Best Countries for Indian Students to Study Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for Indian students to experience new cultures, gain valuable skills and knowledge, and enhance their career prospects. But with so many countries to select from, it can be overwhelming to decide your destination. This article comprehensively overviews each country's education system and what makes it an attractive destination for Indian students. So, if you're considering studying abroad, read on to discover which countries could be the perfect fit for you.

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Germany
4. Singapore
5. France
6. USA
7. UK
8. Norway
9. New Zealand
10. Ireland
11. Netherlands

1. Australia

• Standard of Education - With its set of rules consistent across the education system, Australian education standards ensure that universities, VET providers and other educational institutions always maintain a high standard of education for everyone, including international students.
• Top 5 universities - University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University, Melbourne, The University of Queensland, University of New South Wales.
• Scholarships - Australia offers a variety of Government and Non-Government scholarships.
• How is the Country Promoting Education?

A New mobility program is launched for domestic and international study in regional Australia called the 'Destination Australia Program (DAP)'

1000 scholarships each year for domestic and international students in the regional campus.

Tertiary institutions in Australia will be eligible to acquire scholarships of up to $15,000 per student annually.

• Cost of Living (Per Month) - AUD 1,400 To AUD 2,500 (Approx. INR 77,000 to INR 1,38,000)
• Part-Time Job Opportunities in Australia

Students with a valid student visa, are allowed to work for 20 hours per week.

$25 to $30 dollars per hour according to their work type.

• Full Time Job Opportunities in Australia

You can find a suitable job in Australia after you graduate depending on your skillset.

2. Canada

• Standard of Education - Universities in Canada offer both degree and diploma courses for professional and technical procedures in every stream and field. Striking a perfect balance between theory and practical teaching methods, the faculty is constantly updated on the latest field advancements.
• Top 5 universities - University of Toronto, The University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Alberta, University of Calgary
• Scholarships - There are plenty of Government and Non-Government scholarships available for Indian Students in Canada
• How is the Country Promoting Education?

5-year budget of $147.9 Million allotted for education in Canada in the financial year 2019-20, with $8 Million per year of ongoing funding

Diversify the countries that the international students come from, including the field of study, levels of study and locations within Canada.

• Cost of Living (Per Month) - CAD 5,000 To CAD 10,000 (Approx. INR 3,05,000 to INR 6,10,000)
• Part-Time Job Opportunities in Canada.

When working off-campus, Canadian university Students can work up to 20 hours each week. Working more than 20 hours each week violates their study permit conditions. In this case, having a valid work permit, the institute's approval, and the study in Canada authorisation would be best.

When working on-Campus, students work for a publicly funded university or post-secondary institution in Canada or a private institution that is at least 50% funded by grants from the government.

• Full -Time Job Opportunities in Canada.

International students can work in Canada after they graduate depending on the length of their study program.

3. Germany

• Standard of Education - In Germany, degree courses include a wide range of subjects, with some courses taught in English. Tuition fees are not charged in the public universities, even for international students. Engineering and sciences are two of the most sort-after studies in Germany on the country's traditions in advancing these fields.

• Top 5 universities - Technische Universitat Munchen, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitat Munchen, Universitat Heidelberg, Universitat Hamburg, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg

• Scholarships - Indian students can apply for several Government and Private scholarships.

• How is the Country Promoting Education?

Strategic internationalisation

Improving the legal framework

Establishing a welcoming culture

Establishing an international campus

Increasing the global mobility of students

Improving the global appeal of Germany as a higher education location

Attracting excellent junior scientists from abroad

Extending international research collaborations

Establishing offers for transnational university education

• Cost of Living (Per Month) - EUR 800 To EUR 1,000 (Approx. INR 72,140 to INR 90,170)

• Part-Time Job Opportunities in Germany

In Germany, students from non-EU or non-EEA nations can work while studying for 120 days a year.

The hourly wage could range from six to 10 euros.

Students are permitted to work 20 hours a week.

• Full -Time Job Opportunities in Germany 

You can work in Germany after you graduate. Your stay-back permit will depend on your course as the residency permit expires after your academic program is over.

