Best countries to study abroad & work in 2024

Best countries to study and Work

Immigration policies are changing every year, and countries keep on competing to provide better education to students. No wonder it’s difficult to choose the right study abroad destination. To help you shortlist the perfect study abroad destination, we have compiled a list of the best countries for study and work in 2024. Learn about their quality of education, cost of studying, immigration policies, and much more!

Scroll till the end to get tips on how to choose the right country!

France

France is one of the most sought-after study abroad destination for students from all over the world. It has a century-long tradition of high-quality education. Besides academics and careers, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture and tradition. On top of that, the French government and universities offer scholarships to international students to encourage them to study in France. As a matter of fact, studying at public universities means paying negligible tuition fees. Many students choose to apply for the aide personnalisee au lodgement to receive monthly funding for covering their living costs.   

Top universities in France 

1. Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres)

2. Ecole Polytechnique

3. Sorbonne University 

4. CentraleSupélec

5. Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon

All in all, the cost of studying in France for international students depends on whether you are joining a public university or a private university. Nevertheless, the tuition fees for international students are –

Public universities

1. Bachelor’s program – Approximately 2770 euros per year.
2. Master’s degree – Approximately 3770 euros per year.
3. Doctorate (Ph.D.) programs – Approximately 380 euros per year.

Private universities

The average tuition fees for private universities in France usually range from 3,000 to 20,000 euros per year.

In addition to this, the cost of living in France ranges from 800 to 2000 euros. However, this depends on the city that you are living in. Student halls of residence are available in France, which are one of the most preferred accommodations in the country. On average, the cost of student halls of residence is 200 euros per month. You can also find apartments for rent as well as paying guest options at average rates of 200-800 euros per month.

Singapore

Famous for its top-ranking universities, a booming economy, and a student-friendly climate, Singapore is one of the best countries for international students to Study and Work.

The country is not only a global leader in competitiveness and innovation but is also home to several universities, polytechnic institutions, and Institutes of Technical Education. All in all, it has 34 universities, out of which six are national, and two are renowned for the world-class education they offer.

Top universities

• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• Singapore Management University (SMU)
• Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
• Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

As a matter of fact, your tuition fee at a Singaporean university will vary depending on which university and program you choose.

• Undergraduate tuition in Singapore costs 121,324 to 182,400 SGD for 4 years.
• Graduate tuition is 30,000 to 70,000 SGD for 1.5-2 years.

Graduate courses in medicine, however, can cost higher and may charge close to 841,540 SGD for 5 years. On the other hand, your cost of living will range from 10,000 to 15,000 SGD per year. The exact amount will depend on your location and the type of accommodation you choose.

You can offset these expenses by working part-time during the semester and full-time on holidays. Since the universities in Singapore have tie-ups with leading organizations in every field, you can also gain relevant experience as you work.

Italy

One of the best countries to study abroad and work in 2024, Italy is located in the southern part of Europe and is known for its lovely weather, delicious food, and beautiful settings. It is the fifth most populated country in Europe and has 34 internationally ranked universities.

The tuition fees in Italy are affordable, especially in public universities. The tuition fee ranges from 500 to 4,000 Euros. However, these fees are higher in public universities. EU students receive lower tuition costs than non-EU students.

The Italian government also offers regional and national scholarships between 5,000 to 12,000 Euros to help students with the cost of their education.

Top universities

• Politecnico di Milano
• Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa
• Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna Pisa
• Universitænbsp; di Bologna 
• Sapienza – Universitænbsp; di Roma 

All in all, the average cost of living in Italy is around €900 to €1,300 per month (to cover rent, food, transportation, entertainment etc.).

Additionally, the student residence halls cost around 200 per month, and renting/sharing flats costs around 400 a month. However, there are other options as well, like staying with a host family or living in a youth hostel which is the cheapest option. Luckily, many universities in Italy have a department to help students find housing that suits them. 

The Netherlands

The Netherlands, also commonly known as Holland, is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students.

Situated in Europe, alongside prominent countries such as Germany and Belgium, Holland is famous for its impeccable education system. It is especially known for its management, business, engineering, and technology programs.

If that, and boat trips on canals, lazing on beaches, and cycling around the Dutch neighborhood sound exciting to you, studying in the Netherlands might be just your right choice.

Top universities

• Delft University of Technology
• University of Amsterdam
• Eindhoven University of Technology
• University of Groningen
• Leiden University

All in all, the tuition fees in the Netherlands for international students who want to study in the Netherlands can be-

• 6,000-15,000 euros for bachelors programs.
• 7,000-20,000 euros for masters programs.

Depending on the location and the type of accommodation, the cost of living in the Netherlands ranges between 800 and 1,000 euros per month. This includes stay, food, health insurance, and transport costs.

As a matter of fact, to fund your expenses, you can take up a part-time job and work for a maximum of 16 hours per week.

Germany

One of the best countries to study abroad and work in 2024, Germany offers free tuition to undergraduate students in all states but one. Among the list of the best countries to study in Europe, Germany is definitely one of the most popular destinations for international students. Germany also has eight of the top 150 global universities. 

