Best Countries for Indian Students to Study and Settle

The list of best countries for Indian students to study abroad, visa overview and post-study work opportunities are listed below:

Canada

Canada has become a top choice for Indian students who want quality education and excellent career prospects after graduation. The country's reliable education system and clear paths to permanent residency make it an ideal destination for students planning their future abroad.

Canada Study Visa Overview

Getting a Canadian study permit requires careful attention to several key steps. You'll need an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. You also need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from your chosen province.

Here's what you need to qualify for a study permit:

• Enough money to pay for tuition, living costs, and return travel
• A clean criminal record (police clearance certificates might be needed)
• Good health (medical check-up might be needed)
• Plans to leave Canada after completing your studies

Starting November 1, 2024, everyone applying for a study permit must prove their English or French language skills. This rule applies to everyone, even native speakers. University programmes require at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French.

A study permit costs CAD 150 (about INR 7,172), plus CAD 85 for biometrics. Most people need to apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Processing times depend on your country.

Canada Post-Study Work Opportunities

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is one of Canada's best features for international students. This permit lets graduates work anywhere in Canada without needing a job offer first.

Your PGWP length depends on how long you studied:

• Programmes between 8 months and 2 years: You get a permit matching your study time
• Programmes of 2 years or more: You get a 3-year permit
• Master's degree programmes (8+ months): You get a 3-year permit (starting February 15, 2024)

Remember, you can only get one PGWP in your lifetime. You must apply within 180 days after getting your Letter of Completion. Since June 21, 2024, you can't apply at ports of entry anymore.

You can work while waiting for PGWP approval if you:

• Applied within 90 days after finishing your programme
• Had a valid study permit when you applied
• Could work off-campus during your studies
• Followed work-hour rules while studying

If you can't get a PGWP, other work permits are available. These include International Experience Canada (for those under 35), Temporary Foreign Worker Programme, Atlantic Immigration Programme, and Provincial Nominee Programmes.

Australia

Australia stands out as a prime destination for international education. Each year, over 800,000 international students choose Australia, with Indian students making up 139,000 of this number as of 2025. World-class universities, great post-study work rights, and clear paths to permanent residency make Australia an excellent choice for Indian students who want to build their careers abroad.

Australia Study Visa Overview

The Student visa (subclass 500) opens doors for international students who want to study in Australia. You can stay up to 6 years, matching your course length. You'll need to:

• Sign up for a CRICOS-registered course
• Get Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Be at least 6 years old (school students)
• Show proof of enough money
• Meet English language standards
• Pass the Genuine Student check

Most students need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall (5.5 in each band), but requirements change based on your course. You'll also need to show you have at least AUD 29,710 for living costs, plus money for tuition and travel.

A visa application costs AUD 2,000 (about INR 1.14 lakhs), and you'll pay extra for family members. Students from Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste can get reduced visa fees starting March 2025.

Australia Post-Study Work Opportunities

Australia's Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) gives graduates great work options through two main streams:

1. Post-Higher Education Work stream – For university graduates with bachelor's degrees or higher
2. Post-Vocational Education Work stream – For graduates with diplomas or trade qualifications

Your qualification level decides how long you can stay:

• Bachelor's degree: 2 years
• Bachelor's with first class honours in STEM/ICT (Indian nationals): 3 years
• Master's by coursework: 2 years
• Master's by research: 3 years
• Doctoral degree: 3 years for most nationalities, 4 years for Indian nationals

The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) made these special arrangements for Indian nationals possible. This shows Australia's dedication to bringing in skilled workers from India.

Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can stay up to 5 years, whatever their qualification.

Australia PR and Settlement Pathways

Students can choose from several paths to permanent residency in Australia. Popular options include:

1. Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – Points-based with no sponsorship needed
2. Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) – Needs state/territory nomination
3. Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) – For regional area work and living

The subclass 491 visa can lead to permanent residency through the subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after three years of living and working in regional Australia.

Three main categories lead to permanent residency:

• Family-stream permanent visas
• Work-stream permanent visas
• Business or investor-stream permanent visas

Top Universities in Australia

Australian universities rank among the world's finest schools. QS World University Rankings 2026 places these universities at the top:

1. University of Melbourne (#19 globally)
2. University of New South Wales (#20)
3. University of Sydney (#25)
4. Australian National University (#32)
5. Monash University (#36)

The University of Melbourne leads Australia in research and postgraduate studies. About 45% of its students come from overseas. The University of Sydney's international community is even larger, with overseas students making up 51% of total enrollment.

Each university shines in different areas. The University of Western Australia excels in Mining Engineering, Marine Science and Agriculture. The University of Technology Sydney leads in Technology, Engineering and Design.

Australia Job Market and In-Demand Sectors

Australia's strong economy creates excellent career opportunities for international graduates. The job market is booming in:

• Healthcare (registered nurses, medical technologists)
• Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical)
• Information Technology (software developers, cybersecurity specialists)
• Construction (managers, civil engineers)
• Education (early childhood, university lecturers)

Healthcare grew by 5.4% in 2024, while construction added 45,900 new jobs. The cybersecurity field should grow 12% through 2027. About 12,500 cyber jobs stayed unfilled across Australia in 2023.

