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Nearly half of Indian students say safety is a top concern when choosing a study destination, according to QS’s From India to the World report. In 2024 alone, over 1.33 million Indian students were studying abroad, making it the world’s largest cohort. But worrying headlines aren’t rare: three Indian students died in Canada in December 2024, prompting official government alerts .
That’s why choosing one of the safest countries for Indian students to study abroad matters as much as the course or university ranking. Safe destinations offer strong public transport, reliable healthcare, inclusive communities, and support systems that ease homesickness and emergencies. And the good news? Many top safety destinations, such as Iceland, Ireland, also offer excellent education and clear post-study opportunities.
In this blog, we highlight the 10 safest countries for Indian students in 2025, providing hard data and practical insights.
Safety is a primary concern for Indian students abroad.
Which are the top 10 safest countries for Indian students?
Some countries check all the safety boxes without compromising on education quality or career prospects, and we have researched to help you find them. These 10 countries offer a balance of low crime rates, cultural friendliness, efficient public systems, and welcoming policies for international students.
Each one ranks high on the Global Peace Index 2025 and has proven to be a popular, secure choice for Indian students over the years. Whether you are heading for an MBA, a tech degree, or a humanities course, these countries will let you focus on your studies, not your safety.
Which cities in these countries are safest for students?
Studying abroad is exciting, but safety is always a top concern, especially for Indian students.
Here's a quick list of student-friendly cities across popular countries that are known for being safe, peaceful, and easy to live in.
Country
Safest Cities
Iceland
Reykjavik, Akureyri, Hafnarfjörður
Ireland
Galway, Cork, Dublin
New Zealand
Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin
Austria
Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck
Switzerland
Zurich, Bern, Lausanne
Singapore
Singapore (entire city-state is consistently ranked safe)
Portugal
Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra
Denmark
Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg
Slovenia
Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje
Finland
Helsinki, Tampere, Turku
These cities are not just safe but also offer great infrastructure, international student communities, and a high quality of life.
How accessible are emergency services in foreign countries?
Most of the countries listed above have highly accessible and reliable emergency services.
Here's a brief overview of how emergency services work for students in these countries:
Emergency Numbers:
Most European countries use 112 for all emergencies.
Canada and USA use 911.
Australia uses 000.
New Zealand uses 111.
Language: Operators in these countries typically speak English or offer translation support, making it easier for Indian students to communicate.
Availability: Services like police, fire, and medical aid are available 24/7 and are well-trained to handle international student situations.
Campus Support: Many universities have their own emergency helplines and safety protocols in place to assist students quickly during medical or safety-related issues.
Note: If you're studying abroad, it’s a good idea to save the local emergency number in your phone, along with your university’s student support or security office contact.
What makes a country safe for Indian students?
Several factors decide how safe a country is for Indian students. It's not just about crime rates. It also includes how open the society is, how strong the laws are, and how easily students can get help during emergencies.
Here's what matters the most:
Low crime rates – Especially in areas around colleges and student housing
Strong laws and quick police response – Helps students feel protected
Emergency healthcare access – Easy availability of hospitals and ambulances
Support from Indian embassies – Helpful in case of legal or medical issues
Cultural friendliness – A welcoming attitude toward international students
Anti-discrimination policies – Especially around race, religion, or gender
Safe public transport – Especially late at night
Digital safety – Less risk of scams or fraud targeting foreign students
How is the safety ranking for students calculated globally?
Student safety rankings are based on crime rates, public safety, and trust in local systems. These rankings are created using a mix of global reports and real-life student feedback.
Here's how the data is measured:
Global Peace Index (GPI) checks how peaceful a country is based on crime, ongoing conflict, and how safe people feel in daily life. Countries like Iceland and New Zealand always rank high here.
Crime Index by Numbeo uses real user reports from major cities to track theft, violence, and local safety. It shows how safe students may feel while living in those cities.
OECD Better Life Index looks at how safe people feel, how much they trust the police, and how well the healthcare system works in each country.
Student feedback and safety surveys from universities and education departments also help rank countries by how safe international students feel during their studies.
These factors together give a clear picture of how safe a country is for Indian and other international students.
Which countries have the least racism towards Indian students?
Over 1 million Indian students are currently studying abroad, and racial discrimination is a major concern when choosing a destination. According to the Global Peace Index and OECD data, countries with high multicultural populations, strong equality laws, and strict anti-discrimination rules report the least racism.
Here are the countries that are known to show the least racism towards Indian students.
Country
Why It’s Considered Least Racist
Denmark
• Strong anti-discrimination law • Government action on hate crimes and police training • Ranks 2nd in the 2025 World Happiness Report
New Zealand
• Safe, clean, and peaceful environment • Large intake of international students (95,000+ in 2024) • First national anti-racism campaign reached 4 million+ people • Universities actively fighting racism
Netherlands
• Tolerant society and English-speaking environment • Laws against discrimination and harassment • Welcoming attitude toward Indian students (3,504 admitted in 2024)
Finland
• Zero-tolerance policy towards racism • Protected by the Constitution and the Non-Discrimination Act • Growing diversity through immigration and integration programs
Canada
• Friendly, multicultural society • Anti-discrimination protections in place • Despite visa caps, it remains a top destination for Indian students
Which countries have strong anti-racism laws for students?
