2024’s most popular countries for international students

Travelling abroad for education is not a new phenomenon, and is an idea that intrigues students from all walks of life. With many people willing to cross borders or indeed oceans to study in a foreign country, where you complete your higher education can be an exciting but enormous decision. For most, studying abroad means leaving behind the likes of friends, family, and language, all in search of new cultures, experiences, and job opportunities.  

When planning the big move, it is vital that you consider a few key area’s before settling on a country, such as: the costs of studying there, the language, the quality of the institution, post graduate opportunities and of course the culture and lifestyle. 

So, to help you make a choice, here are our top five most popular countries for international students in 2024: 

1. USA

Number one on our list is the United States of America. A seemingly obvious choice, the US boasts ivy league universities on picturesque campuses, and has had a long-standing educational relationship with the UK, making it a prime location for international studies.  

Diving into cost, studying at the likes of Harvard or Yale will cost you anywhere from $35,000 to $130,000 per academic year, depending on your course, whilst living costs lie anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 per year, depending on your spending habits.  

With an abundance of job opportunities and internships available post-graduation, plus the added benefit of English-speaking lecturers, many students turn to the States as their first option for their higher education.   

2. Australia

Second on our list is Australia. With more and more students opting to go down under for their university degree, Australia has something for everyone. From the well-known ‘laid back’ culture, beautiful budding wildlife, epic waves and city lights, Australia can bring you an amazing and varied university experience.  

With some Aussie universities ranking in the top 20 globally, you can expect to pay anywhere from AU$20,000 to AU$110,000 to attend these prestigious institutions, depending on your course. Living expenses can vary and mostly start at around AU$35,000 per year.  

However, Australia really stands out when it comes to job opportunities. With a number of different post-graduate visas available, many students have landed and accepted their dreams jobs right after the completion of their studies.   

3. Japan

Next up, we have Japan. An island country famous for its iconic cherry blossom trees, the renowned city of Tokyo, and the well-known home of anime, Japan offers a wide breadth of culture and experience for international students to enjoy.  

Turning to cost, students can expect to pay anywhere from ¥500,000 to ¥1,000,000 per academic year, depending on what you’re studying and how long your course lasts. Living costs vary in Japan, and it can cost anywhere from ¥20,000 to ¥90,000 to live in Japan, depending on your accommodation preferences and lifestyle.  

With several visa’s available to international students following the completion of their studies, many young students choose to remain and work in Japan post-graduation, and visa applications can be easily completed as your studies come to an end.  

4. Singapore

At number four we have Singapore. With universities ranking in the top 20 globally, Singapore is another great choice for higher education, especially if you’re looking to expand your mind and experience a new culture.  

Per academic year, you can expect to pay anywhere from SG$15,000 to SG$80,000, depending on your course, and living expenses lie around SG$20,000 per year, depending on where you live.  

If you choose to stay in Singapore after completing your studies, there are several routes you can take. Most post graduate students opt for a 90-day visa and then apply for a longer-term option, depending on their needs.   

5. Germany

Last on our list is Germany. Germany stands as one of the top places in the world to study and is a great choice for those keen to Europe. Steeped in natural history, scenic countryside views and home to world-famous events such as Oktoberfest, Germany offers an array of culture and opportunities.  

Looking at cost, students can enjoy very limited student fees, most of the time none at all, and average at around €500 per year! To live comfortably in Germany, you will need around €10,000 per year, depending on how much you spend.   

Post work opportunities also rank highly in Germany, as a stipulation for international students when applying for their university courses is to also apply for a ‘post-work- study visa’, making the transition from studying to working an easy one.  

How Currencies Direct could help you save money when studying abroad 

If are looking for a way to make studying abroad more affordable, then you might want to consider the most cost-effective way of transferring your funds. 

Currencies Direct offers highly competitive exchange rates and no transfer fees so you could start to see savings immediately when compared to transferring your money through a bank. 

This has the potential to save you thousands when transferring large sums such as your tuition fees. And when it comes to day-to-day spending our multi-currency debit card could also help you save money and spend like a local.  

Get a quote today and see how money you could save when studying internationally.