What are the Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2026?

Anjana Manikandan
By Anjana Manikandan
Study Abroad Content Expert

Studying abroad is more than just earning a degree, it’s about exploring new cultures, learning differently, and opening global career doors. Every year, more Indian students take this step to build a brighter future. But with so many options out there, choosing the right country can be tricky. In this blog, we’ll walk you through which are the best countries to study abroad, the top study destinations for Indian students, and how much it costs to study abroad from India. Let’s explore your options and find the country that fits your dreams best.

Which are the Best Countries to Study Abroad?

The best countries to study abroad are:

1. United Kingdom

2. Canada

3. Australia

4. Germany

5. Sweden

6. New Zealand

7. Ireland

Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students

Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students

1. United Kingdom

The UK is famous for its top universities and vibrant culture. Many postgraduate courses are shorter, and its post-study work visa lets students gain valuable work experience after graduation.

Top Universities in UK:

  • University of Oxford
  • University of Cambridge
  • Imperial College London
  • London School of Economics
  • University of Edinburgh

Best Courses to Study in UK:

  • Business & Management
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Data Science & AI
  • Law

Scholarships:

  • Chevening Scholarships
  • Commonwealth Scholarships
  • GREAT Scholarships
  • Rhodes / Clarendon / Gates Cambridge Scholarships (Oxford & Cambridge)
  • University-specific awards

Part-Time Jobs:

  • Up to 20 hours/week during semesters, full-time during vacations
  • Roles include: Internships, retail, hospitality, campus assistant, research roles

Language Requirements:

  • IELTS or TOEFL

2. Canada

Canada is popular among Indian students for its top public universities, quality education, reasonable tuition fees, welcoming culture, and great post-study work opportunities, making it one of the best countries to study in Canada and build a successful global career.

Top Universities in Canada:

  • University of Toronto
  • McGill University
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Alberta
  • McMaster University

Best Courses to Study in Canada:

  • Engineering & Technology
  • Business & Management
  • Computer Science & IT
  • Healthcare & Medicine
  • Environmental Science

Scholarships:

  • Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
  • Ontario Graduate Scholarship
  • University merit-based scholarships

Part-Time Jobs:

  • Up to 20 hours/week during semesters, full-time during breaks
  • Internships, campus jobs, retail, hospitality, research positions

Language Requirements:

  • IELTS or TOEFL
  • French for Quebec programs

3. Australia

Australia is a top choice for students looking to study in Australia because it has highly ranked universities, welcoming multicultural campuses, and excellent post-study work opportunities.

Top Universities in Australia:

  • Australian National University
  • University of Melbourne
  • University of Sydney
  • UNSW Sydney
  • University of Queensland

Best Courses to Study in Australia:

  • Engineering
  • IT & Computer Science
  • Healthcare/Nursing
  • Business & Management
  • Environmental Science

Scholarships:

  • Australia Awards Scholarships (full funding)
  • Destination Australia Program (regional focus)
  • Research Training Program (Masters, PhD)
  • University-specific merit/needs-based awards

Part-Time Jobs:

  • 24 hours/week during term, unlimited during breaks
  • Hospitality, internships, campus roles, research assistant

Language Requirements:

  • IELTS or TOEFL

4. Germany

Germany is famous for low or free tuition at public universities, making it an ideal destination to study in Germany. It’s a top choice for students who want to study engineering, technology, or science.

Top Universities in Germany:

  • Technical University of Munich (TUM)
  • RWTH Aachen University
  • University of Heidelberg
  • LMU Munich
  • Technical University of Berlin

Best Courses to Study in Germany:

  • Mechanical & Automotive Engineering
  • Computer Science & IT
  • Natural Sciences
  • Business & Economics

Scholarships:

  • DAAD Scholarships
  • Deutschlandstipendium
  • RWTH Aachen/HAW Hamburg awards
  • University-specific scholarships

Part-Time Jobs:

  • Up to 20 hours/week during term
  • Campus assistant, research, local jobs

Language Requirements:

  • English-taught programs: IELTS/TOEFL
  • German for many jobs/daily life (TestDaF/DSH for German-taught degrees)

5. Sweden

Sweden is known for its innovation, progressive education, and high English proficiency. It offers top universities and generous scholarships, making it one of the best countries to study abroad for international students.

