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Which Country is Best to Study Abroad In?

A female student holding a laptop with five different country's flags around her.

Choosing a country to study abroad in can be challenging. With so many qualified colleges and universities across the globe, your choices can seem endless! In the end, the question of which country is best to study abroad in will depend on different factors.ÌýÌý

Using ApplyBoard is the easiest way to start your study abroad journey. Our platform offers above-average acceptance rates, as well as access to 125,000+ programs worldwide. We’ve compiled a summary of what each of our five destination countries offers international students. This way, you can make the best decision for your needs.Ìý

So, which country is best to study abroad in?

From Australia to the United States, read on to discover the benefits our destination countries can offer you!

Want a more interactive way to learn which country suits you best? We’ve come up with a quiz to help you with your decision!

Is Australia the best country to study abroad in? An illustration of Australian ships on a beach with an Australian flag on the bottom right corner.

Australia

Get ready to dive in and explore the Land Down Under! Beyond its top institutions and quality education, Australia also offers international students incredible wilderness. The country has vibrant cities, biodiversity, and warm weather year-round.Ìý

Here’s a breakdown of what living as an international student in Australia looks like:

Location

Australia’s six largest cities are Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. All six are consistently ranked as top student cities. The scores are based on their affordability, quality of education, and working opportunities. These subtropical cities have warm weather, with hot summers and mild winters.

Cost

Living on or off campus, or choosing a rural or urban area, all impact your cost of living in Australia. Other expenses, such as food and personal hygiene items, remain the same throughout the country. The average rent range is:

On-Campus Housing: ´¡$440–A$2,000/³¾´Ç²Ô³Ù³ó

Off-Campus Housing: ´¡$380–A$2,000/³¾´Ç²Ô³Ù³ó

Please refer to our blog for an in-depth cost-of-living breakdown in Australia.

Academic Institutions

Australia is home to world-renowned education systems, and scores in the top 10 on the . Australia is also home to:

Professional Opportunities

Post-graduation options in Australia include:

  • The via the Post-Study Work Stream or Graduate Work Stream
  • The Ìýconnects graduates with international alumni to support professional growth

Is Canada the best country to study abroad in? An illustration of the CN Tower with the Canadian flag on the bottom right corner.

Canada

Want to know your options in the Great White North? Canada is known for its high-quality education, quality of life, and post-graduation work opportunities. Its winters might be cold, but Canada is one of the hottest study abroad destinations for a reason!Ìý

Here’s a breakdown of what living as an international student in Canada looks like:

Location

Canada has ten provinces and three territories. The central provinces of Ontario and Quebec and the west coast provinces of British Columbia and Alberta are the most populated provinces. The climate varies by region, with a colder climate in the north, a milder climate in coastal regions, and a moderate climate throughout.

Cost

Residing on or off campus, the province or territory you live in, or choosing a rural or urban area all impact your cost of living. The average rental range is:

On-Campus Housing: ´Ê°ä$1,150–C$2,000/³¾´Ç²Ô³Ù³ó

Off-Campus Housing: ´Ê°ä$1,150–C$2,000/³¾´Ç²Ô³Ù³ó

Please refer to our blog for an in-depth cost-of-living breakdown in Canada.

Academic Institutions

Canada is recognized as the thanks to its world-renowned education systems and well-established post-graduation work opportunities. Canada is also home to:

Professional Opportunities

Post-graduation options in Canada include:

One of the many advantages of studying in Canada is eligibility for the country’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP). Learn more about it on our blog!Ìý

Is Ireland the best country to study abroad in? An illustration of Doonagore Castle in Ireland, and a circular icon of the Irish flag

Ireland

Experience the Emerald Isle, with its breathtaking landscapes, smaller communities, and top-ranked education. With great graduate employment rates, students will set themselves up for success by studying at some of the world’s most respected universities.Ìý

Here’s a breakdown of what living as an international student in Ireland looks like:

Location

Ireland is located on the western edge of Europe and is well known for its charming green hills and breathtaking ocean views. The climate of Ireland is mild and rainy. Temperatures are consistent, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream.

Cost

Residing on or off campus, or choosing a rural or urban area, all make a difference in cost in Ireland. Average rental costs are:

On-Campus Housing: €300–€900/month

Off-Campus Housing: ~€650–€2,500/month

Academic Institutions

According to the , all Irish universities rank within the top 3% worldwide, and some Irish research fields rank within the top 1% globally. Ireland is also home to:

Professional Opportunities

The benefits of graduating from a college or university in Ireland include:

  • Access to the

Is the United Kingdom the best country to study abroad in? An illustration of the UK's Big Ben clock tower with a flag of the UK on the right.

The United Kingdom

With a rich cultural history and a high-quality education system, the UK is a highly popular study abroad destination for many reasons! The UK is known for their flexible courses and pathways. International students also may be eligible for post-study work visas.Ìý

Here’s a breakdown of what living as an international student in the UK looks like:

Location

The UK is composed of a group of islands situated in northwest Europe and has four constituent states: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Much of the UK has a temperate climate. That means that most winters are cool and wet, while summers are warm and wet.

Cost

Residing on or off campus, or choosing a rural or urban area, will all affect your cost of living in the UK. Other expenses, such as food and personal hygiene items, remain the same throughout the country. The average range of rent is:

On-Campus Housing: £300–£800/month

Off-Campus Housing: £600–£2,200/month

Please refer to our blog for an in-depth cost-of-living breakdown in the UK.

Academic Institutions

The UK is ranked as the in the world and is also home to:

Professional Opportunities

Post-graduation options in the UK include:

Have your sights set on the UK, but want more information on where you should choose to study? Our blog has you covered.Ìý

Is the US the best country to study abroad in? An illustration of the Statue of Liberty with an American flag on the bottom right corner.

The United States

The US is considered #1 in many study abroad rankings for its world-leading innovations and top institutions. With well-respected degrees and an excellent education system, it’s a great choice for many international students. Plus, there’s a lot of exploring to do across all 50 states!Ìý

Here’s a breakdown of what living as an international student in the US looks like:

Location

The US’s most popular study abroad destinations include the states of New York, California, and Texas. The climate of this country is very diverse, ranging from tropical conditions in southern Florida and Hawaii to arctic conditions in Alaska.

Cost

Residing on or off campus, the state you live in, or choosing a rural or urban area will all make a difference in cost in the US. The average range of rental costs are:

On-Campus Housing: US$1,325–US$2,000/month

Off-Campus Housing: US$500–US$3,500/month

Please refer to our blog for an in-depth cost-of-living breakdown in the US.

Academic Institutions

The US is a central hub for the world’s innovations, with many opportunities for students to advance their careers. The US is also home to:

Professional Opportunities

Post-graduation options in the US include:

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We hope this article helped narrow down your choices. The real answer to which country is best to study abroad in is: there is no right or wrong answer! Everyone is unique and has their own goals and reasons for studying abroad. That’s why you should choose a country that’s the best fit for you.Ìý

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