Top Countries for Mumbai Students to Study Abroad Beyond the US & Canada

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August 29, 2025
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In a similar trend, the number of students going to Canada in the first quarter of 2025 fell by 31% compared to 2024.
Across Mumbai, students who would have otherwise chosen North America as their study destination without question are now exploring more affordable alternatives and looking towards the top countries to study abroad beyond the USA and Canada.
This guide is for students from Mumbai and their parents who want reliable information about the top countries to study abroad in 2025 and later.

Between October 2024 and March 2025, the number of US visas issued to Indian students decreased by 44%. In a similar trend, the number of students going to Canada in the first quarter of 2025 fell by 31% compared to 2024. Across Mumbai, students who would have otherwise chosen North America as their study destination without question are now exploring more affordable alternatives and looking towards the top countries to study abroad beyond the USA and Canada.

In the QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings, Seoul, South Korea, takes the top spot with Tokyo, Japan in the second position. This is the first time both top cities are from Asia. London, the previous top destination, has dropped to third. This proves beyond any doubt that world-class education is available outside the traditional North American universities, and highlights why students are increasingly considering Asia and Europe among the top countries to study abroad.

This guide is for students from Mumbai and their parents who want reliable information about the top countries to study abroad in 2025 and later. We will compare key factors, including cost and career opportunities, and highlight why these destinations are becoming more popular among Indian students.

Why look for the top country to study abroad beyond the US and Canada?

The USA and Canada have long been regarded as the best countries to study abroad among Indian students. But in the last year, things have changed. Here are the reasons why students are veering away from North America.

Visa Problems

A new administration in the USA no longer looks favourably on new immigrants. The F-1 visa rejection rate has increased by 20% in 2025, following a steep 40% year-on-year increase in 2024.

In October 2024, Canada ended its Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. It was a fast-track visa process for students from 14 countries, including India.

High Costs

Tuition fees across North America have increased considerably. The cost of a degree at mid-tier American universities has grown faster than US inflation for seven straight years. At the same time the rupee has depreciated from र66 to ₹85 between 2015 and 2025 and thereby adding almost 30% rupee based inflation.

This real and rupee based inflation has also affected cost of living in major metropolitan areas of the United States and Canada. New York, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver were already expensive places to live in. But in recent years the overall cost of a master’s degree has gone from ₹26 lakhs to an unaffordable ₹60 lakhs.

Limited Financial Aid

There is a lack of financial help for students from economically weaker backgrounds. Though top institutions such as MIT and Harvard have boldly declared that no deserving candidate would be turned away for lack of funds, there are very few such opportunities.

For students from Mumbai, it is easier to find admission at the best universities outside North America for far less cost and equally strong career outcomes.

Key criteria for choosing the best country to study abroad

When deciding where to study abroad, you must look at more than just the university’s rankings or its popularity. The UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Germany are now among the top options for several reasons. Here are the most important factors Mumbai students and families should consider when selecting among top countries to study abroad:

Tuition fees and living costs

While studying abroad will always require a large investment, some countries have lower tuition fees, and shorter courses. Germany in particular offers many low cost or no tuition fee programs at public universities.

Post-Study Work (PSW)

Look for at least two years of PSW opportunity or a clear PR pathway. The UK, Australia, New Zealand and Germany have reasonable timelines between 2-3 years for students to work after their degree.

Scholarships & grants

Government programmes and financial aid for foreign students will reduce your study costs. Programmes such as DAAD (Germany) or GREAT (UK) can shave off a large part of the expenses.

Language & employability

Check whether your target programme is taught fully in English. In France and Germany, classes in English are available. Also, look for reports on whether local employers hire international graduates.

Better quality of life

Safety, cultural diversity and student support services play a big role in how comfortable and confident a student feels abroad. Many students find the lifestyle in these countries to be supportive, with good healthcare, reliable public transport and friendly communities.

Taking a few weeks to compare these factors will help you select the top countries to study abroad that match your short and long-term plans.

Study in the UK

The UK has always been a popular destination for Indian students. It offers world-renowned universities, globally recognized degrees, and shorter course durations. From the hallowed halls of Oxford and Cambridge to the research labs of Imperial College London studying in the UK blends tradition with the latest knowhow.

Why is the UK one of the best countries to study abroad?

The UK is home to four of the world’s top-10 universities. There are over a hundred universities that accept students who have studied in the Indian 12 + 3 and, more recently, the 12 + 4 system. In fact the Indian ICSE and CBSE board exams are largely modelled after the UK’s own GCSE.

Top universities in the UK

University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
Imperial College London
University College London (UCL)
London School of Economics (LSE)
University of Edinburgh
University of Manchester

Most recognised courses

Business and Management
Finance and Accounting
Computer Science and Data Science
Engineering
Law and Medicine

Cost of study and living

Level of Study	Average Annual Tuition	Typical Duration	Monthly Living Cost*
Undergraduate	£12,000 – £28,000	3 years	£900 – £1,300 (outside London) / £1,200 – £1,400 (London)
Master’s	£15,000 – £30,000	1 year	£900 – £1,300 (outside London) / £1,200 – £1,400 (London)

*includes accommodation, food, utilities, and transport.

