Every year, thousands of Indian students leave for higher education abroad, hoping to study in some of the world’s top universities. Today, there are over 50,000 universities across the globe, giving students endless options to choose from.
But with so many countries and colleges available, it’s easy to be confused about where to go to study abroad. With over 1.8 million Indian students currently studying overseas in 2025, if you want to be one of them, it is important you make the right decision.
This is why choosing the best country to study abroad for Indian students is one of the most important decisions of your academic life. The right country can give you better career opportunities, affordable education, and a safe environment to live in.
So, how do you choose the right study abroad country? You need to carefully check the quality of education, tuition fees, post-study work visa options, living costs, career opportunities, and how welcoming the country is for international students. Here we’ll discuss the best countries to study abroad for Indian students and help you make an informed choice.
Top 10 Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students
Each year, lakhs of Indian students choose to study in countries that offer world-class education, better job opportunities, and globally recognised degrees. To make an informed choice for choosing the right destination for your education, students need to look for affordability, a welcoming environment, and long-term value. Here we have discussed some of the most preferred countries by Indian students to study abroad for 2025.
The United States of America
The USA continues to be one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students. Home to top-ranking institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard, the USA offers prime opportunities for STEM students and academic research. With global recognition of its degrees and a world class academic environment, while simultaneously having tech hubs like Silicon Valley, it has become a popular destination for students.
The visa process, though detailed, is fairly transparent. Most Indian students apply for the F-1 visa, and many go on to stay back using Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work after graduation for 1 to 3 years, depending on your course. The primary language is English, so Indian students usually adapt easily both inside and outside the classroom.
Annual Cost of Studying and Living in the USA
The cost of moving to a country for higher studies is one of the major factors to consider while choosing your study abroad destination. Here is a breakdown of the expenses of studying and living in the USA:
Category
Amount in USD
Amount in INR (approx.)
Tuition Fees
$25,000 – $50,000
₹21 – 42 lakhs
Living Expenses
$10,000 – $15,000
₹8.5 – 12.5 lakhs
Note: The forex conversions shown in the tables are approximate values based on recent exchange rates. Please check the latest exchange rates for the most accurate and up-to-date figures.
Canada
Canada has become massively popular among Indian students because of its affordable education, safe environment, and friendly immigration policies. Institutions like the University of Toronto, UBC, and McGill are known globally. Many programs also include co-op options, giving students real-world job experience during their degree.
The student visa (Study Permit) is easy to apply for, and most Indian students benefit from a high visa approval rate, with current approval rates standing at 64%. After graduation, students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work in Canada for up to 3 years. The primary language is English, so Indian students usually adapt easily both inside and outside the classroom.
Annual Cost of Studying and Living in Canada
The cost of moving to Canada to study in canada for higher studies is one of the major factors to consider while choosing your study abroad destination. Here is a breakdown of the expenses of studying and living in Canada:
Category
Amount in CAD
Amount in INR (approx.)
Tuition Fees
CAD 15,000 – 30,000
₹9 – 18 lakhs
Living Expenses
CAD 10,000 – 12,000
₹6 – 7.5 lakhs
Note: The forex conversions shown in the tables are approximate values based on recent exchange rates. Please check the latest exchange rates for the most accurate and up-to-date figures.
United Kingdom (UK)
The UK is a prime destination for Indian students due to its academic legacy, globally ranked universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE, and shorter program durations. A typical undergraduate degree takes 3 years, and a master’s can be completed in just 1 year, which saves time and money. Due to its flagship courses, a lot of students want to study in the UK.
The student visa (Tier 4) process is relatively smooth, and with the Graduate Route now in place, students can stay back and work for 2 years after finishing their studies. The current visa approval rates for Indian nationals stand at 95%. The primary language is English, so Indian students usually adapt easily both inside and outside the classroom.