4. Singapore

• Standard of Education - The goal of education in Singapore has shifted from meeting economic demands to promoting academic growth and comprehensive student development, which includes character development, civic engagement, and self-actualisation.
• Top 5 universities - National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore Management University
• Scholarships - Canada offers a range of scholarships for graduates, postgraduates and PhD students.
• How is the Country Promoting Education?

Holistic student development instead of traditional approach.

Includes character development, societal participation, and self-actualisation.

Cost of Living (Per Month) - SGD 750 To SGD 2,000 (Approx. INR 46,190 to INR 1,23,000)

• Part-Time Job Opportunities in Singapore

International students can work up to 16 hours a week at college or university.

• Full -Time Job Opportunities in Singapore

Depending on whether you decide to take up the tuition grant program or not, you can find jobs in Singapore.

5. France

• Standard of Education - France is one of the best study-abroad destinations, with development opportunities and outstanding research programs. The French Government provides a substantial amount of money towards their education systems.
• Top 5 universities - Sorbonne Universite, Universite de Paris Cite, Universite Paris-Saclay, Universite PSL, Aix-Marseille Universite
• Scholarships - France has scholarships ranging from short term to long term programs
• How is the Country Promoting Education?

A budget of EUR 10 million is allocated to improve the reception arrangements for international students in public institutions.

Out of the EUR 10 million, EUR 5 million is earmarked for the reception services and the other EUR 5 million is allocated as a part of a call for projects to finance initiatives to promote mentoring schemes, FLE (French as a foreign language) courses and the foreign language offering.

• Cost of Living (Per Month) - EUR 400 To EUR 1,200 (Approx. INR 36,000 to INR 1,08,000)
• Part-Time Job Opportunities in France

Students who work 20 hours per week or 964 hours a year can expect to find a job abroad once they graduate.

Students who work part-time are paid 9.67 Euros per hour.

• Full -Time Job Opportunities in France

After finishing their study, within a year, students can apply for temporary residence and even work there.

You must adhere to French immigration regulations, which vary based on your academic level. A master's programme has different stay-back options and works visa requirements than a bachelor's programme.

6. The United States of America

• Standard of Education - With 30% of the student population being international students, The United States of America has a flexible and versatile educational system with the best quality teaching and research facilities.
• Top 5 universities - Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, John Hopkins University
• Scholarships - There are several National and International scholarships available for Indian students
• How is the Country Promoting Education?

The Fulbright, Humphrey, and English language programmes are just a few of the exchange programmes run by ECA that promote international student mobility and provide information.

• Cost of Living (Per Month) - USD 1000 To USD 1500 (Approx. INR 82,150 to INR 1,23,200)
• Part-Time Job Opportunities in the USA

Students are permitted to work 20 hours per week in their field of study after a year of studying in the United States.

• Full -Time Job Opportunities in the USA

If you have your F1 Visa, USA offers its graduates with a variety of jobs in their choice of field.

7. United Kingdom

• Standard of Education - The academic standards in U.K. are well regarded, they have experts in a wide range of academic subjects, and they are consistently placed highly in international university rankings. The British higher education system, which features cutting-edge teaching methods and facilities, has long been the worldwide model for higher education standards.
• Top 5 universities - University of Oxford, University College, London, University of Cambridge, Imperial College, London, Kings College, London
• Scholarships - There are several national and international scholarships available for Indian students in the U.K.
• How is the Country Promoting Education?

The government of the U.K. has updated its international education strategy, reiterating the commitment to increase the number of international students applying for tertiary education in the U.K. to 600,000 and the higher education industry growth to GBP 35 billion annually by 2030.

Updated International Education Strategy, will help the country's education sector recover from the pandemic by attracting more overseas students, boosting student exchange, and strengthening education tie-ups.

• Cost of Living (Per Month) - GBP 1,100 To GBP 1,500 (Approx. INR 1,12,500 to INR 1,53,300)
• Part-Time Job Opportunities in the United Kingdom

Students can work a maximum of 20 hours in total in any one week, including paid or unpaid work and for one or more organisation.

• Full -Time Job Opportunities in the United Kingdom

Once you complete your academic course, you can apply for different jobs based on your skillset and then secure the required documents through a simple procedure.

