The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities, with 19 internationally ranked institutions. However, for some potential students, the chance to experience different countries and their cultures can be too much of an exciting opportunity to pass up. You could start a new adventure by choosing to study abroad in a number of highly-rated universities across the world, and the options available are endless.
To help you narrow it down, here are some of the top places to study outside the UK;
USA
You could hop across the pond and choose to study in one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. The United States of America is home to mountains, deserts and modern cities, and students will have the choice of a number of the world’s top universities, although is considered an expensive option so ensure you do your full research. To study here, you’ll need an F-1 visa and must have already been accepted onto a course before you can apply.
Germany
There are more international students choosing to study abroad in Germany than any other country in Europe (besides the UK) and for good reason. It is known for allowing foreign students to study for free, on the basis you pass an entrance exam known as an Abitur, and a large number of programmes are taught in English.
Japan
Famous for its modern and technologically advanced cities, Japan has a unique combination of innovation and tradition and is home to some of the highest-rated STEM programmes and respected liberal arts colleges in the world. The language can be hard to master, but its people are accommodating of Western culture and its transport systems are easy to navigate.
Canada
Students choose to study abroad in Canada due to its friendly and welcoming cities, such as Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto, and many courses will cost less to study than their equivalents in the UK. It regularly scores highly on living standards indexes and there are a variety of bursaries available to apply for, but you’ll need a permit to stay for longer than six months.
Italy
If you love amazing food, beautiful architecture and cinematic landscapes, then Italy should be high on your shortlist. It is home to some of the oldest universities in the world and is famous for its high fashion and cities steeped in history. You can have the opportunity to explore famous landmarks like the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the canals of Venice.
Australia
If you enjoy the great outdoors, Australia could be for you. By choosing to study down under, you will join 700,000 fellow foreign students studying in beautiful cities such as Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne. It is known for its high temperatures, variety of extra-curricular and sporting activities, and world-famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef.
If studying aboard isn’t for you, but you still want to explore the world, why not consider taking a gap year before university? Visit our dedicated gap year page to find out all you need to know.