Top universities to Study Abroad

• Technische Universität München
• Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
• Freie Universität Berlin

The average cost to live in Germany is around 2623 euros per month. Like in other countries, the cost of studying in Europe differs between cities. For example, you would need more money living in Munich than in a smaller city like Leipzig. As a matter of fact, most students in Germany live in residence halls and share a flat with roommates.

In regards to tuition, state higher education institutions don’t charge students a tuition fee for a Bachelors’s or Master’s degree. However, there are some Master’s and online course programs that do cost money, sometimes around 10,000 euros per semester.

The USA

As a matter of fact, several students have considered the US as one of the best countries to study abroad for decades. With over 4000 universities scattered across the country, the US has attracted students from a vast variety of cultures and nationalities.

The country is not only home to Ivy League schools but also some of the top universities around the globe. All in all, 12 American universities rank among the Top 20 universities around the globe based on QS rankings for 2019. These institutions offer a wide range of degrees and courses that are recognized and accepted worldwide.

Top universities

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• The University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
• Columbia University

Along with that, universities in the U.S. provide courses for almost every possible line of education that you can think of. This lets you choose your field of interest and also widens your horizon of thinking related to it. Plus, the US is filled with the best MNCs and is home to most mega-companies around the globe, making it nearly impossible to come back home without any job opportunity.

Ireland

Also known as the Silicon Valley of Europe, Ireland is quickly rising to become one of the top study abroad destinations in the world.

It is also an innovative and progressive country with a world-class education system, a friendly community, and tons of opportunities for international students. All in all, Ireland universities specialize in courses related to natural sciences, technology, economics, and humanities.

The country has seven universities, seven colleges of education, and 14 Institutes of technology for you to choose from. As a matter of fact, five institutes rank amongst the top 500 universities in the world. No wonder it is among the best countries to study abroad. 

Top universities

• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Dublin
• National University of Ireland Galway
• University of Cork
• Dublin City University

These institutes not only provide great education but also charge less for their programs. Consequently, the tuition fee in Ireland is much lower as compared to that in the US, Australia, or Switzerland.

• The fee ranges between 18,000 and 30,000 euros per year.

While subjects like Arts, Humanities, and Business cost less, courses in Engineering, Science, and Technology charge more. However, a course related to Medicine can cost as high as 50,000 euros.

Apart from that, you will also have to pay for your accommodation, food, travel, and other living expenses. All in all, this comes down to about 800 to 1,100 euros per month.

The United Kingdom

As a matter of fact, the United Kingdom is one of the top countries to study abroad for a number of reasons. UK universities consistently rank among the top universities in the world, offering a vast variety of specializations and connecting you with a successful alumni network.

Not only that, but the universities here also mentor their students by providing all-around support and offering financial aid.

Top universities

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• UCL (University College London)
• University of Edinburgh

The cost of studying in the UK will depend on which course and level of study you wish to pursue.

• Undergraduate tuition fees range from £9,250 – £67,892.
• Graduate tuition fees range from £6,500 – £51,360.

However, the cost of living in the UK can range between £1,000 – £1,500 per year. 

And the good bit is that the UK changed its visa policies recently, allowing students to stay back and work for 2 years after graduation. This led to an increase in the number of international students flying to study in this amazing country.

New Zealand

New Zealand might seem like a small island in the Pacific Ocean, but it’s so much more than that. Ranking high on the Global Peace Index, New Zealand offers a relaxed lifestyle and a perfect balance between modern life and beautiful nature.

Not only that, but it also has a thriving economy. As a matter of fact, the country is known for its unique, hands-on learning approach and the opportunities it offers to international students. This is why all the eight universities in New Zealand rank amongst the top 500 institutes of the world.

Top universities

• University of Auckland
• University of Otago
• Victoria University of Wellington
• University of Canterbury
• University of Waikato

Well, the official government website for studying in New Zealand has a list of all 8 universities and their course-wise fees on a single page. One glance at it, and you can tell how much your program will cost you. But to sum it up here-

• Bachelor’s degrees cost between NZD $22,000 to $35,000 per year.
• Master’s degrees cost NZD $6,417 to $29,151 per year, with higher fees for subjects like medicine and veterinary science.

Additionally, the cost of living in New Zealand will depend on your lifestyle and which part of the country you live in. But if you’re planning to study in New Zealand for less than a year, it is recommended that you have at least $1,250 for each month of your stay.

Australia

One of the best countries to study abroad and work in 2024, Australia has a lot more to offer than just kangaroos, koalas, wide-open spaces, and beautiful beaches. Its friendly, laid-back nature and high standard of living are reasons why studying in Australia is so exciting.

Another important factor that motivates international students to study there is Australia’s education system.  As a matter of fact, out of the top 100 universities in the world, eight of them are Australian universities. The country’s education system also focuses more on research-based work, which makes students think out of the box. 