Australian salaries remain competitive. Registered nurses earn over AUD 67,500 yearly, while software programmers make around AUD 75,900.

Australia Cost of Living and Lifestyle

Living costs in Australia change based on where you live. International students should plan for AUD 1,500-2,700 (INR 96,576-178,441) monthly. This usually covers:

• Accommodation: AUD 800-2,500 monthly
• Food and groceries: AUD 65-103 weekly
• Public transport: AUD 120-270 monthly
• Utilities: AUD 270-490 monthly

Canberra tops the list as Australia's most expensive city at AUD 4,310 monthly, while Darwin costs less at AUD 3,486. Sydney and Melbourne, where most students go, cost about AUD 3,982 and AUD 3,778 monthly.

Students must get Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Annual costs range from AUD 1,160 to AUD 1,405 depending on your provider.

Part-time work can help with expenses. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holidays. Australia's adult minimum wage sits at AUD 19.60 per hour since July 2023.

UK

The UK stands as a prestigious hub for higher education. Students from India can experience academic excellence, rich culture, and great career opportunities here. British universities have centuries of history, and their vibrant multicultural cities make a strong case for anyone looking to study abroad and grow professionally.

United Kingdom Study Visa Overview

Student visa (formerly Tier 4) lets international students study in the UK. You must meet these requirements:

• Have an offer from a licenced student sponsor
• Show enough funds for tuition and living expenses
• Prove English language proficiency
• Get parental consent if you're 16-17 years old

The visa costs £524, plus you need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year. This gives you access to the National Health Service. Students outside the UK can apply up to 6 months before courses start, while those already in the country can apply 3 months ahead.

Students applying from outside the UK usually wait about 3 weeks for processing. Applications made within the UK take around 8 weeks. Priority services are available at extra cost.

United Kingdom Post-Study Work Opportunities

The Graduate route visa came into effect in 2021 and offers great benefits for international students. This unsponsored path lets graduates:

• Stay and work at any skill level for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates)
• Work flexibly without employer sponsorship
• Apply after completing their course

You'll need to pay £880 plus the healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year. The application must be made while you're in the UK with a valid Student visa.

The Graduate route doesn't count toward settlement rights or lead straight to permanent residency. All the same, it gives you time to find qualifying employment for other immigration paths.

United Kingdom PR and Settlement Pathways

Students can take several routes to permanent residency, even though the Graduate route doesn't lead there directly:

The Skilled Worker route serves as the main path. You'll need:

• A job offer from a Home Office-licenced sponsor
• To meet the minimum salary threshold (usually £25,600 or the going rate)
• Intermediate English language proficiency (B1 level)

You can get settlement rights after 5 years on this route. The Global Talent visa works well for people recognised worldwide in arts, culture, sciences, or digital technology.

April 2023 saw the launch of the Innovator Founder visa. This suits entrepreneurs who have innovative business ideas backed by approved bodies. The High Potential Individual visa gives 2-3 years of stay to graduates from top global universities, but doesn't lead to settlement.

Top Universities in United Kingdom

British universities rank among the world's best:

1. University of Cambridge (ranked #5 globally for 2025)
2. University of Oxford (#3)
3. Imperial College London (#2)
4. University College London (#9)
5. University of Edinburgh (#27)

LSE has claimed the top spot in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. Oxford and Cambridge follow at third and fourth place.

These schools are known for their strong academic standing, state-of-the-art research, and excellent graduate employment rates.

United Kingdom Job Market and In-Demand Sectors

The UK's job market faces some challenges now. Unemployment sits at 4.6% in early 2025—the highest since mid-2021. Job openings have dropped for 35 straight quarters, with 63,000 fewer positions, leaving 736,000 vacancies nationwide.

International graduates can find visa sponsorship in these key sectors:

• Financial services (HSBC, Barclays, JP Morgan)
• Accounting & professional services (though hiring has slowed)
• Engineering (Arup, WSP, Mott MacDonald)
• Technology
• Healthcare (especially through NHS)

Graduate starting salaries in 2024 average £34,000. Investment banking (£55,000), law (£50,000), and consulting (£47,500) pay the most.

United Kingdom Cost of Living and Lifestyle

Your living costs depend a lot on where you stay in the UK. Students in 2025 spend about £1,104 (₹128,000) monthly on basics. Housing takes up nearly half of this budget.

Monthly expenses usually include:

• Accommodation: £690-£1,100
• Food: £200-£350
• Bills (utilities, internet): £140-£240
• Transportation: £73-£110

London costs more than other UK cities. Your visa application must show you have £1,334 per month for London or £1,023 for other areas, calculated for up to 9 months.

Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours in term time) to help with expenses. The National Living Wage stands at £11.44 per hour from April 2024.

Germany

Germany has become a top choice for Indian students who want quality education and great career opportunities. Students love its tuition-free public universities, strong economy, and clear paths to permanent residency. The country gives amazing value to international students planning their future.

