Editor’s note: This article is part of our Meaningful Travel Forecast series and official travel report for 2019. ☆ Going to university is an exciting milestone: You’ll meet new friends, attend new classes, and explore a whole new environment. If you’re an adventurer at heart, there is one foolproof way to make the experience even more exciting... pursuing a degree abroad! Choosing to complete your degree abroad—whether for undergraduate or graduate studies—is a surefire way to get the most out of your post-secondary experience.
Read the GoAbroad Official Report on the 10 Best Countries for International Students in 2019
Thinking about where to get a degree abroad can be dizzying: You literally have an entire planet of options. But, on the bright side, there’s never been a better time than to go abroad for a degree in 2019. chance to meet like-minded and studious travelers wherever you decide to go. Your search has to start somewhere, and GoAbroad’s 2019 Meaningful Travel Forecast—brought to you by our community of travelers, international educators, and program administrators—is here to help narrow things down. Here are the best countries for international students in 2019!
The top countries for international students in 2019
1. Germany
“Repeat after me: Free tuition,” says GoAbroad COO Kayla Patterson. Yes, you heard that right! Not only does Germany look like the scenic backdrop of a fairytale, but it is also one of many countries with free college for international students! This is one of the reasons why Germany tops our list for best countries for international students in 2019. Germany is also home to enchanting medieval scenery, high standards of living, and a complex history that is worth delving into. They also have some pretty wicked beer as well (which is always a plus as a student). This goes to show that Germany is so much more than just being one a tuition free countries for international students!
- Traveler’s program pick: Esslingen Graduate School
2. England
England is just as full of quirkiness and fun as it is full of grandeur and tradition. From Buckingham Palace to cheese-rolling competitions, the country has a lot of personality—it’s not just tea, drizzling weather, and bangers and mash here! England is one of the top countries for international students due to its academic traditions and excellence (it is home to Cambridge and Oxford, after all). You can study in any of the major cities, surrounded by renown and historic buildings, or in a quiet town, surrounded by the rolling green hills of the English countryside. Either way, it is one of the best countries to study and settle for international students!
- Traveler’s program pick: Across the Pond
“Students will continue to travel to Western Europe or Asia for degrees abroad in 2019, since that's where the "best"—AKA world class—schools are.”—Cathryn Fortuna, GoAbroad Editor
3. Spain
Spain is wine, tapas, and a warm summer’s breeze. It is gorgeous architecture, balmy beaches, and mouthwatering cuisine. You can study in famous cities like Madrid or Barcelona, or take up your studies in one of the smaller scenic towns in the countryside or by the beach. Spain is one of the best countries for students who want to experience a passion for the good life. Take a study break during siesta, explore some ancient cathedrals, eat some paella, and then party all night long. Maybe watch some fútbol while you’re there as well (as if you’d have the choice!).
- Traveler’s program pick: BA in Interior Architecture, Fashion Design & Graphic Design
4. Switzerland
Switzerland is famous for its mountains, chocolate, and fondue. That alone might be enough to convince you to study abroad in Switzerland! The country has a high standard of living, and schools in Switzerland are ranked among the top in the world. There are four official languages (Swiss-German, French, Italian, and Romansh) in Switzerland, which makes it the perfect place to pursue a foreign language degree! Switzerland is a nature lover’s playground: in between your studies, you can hike, bike, climb, snowboard, or ski its mountains and valleys. Switzerland is also known as a diplomatic and stable country, which makes it one of the best countries to study and settle down for international students!
- Traveler’s program pick: Business and Hotel Management School of Switzerland
5. China
How do you sum up China in a paragraph? It is nearly impossible, but we’ll try! It is a vast country, filled with unique cultures, regional cuisines, and timeless traditions. Regional cultures are so varied that sometimes it feels like multiple countries rolled into one! It's cities are dazzlingly modern, but the country is linked by seams of history and antiquity. Whether you choose to trace it’s 5000 year old historical past, or go along for the ride of it’s rapidly spreading modernity, there is something new to be discovered in every corner of China. In such a tremendously massive country, you are sure to find something that fits your study abroad adventure, which is why China is one of the best countries for international students.