Study in Germany

Germany has become a prized destination for Indian students with more than 50,000 enrolled in various courses. German universities offer high-quality education and a strong job market.

Why is Germany considered as the best country to study abroad for Mumbai students?

Here is the best reason for studying in Germany: did you know public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education to both domestic and international students? However, there is a small semester fee (typically around €150-€400) that covers administrative costs.

Top universities in Germany

Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)
Heidelberg University
RWTH Aachen University
Humboldt University of Berlin
University of Freiburg

Most recognised courses

Mechanical, Electrical, and Automotive Engineering
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Natural Sciences
Business and Management
Applied Sciences

Cost of study and living

Level of Study	Average Annual Tuition	Typical Duration	Monthly Living Cost*
Undergraduate	€0 – €1,500 (public)	3 years	€800 – €1,200
Master’s	€0 – €5,000 (public)	2 years	€800 – €1,200

*Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg are at the higher end.

Study in Australia

Australia boasts of several top-ranked universities with a strong reputation for academic excellence. Degrees from Australian universities are widely accepted by employers globally.

Why do Mumbai students travel to Australia for higher education?

Students from across the globe study in Australia because of the scope of research and innovation. Esteemed Australian institutions such as the University of Melbourne, ANU, and UNSW regularly rank inside the global top 50. The continent is also home to some of the most beautiful student cities in the world such as Melbourne and Sydney.

Top universities in Australia

Australian National University (ANU)
University of Melbourne
University of Sydney
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Monash University
University of Queensland

Most recognised courses

Business, MBA, and Finance
IT, Computer Science, and Data Analytics
Health Sciences and Nursing
Engineering and Environmental Science
Media, Design, and Hospitality
Indian student communities

Cost of study and living

Level of Study	Average Annual Tuition	Typical Duration	Monthly Living Cost*
Undergraduate	AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000	3 – 4 years	AUD 1,500 – AUD 2,200
Master’s	AUD 22,000 – AUD 50,000	1.5 – 2 years	AUD 1,500 – AUD 2,200

Study in Ireland

Ireland has lately emerged as a great option for international students due to well-recognized universities that place a strong emphasis on research and innovation. Ireland’s growing tech sector provides a job market for Indian students seeking careers in IT and data science.

What draws Mumbai students to Ireland for master’s degree?

Ireland has developed an excellent education system with a strong emphasis on research. For this reason Indian enrolments jumped 50% in 2023-24. It also helps that several MNCs have their EU headquarters in Dublin.

Top universities in Ireland

Trinity College Dublin
University College Dublin
University College Cork
Dublin City University

Most recognised courses

Computer Science and AI
Pharmacy and Life Sciences
Business and Finance
Engineering and Clean Technology

Cost of study and living

Level of Study	Average Annual Tuition	Typical Duration	Monthly Living Cost*
Undergraduate	€12,000 – €25,000	3 – 4 years	€1,000 – €1,600
Master’s	€12,000 – €25,000	1 year	€1,000 – €1,600

Study in New Zealand

New Zealand is an emerging study destination for Indian students. All eight universities of the island nation consistently rank within the top 3% worldwide.

What are the opportunities for Mumbai Students in New Zealand?

From June 2025, Indian degree holders no longer need an international qualification assessment for admission to New Zealand’s universities. India’s addition to NZ’s List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) has removed much of the paperwork. Besides, it is ranked among the safest countries globally and offers a secure and peaceful environment.

Top universities in New Zealand

University of Auckland
University of Otago
Victoria University of Wellington
University of Canterbury
Massey University

Most recognised courses

Environmental Science and Agriculture
Computer Science and Software Engineering
Health Sciences and Medicine
Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management
Business and Logistics

Cost of study and living

Level of Study	Average Annual Tuition	Typical Duration	Monthly Living Cost*
Undergraduate	NZD 22,000 – NZD 32,000	3 years	NZD 1,200 – NZD 1,800
Master’s	NZD 26,000 – NZD 37,000	1 – 2 years	NZD 1,200 – NZD 1,800

Emerging top countries to study abroad

For international students who want an option to study in the USA and Canada several nations offer excellent opportunities beyond the well-known favorites like the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. These countries are worth shortlisting if you’re comparing top study abroad countries.

As a student from Mumbai not only can you get top class education but also access to a growing job market in these countries.

France

France is known for offering high-quality education, a rich culture, and relatively affordable tuition fees. France is the natural destination for students seeking to excel in the liberal arts and design.

Why do Mumbai students consider it?

France has excellent public universities and grandes écoles. Some of them offer a master’s in English for international students.
There are plenty of financial aid scholarships for Indian students. Campus France reports 500+ scholarships for Indian students each year.
Indian students who receive a degree from a French institution are eligible for a 5-year post-study work visa. This allows them to work and paves the way to a permanent EU residency permit.

