10 Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students 2025

Studying abroad gives you a chance to immerse yourself in different cultures, learn more about the culture, and ultimately improve your career prospects. With so many countries to choose from, picking the right one can be overwhelming. 

We will help you choose between the best countries to study abroad for Indian students in 2024. Read along as we explore the best educational destinations with valuable insights to help you make the right choice for your academic journey. 

10 Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students 2024

Studying abroad enhances your academic profile—Indian companies often prefer degrees from prestigious international universities over local ones. It's also a great way to experience new cultures and places while building skills that will benefit your future career. 

It is important to note that this list is in no particular order. It is based on factors like a country’s economic status, educational standards, cost of living, and cultural openness. 

1. USA 

The USA is one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students due to its high-quality education system. It is considered a great cultural hub that is highly visited not only by Indians but different nationalities. It is also home to the most popular schools. Admissions to these universities are highly competitive because of their intensive academic requirements and prestige.

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Ranked 1st globally.
• Stanford University: Ranked 3rd globally.
• Harvard University: Ranked 5th globally.

The cost of living in the USA varies significantly depending on the city and state. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston are more expensive, while cities in the Midwest and South are generally more affordable. On average, students can expect to spend about $1,000 to $2,000 per month, including rent. 

According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), over 1 million international students were enrolled in US higher education institutions in 2020/21, with a significant number from India. Lastly, The country ranks 17th in the Human Development Index 2021. US cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago offer a mix of cultural diversity, economic opportunities, and vibrant social scenes.

• Monthly expenses (including rent): Approximately $1,000 to $2,000.
• Tuition fees: For international students, they range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the program and institution.
• Living expenses (including accommodation, food, etc.): Around $12,000 to $24,000 annually.
• International student population: Over 1 million in 2020/21.
• Indian student population: Approximately 200,000 in 2020/21.
• Cultural events: Numerous cultural festivals, international student organisations, and multicultural communities.
• Human Development Index: 17th globally.

2. Canada

Canada's education system is popular among international students because it offers multiple intake seasons, making it flexible for different needs. You can find a range of institutions that cater to various educational goals. It is one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students as the universities in Canada offer undergraduate degrees, postgraduate certificates, diplomas, professional degrees, and doctorates.

Canada is home to some top business schools recognised for their excellent management education and MBA programs. Several Canadian universities rank in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2024, making them great options for Indian students studying abroad. The country emphasises research and development, providing opportunities for innovation and practical learning, making it one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students.

• University of Toronto: Ranked 26th globally.
• McGill University: Ranked 27th globally.
• University of British Columbia: Ranked 46th globally.

The cost of living in Canada varies by city but is generally reasonable compared to other Western countries. You can expect to spend about $1,063.20 (or 1,451.70 CAD) per month, excluding rent. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive, while smaller cities like Halifax and Winnipeg are more affordable.

Canada has a great blend of cultures, with over 20% of the population being immigrants, according to Statistics Canada. The 2021 Global Peace Index ranks Canada as the 10th safest country in the world, making it one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students.

• Monthly expenses (excluding rent): Approximately 1,500 CAD
• Tuition fees: CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 per year.
• Living expenses (including accommodation, food, etc.): Around CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 annually.
• Immigrant population: Over 20% of the total population.
• Global Peace Index: Ranked 10th safest country.

3. France 

France has plenty of prestigious educational institutions known for their intensive academic standards and research opportunities. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, several French universities rank highly, such as Sorbonne University (60th), École Normale Supérieure de Paris (72nd), and Université PSL (44th). France also excels in specialised fields like business, fashion, and culinary arts. It is considered one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students, offering a rich cultural experience, diverse academic programs, and ample opportunities for professional growth.

• Sorbonne University: Ranked 60th globally.
• École Normale Supérieure de Paris: Ranked 72nd globally.
• Université PSL: Ranked 44th globally.

The cost of living in France varies by city, with Paris being one of the most expensive. However, smaller cities and student towns like Lyon, Grenoble, and Toulouse offer a more affordable cost of living. On average, you can expect to spend around €800 to €1,200 per month, excluding rent.

• Monthly expenses (excluding rent): Approximately €800 to €1,200.
• Tuition fees: Public universities charge about €170 to €650 per year for bachelor's degrees and €250 to €1,000 for master's degrees. Private institutions and grandes écoles can be more expensive, ranging from €3,000 to €10,000 annually.
• Living expenses (including accommodation, food, etc.): Around €9,600 to €14,400 annually.

Moreover, according to Campus France, over 343,000 international students were studying in France in 2020, with a significant number coming from India. The country is ranked 26th in the World Happiness Report 2021.