Annual Cost of Studying and Living in the United Kingdom
The cost of moving to a country for higher studies is one of the major factors to consider while choosing your study abroad destination. Here is a breakdown of the expenses of studying and living in the United Kingdom:
Category
Amount in GBP
Amount in INR (approx.)
Tuition Fees
£15,000 – £25,000
₹15.5 – 26 lakhs
Living Expenses
£10,000 – £12,000
₹10.5 – 13 lakhs
Germany
Germany offers world-class education, especially in engineering, sciences, and humanities. Public universities charge little to no tuition fees, and many programs are taught in English. It’s an ideal environment for Indian students who wamt to study in Germany because they are seeking quality education and affordability.
Student visas are straightforward and student-friendly. The approval rate for German student visas is around 90% for Indian applicants as of now. After graduation, you can stay for 18 months to look for a job. Daily life is English-friendly in most university towns, and Germany’s growing Indian community means support and cultural familiarity.
Annual Cost of Studying and Living in Germany
The cost of moving to a country for higher studies is one of the major factors to consider while choosing your study abroad destination. Here is a breakdown of the expenses of studying and living in Germany:
Category
Amount in EUR
Amount in INR (approx. ₹)
Tuition / Semester Fee
€0 – €1,500
₹0 – ₹1.3 L
Living Expenses
€9,600 – €11,400
₹8.3 – 9.8 L
Note: The forex conversions shown in the tables are approximate values based on recent exchange rates. Please check the latest exchange rates for the most accurate and up-to-date figures.
Australia
Australia is known for its high-quality universities, strong employment ties, and multicultural atmosphere. Popular fields include IT, Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences.
Visa approval for Indian students is close to 75.4% per the Department of Home Affairs. Graduates can stay for 2–3 years under the Temporary Graduate visa. The primary language is English, so Indian students usually adapt easily both inside and outside the classroom.
Annual Cost of Studying and Living in Australia
The cost of moving to Australia, to study in Australia for higher studies is one of the major factors to consider while choosing your study abroad destination. Here is a breakdown of the expenses of studying and living in Australia:
Category
Amount in AUD
Amount in INR (approx. ₹)
Tuition Fees
AUD 30,000 – 44,000
₹16.5 – 24.2 L
Living Expenses
AUD 21,000 – 27,000
₹11.6 – 15 L
Note: The forex conversions shown in the tables are approximate values based on recent exchange rates. Please check the latest exchange rates for the most accurate and up-to-date figures.
New Zealand
New Zealand stands out for its safe environment and strong education system in fields like Environmental Science, Agriculture, IT, and Health Sciences. These are the major reasons for students to want tostudy in New Zealand.
The student visa process is streamlined and simple, with current approval rates being as high as 48%, but is rebounding after new reforms. Graduates may stay 1–3 years post-study with a post-study work visa based on their credentials. Instruction of courses in the English language makes integration smooth.
Annual Cost of Studying and Living in New Zealand
The cost of moving to a country for higher studies is one of the major factors to consider while choosing your study abroad destination. Here is a breakdown of the expenses of studying and living in New Zealand.
Category
Amount in NZD
Amount in INR (approx. ₹)
Tuition Fees
NZD 22,000 – 32,000
₹10.7 – 15.5 L
Living Expenses
NZD 14,000 – 17,000
₹6.8 – 8.3 L
Note: The forex conversions shown in the tables are approximate values based on recent exchange rates. Please check the latest exchange rates for the most accurate and up-to-date figures.
Ireland
Ireland is a top choice for Indian students due to its English-speaking universities and welcoming culture. It offers globally recognised programs in IT, business, and life sciences, and encourages part-time work alongside study. This acts as a major incentive for students to study in Ireland.
The Visa process is quite simple and streamlined, current visa approval rates for Indian students is strong, with about 96% success (1–4% rejection rate) according to Enterprise Ireland. After graduation, you can apply for a 24-month post-study stayback visa. Since English is the main language, adapting is easy for Indian students.
