Top Countries Hosting The Most International Students Worldwide
Top 6 Countries With The Most International Students in 2024
[playht_player width=“100%” height=“90px” voice=“Noah”]
Studying abroad is the opportunity of a lifetime. You get exposure to the real world and different education systems and the opportunity to travel to a new country and learn how to live alone in a different place.
To begin your journey of studying the first step is selecting the country where you wish to pursue your studies. To assist you in this decision-making process we have gathered information on the 6 countries with the most international students. Delve into the best countries for Indian students to study abroad and make an informed choice.
1. United States
Have you ever considered what makes the United States one of the most popular countries for international students seeking to study? One of the factors that sets this country apart is the presence of half of the top 100 international universities in the world. Renowned institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University and Harvard University are situated in the country. Moreover, the United States boasts a level of diversity, making it easy for international students from various ethnicities and cultures to connect. This creates an environment where finding peers who you share similar experiences with is effortless. According to the IIE Open Doors Report 2021, a significant portion of students studying in the US come from India and China reaching a count of 365,590 for the academic year 2021.
When it comes to education, most universities in the US incorporate liberal arts courses into their curriculum. These courses offer a rounded education that goes beyond academics by emphasising skills such as writing and other professional abilities that are essential for success in real-world scenarios. The campus life is known for its vibrancy, providing opportunities for engagement with like-minded individuals through various clubs and organisations.
Furthermore, these universities prioritise preparing students for careers by offering internship opportunities. Promising career prospects for students from these universities make the USA one of the countries with the most international students.
2. United Kingdom
The U.K. consists of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales and provides students with over 50,000 courses to choose from. Around 160,135 students from outside the European Union study here, seeking diverse learning opportunities and enriching experiences, making it one of the countries with the most international students. The duration of the courses is relatively shorter than in other countries, which leads to a reduced cost of living and tuition fees. Some of the top-ranked universities in the UK include the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University College London.
You also have the option to choose from some of the best postgraduate courses by availing of visa sponsorships that most public and some private universities offer. You can check out the list of universities that sponsor Tier 4 visas here. What’s more, working part-time can gain work experience and financial support (apart from scholarships and aid). This will help you form important personal and professional connections.
Read more about the requirements for UK student visa from India.
3. Canada
If you are looking for the best country to study abroad for Indian students, Canada is among the top 6 countries with the most international students. Some of the top universities in Canada include the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, McGill University, and more. You’ll study with incredibly welcoming and friendly people from different ethnicities (and fellow Indians too!) and work with top-notch professors!
Additionally, from the various English-speaking countries, Canadian colleges for international students have the lowest tuition fees, so you can find the perfect abroad university to fit any budget. To gain experience, you can also choose to work in Canada with a work permit after graduation and even apply for permanent residency after the specified duration.
Newer jobs are emerging regularly; in the last decade alone, around 1.6 million jobs have been created for recent graduates!
4. China
Studying in China offers advantages, including receiving a high-quality education and immersing oneself in a new and vibrant culture. Unlike other countries, China remains relatively unexplored by the global community, making it an exciting destination for countries with the most international students seeking a fresh perspective. As one of the world’s most developed nations, China also presents opportunities for recent graduates to thrive and grow.
Students from over 196 countries come to study in China, most of whom are from South Korea. Apart from being a low-cost study-abroad destination, China provides international students with numerous options for scholarships offered by the government, various foundations, universities, and corporations, all encouraging students to study here. Check this link out to learn more about these scholarships.
You may be thinking that to study in China, one must learn Mandarin. This is a big misconception! Chinese universities do provide degree programs taught in English as well, but if you want to learn a new language and completely immerse yourself in the Chinese culture, you have that option, too.
5. Germany
Public universities in Germany provide outstanding quality higher education without tuition fees! Even though private universities charge a fee from their students, it is minimal compared to European or Western countries. Moreover, the cost of studying in Germany for Indian students is also quite affordable, and you can also take up a part-time job to offset your living expenses.
Germany has a worldwide reputation for being a pioneer in research and education, and many of its universities find their ranks in the global top 100, with more joining the list each year. German graduates are very likely to be placed with the world’s best employers.
Learning German can be very useful for you since it is the most spoken language in Europe. This increases your chances of working in German companies and becoming a part of one of the most powerful economies in the world.
6. Australia
When someone mentions Australia, images often come to mind, like Kangaroos, the Sydney Opera House, and the Uluru Red Rock. However, among students, Australia is primarily a renowned country with the most international students for its quality of education. In fact, it has become a popular English-speaking destination for students worldwide following the United States and the United Kingdom.
The Australian education system is carefully regulated by the government, and Australian graduates are highly sought after by companies. From MBBS to MBA, Universities in Australia offer a range of courses to choose.
International students studying in Australia can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. This helps them manage their living expenses while pursuing their studies. The Australian government operates on a points system for these visas; accumulating points increases your chances of obtaining one.
Here are the key takeaways summarizing the various aspects of abroad studies for Indian students in these 6 countries with the most international students:
| Country | Number of International Students (approx) | Share of Global Total |
| United States | fff;">914,095 | <td style=“background-color:|
| China | <td style=“background-color:||
| United Kingdom | <td style=“background-color:||
| Australia | <td style=“background-color:||
| Germany | <td style=“background-color:||
| Canada | <td style=“background-color:
How Does the Niyo Global Card Help?
When living abroad one of the things to consider is managing your finances. How can you simplify transactions? What are the convenient ways to make payments using your bank account in one of these top 6 countries with the most international students?
We have a solution for you. Obtain a Niyo Global Card that comes with zero forex markup!
With this card, you can easily transfer money from any bank account. Use it for studying abroad without worrying about additional charges for currency conversion. By using the best student forex card in India by Niyo Global you can save money compared to options like international credit cards, wire transfers, or forex cards for Indian students. Is trusted by over 100K students in more than 150 countries worldwide.
Features of Niyo Global Card:
- Zero forex markup on all international transactions
- Free lounge access at select int terminals in India
- Load in INR use in 150+ countries and 130+ currencies
- Earn 1% cashback as global coins
- Card delivery in 2-3 days
- 24x7 in-app chat support
Conclusion
The decision to embark on a study abroad adventure isn’t just about academics or a career. It’s a leap towards personal transformation, embracing new cultures, and shaping your worldview. If you’re yearning for experiences beyond the familiar, don’t let hesitation hold you back. Fuel your curiosity, explore these top 6 countries with the most international students and ignite your wanderlust, and start crafting your unique study abroad story today that the world awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does these specific top 6 countries have the most international students?
These countries that have the most international students host renowned academic institutions, diverse cultures, and strong employment prospects thus attracting the majority of international students.
- What makes the educational systems in the top countries stand out globally?
A globally recognized curriculum, cutting-edge research facilities, and a focus on innovation contribute to the appeal when it comes to these countries opted by international students.
- Are there specific scholarships or financial aid options available for international students in these nations?
Many countries offer students scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and education loans. Research crowdfunding platforms and consider freelancing or remote work opportunities to supplement your income.
- How do I save money for my study abroad program?
Research average living costs in your chosen destination and create a realistic budget for accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. Look for affordable housing options and student discounts. You can also refer to our student money-saving tip guide for more budgeting options.