- Traveler’s program pick: Georgia Tech Shenzhen
6. South Korea
South Korea is captivating; it’s cities are bustling powerhouses, but outside of the urban sprawls, you can find idyllic rural towns surrounded by peaceful rice fields and rugged mountains. Although Korean pop culture has been making its spread around the globe, the best part of studying abroad in Korea is exploring the country’s prided traditional roots. South Korea is the best country for students who love food and festivals: there are celebrations of Korean culture, holidays, and food (kimchi, anyone?) year-round.
- Traveler’s program pick: Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
7. France
You probably think you’ve heard it all about France: the sparkling Eiffel Tower, buttery croissants, and artsy cafes and museums. But there is more to France than just the traveller’s cliches! With the country on almost every traveller’s bucket list, and with so many return visitors, you know that France must have more than what meets the eye. Many international students choose to study abroad in France for its world-class arts, culture, and culinary scene. While France does not quite make the list for tuition free countries for international students, tuition is very low! From famous Paris to little French villages, one of the best parts of studying abroad in France is you can explore off the tourist track and experience French charm first hand.
- Traveler’s program pick: ESMOD-ISEM Undergraduate program in Fashion Business
Regardless of the discipline, the focus is learning beyond the classroom. Studying abroad lends itself well to this phenomenon because of its focus on stepping outside the traditional classroom to learn about new cultures and perspectives.—Dr. Edna Wilson, SAI
8. Italy
It’s hard to choose which part of Italy is most impressive: its rich history, captivating culture, or enticing cuisine. You will get to explore all three with a simple walk through the streets, gelato in hand. The country is simply dreamy. As one of the top countries for international students, your options are endless when it comes to what you’d like to study. From business, to history, to fashion and design, Italy does it all, and they do it well!
- Traveler’s program pick: One Year Professional Certificate - Film Production at New Renaissance Film School
9. Netherlands
The Netherlands has a certain atmosphere of romance and calm: iconic windmills, illuminated canals, and bikeable cities are some of the trademarks of this European country. International students come to the Netherlands to get a top notch education in a country known for its diversity and progressive ideals. In fact, Noah Peden, international educator predicts: “Countries in northern Europe as a whole will be growing in popularity”—so it’s best to get in before the word gets out! As a student in the Netherlands, you’ll get to experience the country’s colourful scenery, lively nightlife and bruine café (aka pub) scene, and all-encompassing bike culture first hand.
- Traveler’s program pick: Rotterdam Business School
10. Australia
How cuddly is a koala? You can find out if you study abroad in Australia! Australia is home to some of the world’s most unique flora and fauna (you’ll definitely have some moments where you ask “why, Mother Nature?” if you study abroad here!). Part of the study abroad experience in Straya is outdoor adventuring—there are boundless beaches, coastal walks, coral reefs, and even deserts to explore. Mix this with some of the world’s top universities, and laid-back and friendly culture and locals, and you’ve got yourself a sweet as study abroad experience!
- Traveler’s program pick: Curtin University
Next steps to book programs in the best countries for students
Here are handful of resources to get you started on your very own journey to becoming an international student. 2019 could be YOUR year to go abroad for a degree—and we can help make it happen! Get free program recommendations that match your travel goals, or use MyGoAbroad to bookmark and compare program options with confidence.
Still hungry for more? Bookmark these bad boys:
Degree Abroad Inspiration
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Program Selection Advice
- Want to Study Abroad for Masters Programs? 9 Questions to Ask First
- 8 Criteria to Consider as You Shop for Universities Abroad
- 11 Things to Look for When Comparing Study Abroad Programs
Paying for Your International Degree
- Paying for Your Degree Abroad: Student Loans, Savings, & More
- 3 Countries with Free Tuition for International Students
- Hundreds of Scholarships for Study Abroad
[Get Matched with 5 Degree Programs Abroad for FREE]
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Which country will YOU choose to get a degree abroad?
Choosing to study abroad is one of the best decisions you can make during your university career. For many students, it is the most memorable experience of their school years. As an international student, you will earn credits towards your degree, all while exploring awesome new places and becoming a more independent and experienced traveller.
One of the toughest decisions for international students is narrowing your locations down. This list highlights some of the most livable and explorable countries for international students. Make 2019 your year, and take the leap to study abroad!
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