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Okay, we understand. So much research, unstoppable ‘word-of-mouth’ from friends, and finally a confused ‘you’. The answer to your BIG question – “Which country should I choose to study abroad?” is here!
Read the blog to know the best countries to study abroad (Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany) and find the right one for your education choices.
Before you read: This blog will cover insights on education in the four countries, student life, top universities, PR pathways, and more to help you pick the one that suits you!
The best countries to study abroad in a glimpse
Sit back and read about each of the best countries to study abroad in a nutshell. Maybe a prologue!
Canada
The country that’s been in the ‘limelight’ (among international students) in recent times. And the reasons are quite impressive. Quality Education, a Satisfying lifestyle, Top-ranked universities, and Permanent Residency pathways are some of the many ‘Good’ reasons students choose Canada.
The United Kingdom
‘HISTORY + MODERN’ is the best way to describe education in the UK. Centuries-old universities, rich educational culture, the world’s best education, and a twist of modernization are what studying in the UK feels like.
Want to dig deeper? Read the overview of education in the UK!
Australia
In the list of best countries to study abroad, Australia is always in the top 5. The vibrant cities, excellent student culture, and friendly people will make you fall in love with Australia. Make the Auz-some move!
Germany
“Germany offers tuition-free education” and that’s on top of all. Except for a few universities, ‘almost all’ public universities in Germany offer free education. The vast landscapes, a life in Europe, and world-ranked universities – Germany it is.
Read more about Tuition-free education in Germany!
Top 5 universities in Canada
The Shangri-la of international students is definitely- Canada. The ‘not-just’ academics part of Canada has been attracting students every year in masses. The country has globally ranked Canada universities such as:
| Canada Ranking | Global Ranking | University |
| 1 | 25 | University of Toronto |
| 2 | 31 | McGill University |
| 3 | 45 | University of British Columbia |
| 4 | 118 | Université de Montréal |
| 5 | 119 | University of Alberta |
Top 5 universities in the UK
The world’s No.1 university is in the United Kingdom. In fact, the UK is home to some of the globally recognized UK universities such as
| UK Ranking | Global Ranking | University |
| 1 | 1 | University of Oxford |
| 2 | 5 | University of Cambridge |
| 3 | 12 | Imperial College London |
| 4 | 18 | University College London |
| 5 | 27 | London School of Economics and Political Science |
Top 5 universities in Australia
Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra- all these familiar cities have the top German universities such as:
| Australia Ranking | Global Ranking | University |
| 1 | 33 | University of Melbourne |
| 2 | 54 | Australian National University |
| 3 | 54 | The University of Queensland |
| 4 | 57 | Monash University |
| 5 | 58 | University of Sydney |
Top 5 universities in Germany
Germany is popular not just for ‘tuition-free education but also for some of the globally ranked universities like
| Germany Ranking | Global Ranking | University |
| 1 | 32 | LMU Munich |
| 2 | 38 | Technical University of Munich |
| 3 | 42 | Heidelberg University |
| 4 | 73 | Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin |
| 5 | 74 | Humboldt University of Berlin |
Language Proficiency Requirements for Canada, UK, Australia, and Germany
| Country | Language Test accepted |
| Canada | IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – Academics
|
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | |
| CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) | |
| Duolingo | |
| UK | IELTS – Academics |
| TOEFL | |
| CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced) | |
| CAE (Cambridge English: Proficiency) | |
| Australia | IELTS – Academics |
| TOEFL | |
| PTE (Pearson Test of English) | |
| CAE | |
| Germany | Test of German as a Foreign Language |
| DSH: German Language Examination for University Entrance | |
| (GDS) Goethe Institute German Language Diploma | |
| IELTS, TOEFL |
Part-time working hours for students abroad
International students working part-time is now the ‘normal’. From living expenses to academic expenses, working part-time is a big hope for international students. This is evident in almost all the best countries to study abroad
Canada Part-time work hours
You can work part-time for up to 20 per week and full-time for 40 hours per week during academic breaks.
