Best Countries to Study Abroad in 2024 (Cost, Scholarships, Visa Updates)
Introduction
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience, but choosing the right country can be overwhelming. With shifting visa rules, rising tuition fees, and new scholarship opportunities, where should you go in 2024?
This guide compares the top 7 study destinations based on:
Let’s find your perfect study destination!
Top 7 Countries to Study Abroad in 2024
1. Germany
- Why? Tuition-free education at public universities (for EU & non-EU students)!
- Cost:
- Tuition: €0–€3,000/year (public unis)
- Living: €850–€1,200/month
- Top Fields: IT, Healthcare, Environmental Science
- Visa Update: PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) for up to 3 years
- Scholarships: Vanier Canada, University-specific aid
2. Canada
- Why? Easy PR pathway after graduation.
- Cost:
- Tuition: CA$15,000–CA$35,000/year
- Living: CA$1,000–CA$1,500/month
- Top Fields: IT, Healthcare, Environmental Science
- Visa Update: PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) for up to 3 years
- Scholarships: Vanier Canada, University-specific aid
3. Australia
- Why? High minimum wage (~AUD 23/hr) for part-time work.
- Cost:
- Tuition: AUD 20,000–AUD 45,000/year
- Living: AUD 1,400–AUD 2,500/month
- Top Fields: Medicine, Data Science, Hospitality
- Visa Update: Temporary Graduate Visa (485) for 2–6 years
- Scholarships: Australia Awards, Endeavour Scholarships
4. Norway
- Why? Free tuition (public universities) + stunning nature.
- Cost:
- Tuition: €0 (except a few specialized programs)
- Living: €1,000–€1,500/month (high but manageable with part-time jobs)
- Top Fields: Renewable Energy, Marine Biology, Social Sciences
- Visa Update: 1-year job search visa after studies
- Scholarships: Quota Scheme, Erasmus Mundus
5. Japan
- Why? Tech & innovation hub with generous scholarships.
- Cost:
- Tuition: ¥500,000–¥1,500,000/year (~$3,500–$10,000)
- Living: ¥80,000–¥120,000/month (~$600–$900)
- Top Fields: Robotics, AI, Japanese Language
- Visa Update: Can work 28 hrs/week during studies
- Scholarships: MEXT, JASSO
6. France
- Why? Low tuition fees + rich culture.
- Cost:
- Tuition: €170–€3,770/year (public unis)
- Living: €800–€1,200/month (outside Paris)
- Top Fields: Fashion, Culinary Arts, Aerospace
- Visa Update: 2-year post-study work visa for Master’s grads
- Scholarships: Eiffel Excellence, Charpak
7. Netherlands
- Why? English-taught programs + strong job market.
- Cost:
- Tuition: €8,000–€20,000/year
- Living: €900–€1,400/month
- Top Fields: Agriculture, Engineering, Design
- Visa Update: 1-year orientation visa for job hunting
- Scholarships: Orange Knowledge Programme, Holland Scholarship
Comparison Table: Key Factors
Country
Germany
Canada
Australia
Norway
Japan
France
Netherlands
Avg. Tuition/Year
€0-€3,000
CA$15K-CA$35K
AUD 20K-45K
€0
·500K-1.5M
€170-€3,770
€8K-€20K
Living Costs
€850-€1,200
CA$1K-CA$1.5K
AUD 1.4K-2.5K
€1K-1.5K
·80K-120K
€800-€1,200
€900-€1,400
Post-Study Work Visa
18 months
Up to 3 years
2-6 years
1 year
6+ months
2 years
1 year
Top Scholarship
DAAD
Vanier
Australia Awards
Quota Scheme
MEXT
Eiffel
Holland Scholarship
How to Choose the Right Country?
- Budget: Can you afford tuition + living costs?
- Career Goals: Does the country have jobs in your field?
- Language: Are you comfortable learning a new language?
- Immigration Policies: Can you stay and work after graduating?
Tips to Reduce Study Abroad Costs
- Apply for scholarships early (deadlines matter!)
- Work part-time (Most countries allow 20–30 hrs/week)
- Choose smaller cities (Cheaper than capitals)
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad is not just about rankings—it’s about affordability, career opportunities, and quality of life.
Action Step:
- Shortlist 2–3 countries based on your budget/goals.
- Check university deadlines (Many close by Dec 2023 for 2024 intake).