Germany Study Visa Overview

Indian students need a National Visa to study in Germany. Here are the documents you'll need:

• Letter of admission from a German university or preparatory college
• Proof of financial resources (blocked account with €11,904)
• Valid passport with at least two empty pages
• Health insurance coverage
• Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certificate for Indian applicants
• Proof of language proficiency in German or English

The visa costs €75 (about INR 6,935). You'll also need to show financial means of €992 per month starting 2025. This money will help you support yourself while studying in Germany.

Germany Post-Study Work Opportunities

Students get great opportunities after graduation with an 18-month job search residence permit. This permit lets you:

• Stay in Germany up to 18 months after finishing studies
• Work any job during this time
• Search for work related to your degree

The permit works well for students who finish their studies at a German university and can support themselves. This makes Germany perfect for Indian students who want international work experience after graduation.

Germany PR and Settlement Pathways

Getting permanent residency in Germany is simple for international graduates. Here's how:

• Graduates from German universities can get a settlement permit after 2 years of qualifying work
• EU Blue Card holders can apply for settlement after 21 months (with B1 German) or 27 months (without)
• Non-EU graduates without German degrees need 3 years of work

You'll need to pay into pension insurance, know German (at least B1 level), and have enough living space. Germany offers one of Europe's quickest paths to permanent settlement for international graduates.

Top Universities in Germany

Germany's universities rank among the world's best. Some standout institutions are:

• Technical University of Munich (ranked 27th by THE; 22nd by QS) with 45% international students
• Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (ranked 34th by THE; 58th by QS)
• Universität Heidelberg (ranked 49th by THE; 80th by QS)
• Free University of Berlin (ranked 62nd among most international universities)

International students love Technical University of Berlin, RWTH Aachen University, and KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology). These schools have international student populations of 30%, 34%, and 21% respectively.

Germany Job Market and In-Demand Sectors

Germany's economy creates great jobs for international graduates. Here are the best-paying sectors:

• Engineering (average annual salary €58,380)
• Information Technology (average annual salary €43,396)
• Healthcare and medical technology
• Green economy and sustainable industries
• Finance and business (average annual salary €34,339)

Companies want IT specialists, engineers, healthcare professionals, and scientists. The new Skilled Immigration Act makes it easier for non-EU professionals to work in Germany.

Germany Cost of Living and Lifestyle

Living costs in Germany are reasonable compared to other Western European countries. Students spend about €850-€1,200 monthly. This includes:

• Accommodation: €250-€350 (shared) or €400-€600 (private)
• Food and groceries: €150-€200
• Health insurance: €80-€120
• Transportation: €40-€60
• Utilities: €150-€250

Munich costs the most, while Leipzig, Dresden, and Halle are cheaper. Most German public universities don't charge tuition—just a semester fee between €70 and €430. Only Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester.

 

New Zealand

New Zealand attracts Indian students with its stunning landscapes and welcoming communities. Students get quality education, excellent post-study work rights, and clear paths to permanent residency.

New Zealand Study Visa Overview

Indian students need a student visa to study in New Zealand for courses longer than three months. You'll need an admission offer from a New Zealand education provider. The funds required are NZD 1,687,609 (₹10.2 lakhs) per year. The application costs NZD 843, and processing takes about eight weeks. Students should have good health, character, and show genuine interest to study.

New Zealand Post-Study Work Opportunities

Post-Study Work Visas let international graduates get valuable work experience in New Zealand. The visa duration extends up to three years based on your qualification. Degree-level graduates (Level 7 or higher) can work for any employer in any role. Students with non-degree qualifications must find work related to their studies. You should apply within three months after your student visa expires. PhD graduates get six months to apply.

New Zealand PR and Settlement Pathways

The path to permanent residency starts with a resident visa. This lets you live permanently in the country with some travel conditions. After two years with a resident visa and showing your dedication to New Zealand, you can get a Permanent Resident Visa without travel restrictions. Most international students get residence through the Skilled Migrant Category. This system awards points based on age, work experience, qualifications, and English skills.

Top Universities in New Zealand

The University of Auckland leads New Zealand's institutions at 65th place globally. Its campus welcomes 73% international students. The University of Otago ranks 214th globally and excels in sports-related subjects. The University of Waikato sits at 235th globally with great teacher-to-student ratios. Massey University stands out with veterinary science degrees approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

New Zealand Job Market and In-Demand Sectors

The job outlook looks promising for qualified graduates as New Zealand seeks skilled professionals. The Green List shows jobs with clear paths to residency. These include:

• Healthcare professionals
• IT specialists
• Engineering experts
• Construction managers
• Education professionals

New Zealand Cost of Living and Lifestyle

• Students spend between NZD 1,500-2,500 (₹85,000-140,000) monthly.
• Rent takes the biggest share at NZD 430-490 (₹22,000-26,000) for a one-bedroom place.
• Food costs run NZD 200-250 (₹10,000-13,000) monthly.
• Transport needs about NZD 170-200 (₹8,800-10,300).
• Public healthcare serves mainly resident visa holders. International students must have medical and travel insurance throughout their stay.

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