Top Universities in Sweden:

  • Lund University
  • KTH Royal Institute of Technology
  • Uppsala University
  • Karolinska Institutet
  • Stockholm School of Economics

Best Courses to Study in Sweden:

  • Engineering & Technology
  • Life Sciences & Medicine
  • Business & Management
  • Design, Environmental Studies

Scholarships:

  • Lund University Global Scholarship
  • Karolinska Institutet Global Master’s Scholarships
  • Uppsala University Scholarships
  • Stockholm School of Economics Scholarships

Part-Time Jobs:

  • Limited to around 20 hours/week
  • Internships, campus jobs, English tutoring

Language Requirements:

  • IELTS/TOEFL for English programs
  • Swedish for certain roles is an advantage

6. New Zealand

Students love New Zealand for its friendly policies, top universities, and safe, welcoming environment.

Top Universities in New Zealand:

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

Best Courses to Study in New Zealand:

  • Environmental Science
  • Agriculture/Veterinary Science
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Life Sciences

Scholarships:

  • New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
  • NZ International Doctoral Research Scholarships
  • Commonwealth Scholarships
  • University-funded scholarships

Part-Time Jobs:

  • Up to 20 hours/week
  • Campus work, cafes, internships

Language Requirements:

  • IELTS or TOEFL

7. Ireland

Ireland draws students from around the world with its growing tech industry, welcoming environment, and high-quality education.

Top Universities in Ireland:

  • Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
  • University College Dublin (UCD)
  • National University of Ireland Galway
  • University College Cork
  • Dublin City University

Best Courses to Study in Ireland:

  • Computer Science & IT
  • Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
  • Business
  • Engineering

Scholarships:

  • Government of Ireland Scholarships
  • Irish Aid Fellowships
  • Merit/Need-based university awards
  • EU Erasmus+ funding

Part-Time Jobs:

  • 20 hours/week during term, 40 hours/week during vacations
  • Hospitality, research, campus jobs

Language Requirements:

  • IELTS or TOEFL

How much does it Cost to Study Abroad from India?

Country Tuition Fees (₹ L/year) Living Expenses (₹ L/year) Total Cost (₹ L/year)
United Kingdom 15–35 10–15 25–50
Canada 12–30 8–12 20–38
Australia 18–35 9–14 28–50
Germany 0.5–3 (public) / 5–10 (private) 7–10 8–26 (public)
Sweden 9–20 7–10 16–30
New Zealand 16–25 7–12 24–38
Ireland 12–25 8–12 20–38

Studying abroad is exciting, but it’s important to plan for the costs. Whether you’re aiming for one of the best countries to study abroad or exploring new destinations, you’ll need to consider tuition, housing, travel, and daily expenses. Understanding these costs early helps you manage your budget and find scholarships to study abroad that make your study abroad dream easier to afford.

Conclusion

Studying abroad in 2026 gives Indian students a chance to grow academically and personally. Countries like Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Ireland, and Sweden offer great education, career opportunities, and vibrant student life.

By considering tuition, living costs, and visa policies, you can pick the country that fits your goals. Start planning today and take the first step toward your global adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country is best for Indian students to study?
Canada, Australia, and Germany are top picks for Indian students due to great education quality, work options, and scholarships. The best choice depends on your course, budget, and long-term career goals.
Where do most Indian students study abroad?
Many Indian students choose the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK because of high-quality education and strong career opportunities after graduation.
Which is the cheapest country to study abroad?
Germany is one of the most affordable countries, offering low or no tuition fees. Scholarships and part-time job options make it budget-friendly for international students.
How to get a scholarship to study abroad from India?
Start early, shortlist the right programs, meet eligibility requirements, maintain good academic records, and apply before deadlines. Many Indian and international scholarships can support your study plans.
Which country is safest for Indian students?
Countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany are considered very safe for Indian students due to low crime rates and student-friendly environments.


Anjana Manikandan
Anjana Manikandan

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