Safety remains a top priority for Indian students choosing study-abroad destinations. In 2025, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, and Denmark rank in the top tier of the Global Peace Index (GPI), with some of the world’s lowest crime rates and highly reliable public safety systems. Ireland alone has recorded a 38 percent annual surge in interest from Indian students, highlighting its growing reputation as a secure and student-friendly country.
Here is a list of the Top 10 safest countries in the World:
Rank
Country
GPI Score
1
Iceland
1.095
2
Ireland
1.260
3
New Zealand
1.282
4
Austria
1.294
5
Switzerland
1.294
6
Singapore
1.357
7
Portugal
1.371
8
Denmark
1.393
9
Slovenia
1.409
10
Finland
1.420
In this article, you will learn about why these countries are considered the safest for Indian students in 2025, along with safety features, student-friendly cities, and essential support systems.
Safest Cities in the Safest Countries in 2026
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.
Key factors that make them 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
Student safety rankings are calculated using a combination of global indices and real-life feedback from international students. These rankings consider crime rates, public safety, trust in local systems, and overall living conditions.
Here’s how the data is measured:
1. Global Peace Index (GPI)
The Global Peace Index measures peacefulness across 163 countries using 23 indicators grouped into three domains:
Societal Safety & Security
Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict
Degree of Militarization
2. Crime Index by Numbeo
Based on user surveys and perceptions of crime in major cities.
Factors include theft, assault, vandalism, and safety during day/night.
Safety Index = 100 – Crime Index
(Example: Tokyo has a Crime Index of ~25 → Safety Index = 75).
3. OECD Better Life Index
Measures perceived safety, trust in police, and quality of healthcare.
Uses normalized scores (0–10) across dimensions like safety, governance, and well-being:
4. Student Feedback & Surveys
Universities and education departments collect feedback from international students on campus safety, emergency support, and cultural inclusivity.
Combining these indices gives a clear picture of how safe a country is for Indian and other international students, helping them choose destinations wisely.
Which are the Safest Countries for Indians with Strong Anti-Racism Policies?
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 the largest & most supportive Indian Student Communities?
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:
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 – most universities have emergency helplines and safety protocols to assist students during medical or safety-related issues.
Stay connected with family back home – keep someone informed about your situation.
Use health insurance for hospital visits or treatment costs.
Leverage language support – operators in these countries typically speak English or provide translation assistance, making communication easier for Indian students.
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)
Safety is a top priority for Indian students when planning to study abroad. The top 10 safest countries for Indian students in 2025, including Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Finland, offer low crime rates, strong anti-racism laws, reliable healthcare, and safe public transport. These countries not only provide world-class education but also a supportive environment for international students.
By choosing a safe study destination, Indian students can focus on learning, personal growth, and career opportunities without worrying about daily risks. Always research the local laws, healthcare, and student support systems before making a decision. Picking the right country ensures a secure, fulfilling, and successful study abroad experience.
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
Which countries are safest for Indian students to study abroad in 2025?
The safest countries for Indian students in 2025 include Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Finland. These nations combine low crime rates, inclusive societies, reliable healthcare, and strong support systems for international students.
How do Indian students check local safety in foreign countries?
Indian students can monitor local safety using government travel advisories, university alerts, and mobile apps like “Citizen” or “SafeZone.” Staying informed about crime, protests, and weather ensures timely precautions and helps plan safe daily routines abroad.
Are these safest countries affordable for Indian students?
While safety is a priority, countries like Ireland, Portugal, and New Zealand also offer affordable tuition and living costs compared to the U.S. or UK. Indian students should research scholarships, student discounts, and housing options to manage expenses effectively.
Which Indian student communities provide support abroad?
Active Indian student communities in countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, Germany, and Ireland organize cultural events, housing help, career guidance, and emergency support. Joining these associations helps newcomers settle faster and feel safer while studying abroad.
How can Indian students stay safe on public transport abroad?
Students should travel in well-lit areas, use official apps or schedules, avoid empty carriages at night, and share location with friends or family. Countries like Germany, Singapore, and Finland provide secure, punctual, and reliable public transport systems.
Do these safe countries have strong anti-racism protections?
Yes, nations like Denmark, New Zealand, Canada, and the Netherlands have strict anti-discrimination laws in education, housing, and public services. Indian students are legally protected, with university offices and national agencies available to address complaints.
How is healthcare accessed by Indian students abroad?
Countries like Germany, Australia, France, and Canada provide public or student insurance for international learners. Universities often have on-campus clinics, and emergency services are available 24/7, ensuring Indian students receive prompt medical care when needed.
Can Indian students work part-time safely abroad?
Yes, countries such as Canada, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand allow Indian students to work 15–20 hours per week during studies. Legal protections, fair wages, and clear labor laws ensure students work safely without risking visas.
What should Indian students do in case of emergencies abroad?
Students should first contact local emergency services, then inform their university’s international office and the Indian Embassy. Keeping family updated, carrying insurance, and knowing local helplines ensures faster, safer handling of emergencies abroad.
How do students avoid rental and housing scams abroad?
Indian students should use university-approved housing portals, verify landlords, inspect properties, and sign official rental contracts. Seeking guidance from student unions or Indian student associations helps reduce the risk of scams and ensures safe accommodation.
How can Indian students assess digital and personal safety abroad?
Students should use secure Wi-Fi, avoid sharing sensitive data, enable tracking apps, and follow local cyber laws. Safe countries like Finland, Denmark, and Singapore provide strong digital protections alongside public safety, making them reliable study destinations.
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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