Twenty thousand potential students from more than 195 nations participated in this year’s international student survey. We’ve prepared education rankings of the top international study destinations for 2023 using the most popular justifications for studying abroad, as ranked by students who put choosing the ideal destination location above programmes or schools!
Our rankings of the top international study destinations are based on several data indicators for each of the following 7 criteria:
- High-quality teaching
- Achieving career goals
- Personal development
- Culture and lifestyle
- Opportunities to network or make new friends
- Language learning
- Adventure
United Kingdom
This year, the United Kingdom surpassed Australia to claim the title of Best Place to Study Abroad in the World in 2023. Despite having some of the most esteemed colleges in the world, there is so much more to do and see in this region than just receive a top-notch education. Everywhere you look, you see an interesting blending of centuries of history and 21st-century modernism. Imagine enjoying a cup of tea in the midst of London after touring the Stonehenge ruins, or perhaps grabbing a few beers at the bar after spending the afternoon at renowned museums.
There is more than enough to keep you interested outside of your studies amid the rolling landscapes of England and Wales, the untamed highlands of Scotland, and the geological wonders of Northern Ireland. Plan your vacation now to discover the reasons why United Kingdom is the first on our list of countries to study abroad.
High quality teaching – ranked #1 in the world
Achieving Carter goals- ranked #4 in the world
Culture and lifestyle- ranked #6 in the world
Australia
Our ranking of the top nations for overseas students includes Australia, or Straya as the Aussies refer to it. There is a lot to discover in this country because to its nine unique regions, 20 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and broad array of civilizations. Visit the Daintree, home to the oldest rainforest in the world, and take in Broome’s red sand beaches and turquoise waters, as well as the Great Ocean Road’s limestone cliffs.
Want to become a surfer? After class, head to Margaret River or Manly Beach for some of the greatest waves in the world. Jump into city life in Melbourne, the centre of Australia’s music scene, and Brisbane. Grab your sunglasses and explore the country of Australia for yourself.
Ranked #1 in Oceania
High quality teaching ranked #2
Culture and lifestyle ranked #5
The United States
You’ll never get tired of visiting the United States’ many landscapes, subcultures, and history, which stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific. In the course of a single road trip, explore forested mountains, undulating plains, glittering coasts, and stunning canyons. There are countless ways to pass the time whether you’re in Honolulu, Miami, or Las Vegas. If you enjoy food, you’ll adore this place.
Look for the best tacos in California, indulge in Southern fried chicken, and form an opinion on the Chicago-New York pizza rivalry. Even universities are a melting pot of cultures, with both domestic and foreign students hailing from widely disparate origins. One of the top locations for studying abroad, huh? studying abroad
Ranked #1 in Europe
High quality teaching ranked #3 in the world
Achieving career goals ranked #3 in the world
Canada
I love Canada! Canada has an unrivalled variety of landscapes and is renowned for its enormous range of natural beauties. A good camera is a must while travelling to areas with rocky coastlines, snowy mountains, wooded lakes, and arctic glaciers. Canada is one of the greatest places to study abroad in if you want to learn a new language because it is a bilingual nation where both French and English are widely spoken. No matter what language you speak, you’ll encounter welcoming grins and warm greetings here. Explore the modern cities of Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal at your leisure, and be mesmerised by the alluring landscapes of Banff, Whistler, and Halifax. Sounds like the perfect setting for studying, huh?
Ranked #2 in North America
Language learning ranked #4 in the world
Achieving career goals ranked #6
France
For history buffs, the French Republic is certainly the pinnacle of civilization; every French town and city bears the aesthetic and architectural imprint of centuries past. Culture is at your fingertips as you travel to quaint fairytale villages in the Alsace area, bask in the Mediterranean weather in Marseilles, and take in the majestic scenery of Mont Saint-Michel. Also, don’t overlook the cuisine! Every time, French cuisine exceeds expectations, and a sommelier is on hand to recommend the ideal bottle of French wine. There are innumerable sites to discover, each as unique as its wine.