Top universities

• Australian National University (ANU)
• University of Sydney
• The University of Melbourne
• University of New South Wales (UNSW)
• The University of Queensland (UQ)

The annual tuition fee in Australia ranges between-

• 20,000 and 45,000 AUD for graduation/bachelor’s degree.
• 22,000 and 50,000 AUD for postgraduation/master’s degree.

And the cost of living here can be anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000 AUD. 

At the same time, it’s important to remember that Australia changed its post-study visa policy in 2013.

Since then, it has had an influx of international students from all around the globe, especially in South Asia. For students that want to study abroad, this could be a driving factor when deciding whether studying in Australia is the best option for them.

Canada

Canada tops the list of best countries to study abroad and work. Known for its scenic beauty and high standard of living, Canada is also the most educated country in the world. It is quickly becoming the top destination for international students because of its quality education and low tuition fees.

You will find that the universities in Canada do amazing research and provide a great study experience. Canada is also one of the most diverse places to live in, and it welcomes students from all over the world. What’s more, it’s one of the very few countries that provide international students with job opportunities after they graduate!

Top universities

• University of Toronto
• McGill University
• University of British Columbia
• Université de Montréal
• University of Alberta

Studying in Canada is cheaper than pursuing your education in the US, the UK, or Australia. The cost of studying in Canada will depend on the program you choose.

While the cost of studying subjects like Arts and Humanities can be around CAD $13,500, universities charge international students CAD $17,300 on an average. Programs in the fields of Medicine and Business can cost about CAD $50,000. However, if you’re studying programs like Engineering or Architecture, the fee will be quite less than that.

Moreover, a major chunk of your finances will be used for accommodation. While one-bedroom apartments cost an average of CAD $700, 3-bedroom apartments will charge you $1,500. Apart from that, food, transportation, and other amenities will cost you close to CAD $350 per month.

On the brighter side, you can work part-time for 20 hours a week on-campus or off-campus. And you don’t need a work visa to be able to do that! A student permit is enough.

Some bonus countries!

Countries	Top Universities
Austria	University of Vienna University of Graz Vienna University of Technology
Switzerland	ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology University of Zurich University of Geneva
Spain	University of Barcelona University of Navarra Complutense University of Madrid
Denmark	University of Copenhagen Aarhus University Technical University of Denmark
Sweden	Karolinska Institute Uppsala University Stockholm University
Poland	University of Warsaw Wroclaw Medical University Jagiellonian University
Japan	University of Tokyo Kyoto University  Tohoku University
Portugal	University of Porto University of Lisbon University of Coimbra
Finland	University of Helsinki Aalto University Tampere University
Belgium	KU Leuven  Ghent University  University of Liege

Which country has the best education system?

Now that you have a general idea of which country offers what, you must be asking yourself, ‘Which country is the best for study and work?’ and ‘How to choose the right country for me?‘

• Well, the first thing you need to do is choose a course. Do you want to pursue MS or MBA? Are you interested in studying Culinary Arts, or would you prefer to take up a STEM course?
• Once you’ve chosen, see which countries have universities that offer the course of your interest. At the same time, check if you are eligible to apply to these institutions. For example, students who have pursued a 3-year bachelor’s course are not eligible to apply to universities in the US.
• After this, you can look at factors like quality of life, post-study visa policies, cost of living, and other important factors, which will help you decide which among this list of best countries to study abroad and work is the perfect fit for you.

Key takeaways

• France, Italy, and the USA stand out for their diverse educational programs, ranging from arts and humanities to technology and business.
• For those seeking post-study employment, Germany, Ireland, Australia, and Canada offer promising opportunities and student-friendly visa policies.
• When it comes to quality and innovation, Singapore, The Netherlands, and the UK are top contenders, renowned for their academic excellence and research contributions.
• Experience rich cultural immersion in countries like Italy, New Zealand, and France, where academics blend seamlessly with historical and natural explorations.
• Beyond the main list, there are emerging destinations that are quickly becoming hotspots for international education, hinting at the bonus countries mentioned.

In case you get stuck or have any doubts, or if you want to know more about any of these countries, feel free to reach out to us or drop a comment below. We’d be very happy to help!

Happy shortlisting!

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FAQs

Question 1: Which are some of the cheapest countries to study abroad?

Answer: Here are some of the most affordable places to study-

• Germany
• Norway
• France
• Mexico
• Poland 

Question 2: Which country is the best for studying?

Answer: Some of the countries with the best education system as per the US News Education Rankings include- 

• United States 
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Canada 
• France 

Question 3: Which country pays the highest salary?

Answer: Here are some countries with the best salary packages for professionals-

• Iceland- The average salary for professionals in Iceland is around $68,000 per year. 
• Luxembourg- The average annual salary of people here is $68,681. This country’s economy largely depends on specific sectors such as finance, banking, telecommunications, tourism, steel, etc. 
• Australia- This country is the fifth-largest economy in the world. A professional in Australia earns around $54,400 per year, having a 35-hour workweek. 
• Switzerland- The average annual salary for professionals in Switzerland is $66,567. Some of the most flourishing sectors here include banking, finance, electronics, pharmaceuticals, tourism, watches, etc.