Many top study-abroad destinations have enacted strict anti-discrimination laws to protect international students, including Indians. These laws not only prohibit racism in education and housing but also allow students to file legal complaints in case of unfair treatment.
Here are some countries with well-established anti-racism protections:
Country
Key Anti-Racism Protections for Students
Canada
The Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in schools and services
Provincial codes enforce equality in education
Germany
The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) covers universities and housing
Support from student unions and anti-racism offices
UK
Equality Act 2010 protects students from race-based discrimination
Office for Students monitors compliance
Australia
The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 applies to education and public services
TEQSA ensures fair treatment in universities
New Zealand
Human Rights Act 1993 protects all students
International Education Strategy focuses on student well-being and fairness
Netherlands
The Dutch Equal Treatment Act bans racial bias in education
Ombudsman available for international student issues
USA
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act protects against discrimination in federally funded schools
How do safe countries regulate student labor rights?
In 2025, over 3.1 million international students worked part-time while studying, as per OECD data. Countries known for safety, like Canada, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand, have strong laws to protect student workers from unfair treatment.
Work Hour Limits Most safe countries cap student work at 20 hours per week during academic sessions. This includes Canada, the UK, and New Zealand.
Minimum Wage Protection Students earn legal wages based on the country's standard rates. Example:
Australia: AUD 24.10/hour (about INR 1,330)
France: €11.65/hour (about INR 1,050)
Help with Complaints Students can report unfair employers to labor departments or student unions. Examples include Fair Work Ombudsman in Australia and Labor Offices in Germany.
Legal Work Contracts Employers must give students a valid contract or payslip. This is required by law in countries like Ireland and the UK.
Random Inspections and Penalties Labor officials do regular workplace checks. If employers break the law, they can face heavy fines. This system works well in Germany, France, and New Zealand.
Which countries offer safe public transport and healthcare for students?
Some countries stand out for offering both reliable public transport and high-quality, affordable healthcare to international students. These include:
Germany Offers one of the best student public health insurance systems in Europe. Public transport is safe, punctual, and widely used. Students often get a semester ticket for unlimited travel within a region.
Canada Healthcare is publicly funded in most provinces. Some (like Alberta and British Columbia) cover international students under provincial plans. Public transport is clean, safe, and student passes are available.
France International students can access the national health system through subsidized insurance. Metro systems in cities like Paris and Lyon are reliable and student passes reduce monthly costs.
Netherlands Known for excellent cycling infrastructure and well-maintained public transport. While students may need private health insurance, the quality of care is high.
Australia Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory and ensures access to good hospitals and clinics. Public transport is safe, and student concession cards help lower travel costs.
Sweden Public transport is safe and accessible even in small towns. Students from the EU can access healthcare for free, and non-EU students are covered through university insurance plans.
These countries invest in safety, access, and affordability, helping international students feel secure both in terms of health and daily travel.
What kind of student support services exist for health and mobility?
Student support systems are designed to help international students manage their health and travel smoothly. Here's what’s commonly offered:
Health insurance plans
Germany: Public health insurance ~€110/month (₹9,900)
France: Covers up to 70% of medical costs
Australia: OSHC mandatory for visa holders
Canada: Some provinces offer full coverage to students
University health centers Most universities have on-campus clinics or partnerships with nearby hospitals. In Canada and the US, students often get access to general doctors, nurses, and mental health services at no or low cost.
Mental health and counselling Support includes free therapy sessions, 24/7 helplines, peer counselling, and mental wellness workshops. Widely available in the UK, Australia, the US, and Canada.
Transport discounts
Germany: Semester ticket for unlimited regional travel
UK: 16–25 Railcard gives 30% off train fares
South Korea: Student discounts on the metro and buses
France: Carte Imagine R (Ile-de-France) offers huge savings for students
Mobility support and safety features Cities like Amsterdam, Toronto, and Melbourne have dedicated bike lanes, student-friendly night buses, and safe walking paths near campuses.
These services reduce both cost and stress, making everyday life smoother and safer for international students.
Which countries have large Indian student communities for support?
Choosing a country with an active Indian student community can make a big difference in your study abroad experience. From festivals and food to job support and mentorship, these associations can help you settle in faster.