Make France one of the greatest countries to study if you envision yourself basking in the sunset behind the Cathédrale Notre-Dame or strolling through the lavender fields of Provence.
Ranked #2 in Europe
Adventure ranked #2 in the world
Culture and lifestyle ranked #3 in the world
Germany
For a variety of factors, Germany is third on our list of the top nations for international students. From the beaches along the Baltic Sea to the mountains of Bavaria, Germany appears to have practically every imaginable European scenery, all of which are suitable for all seasons. From the Berlin Wall to Neuschwanstein Castle, you can see remnants of the past all around the country. Visit the Black Forest for some fairytale inspiration, get lost in Hamburg’s numerous charming canals, and take in Oktoberfest at Munich’s biergartens. You’ll find that the currywurst, schnitzel, and döner kebab are actually rather boast-worthy, and that Germans may be the largest bread aficionados in all of Europe. Study in Germany for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Ranked #3 in Europe
High quality teaching #5 in the world
Adventure ranked #6 in the world
The Netherlands
You may get a fair idea of life in the Netherlands if you picture bicycles, canals, and quaint cafes on the streets of Amsterdam. People here are quite diversified, environmentally sensitive, and highly accepting, from the bustling cities of Utrecht and Rotterdam to the quieter student towns of Groningen and Leiden. The Netherlands is one of the greatest places to study abroad due to the large number of English-speaking students and university programmes.
There will be lots for you to do as well! Visit the Van Gogh Museum, take a stroll through history at Zaanse Schans, or gaze in awe at the tulips in full bloom at the Garden of Europe. Of course, all the while savouring a stroopwafel!
Ranked #4 in Europe
Personal development ranked #5 in the world
Achieving career goals ranked #2 in the world
Switzerland
Interested in the beauty of nature? Look nowhere else. Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, with expansive views of lakes, woods, and green mountains that make it difficult to believe they are all real. The Swiss Alps, which offer breathtaking views and numerous chances for mountain activities, may be this nation’s most well-known feature, surpassing even its famed chocolate, cheese, and cutlery. The cities, though, are as interesting. Take in the modern city of Zurich, hang glide over Interlaken, and explore Bern’s historic Old Town. If you enjoy learning new languages, you’ll enjoy hearing Swiss-German, Swiss-French, and possibly even Romansh as you stroll through the city. That it is on our list of the greatest nations for international students makes sense. Bainvegni!
Ranked #5 in Europe
Personal development ranked #3 in the world
Achieving career goals ranked #7 in the world
Spain
Spain should be at the top of your own list of the greatest destinations to study abroad if you can picture taking regular siestas and drinking sangria at neighbourhood tapas bars. Keep busy in Madrid’s capital or see Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia and other architectural wonders. Take a train to the north to learn about Basque culture, then join the pilgrims walking the fabled Camino de Santiago all the way to the west coast. Flamenco music and Moorish influence have a long history in the southern region known as Andaluca. The cities of Granada, Sevilla, Málaga, and Cádiz will not fail to impress. Not to mention the welcoming people and vibrant social scene found all around the nation! With universities dating back to 1218 and a rich cultural heritage, The opportunity to study abroad in Spain is definitely exceptional. ¡Olé!
Ranked #5 in the Europe
Culture and lifestyle ranked #2 in the world
Adventure ranked #1 in the world
South Korea
Being one of the greatest nations in the world for international students, South Korea offers something for everyone. Bring your hiking boots, of course! The Korean countryside is a beautiful sight no matter what time of year it is, whether the trees are displaying flaming fall leaves or delicate cherry blossoms.
Seoul is a must-see and a never-ending source of amusement for those who enjoy cities. Visit renowned museums to learn about the Joseon period and traditional Korean culture, sample bibimbap and kimchi, and then party the night away in Gangnam or Hongdae. Go to Jeju Island to discover glittering beaches and breathtaking views on Korea’s own tropical volcanic hideaway, or visit the mountainous and colourful summer hub of Busan. 가자!
Ranked #1 in Asia
Achieving career goals ranked #5 in the world
High quality teaching ranked #10 in the world