Annual Cost of Studying and Living in Ireland
The cost of moving to a country for higher studies is one of the major factors to consider while choosing your study abroad destination. Here is a breakdown of the expenses of studying and living in Ireland:
Category
EUR Amount
INR (approx.)
Tuition Fees
€9,000 – €22,000
₹8 – 20 lakhs
Living Expenses
€12,000 – €15,000
₹11 – 14 lakhs
Note: The forex conversions shown in the tables are approximate values based on recent exchange rates. Please check the latest exchange rates for the most accurate and up-to-date figures.
France
France combines high-quality education and a vibrant culture. Many public universities charge low or no tuition, and courses in business, hospitality, and the arts are growing. This is the reason why students want to study in France.
Indian student visa approval is around 80-90%, with smooth documentation processes. Post-graduation, France offers a 12-month temporary stay visa (APS), extendable based on job search. Although French is the primary language, most academic courses are taught in English, making it easier for you to integrate into the academic environment.
Annual Cost of Studying and Living in France
The cost of moving to a country for higher studies is one of the major factors to consider while choosing your study abroad destination. Here is a breakdown of the expenses of studying and living in France:
Category
EUR Amount
INR (approx.)
Tuition Fees
€3,000 – €10,000
₹2.7 – 9 L
Living Expenses
€11,000 – €14,000
₹10 – 13 L
Note: The forex conversions shown in the tables are approximate values based on recent exchange rates. Please check the latest exchange rates for the most accurate and up-to-date figures.
Netherlands
The Netherlands offers innovative education in engineering, social sciences, and design. Most master's programs are taught in English, and universities focus on practical learning.
Visa approval for Indian students is approximately 99%, making it one of the most reliable EU destinations. After graduation, you can stay for one year to seek employment. The primary language is English, so Indian students usually adapt easily both inside and outside the classroom.
Annual Cost of Studying and Living in the Netherlands
The cost of moving to the Netherlands to study in the Netherlands for higher studies is one of the major factors to consider while choosing your study abroad destination. Here is a breakdown of the expenses of studying and living in the Netherlands:
Category
EUR Amount
INR (approx.)
Tuition Fees
€8,000 – €20,000
₹7.4 – 17 L
Living Expenses
€12,000 – €15,000
₹11 – 14 L
Note: The forex conversions shown in the tables are approximate values based on recent exchange rates. Please check the latest exchange rates for the most accurate and up-to-date figures.
Sweden
Sweden is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and tech education. Universities offer strong programs in IT, engineering, environmental science, and design. Nordic countries like Sweden are known for their liberal and student-centric teaching approach, which allows students to practically study coursework practically.
The student visa success rate for Indian applicants to study in Sweden is about 82% After graduation, you can apply for a 6–12 month job-seeker permit. Sweden’s English proficiency is very high, and most courses are in English, so it is quite easy for students to integrate not only in the classroom but also outside the classroom.
Annual Cost of Studying and Living in Sweden
The cost of moving to a country for higher studies is one of the major factors to consider while choosing your study abroad destination. Here is a breakdown of the expenses of studying and living in Sweden:
Category
SEK / EUR Amount
INR (approx.)
Tuition Fees
SEK 120,000 – 145,000 / €11,500 – 14,000
₹10 – 12 L
Living Expenses
SEK 80,000 – 100,000 / €7,500 – 10,000
₹6.5 – 8.5 L
Note: The forex conversions shown in the tables are approximate values based on recent exchange rates. Please check the latest exchange rates for the most accurate and up-to-date figures.
