Choosing a graduate school is a totally different experience from choosing a place to study for your undergrad degree. Rather than relying on your parents, friends, or high school guidance counselors to influence your decision, the search for a graduate school is often the first time you get to have full control over where and what you study. You have a much clearer idea of your study and career goals, and you can use your life experience post-undergrad to make an informed decision about the right university and location that will give you the experience of your dreams.
So if you get to call all the shots, why not take your grad school experience international! The biggest question is, what are the best countries for grad school? If you want to live in a foreign destination, travel to new places, make new connections, all while taking steps toward the academic and professional career path of your choice, keep reading to find out the best places for grad school abroad.
Is it a good idea to go to grad school abroad?
Going abroad for your degree is a GREAT idea, and the best countries for grad school will power your studies.
If you don’t yet have roots or responsibilities tying you to any place in particular, it’s absolutely a good idea to explore grad school options abroad! After all, most people attend grad school because they want to deepen their expertise in a particular field, so why limit yourself to one location when the whole world is accessible to you? Attending grad school abroad means you can often find the best, most reputable institutions for what you want to study, without being limited to the bubble in your own country.
Combine top-notch education with the perks of an international study experience, access to a global network, new language skills, and a deeper culture awareness, and grad school abroad can easily become your secret weapon when it comes to making strides forward in your career.
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9 Best Places for Grad School Abroad
When it comes to choosing the best countries for grad school, it’s important to weigh a few key factors. While some countries are more popular than others, you’ll ultimately want to choose the location that’s best for you.
You’ll want to consider your area of study, your language skills, the cultural experience you desire, and the cost of living and tuition. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some of GoAbroad’s top picks for the best places for grad school abroad:
1. England
You’ll have the chance to study at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
If you’re looking for a grad school location that offers a unique international experience without a severe culture shock, England might be the place for you. With English as the native language, a culture that isn’t too far removed from North America, and a similar academic system, England is an easy transition for those traveling from the United States.
It’s also home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, from Oxford to Cambridge to the Imperial College of London. It offers top-notch programs in a wide range of fields with a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence.
While the cost of living is high in England, especially in the bigger cities, international students often have access to scholarships and financial aid options. The visa process is also fairly straightforward, and graduates can take advantage of a post-study work visa if they fall in love with the English lifestyle.
Recommended programs:
2. Spain
Spain easily makes the list of best countries for grad school with its low cost of living and some of the lowest grad school tuition fees in Europe. Grad students can find high-quality education and renowned institutions, like the University of Barcelona, Complutense University of Madrid, and Pompeu Fabra University. You’ll find many programs taught in English, so you don’t have to have advanced Spanish skills to earn a top-notch education.
Spain also offers a vibrant culture, warm climate, delicious food, and a lively social scene for grad students who want a fun, well-rounded grad school experience. The visa process is streamlined for international students, making it easy to study and work part-time during studies, so you can really immerse yourself into every aspect of Spanish living.
Recommended programs:
3. Italy
Don’t just look at art in textbooks, immerse yourself in it!
Italy is known for its post-grad programs in art, architecture, and design. After all, what better place to study than in a country that lives and breathes fashion and art of every kind?
Prestigious universities like the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, Politecnico di Milano, and Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia let grad students get lost in their studies while spending their free time exploring local museums, galleries, and festivals that bring their classroom learnings to life. Italy's cost of living varies by region, with more affordable options in smaller cities. However, the efficient visa process and ability to work part-time provide financial and practical support for international students who want to offset living costs and tuition fees.
With a rich cultural heritage, world-renowned art, picturesque landscapes, and some of the best local food in the world, you won’t be able to pass on Italy if you want to make it in the world of art and design.
Recommended programs:
- Master’s Program Arts Management - IED Rome and Florence
- Master Fashion, Product & Merchandising Management - MIFAP
4. France
France tends to be a hotspot for undergrad students, but with government-regulated tuition fees, France has some of the lowest tuition fees of all of Western Europe. That makes it an excellent location to study grad school abroad, too.
Many students are drawn to Paris. Still, the cost of living is cheaper outside of the main cities and quite affordable when you combine the cheaper food at local markets, plethora of student discounts available to international students, and access to health care, even on a student visa.
