies | EU Blue Card (Graduates can apply for an 18-month residence permit ) |
High-Paying Scholarships | DAAD Scholarships Deutschlandstipendium |
Graduate Employability Ranking | 76.2% |
Best Cities To Study in Germany |
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Table 5: Overview of primary parameters to study in Germany for Indian students.
(Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Ministry of External Affairs India, Studying in Germany.org)
Note: All the statistical data will vary based on individual choice of university, programme and needs.
Based on the QS World University Rankings for 2025, the top five German universities are:
List of top five PhD courses for Indian students in Germany for 2025:
The number of students getting enrolled in Dutch universities has been increasing over the years, since the Netherlands is one of the safest country to study abroad and provides the most peaceful learning environment to international students.
The highly affordable courses, good quality higher education practices and the peace and quiet that the Netherlands has to offer makes it one of the best places to study abroad for Indian students.
Parameters | Overview |
No. of Indian Students Studying In Netherlands (in 2024-25) | 4,506 students |
Acceptance Rate | 90% |
Cost of Studying in Netherlands | INR 5L to 13L per year (€6,000 to €15,000 per year) |
Cost of Living in Netherlands For A Student (Monthly) | INR 72K to 108K (€800 to €1,200) |
QS World University Rankings | 13+ ranked institutions |
Immigration Policies | Dutch student visa (MVV) Students can work up to 16 hours/week |
High-Paying Scholarships | Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS): Holland Scholarship Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES) |
Graduate Employability Ranking | 71.2% |
Best Cities To Study in Netherlands |
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Table 6: Overview of primary parameters to study in the Netherlands for Indian students.
(Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Ministry of External Affairs India, Study in NL)
Note: All the statistical data will vary based on individual choice of university, programme and needs.
Based on the QS World University Rankings for 2025, the top three Netherland universities are:
List of top Masters courses for Indian students in the Netherlands for 2025:
Offering over 8000 specialized courses to students, New Zealand has strongly become one of the most preferred country to study abroad for Indian students over the years. New Zealand is regarded as one of the best country to study masters in Business Administration.
The post-study work opportunities, bulk of study resources, the scholarships on offer and the student lifestyle of New Zealand is the reason why we have listed this country among the top 10 countries to study abroad.
Parameters | Overview |
No. of Indian Students Studying In New Zealand (in 2024-25) | 45,706 students |
Acceptance Rate For Indians | 64.1% |
Cost of Studying in New Zealand | INR 11L-16L (NZD 22K to 32K per year) |
Cost of Living in New Zealand For A Student (Monthly) | INR 13L-18.5L (NZD 26K to 37K per month) |
QS World University Rankings | 8 universities |
Immigration Policies | Pathway Student Visa (PSV) for 3-8 years |
High-Paying Scholarships | Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) |
Graduate Employability Ranking | 68.9% |
Best Cities To Study in New Zealand |
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Table 7: Overview of primary parameters to study in New Zealand for Indian students.
(Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Ministry of External Affairs India, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Note: All the statistical data will vary based on individual choice of university, programme and needs.
Based on the QS World University Rankings for 2025, the top three New Zealand universities are:
List of top courses for Indian students in New Zealand for 2025:
Singapore consists of two of the most elite study-abroad universities which are mentioned among the top 15 world universities. Still, Singapore is last on our best country to study abroad for Indian students list because Singapore is one of the most expensive study-abroad destinations.
Parameters | Overview |
No. of Indian Students Studying In Singapore (in 2024-25) | 82,342 students |
Acceptance Rate For Indians | 5-10% |
Cost of Studying in Singapore | INR 32L- 90L per year (SGD 20K to 50K per year) |
Cost of Living in Singapore For A Student (Monthly) | INR 72K- 1.5L per month (SGD 12K to 25K per month) |
QS World University Rankings | 4 universities |
Immigration Policies | A valid visa*/long-term pass (with a validity of a minimum 1 month) |
High-Paying Scholarships In Singapore | Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) GIIS Singapore Global Citizen Scholarship SIA Youth Scholarship |
Graduate Employability Ranking | 66.5% |
Best Cities To Study in Singapore |
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Table 8: Overview of primary parameters to study in Singapore for Indian students.
(Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Ministry of External Affairs India, MOE.gov.sg)
Note: All the statistical data will vary based on individual choice of university, programme and needs.
Based on the QS World University Rankings for 2025, the top four Singapore universities are:
List of top courses to study in Singapore after 12th with fees:
S.No. | Courses To Study In SIngapore After 12th For Indians | Tuition Fees (In INR) |
#1 | Bachelor in Arts and Social Sciences | INR 15,65,413 |
#2 | Bachelors In Medicine | INR 72,87,268 |
#3 | Bachelors In Law | INR 19,97,360 |
#4 | Bachelor in Media Studies | INR 19,97,360 |
#5 | Bachelor in Computer Science | INR 19,97,360 |
#6 | Bachelor in Architecture and Design | INR 20,50,896 |
Table 9: Tuition fees of top courses to study in Singapore
Now that you know which country is best for Indian students to study abroad, let us now talk about the countries that missed our list of 8 top countries to study abroad.
The major reason why these study abroad countries didn't make our top countries to study abroad list is that some of these countries might cause some problems to students. For instance:
The best place to study abroad for Indian students for 2025 is USA followed by UK, and Australia. The sole reason behind this evaluation of the best country for Indian students to study and settle abroad is the fact that the USA offers the best learning environment to students, is home to the top ranking universities in the world, and has the best graduate employability rate as compared to other study abroad destinations.
Rising two points from our best country for international students to study and work list, USA has regained its top spot, overtaking UK and Australia. If you wish to apply to the best universities to study abroad in USA, or for that matter if you wish to apply to any of the countries mentioned in the list? Feel free to connect with The Student Helpline study abroad consultants.
USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Germany are the best countries to study abroad for international students that offers the best job prospects after graduation. These study abroad destinations provide the best post study work visas to its students.
Canada, Netherlands and New Zealand are the safest country to study abroad for Indian students. These study abroad countries have stable governments, have low crime rates, are student-friendly and have excellent healthcare system.
USA is the only country to study abroad which has the most number of the top ranking universities. For example MIT (ranked #1), Harvard (ranked #4) and Stanford (ranked #6) are some of the top ranking US universities.
USA has the most number of international students with over 1 Million international students enrolled in the past years. Moreover, study abroad countries like the UK, Canada, Australia and China also receive the most number of study abroad applications every year.
Germany is the easiest country to study abroad for international students since tuition fees of the public universities in Germany are very low as compared to other places to study abroad.
USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are the countries for study abroad that offer the best study abroad scholarships for Indian students. Learn more about the study abroad scholarships for Indian students with The Student Helpline consultants.
New Zealand is the best country to study masters in Business Administration. Be it full-time MBA. Part-time MBA, Global MBA, Specialized MBA or 1-year MBA, students will find all types of MBA courses in New Zealand.
List of the best study abroad cities for Indian students in 2025:
To learn more about the top study abroad colleges in the above-mentioned cities, contact The Student Helpline.