Comparison Table of Top Countries for Indian Students
Country
Tuition Fees
Living Expenses
USA
$25,000 – $50,000 (₹21 – 42 lakh)
$10,000 – $15,000
(₹8.5 – 12.5 lakh)
Canada
CAD 15,000 – 30,000 (₹9 – 18 lakh)
CAD 10,000 – 12,000
(₹6 – 7.5 lakh)
United Kingdom
£15,000 – 25,000 (₹15.5 – 26 lakh)
£10,000 – 12,000
(₹10.5 – 13 lakh)
Germany
€0 – 1,500
(₹0 – 1.3 lakh)
€9,600 – 11,400
(₹8.3 – 9.8 lakh)
Australia
AUD 30,000 – 44,000
(₹16.5 – 24.2 lakh)
AUD 21,000 – 27,000
(₹11.6 – 15 lakh)
New Zealand
NZD 22k – 32k
(₹10.7 – 15.5 lakh)
NZD 14,000 – 17,000
(₹6.8 – 8.3 lakh)
Ireland
€9,000 – 22,000
(₹8 – 20 lakh)
€12,000 – 15,000
(₹11 – 14 lakh)
France
€3,000 – 10,000 (₹2.7 – 9 lakh)
€11,000 – 14,000
(₹10 – 13 lakh)
Netherlands
€8,000 – 20,000 (₹7.4 – 17 lakh)
€12,000 – 15,000
(₹11 – 14 lakh)
Sweden
SEK 120,000 – 145,000
(₹10 – 12 lakh)
SEK 80,000 – 100,000
(₹6.5 – 8.5 lakh)
Most Popular Courses Among Indian Students Abroad
A big part of choosing the right destination to study abroad is the field of study you want to pursue. The various countries that we have discussed have different specialisations, and Indian students opt for a variety of courses when they decide to study abroad. Although there are some clear favourites, and these favourites are favourites often for good reason. Here we have discussed the most popular courses among indian students who study abroad:
Engineering and Technology – MS in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical Engineering: This is a very popular course among Indian students who study abroad for access to state of the art labs, world class teachers, and strong research collaboration in the USA, Germany, and Canada. Over 40% of Indian postgraduate engineers now study in USA. India’s top-tier IIT seats are very limited, and private engineering colleges are not really up to the mark, which makes this a popular field to study abroad.
Computer Science and IT – MS in Data Science, AI, Cybersecurity: This is the fastest growing field among Indian students abroad. Over 42.9% of Indian international students in the USA are in computer-related fields. Students are basically looking for better pay, modern cloud labs, and higher placement rates than many Indian colleges.
Business and Management – MBA, Master’s in Finance: MBA intake from India in universities abroad has gone up significantly, including a 19% increase in applications to two-year US MBA programs in 2024. India makes up 23% of global GMAT test takers. Global MBA colleges have a stronger alumni networks and work visas, while Indian B-schools are fewer and very competitive.
Health Sciences and Medicine – MD (USA), MPH, Biotech: MD in the USA remains a top choice after MBBS. Master of Public Health (MPH) and Biotechnology degrees are also becoming popular overseas. MBBS seats are extremely limited in India, and postgraduate public health/biotech abroad offer better opportunities and advanced training.
Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences – MA in International Relations, MSc Psychology: UK and US programs appeal due to the flexibility that allows students to make their own courses, custom research paths and world-class curriculum. Indian enrollment in UK humanities Master’s has risen by 18% in the last two years. Niche courses like International Human Rights Law or Cognitive Neuroscience are rare in India, which makes students study abroad to pursue their academic interests.
Hospitality and Tourism – MSc International Hospitality, Culinary Arts: Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand offer well-structured courses with very good hospitality internships, which offer practical learning opportunities for students. India lacks structured global hotel chains and comparable training infrastructure, which makes study abroad destinations a popular option for Indian students.