There’s no arguing that France also boasts elite universities, including Sorbonne University and École Normale Supérieure, and specialized institutions like INSEAD and Sciences Po. With France’s rich cultural history, world-class art, delicious wine, and courses taught in English, it makes the list for best countries for grad school every time.
Recommended programs:
5. Germany
Germany is a great place to elevate your knowledge.
Another one of the best countries for grad school in Europe is Germany, renowned for its world-class education and rigorous master’s programs. The country is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, particularly in engineering, technology, and sciences.
Pair that with a relatively affordable cost of living and the ability for international students to apply for scholarships through DAAD and work part-time during their studies, and you have a country that makes studying abroad easy and appealing. Germany is also home to some of the world’s biggest companies, from BMW to Deutsche Bank to Siemens, making it an excellent location for networking and landing jobs both in Germany and around the world post-graduation.
Recommended programs:
- MA Int’l. Econ, Business & Cultural Diplomacy (Short Track)
- Masters in Media and Communication Management
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6. Ireland
For students wanting to pursue studies in health-related fields like medicine, veterinary medicine, and occupational therapy, look no further than Ireland. While tuition fees are high, they are still cheaper than those in the U.S. Irish universities also offer world-renowned programs taught in English and give students research expertise in their field.
Most universities in Ireland have health care facilities, laboratories, clinical training facilities, and simulation centers on campus that are world-class and provide hands-on experience. Others offer collaborations with hospitals, clinics, and health care institutions to offer practical work experience and the opportunity to network. Ireland’s vibrant cultural scene of music, literature, and festivals also enhances the overall student experience.
Recommended programs:
- Master’s Degrees in Business at Dublin Business School
- M. Sc. in Applied Clinical Neuropsychology: Pioneering Minds
7. New Zealand
You’re on the road to an adventure-filled study experience here.
Nature lovers who want to study in a relaxed, safe, gorgeous environment will love grad school in New Zealand. This tiny island country, “Down Under” offers top-notch education at globally renowned universities like the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and Victoria University of Wellington, particularly in fields like agriculture, technology, and health care.
The cost of living is relatively reasonable, and the country offers various scholarships and work opportunities for international students. You can study and experience New Zealand without breaking the bank.
The country’s stunning natural beauty, from mountains to beaches to lakes to fjords, combined with a friendly and welcoming culture, creates an ideal environment for academic and personal growth. With endless outdoor adventures, New Zealand is one of the best countries for grad school abroad for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers.
Recommended programs:
8. Australia
Similar to New Zealand, Australia offers that Down Under experience with epic landscapes, wildlife, and English-speaking universities, but with more diversity in location due to its size compared to New Zealand. From the University of Melbourne to the Australian National University to the University of Sydney, you’ll have opportunities to study at some of the top universities in the world.
This is an ideal place to explore degrees in fields from medicine to engineering to environmental sciences. The cost of living in Australia can be quite high, especially in the big cities, but students have part-time working rights and scholarships to make the cost of living affordable. Grad students will never want to leave, thanks to the gorgeous beaches, warm weather, and laidback locals.
Recommended programs:
9. Canada
You’ll have plenty of gorgeous landscapes to explore when you’re not studying.
If you’re looking for a grad school abroad but don’t want to travel too far away, Canada might just be the place for you. Canada is one of the best places for grad school abroad due to its high academic standards, diverse program options, and welcoming environment that won’t give you a massive culture shock.
While the cost of living is high, it’s more affordable and has lower tuition fees than other English-speaking destinations like the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. Canada’s visa process is relatively smooth, too. International students can even move on to a Post-Graduation Work Permit after graduation, allowing them to work in Canada after completing their studies.
Recommended programs:
- University of Winnipeg: MA in Applied Economics (MAE)
- Graduate Certificate in International Business Management
Pursue your higher degree in one of the best destinations for grad school!
If the whole world were available to you and your study career, why would you limit yourself to your own backyard? The good news is, you don’t have to limit yourself! Grad school is the perfect opportunity to choose a university abroad that’s perfect for you, without the influence of other people and without sticking to the borders of your home country. Do your research, consider what’s important to you in a grad school experience, and let yourself dream big by attending one of the best universities in the world.
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