Top 5 Best Countries for Higher Education

A remarkable guide to quality higher education.

Education remains one of the best ways to prepare for the future. Acquiring a quality degree beats anything else in the world of academics. There are 6 million people taking higher education abroad. 

Photo by Leon Wu on Unsplash

While studying internationally sounds exciting, not many people can afford it. It is also hard to find suitable countries that are student friendly. It is important to find the best schools that can offer you a good education, at a reasonable cost and later opportunities for growth and employment. 

In my list of the top 5 best countries for higher education in the world, I explore the quality of education, cost, and employment opportunities in each. Read on to find the best countries to study. 

What to Consider

There are several things to look for before you sign up to study internationally. Here are the most important factors that should guide your decision. 

Cost

The tuition and accommodation costs should be the first thing on your mind when picking a school. You must think about how you will raise tuition and have money for other daily expenses in a foreign country. 

Some schools cost too much while you may get the same quality of education at a more affordable institution. 

Quality of education

While cost can make you shy away from some schools, the quality education they offer beats all those costs. Studying at an institution like Harvard is more valuable than attending a random college. 

Some institutions have enough funding for research and offer quality education for their students. They also have a good student-to-staff ratio allowing their students to get adequate attention at their institutions. 

Access

Access is a vital part to consider when looking for a school. The school you choose must be accessible. How easy is it to sign up for their programs? Some schools are hard to access due to their strict enrollment rules. 

Also, consider how easy it is to get a study visa in that country. Some countries are not friendly to students due to the stringent rules. 

Employability/ employment opportunities

Studying in some countries makes you more marketable than others. A degree from Harvard can earn you respect from future employers and make you more employable. 

Some countries with top study opportunities are also looking to hire the same graduates they produce. If you wish to move to another country permanently, starting out through study gives you better chances to work and live there. 

Best Countries for Higher Education

Here is a comparison of top 5 best countries for higher education using the metrics above. 

America

America takes the top spot as the best country for higher learning in the world. Despite the cost of education being high, students can get grants and scholarships to pursue their degrees at some of the top universities. 

The country has a long list of the best universities in the world like Yale, Harvard, Stanford, and Duke. That means the quality of education is good and appealing for anyone looking to get into a lifelong fulfilling career. 

The US has 154 universities in the top 1000 best universities in the world. Some of the best cities to live in the US include New York, San Francisco, Houston, and Dallas. 

The US economy is big and has employment opportunities for many people. That makes it a good place to take your higher education. With a good economy that supports entrepreneurship, graduates also get to start companies and hire other people to work for them. 

Germany

Germany is yet another great destination for students seeking higher education. The German education system is one of the best in the world. The state funds the universities and 90% of the schools offer free tuition for higher education. 

Germany’s top university in Heidelberg was founded in 1386. German institutions like this have long-standing cultures that students assimilate and practice for years. 

There are three types of universities in Germany. You can enroll in an academic university, the University of applied sciences, or colleges of Art and Music. Academic universities focus on theoretical training; unlike others, one can pursue a doctorate at these universities. 

While most public universities offer free tuition, a student must pay other management costs that run up to 500 euros. Some courses may also have tuition fees. It is vital to research widely before signing up for a program. 

Germany stands out for quality education and low costs for international students that want to study there. Munich and Berlin are two of the best cities in Germany for international students to study. 

United Kingdom

The UK makes the list as another popular destination for higher education. The country has 94 universities in the world’s top 1000 best universities. Studying in the UK is relatively affordable. There are many scholarships for international students that will cover a good amount of the tuition costs. 

Some of the best cities for students include London and Edinburg. Closeness to major cities may lead to better job opportunities. Students near the cities also enjoy a vibrant student life. The only drawback would be dealing with higher costs of living compared to other areas. 

Most students will take a sandwich course (4-year) Program that allows them to work during their third year. That allows students to have the experience they need for the job market. 

The quality of education is high as there are many top-rated universities. Most popular are 3-year programs for students that have A-level and international baccalaureate qualifications. Other professional courses like Law, and medicine.

The UK has vocational colleges and institutions that offer courses with a specific skill. The programs lead to employment. 

France

France makes our list of top 5 countries for higher education. The country has a record of 36 universities in the top 1000 best universities in the world. Studying in France is popular because it is pocket friendly. 

France accommodates about 12% of international students out of a total of 2.5 million students. There are over 3500 public and private institutes of higher learning. There are colleges, universities, and technical training schools.

The mode of learning includes lectures, practical or lab work, and tutorials. One of the key requirements for international students includes an English test for those taking one of the 1200 English courses or a B1 and B2 level proficiency for undergraduates and master’s students. 

Public universities in France are free. That means students do not have to pay tuition fees. Notably, students have to pay 170 euros for undergraduate degree registration. The cost of registration for a master's is about 233 euros and 380 euros for a doctorate degree. 

Australia 

Australia should be on your list of top 5 countries for higher education. You can pick from the 44 universities in the list of the top 1000 best universities in the world. That assures you of quality education programs. 

Australia’s top cities for students include Sydney, Auckland, Brisbane, and Melbourne. The proximity to the cities allows a vibrant student life. Consequently, students are near future workplaces and the education prepares them to join the Australian work market and any other place all over the world. 

There are different eligibility criteria from one university to another for students. Most require that you have completed at least 13 years of studies to qualify for undergraduate. 

Your undergraduate results determine your chances of undertaking postgraduate opportunities. Master and doctoral programs are open for high-achieving students with first-class or Second class upper. 

Honorable Mentions

While our list had the top 5 best countries for higher education, there are many other countries that are mentioned worthy. They have incredible education systems and are cost-friendly for international students. 

Here is a list of honorable mentions. 

• China

• Canada

• Norway

• Japan

• Italy. 

Education in Norway is free, and the education system is also one of the best in the world. If you are looking for science and innovation, countries like China and Japan offer world-class education. They are a favorite for math and sciences.

Italy is a great destination because of its rich culture, food, and scenery. Studying art in Italy can be magical with lots of museums and historical sites to explore. 

Canada offers quality education and features a rich cultural diversity. Students in Canada can get employment opportunities in the country. 

Final Thoughts

Studying abroad is an experience of a lifetime. The countries mentioned above will give you a good experience in higher learning and expand your horizons with employment opportunities. With good research and planning, you can start your journey in any of the top 5 best countries for higher education. Additionally, you can consider factors like the college major you want to pursue, and which university offers the best of that program.

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