UK Part-time work hours
Similar to Canada, you’re allowed to work part-time for 20 hours per week and full-time for 40 hours per week during vacation.
Australia Part-time work hours
International students (under the visa subclass 500) in Australia can work for 40 hours a fortnight and work unlimited hours during academic breaks.
Germany Part-time work hours
Part-time work- 20 hours per week
Full-time work – 40 hours per week.
To sum up Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany allow students to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week.
Post-study work permits
This is the best part of studying abroad. Life would be boring if you study and get back home. Thanks to the Post-study work visa; that allows international students to work after graduation. Moreover, the work experience earned will help you in getting a Permanent Residence.
| Country | Work permit | Duration |
| Canada | Post-graduate work permit (PGWP | Same as the duration (or more) of the study program |
| UK | Post-study Work Visa (PSW UK) | At least 2 years |
| Australia | Post-study Workstream (subclass 485) | 2 – 4 years |
| Germany | Post-study work permit (Job seeking visa) | 18 months |
Permanent Residency after Studying Abroad
Studying abroad obviously makes you fall in love with the country. You get used to the culture, lifestyle, and employment opportunities, and moreover, would you even miss a chance to settle down? No way!
The trends in the past decade have seen a rising number of international students becoming immigrants.
Let’s look at the Permanent Residence pathways in the 4 best countries to study abroad!
Canada PR
Did the word ‘Permanent Residency’ even come from Canada? Just a thought because Canada is so popular for its approach towards ‘immigration’. Canada is one of best countries to study abroad and has friendly PR pathways
The country really needs more immigrants and that includes ‘International students turning into Permanent Residents and skilled workers’.
International students with necessary work experience in Canada can get a PR under the Canada Experience Class (CEC) program. You must create an Express Entry profile to apply for a PR.
You can also apply for PR under the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Read in-depth on “How to get a Permanent Residency after studying in Canada”.
Australia PR
Once you graduate from an Australian university, you can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485. This visa allows you to stay and work in Canada for 18 – 24 months.
After this, you can get a PR under the Skilled Migration streams such as State nominated (subclass 190) and Regional nominated (subclass 491).
However, when compared to Canada, getting a Permanent Residency in Australia is a bit longer.
The United Kingdom
You must work in the UK after graduation for up to 5 years to get a PR. Make sure you meet the necessary salary requirements, take up the ‘Life in the UK Test’, and prove your English proficiency.
Though the minimum time to get a Permanent Residency in the UK is 5 years, it is worth it!
UK PR is also called Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Germany
As a graduate of a German university, you must stay and work in Germany for at least 2 years (up to 4 years) to be eligible to get a Permanent Residency in Germany.
A Permanent Residence Permit is also called a Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
What about study programs & scholarships abroad?
Your dream course could be in any of the four countries. Here’s a quick tip: Fix your course, then plan on the country, short-list a few universities, and start applying.
Scholarships are available in four countries (Canada, UK, Australia & Germany). Make sure to apply for them during your admissions. You could always come back to this blog to know the best countries to study abroad.
Words of wisdom – countries to study abroad
- If you’re focused on studying and getting a PR, then Canada could be ‘your one’.
- If you’re planning to study at the top universities, get a world-class education and return home, then you could choose the United Kingdom.
- If you love to experience a vibrant culture and experience good student life, Australia it is.
- If you’re planning to get a tuition-free and quality education, then go with Germany.
Take the First Step!
Hope this blog helped you decide on the best countries to study abroad. Confused where to begin? Contact CanApprove for the best guidance for studying abroad.
Providing TRUSTED overseas education services for 23+ years, CanApprove will be one-stop for your study abroad plans.
Emma says:
I am an international student currently studying in Australia and I can honestly say that it has been an incredible experience. The universities here offer world-class education, the lifestyle is amazing, and the multicultural environment is a great opportunity to learn and grow.
siva says:
Great Emma! Good luck to you for all your future endeavors.