Deciding on where to study abroad can be an extremely tough decision. With so many high-quality universities around the world, it’s no wonder many students have a hard time whittling down their options. We’ve already delved into the benefits of studying abroad and the costs involved. Now it’s time to give you the low-down on the best places to study abroad.

Before we begin, let’s take a minute to go over some important factors you should take into account before making the big decision on where you’ll study.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Where to Study Abroad

As with any big decision, it’s important to take your time and consider all your options. Before settling on a specific place, be sure to consider the following points as they can greatly influence your final decision.

Visa Eligibility

Since the UK left the European Union (EU) in 2021, students now need a visa to study in EU countries as well as the rest of the world. Be sure to give yourself ample time for this as it can be a long process which is subject to delays.

Contact the embassy of the country you have in mind for all the relevant information about student visas.

Course Availability

It may seem obvious, but a super important part of your decision-making process should centre around your degree course. Our advice is to prioritise your course over the city, i.e. if your course is available in a better university that isn’t in your preferred destination, it may be time to reconsider the destination and keep the bigger picture in mind.

The Native Language

If you’re not doing a language degree that requires you to study in a country where your chosen language is spoken, it’s important to consider the native language of your chosen destination. For instance, while it’s true that many Spaniards in larger Spanish cities can speak some English, you shouldn’t count on being able to communicate in English all the time. If you’re willing to throw yourself in at the deep end and take some language classes, it can be an extremely valuable experience.

The Costs Involved

Certain cities are more expensive than others and this should be taken into consideration when making your decision on where to study abroad. For example, £20 will go a lot further in Italy than it will in Norway.

Check out our dedicated guide on the Costs of Studying Abroad for everything you need to know.

Weather

A more minor factor to consider is the climate you’re willing to spend a year studying in. If you’re more of a sun, sea and sand kind of person, it’s probably best to avoid cities like Berlin or Chicago. After all, you’ll be studying there during winter, not summer.

Top 5 Countries for UK International Students

Having taken the previous factors into account, it’s now time to start thinking more seriously about where you want to study abroad. We’ll talk you through the top 5 global leaders for UK international students and what makes these destinations so appealing.

5. Canada

Canada is number 5 on the list of countries for UK international students. 1,632 UK students chose Canada as their study abroad destination and it’s no surprise why. With stunning natural beauty and the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia all in the top 100 QS World University Rankings 2022, Canada has lots to offer. You can also choose to work abroad in Canada.

Along with a high standard of living comes extra costs for general living expenses so you’ll need to factor this into your decision. That being said, a number of scholarships and bursaries – like the International Tuition Award – are available to international students.

English is just one of the two official languages spoken in Canada, so it would be a plus to have some French also. If you’re in Quebec, however, French is a must.

4. Ireland

Coming in 4th on the list, Ireland has some excellent study options for UK students planning to study abroad. With world-class universities like Trinity College, University College Dublin and the National University of Ireland, students have a host of options to choose from.

Ireland has more recently emerged as a preferred destination for international students looking for a world-class education in an English-speaking country. The most common student cities are Dublin, Cork, and Galway.

As well as that, its proximity to the UK makes Ireland a great choice for students who don’t wish to travel too far from home.

3. France

Another of our closest neighbours, France has lots to offer UK students during their year studying abroad. The most popular destination is the capital city, Paris, which is home to first-class universities like Université PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Sorbonne University, and Universit Paris-Saclay. These are the top-ranked institutions in the country, according to the QS World University Rankings 2022.

Of course, the quality of life in capital cities like Paris is high. Paris is a vibrant city with a thriving arts and fashion scene. From its royal palaces to its beautiful architecture and trendy cafes, it’s no wonder France is 3rd on the list.

Keep in mind that there are high living costs in the capital city. Nevertheless, these can be offset by the lower tuition fees.

2. Australia

A popular destination not just for studying abroad but also for gap year backpackers, Australia takes 2nd place on the list of best places to study abroad. You can also go to Australia to work aboard, if that is your goal.

The enormous country has a population of nearly 27 million, with more than 85 per cent of its inhabitants living within 50 kilometres of the sea. Australians have an excellent quality of life and put huge importance on having a healthy work/life balance.

With seven universities in the top 100 QS World University Rankings 2022, the most popular destinations for UK students include the cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Australia does rank 12th for the highest cost of living in the world (higher than the UK which is 31st) so factor this in when making your decision.

1. USA

Topping the list of the best places to study abroad for UK students is the USA. The number of students choosing the USA (10,279) is almost five times the number who chose Australia (2,235).

The USA is home to five of the top 10 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2022. These are MIT, Stanford, Harvard, CalTech and the University of Chicago.

Of course, studying at these top-class institutions comes at a cost. Nonetheless, with varying prices and by doing some research, there are ways around the high price tags. For example, the US-UK Fulbright Commission can provide you with funding, offering around 20 scholarships a year.

Conclusion

When deciding where to study abroad, the list of options can be overwhelming. It’s important to do your research, weigh up all your options, and consider the big picture. Whether you’re interested in staying within Europe or would prefer to take your studies to a different continent, there’s an international university out there for you.

Interested in finding out more? Developing a Student is packed with information for students and graduates who are interested in studying abroad. We’ve put together dedicated guides on the benefits of studying abroad and the costs involved so you have all the information you need to make the big decision.

Feel free to contact our support team if you have any questions. And finally, sign up for Developing a Student’s newsletter in the form below so you don’t miss a thing.