Scholarships and Financial Aid in the Best Countries for Indian Students
For a lot of Indian students, scholarships and financial aid are a crucial piece of the puzzle. Financial aid is crucial for a lot of Indian students to make their study abroad dream a reality. But due to the abundance of different scholarships and financial aid programs, it can be confusing and difficult to find the right scholarships for the country you want to study at. So, here we have prepared an easy guide to scholarships for Indian students in different countries:
Country
Scholarships Available for Indian Students
USA
• Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
• ICCR Scholarships
• Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
• Harvard South Asia Institute Fellowships
UK
• Chevening Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• GREAT Scholarships
Canada
• Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarships • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
• Swedish Institute Study Scholarships
New Zealand
• New Zealand Excellence Awards
• Government Scholarships for International Students (StudyLink)
Ireland
• Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
• Ireland-U.S. Education Foundation Awards
• Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarships
France
• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
• Charpak Masters & PhD Scholarships
• École Normale Supérieure International Selection Scholarship
How to Choose the Best Country to Study Abroad as an Indian Student
Choosing where to study abroad is not just about going where your friends are or where the biggest universities are. Indian students need to compare a few important things before deciding. We have discussed some of the major things to compare before choosing a destination:
Tuition fees: Look at the full cost of studying, not just tuition. This includes living expenses, books, and health insurance. Choose a country where the cost matches your budget, and where you can manage your finances without too much stress.
Visa success rate: A country with a higher student visa success rate means less risk of rejection. Always check how clear, simple, and student-friendly the visa process is. A complicated visa system can delay your plans.
Job opportunities after graduation: Studying abroad is an investment, so check if the country has good job opportunities after your course. Look at industries hiring in your field and whether you’ll be allowed to work part-time while studying.
Language and culture: Think about whether you’ll be able to adjust to the local language and culture. Even if courses are in English, daily life can be very different. Choose a country where you’ll feel comfortable living and learning.
Safety and ease of living: You’ll be living there for years, so safety matters. Look for countries where international students feel safe and where life outside college housing, transport, and healthcare is easy to manage.
FAQs
Which is the cheapest country to study abroad?
Germany is widely considered the cheapest country for international students, offering almost free education at public universities. Other affordable countries include Norway (zero tuition but high living costs) and France, where public university fees are very low for EU and non-EU students.
Which country accepts the most Indian students?
The United States has consistently accepted the highest number of Indian students, followed closely by Canada and Australia. The U.S. alone accounts for over 268,000 Indian students, according to recent Open Doors data. Canada and the UK have also grown rapidly in intake.
Which country is No. 1 in studies?
The United States is considered the number one study destination globally because of its world-class universities, extensive research facilities, and academic flexibility. Countries like the UK, Canada, and Germany also rank highly, but the U.S. dominates global university rankings.
Which country study is very easy?
No country offers an “easy” education, but countries like New Zealand and Canada are often considered student-friendly due to their balanced academic pressure, practical coursework, and supportive learning environments. However, the challenge level depends on the chosen course and university.
Which country is No. 1 in science?
The United States is the global leader in science and research, with institutes like MIT, Stanford, and Caltech leading in scientific innovation. Germany and the UK also rank high in fields like physics, engineering, and environmental sciences due to their strong research output.
Which university is the top 1 in the world?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States is ranked as the number one university in the world. MIT has held this top position for several years due to its research and academic excellence.
Best countries to study abroad in Europe?
Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands are the best countries in Europe for studying abroad. They offer world-class education, a wide range of English-taught programs, affordable tuition (especially in Germany), and strong post-study work opportunities.
Best countries to study abroad for a master's?
The best countries to pursue a master's degree are the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia. These countries offer top-ranked universities, research-driven programs, scholarships for international students, and post-study work options that help build a career abroad.
Which country gives 100% scholarships?
Countries like Germany and Norway offer free education at public universities, which is close to a 100% tuition waiver. For scholarships, the USA (Fulbright), UK (Chevening), and France (Eiffel Excellence) offer fully funded scholarships covering tuition and living costs for select students.
Which country gives the easiest scholarship?
Scholarships are competitive everywhere, but New Zealand, Ireland, and some European countries like Sweden and the Netherlands offer merit-based and need-based scholarships with straightforward application processes. However, securing them depends on academic profile and timely applications.
Scholarships for studying abroad by the Indian government?
The Indian government offers several scholarships like the National Overseas Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarships, and financial aid schemes through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. These scholarships help students pursue higher education abroad, mostly for postgraduate study.
upGrad abroad Editorial Team |2810 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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