4. Germany

Germany is popular for its high academic standards and research-oriented education system. It is home to some of the world’s top universities, especially known for engineering, technology, and natural sciences. It is also known for the best universities abroad for Indian students. German universities offer a wide range of programs, often with no tuition fees for international students at public institutions, making them financially accessible. This is why, in terms of education, Germany is one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students.

In the QS World University Rankings 2023, the following universities are highly ranked:

• Technische Universität München: Ranked 50th globally.
• Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München: Ranked 59th globally.
• Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg: Ranked 65th globally.

The cost of living in Germany is reasonable compared to other Western European countries. On average, students can expect to spend about €850 to €1,200 per month, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. Cities like Munich and Frankfurt are more expensive, while cities like Leipzig and Dresden are more affordable. 

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) reported that over 400,000 international students were enrolled in German universities in 2020, with a significant number from India, making it one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students. The country ranks 7th in the Human Development Index 2021. German cities like Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg frequently rank high in global livability indexes.

• Monthly expenses (including rent): Approximately €850 to €1,200.
• Tuition fees: Most public universities do not charge tuition fees, but there is a semester contribution ranging from €150 to €300.
• Living expenses (including accommodation, food, etc.): Around €10,200 to €14,400 annually.
• International student population: Over 400,000 in 2020.
• Indian student population: Approximately 20,000 in 2020.
• Human Development Index: Ranked 7th globally.

5. Ireland 

Ireland has several prestigious universities internationally known for their academic excellence and research opportunities. Ireland's education system is designed to foster innovation, creativity, and practical skills. This approach has resulted in graduates being highly competitive in the global job market.

As reported by QS World University Rankings 2024, the following universities are highly ranked.

• Trinity College Dublin: Ranked 98th globally.
• University College Dublin: Ranked 181st globally.
• National University of Ireland Galway: Ranked 270th globally.

The cost of living in Ireland is moderate compared to other Western European countries. On average, students can expect to spend about €1,000 to €1,500 per month, including rent. Dublin, being the capital city, is more expensive, while cities like Cork, Galway, and Limerick are more affordable. 

Furthermore, according to the Irish Universities Association, over 32,000 international students from more than 160 countries are studying in Ireland. This creates a diverse and inclusive environment that makes it one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students. The country is ranked 14th in the World Happiness Report 2021. Irish cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway frequently rank in global livability rankings.

• Monthly expenses (including rent): Approximately €1,000 to €1,500.
• Tuition fees: Range from €9,000 to €25,000 per year for international students, depending on the program and institution.
• Living expenses (including accommodation, food, etc.): Around €12,000 to €18,000 annually.
• International student population: Over 32,000 from more than 160 countries.
• Indian student population: Approximately 5,000 in 2020.
• World Happiness Report: Ranked 14th globally.

6. Italy 

Italy is considered one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students, offering a rich historical heritage, renowned academic institutions, and a vibrant cultural environment. It is home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, known for their excellence in arts, humanities, fashion, design, and sciences. Italy offers a wide range of programs, many of which are taught in English, making it accessible for international students.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the following universities are highly ranked:

• Politecnico di Milano: Ranked 142nd globally.
• University of Bologna: Ranked 166th globally.
• Sapienza University of Rome: Ranked 171st globally.

The cost of living in Italy is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries. On average, students can expect to spend about €700 to €1,200 per month, including rent. Cities like Milan and Rome are more expensive, while smaller cities like Bologna, Padua, and Pisa are more affordable. According to the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research, over 82,000 international students were enrolled in Italian universities in 2020, with a significant number from India. The country is ranked 28th in the World Happiness Report 2021, making it one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students.

• Monthly expenses (including rent): Approximately €700 to €1,200.
• Tuition fees: Range from €900 to €4,000 per year for international students, depending on the program and institution.
• Living expenses (including accommodation, food, etc.): Around €8,400 to €14,400 annually
• International student population: Over 82,000 in 2020.
• Indian student population: Approximately 5,000 in 2020.
• World Happiness Report: Ranked 28th globally.

7. The Netherlands

The Netherlands' education system is built on a strong foundation of research, making it one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students. It is home to top-ranked universities known for offering varied programs that are friendly to international students.  The country also has a few of the best universities abroad for Indian students, making it a top destination for international students. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the universities below are highly ranked. The Netherlands is particularly strong in fields such as engineering, technology, social sciences, and business.

• Delft University of Technology: Ranked 61st globally.
• University of Amsterdam: Ranked 58th globally.
• Eindhoven University of Technology: Ranked 125th globally.

The cost of living in the Netherlands is moderate. On average, students can expect to spend about €800 to €1,200 per month, including rent. Cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam are more expensive, while cities like Groningen, Maastricht, and Enschede are more affordable. 