8. Norway

• Standard of Education - In Norway, tuition is free to attend public universities, even for international students. The Government of Norway believes everyone should have access to education regardless of their socio-economic status.
• Top 5 universities - University of Oslo, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Bergen, University of Tromso – The Arctic University of Norway, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
• Scholarships - The country offers its students a variety of scholarships.
• How is the Country Promoting Education?

Norway has allocated EUR 8.8 million to 13 universities and colleges involved in student exchange programs to attract international students and make Norway a world-class educational hub.

Cost of Living (Per Month) - NOK 7,000 To NOK 9,000 (Approx. INR 54,319 to INR 69,900)

• Part-Time Job Opportunities in Norway

You are automatically permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week, including remote work, if you are given a study permit.

• Full-Time Job Opportunities in Norway

If you find an appropriate job, you can apply for a work visa in Norway.

9. New Zealand

• Standard of Education - The NZQA - New Zealand Qualifications Authority ensures that all educational institutions are registered to accept students from outside and adhere to the requirements for qualifications.
• Top 5 universities - The University of Auckland, University of Otago, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury
• Scholarships - New Zealand offers a wide range of Government and non-Government Scholarships.
• How is the Country Promoting Education?

The contribution that foreign education contributes to New Zealand will depend on attracting students from a wider range of markets

To maximise and market its distinctive offerings and draw in students who want to take advantage of the top-notch education and unparalleled student experience that New Zealand is renowned for, the country has been expanding its emphasis on high-value, high-quality education.

• Cost of Living (Per Month) - NZD 4,500 (Approx. INR 2,28,000)
• Part-Time Job Opportunities in New Zealand

Overseas students can quickly obtain part-time employment while studying in New Zealand. This aids in covering living expenditures.

To ensure overall growth, New Zealand allows its students to balance their academics with their academic responsibilities.

• Full -Time Job Opportunities in New Zealand

Graduates from a New Zealand university can easily find jobs after their course ends.

10. Ireland

• Standard of Education - Irish universities provide numerous courses in natural sciences, technology, economics, the humanities, etc., making it one of the best countries to study abroad.
• Top 5 universities - University College, Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, National University of Ireland, Galway, Dublin City University
• Scholarships - There are a few scholarships available for Indian students.
• How is the Country Promoting Education?

The Higher Education Authority is collaborating closely with relevant stakeholders to implement the Internationalisation Strategy's core proposals for higher education.

Each institution will be asked to set goals based on its unique capabilities.

The funding mechanism will provide incentives for performance.

• Cost of Living (Per Month) - EUR 3,252 (Approx. INR 2,93,250)
• Part-Time Job Opportunities in Ireland

International students who studied full-time in Ireland for at least a year and whose programme was approved by the Irish Department of Education are exempt from the requirement for a work visa.

students with a valid immigration stamp two are allowed to work while enrolled in classes, but only for a maximum of 40 hours per week, considered full-time in Ireland.

• Full-Time Job Opportunities in Ireland

Students can apply for jobs in Ireland provided you have approval from Irish Third Level Graduate Program.

11. Netherlands

• Standard of Education - There are 1,560 international study programmes and courses offered by Dutch higher education institutions, of which 1,543 are taught exclusively in English. The Netherlands' dynamic, student-centred teaching style gives international students the attention and freedom they need to form their own opinions and use originality in using what they have learned.
• Top 5 universities - University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Utrecht University, University of Groningen, Leiden University
• Scholarships - There are three scholarships you can apply for in Netherlands.
• How is the Country Promoting Education?

Netherlands has proposed limiting international student recruitment for Dutch universities. Culture and Science Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf has asked universities to stop active recruiting pending further government direction voluntarily. This proposal was put forward due to insufficient and packed housing and lecture halls.

The university community has been advocating for self-regulation on this issue and has shared strategies to address overcrowding.

• Cost of Living (Per Month) - EUR 800 to EUR 1,200 (Approx. INR 72,140 to INR 1,08,200)
• Part-Time Job Opportunities in Netherlands

If you have a student residence permit and live in the Netherlands, you can work 16 hours each week during the academic year and full-time during summer (June to August).

• Full -Time Job Opportunities in Netherlands

You can apply for a job in Netherlands, provided you have a residency permit.