Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students

An increasing number of Indian students are seeking education overseas, and choosing the best country to study abroad is a crucial step toward a successful academic and professional future. Every factor matters — from the quality of universities and cost of living to job opportunities and chances to study and settle.

If you’ve just completed school and are looking for a foreign country to pursue education after 12th, or if you're interested in combining study and work, this article is for you. Today, we’ll explore the top 5 best countries for study for Indian students.

Contents:

1. USA
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Australia
5. UAE

1. United States of America

The USA is undoubtedly a top contender when it comes to the best country for study for Indian students. Every year, thousands of young Indians move to the U.S. after 12th to begin their higher education journey. In fact, according to official statistics, there were approximately 200,000 Indian students studying in the U.S. in 2023.

Why choose the USA?

• Home to world-renowned universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, and Stanford University.
• A wide range of programs are available both after 12th and at the postgraduate level — ideal for students who’ve already earned a degree in India and are pursuing a master’s or MBA.
• The American education system emphasizes practical and research-based learning, which is highly valued by global employers.
• The U.S. offers structured options to study and work, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during studies and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation under the F-1 visa.
• Many students choose the U.S. not only for education but also as a long-term study and settle destination.

2. Canada

Canada remains one of the most attractive foreign countries for Indian students. In 2024, approximately 137,600 Indian students were enrolled in Canadian institutions, making it the second most popular destination after the USA.

Why choose Canada?

• More affordable tuition fees compared to the U.S. and the U.K.
• A high level of safety and a welcoming multicultural society.
• A straightforward path to permanent residency after studies.
• A strong and active Indian student community.

Top universities like the University of Toronto, McGill, and the University of British Columbia (UBC) consistently rank highly in global rankings. Their undergraduate and postgraduate programs focus on hands-on training and offer excellent job placement rates. Many Indian students come to Canada after 12th to study in technical, business, or healthcare fields.

Canada also allows students to study and work: you can work up to 20 hours per week during studies and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years after graduation. This creates one of the clearest pathways to study and settle in the country.

3. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is the most popular destination in Europe for those seeking high-quality higher education and a chance to start their careers in the region.

Why choose the UK?

The UK is home to some of the world's top universities — such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London. Undergraduate programs typically last 3 years, while most master’s degrees are just 1 year long. This allows students to save both time and money.

Another major advantage is the opportunity to study and work: international students are allowed to work part-time during their studies. After graduation, they can stay in the country for 2 years under the Graduate Route visa (3 years for PhD holders). This offers a realistic pathway to study and settle in the UK — one of the best answers to the question of which country is best for study for Indian students.

4. Australia

Australia consistently ranks as a top destination for Indian students who are interested in education abroad after 12th and who want to combine studies with long-term career and immigration opportunities. According to the Australian Government Department of Education, over 122,000 Indian students were enrolled in Australian institutions in 2024.

Why choose Australia?

• The education system is based on the British model and is highly practice-oriented. Australia is also known for being one of the most student-friendly countries in the world.
• Students can work up to 24 hours per week during the semester. After graduation, extended visas are available — including the Temporary Graduate visa (2 to 4 years, depending on program and location). This work experience helps in applying for permanent residency.
• Australia consistently ranks among the top foreign countries in terms of quality of life, safety, and career integration for international graduates.

If you are looking for the best country to study abroad for Indian students that also supports long-term settlement, Australia is a top contender.

5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE is becoming an increasingly popular foreign country for Indian students who want access to modern education and career opportunities in a fast-growing region.

Why choose the UAE for Indian students?

1. Proximity and cultural compatibility. The UAE is just about a 3-hour flight from India and offers a similar climate and cuisine. With a large Indian diaspora (over 3 million people), Indian students enjoy strong social support and easier cultural adaptation.
2. International university campuses. The UAE hosts branch campuses of major universities from the UK, US, and Australia — including Middlesex, University of Birmingham, Heriot-Watt, Murdoch, and NYU Abu Dhabi. This gives students access to international degrees without having to leave the region.
3. Affordable and high-quality education. Studying in the UAE is less expensive than in the US or UK, while offering comparable standards. Travel, housing, and food expenses are also considerably lower, making it a cost-effective option for Indian students after 12th.
4. UAE Vision 2030. The government is actively investing in education, offering new types of student and graduate visas, including the prestigious 10-year Golden Visa for high achievers.
5. Opportunities to study and work. Since 2022, international students have been allowed to work part-time while studying, and graduates can remain in the country to work. This makes the UAE a strong choice for those looking to study and settle in a thriving economy with opportunities in IT, finance, tourism, aviation, and logistics.

Conclusion

We hope this guide helps you answer the important question: which country is best for study for Indian students? If you’re still unsure which path to take, the expert team at ED-EX.com is here to help.

You can reach out by:

• Logging in to your personal account,
• Visiting the page of your chosen institution,
• Or emailing us at support@ed-ex.com.