According to the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, over 112,000 international students were enrolled in Dutch higher education institutions in 2020, with a significant number from India.  The country ranks 5th in the Human Development Index 2021 as it is known for its top-notch healthcare services and peace and safety. 

• Monthly expenses (including rent): Approximately €800 to €1,200.
• Tuition fees: Range from €6,000 to €15,000 per year for international students, depending on the program and institution.
• Living expenses (including accommodation, food, etc.): Around €9,600 to €14,400 annually.
• International student population: Over 112,000 in 2020.
• Indian student population: Approximately 2,500 in 2020.
• Human Development Index: Ranked 5th globally.

8. New Zealand 

New Zealand is home to eight universities, all of which rank within the top 3% globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2023. This makes the country one of the top destinations for Indian students. 

• University of Auckland: Ranked 87th globally.
• University of Otago: Ranked 194th globally.
• Victoria University of Wellington: 236th globally.

The cost of living in New Zealand is relatively affordable compared to other Western countries. Students can expect to spend about NZD 1,200 to NZD 2,000 per month, including rent making it one of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students. Cities like Auckland and Wellington are more expensive, while cities like Dunedin and Hamilton are more affordable.

According to Education New Zealand, over 117,000 international students were studying in New Zealand in 2019, 25% of that are Indian students. The country ranks 10th in the Global Peace Index 2021. New Zealand cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch frequently feature in global livability rankings, making the country one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students 

• Monthly expenses (including rent): Approximately NZD 1,200 to NZD 2,000.
• Tuition fees: Range from NZD 22,000 to NZD 32,000 per year for international students, depending on the program and institution.
• Living expenses (including accommodation, food, etc.): Around NZD 14,400 to NZD 24,000 annually.
• International student population: Over 117,000 in 2019.
• Indian student population: Approximately 30,000 in 2019.
• Global Peace Index: 10th globally.

9. United Kingdom 

The UK has a few of the best universities in the world, offering the highest-quality education and producing graduates who are in demand worldwide. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the following schools are highly regarded.

• University of Oxford: Ranked 2nd globally.
• University of Cambridge: Ranked 3rd globally.
• Imperial College London: Ranked 6th globally.

The cost of living in the UK varies significantly depending on the city. London is the most expensive, while cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow are more affordable. On average, students can expect to spend about £800 to £1,300 per month, including rent. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), over 605,000 international students were enrolled in UK higher education institutions in 2020/21, making it one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students. Ultimately, The country ranks 13th in the Human Development Index 2021. UK cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester frequently feature in global livability rankings

• Monthly expenses (including rent): Approximately £800 to £1,300.
• Tuition fees: For international students, they range from £10,000 to £38,000 per year, depending on the program and institution.
• Living expenses (including accommodation, food, etc.): Around £9,600 to £15,600 annually.
• International student population: Over 605,000 in 2020/21.
• Indian student population: Approximately 55,000 in 2020/21.
• Human Development Index: 13th globally.

10. Australia 

Australia is also known for its world-class education system, with several universities ranking among the top globally. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, institutions like the following are highly regarded:

• Australian National University: Ranked 30th globally.
• University of Melbourne: Ranked 33rd globally.
• University of Sydney: 41st globally.

The cost of living in Australia varies depending on the city. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive, while cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth are more affordable. On average, students can expect to spend about AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,500 per month, including rent. Australia would definitely be included in the list of cheap countries to study for Indian students.

According to the Australian Department of Education, Skills, and Employment, over 350,000 international students were enrolled in Australian higher education institutions in 2020, with a significant number from India. Offering a relatively better quality of life with a high focus on healthcare, education and the public, the country ranks 8th in the Human Development Index 2021, which makes it one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students.

• Monthly expenses (including rent): Approximately AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,500.
• Tuition fees: Range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year for international students, depending on the program and institution.
• Living expenses (including accommodation, food, etc.): Around AUD 18,000 to AUD 30,000 annually.
• International student population: Over 350,000 in 2020.
• Indian student population: Approximately 90,000 in 2020.
• Human Development Index: 8th globally.

Globalisation has opened international borders and forever changed the academic landscape. Because of the present international relations and the effects of globalisation, visiting and pursuing education abroad has never been more accessible and easier. Each country has different requirements, and getting in is different. The best country to study abroad for Indian students will depend on the student’s academic needs and economic standing. 

If you’re set on getting into a world-class college but aren’t sure how to make it happen, AdmissionSight can help! They are a leading college entrance expert with over a decade of experience helping students just like you get into the schools of their dreams.