Here are some countries with large Indian student populations and active associations:
Canada
Indian Students Association (ISA) – Present in most major universities like the University of Toronto, UBC, McGill
Indian Cultural Association (ICA) – Active in cities like Vancouver, Brampton, and Calgary
Network of Indian Professionals Canada (NetIP) – Supports both students and young professionals
Australia
Federation of Indian Students of Australia (FISA) – A national-level body with state chapters
Indian Students Association (ISA) – Common in universities like Monash, UNSW, and University of Melbourne
Council of International Students Australia (CISA) – While broader, it represents Indian voices too
United Kingdom
National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU UK) – A well-known body for policy advocacy and events
Indian Societies in Universities – Oxford India Society, LSESU India Society, King’s College India Society
UK Bharat Army Students Group – Community-led cultural and sports engagement group
United States
Association of Indian Students (AIS) – Common across universities like NYU, Purdue, Michigan, and UIUC
Indian Graduate Student Association (IGSA) – Found at MIT, Stanford, and Georgia Tech
Indus – A cultural club network in universities like Harvard, Columbia, and UC Berkeley
Germany
Indian Students in Germany (ISG) – National network of Indian student communities
Indian Student Association (ISA) – Active in RWTH Aachen, TU Munich, TU Darmstadt, and others
Indian Embassy Student Groups – Often coordinate with universities during festivals and orientations
Ireland
Indian Students Association Ireland (ISAI) – Organises Diwali events, career fairs, and cultural nights
Indian Irish Association (IIA) – Works with the Indian embassy and student groups
ISA Dublin and ISA Galway – University-level clubs for Indian student networking
What should Indian students do in case of emergencies abroad?
In an emergency, Indian students should stay calm and act quickly.
Here's what you should do:
Contact local emergency services first – for accidents, crimes, or medical help.
Reach out to the Indian Embassy or Consulate – they can offer legal aid, help with documentation, or guide repatriation.
Inform your university’s international student office – they often have dedicated staff for emergency support.
Stay connected with family back home – keep someone informed about your situation.
Use health insurance for hospital visits or treatment costs.
What emergency helplines should Indian students know?
Even though these countries are considered very safe, knowing the local emergency numbers is still essential.
Country
Emergency Numbers
Iceland
112 (All emergencies: police, fire, ambulance)
Ireland
112 or 999 (Police, Fire, Ambulance – both are valid)
When it comes to studying abroad, choosing the right destination goes beyond academics. Safety plays a huge role in shaping your overall experience. Based on the Global Peace Index 2025, some of the safest countries for Indian students to study abroad in 2025 include Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Japan. These nations combine peace, inclusivity, and academic excellence, making them smart choices for Indian students.
From crime rates to healthcare access and cultural openness, these countries offer a strong support system for international learners. But remember, safety is personal. Look into local laws, living costs, and community support before making your final decision.
Want to know more? You can book a free counseling session with upGrad and seek professional guidance! We’d be happy to help you figure this out.
FAQs
How can students stay safe while using public transport?
Indian students should check official apps and timetables before boarding public transport. Avoid empty carriages, especially at night, and stay alert in stations or bus stops. Use GPS tracking to share your location with a trusted friend.
Is it safe to work part-time during studies abroad?
Yes, but it depends on your job type and timing. Choose roles in safe locations, avoid late-night shifts, and confirm your employer is registered. Always share your shift details with someone you trust and use safe transport.
Are there mobile apps that alert students about local risks?
Yes. Apps like “Citizen,” “SafeZone,” and “bSafe” send alerts about crimes, protests, or weather issues nearby. Most also have SOS features and allow location sharing, making them helpful for students new to the area.
How should Indian students report racism or discrimination?
Most universities abroad have anti-discrimination units or ombudspersons. Students can also report issues to national equality commissions or police if needed. Keep written records and screenshots as proof when reporting such cases.
How can students avoid rental scams and housing fraud?
Only use university-approved housing or reputed portals. Avoid paying before inspecting the space or verifying the landlord. Use written contracts, and confirm the address is legitimate. Talk to the student union for safe options.
What are the work hour rules in safe study destinations?
Work hour rules vary by country. Most safe destinations allow 15–20 hours/week during classes and full-time during breaks. Overworking can lead to visa issues, so students should check official immigration websites for updated limits.
Do Indian students get access to public health insurance?
Yes, but eligibility varies. In countries like Germany or Finland, public insurance is often mandatory for students. In others, like the US or UK, students need to buy private or university-provided plans. Always check visa health requirements.
How does the Indian diaspora help new students abroad?
Indian communities abroad often help newcomers find housing, jobs, or moral support. They organize events, share safety tips, and even help during emergencies. Students should join local Indian groups through Facebook, WhatsApp, or university clubs.
What are the crime rates in the top 10 safest countries?
The top 10 safest countries like Iceland, Finland, and Denmark, have low crime rates, especially for violent crimes. However, petty theft or digital fraud can still happen. It's best to stay cautious and follow local safety protocols.
Are women-only accommodations available in these countries?
Yes, countries like Ireland, Singapore, and Switzerland offer women-only hostels or housing wings through universities or private providers. These are popular among Indian female students for added privacy, safety, and comfort.
What legal support is available to Indian students abroad?
Most embassies help with legal aid referrals. Universities also provide free legal clinics or student support services for visa, tenancy, or workplace issues. Some countries have student unions offering basic legal advice at no cost.
What should students do if they lose their passport abroad?
They must immediately report the loss to local police and contact the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate. They’ll guide them through the reissue or emergency certificate process. Keep photocopies or digital scans of your passport for backup.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT,...
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