Choosing a safe country is one of the most important decisions for Indian students planning to study abroad. Safety affects not just your daily life but also your ability to focus on studies and enjoy your experience. In 2025, countries like Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, and Denmark are topping the list of the safest countries for Indian students, according to the Global Peace Index.
Recent trends show that interest in Ireland has grown by 38% in just one year, making it a favorite for Indian students looking for a secure and welcoming environment. Low crime rates, reliable healthcare, safe public transport, and supportive local communities are some key factors that make these countries ideal for studying abroad.
This blog highlights the top 10 safest countries for Indian students in 2025, including student-friendly cities, emergency support, and anti-racism policies. By choosing the right destination, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and successful international study experience.
Planning to study in the countries that are topping the list of the safest countries for Indian students? Know more about them by exploring Study in Ireland,Study In New Zealand,and learn everything about them.
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:
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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