Netherlands

Many Dutch universities offer a wide range of English-taught programs at both the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. This makes it easier for Indian students to pursue their chosen fields of study without needing to learn a new language.

What takes Mumbai students to the Netherlands?

Tuition fees are more affordable than in the US and Canada. The cost of a Master’s program varies between €9,000 to €21,000 per year.
Living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation, can range from €800 to €1,200 per month.
Several scholarships are available to Indian students. These include the Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) and the Holland Scholarship.
International graduates can get a 1-year residence permit to work. This can be extended. With continuous five years of study and work in the Netherlands, students are eligible for permanent residence.

Italy

Italy is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, such as Bologna University, Politecnico di Milano, and Sapienza University of Rome.

Why do Mumbai’s students prefer Italy?

While education for international students is not free, it is much lower. Public university tuition is comparatively low, and need-based bursaries are available for international students.
Many universities offer English-taught programs. This makes the classes accessible for students who are not fluent in Italian.
Italy offers a job-seeking residence permit after graduation. It typically lasts 12 months with a facility for extension. Like many other EU nations, five five-year continuous stay qualify you for permanent residency.
The overall cost of living in Italy is lower than in many other Western nations. There are generous grants in regions such as Lazio and Lombardy, which include tuition, housing, and living expenses.

UAE

UAE is not only the newest financial hub but is also fast becoming a center for academic excellence. Indian students can pursue various undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in the UAE.

Why is the UAE a great choice for many Mumbai Students?

Several foreign universities have established reputable campuses in the UAE. These include the University of Birmingham, University of Wollongong, Curtin University, Heriot-Watt University, and American University in Dubai.
The UAE government offers a vast number of grants, scholarships to attract the best and brightest students from India and other nations.
While you need a student visa, it can be obtained in as little as 20 days. It is a short four-hour flight from Mumbai, just across the Arabian Sea.
UAE is the hub of international trade and finance and the gateway to Asia. There are a large number of jobs in high-demand sectors like IT, healthcare, and finance.

South Korea

South Korea is a technological powerhouse and at the forefront of semiconductor design and heavy industries. As the importance of chip design rises, South Korea is fast becoming a favoured study destination for STEM students.

Why does South Korea stand out for Mumbai students?

South Korea has several top-ranked universities like Seoul National University, KAIST, Korea University, and Yonsei University. Many universities offer a large number of programs taught in English at the graduate level.
The cost of education is relatively low. Average annual tuition fees range between approximately $4,500 to $13,000 (₹3.7 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs) per year. Monthly expenses are between $500 and $700 (₹43,000 to ₹61,000).
Many international companies, e.g., Samsung, SK Hynix, Kia, and POSCO, operate out of South Korea. They offer potential career paths for graduates.

These overseas education destinations may not be the first names that come to mind. But they offer value for money education. Students looking for countries with affordable tuition for Indian students should explore these options seriously.

Role of overseas education consultants in Mumbai

Choosing a country, shortlisting universities, and managing timelines can feel like a burden. A good overseas education consultant in Mumbai can save time and resources.

Where do overseas education consultants in Mumbai add value?

Country and Course Selection

Consultants assess your profile, academic background, and career goals to suggest the most suitable countries and universities.

Application Process

They guide you through university applications, help prepare your Statement of Purpose (SOP), and letters of recommendation.

Visa Guidance

Consultants provide up-to-date information and help you avoid mistakes that could delay or affect your visa approval.

Scholarships Search

Many students are unaware of available scholarships. Good consultants also help you search and apply for funding opportunities.

Pre-Departure Support

Many education consultants help with accommodation, travel planning, and forex. This is especially useful for new travellers.

Final thoughts

You now have a clear view of top destinations beyond the USA and Canada. We have discussed higher education in the UK, Germany, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. We have also included emerging choices like France, the Netherlands, Italy, the UAE, and South Korea.

Together, these give you a wide range of study abroad choices in 2025 and beyond. It’s important to start early and plan ahead. Whether you use a consultant or do your research, a well-structured plan will help you find the right university and course.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the best countries to study abroad in 2025 besides the US and Canada?

Besides the US and Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia, France, and Ireland are seen as excellent options for studying abroad in 2025. These countries offer a mix of good education and strong post-study work opportunities.

2. Why should Mumbai students consider countries like Germany, the UK, or Australia?

The answer is quite simple:

The UK, Australia, and Germany are home to universities ranked among the world’s best.
They offer various post-study work options that allow international graduates to gain valuable work experience.
To date, they have a student-friendly visa policy. Also, a few years of work experience can lead to permanent residency quite easily.

3. Are scholarships available for studying outside North America?

Several scholarships are available for Indian students looking to study in the UK, Australia, and Germany. These include government-funded scholarships like:

Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK
Australia Awards Scholarships in Australia
DAAD, as well as non-government scholarships in Germany

4. Which countries offer affordable tuition for Indian students?

Germany is the most affordable option. Tuition is free at public universities in Germany. Besides Germany, the Netherlands and France are the cheapest options, with Italy and South Korea also being affordable.