Top 10 Safest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students

With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, more and more Indian students are looking to study abroad. However, these students must ensure they choose a safe country for their studies. This article provides an overview of which country is safe for Indian students and information on which countries are best suited for different study programs.

1. New Zealand

New Zealand has managed to maintain its rank as ‘The Second Most Peaceful Place’ and is ranked among one of the top 10 countries for Indian students to study in. With the international student population multiplying in recent years and new programs impacting study-abroad lists, New Zealand is becoming a hotspot for higher education.  

Key Points:

• Global Peace Index: 1.269
• Happiness Index: 7.277
• Crime Rate: 42.88%

Top 5 Universities in New Zealand: The University of Auckland, University of Otago, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury.

2. Ireland

Ireland has always been known for its homely culture and welcoming nature of the people and was named the ‘Most Friendly Country’ twice; therefore, it is one of the safest places for international students. Even though it's a small country, approximately nine institutes provide courses for graduates and undergraduates alike.

Key Points:

• Global Peace Index: 1.288
• Happiness Index: 7.085
• Crime Rate: 45.51%

Top 5 Universities in Ireland: University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, University College Cork, National University of Ireland, Galway, Dublin City University.

3. Denmark

Danish people are known for providing people with a comforting environment. The Danish education system is famous for its innovative approach, and its qualifications are recognized worldwide. Denmark is named one of the safest countries to study in owing to its very low crime rates.

Key Points:

• Global Peace Index: 1.296
• Happiness Index: 7.62
• Crime rate: 26.22%

Top 5 Universities in Denmark: University of Copenhagen, Arhus University, Technical University of Denmark, Aalborg University, University of Southern Denmark.

4. Austria

Austria's central location in Europe has provided its residents with the best educational facilities. Austria has lower tuition fees than other countries, even for their international students. Although the locals of Austria speak several dialects of German, English is still spoken on a significant scale. Austria is a friendly country with its people being open and welcoming to foreigners. Thus, making it a safe country to study in for international students.

Key Points:

• Global Peace Index: 1.300
• Happiness Index: 7.268
• Crime rate: 25.54%

Top 5 Universities in Austria: Medizinische Universitat Wien, Universitat Wien, Technische Universitat Wien, Technische Universitat Graz, Medizinische Universitat Innsbruck.

5. Singapore

Singapore has strict law enforcement and a multicultural approach to living, making it one of the top countries to study in. Singapore provides its students with quality education with affordable tuition fees. Along with Singaporean Universities, many international universities have branches in Singapore, like The Technische Universitat Munchen and Chicago Business School making it easier for students to live the Singaporean lifestyle while studying in one of the two most renowned universities in the world. Almost all university programs are taught in English in Singapore, making it a desirable study destination for International Students.

Key Points:

• Global Peace Index: 1.326
• Happiness Index: 6.377
• Crime Rate: 27.96%

Top 5 Universities in Singapore: National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore Management University.

6. Japan

Japan is known for its rich culture, heritage and beautiful landscapes all around the country. With more than 125.05 million people living there, it is one of the safest countries for international students to study. Japan is one the most advanced countries in the world of technology, making it a popular choice for students wanting to pursue higher education in engineering, technology and science.

Key Points:

• Global Peace Index: 1.336
• Happiness Index: 5.94
• Crime Rate: 22.19%.

Top 5 Universities in Japan: University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Tohoku University, Hokkaido University.

7. Switzerland

With about 25% student population in Switzerland being international, it makes it easier for students to get along with fellow students and even locals. Switzerland has about four national languages, making it a diverse country. Even though education is a little more expensive than in other countries, international students can apply for a wide range of scholarships. Making it a safe and desirable country for international students.

Key Points:

• Global Peace Index: 1.357
• Happiness Index: 7.571
• Crime Rate: 21.62%.

Top 5 Universities in Switzerland: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Laussane, Universitat Zurich, Universitat Bern, Universite de Geneve.

8. Canada

With the well-known Canadian kindness and beautiful, stunning landscapes, it is also an excellent place for international students to have a better higher quality of education and research opportunities. Owing to its kindness, Canada is one of the safest places for international students.

Key Points:

• Global Peace Index: 1.389 
• Happiness Index: 7.103
• Crime Rate: 41.89%.

Top 5 Universities in Canada: University of Toronto, The University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Alberta, University of Calgary.

9. Germany

Being a study hub, Germany has over 426 institutions that provide their students with world-class education. Free education is one of the factors why national and international students choose Germany for their education. Even though most of the public universities in Germany don't charge tuition fees, private universities do tend to charge their students a tuition fee which is not that hefty. Moreover, German universities believe in a practical approach to teaching rather than a theoretical approach. Germany also has lower living costs than other countries. It has a wide range of scholarship programs for international students.

Key Points:

• Global Peace Index: 1.462
• Happiness Index: 7.155 
• Crime Rate: 35.79%

Top 5 Universities in Germany: Technische Universitat Munchen, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitat Munchen, Universitat Heidelberg, Universitat Hamburg, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg.

10. Malaysia

Malaysia is a mixture of all things good, with cheaper tuition fees, lower cost of living and safe surroundings. Malaysian universities have English-taught programs, eliminating the language barrier. Malaysia portrays a rich and diverse culture with friendly locals, making it one of the safest countries to study in for international students.

Key Points:

• Global Peace Index: 1.471
• Happiness Index: 5.384
• Crime Rate: 57.29%

Top 5 Universities in Malaysia: University of Malaya, University of Putra Malaya, University of Science, Malaysia, National University of Malaysia, University of Technology, Malaysia. 

1. Research your destination.

Make sure you do thorough research about your destinations by looking at the areas that are safe, availability and types of transportation, common scams and accommodation.

2. Learn local laws and customs.

Pay attention to the laws and customs of the local area you’re in. Many countries have strict laws against things like drugs, sensitive topics, etc. That lead to jail time. It’s better to avoid areas that facilitate such things.

3. Prepare for emergencies.

Make sure to have copies of all your documents in printed and digital format in case of emergencies. Also, make sure to learn at least the basic level of the local language to make it easier for you to communicate with a doctor or a police officer in case of an emergency.

4. Protect your health.

Make sure you have all your travel vaccines in order according to the country you are traveling to. The list of vaccines you need will often be given by the visa department or if not, you can talk to your doctor to get the information. Along with the vaccines, make sure you have enough supply of your required medicines that will last you a fair amount of time after you go to your destination. Once settled, you can then plan on refilling your prescription with your doctor’s help.

5. Take personal safety seriously.

Going to a different country is exciting, we get it. But it is important to pay attention to your surroundings, especially in public places where there are higher chances of pickpocketing and baggage stealing.

6. Avoid getting involved in civil and political unrest.

Even though social gatherings and mass demonstrations provide you with an interesting view into the country’s cultural and political aspects, it is best to avoid getting involved in these as they may turn violent and require the police to get involved.

7. Get a student travel insurance.

Before travelling to your destination, make sure you get your student travel insurance which will help you in case of any problems that may come your way as a student in a foreign country. Student travel insurance will not only cover your medical insurance, but it will also cover several different things like losing your gadgets, bank cards, baggage loss, license loss and passport loss, etc.