Many students have the goal of completing their undergraduate degrees abroad. Acquiring a degree from an international college while studying overseas is an interesting and beneficial experience.There's more involved in studying abroad than merely obtaining a degree. It provides you with a comprehensive experience, exposure to the world, skill sets, and the assurance to launch your professional career successfully.
Top 5 Countries for Undergraduate Studies in 2024.docx.pdf
1. Top 5 Countries for Undergraduate Studies in 2024
Introduction
It is a dream for many students to pursue their undergraduate studies in a foreign country.
Studying abroad and earning a degree from international colleges is as advantageous as it is
exciting.
When you decide to study abroad, it is more than just earning a degree. It gives you a
holistic experience, global exposure, skill sets, and the confidence to begin your professional
career on the right note.
One of the huge advantages is the variety of options one gets in terms of course selection.
Many foreign universities offer a large number of undergraduate degrees in not just the
traditional fields but also the unconventional fields like Astrobiology, Motorsports
Management, Bakery Science and Management, and Comic Art.
Year-round, a huge number of students head to countries like the United States, United
Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany to pursue their undergraduate studies. There is a
plethora of reasons why these countries top the list of best countries to pursue higher studies
in. Other than quality education, state-of-the-art infrastructure, internships, and lucrative job
prospects, these countries also offer an excellent quality of life and exponential professional
growth. Moreover, with many countries changing their post-graduation work permit and
application process for residency, the possibility of settling abroad has widened.
Let us now look at some of the core benefits of studying abroad.
1 You gain a global perspective: When a student steps out of the home country and stays in
a foreign country for higher studies, he/she gains a global perspective about people, culture,
2. traditions, etc. This broadens their perspective and gives them much-needed experiences to
thrive in a competent world of education as well as profession.
2 Cultural experiences: With a new place comes new traditions, customs, language, social
atmospheres, and food. Immersing yourself in the culture of the country you are studying in
will teach you many vital life lessons one needs to grow holistically.
3 Networking and international connection: When you study in a foreign country,
networking is one of the best ways to secure lucrative internships and job opportunities. It
helps you sail smoothly in a pool of vast applicants and ensures that you grab the best
opportunities for yourself.
4 Globally recognized degree: An international degree gives your resume an edge and
makes you more employable. Moreover, the salary bracket also goes up. A degree from a
foreign university adds many soft and interpersonal skills to your profile: flexibility, courage,
cultural awareness, inclusivity, etc.
5 See the world: Studying abroad bestows one with one of the most beautiful experiences.
Living in a new country, one gets to see an entirely different world. The more you step out,
the more you will encounter the differences that make each country unique in its very
essence. Moreover, one needs to have recreation time as living alone and studying in a
foreign country can prove to be emotionally stressful. Go out, explore the city you are in,
meet new people, make new memories, and collect a boxful of cherished moments.
Once you have decided to study abroad, you need to research well and consider some crucial
factors to zero in. Below is a list of some important factors that you should consider.
1 Quality of Education: If you are planning to pursue your undergraduate degree from a
foreign university, then the first and foremost factor is the quality of education. You must
ensure that the country you decide to study in provides quality education in the field of study
you want to pursue. Also, ensure that there are enough universities in that country that offer
the program of your choice. This will help you compare the program features, internship
offers, etc.
2 Cost of Living: It is a fact well-known that studying abroad requires a good amount of
money. Other than the tuition fee, there are many other expenses one should watch out for.
One of the crucial ones is the cost of living. How is the city in terms of living cost? The rent,
transport, food, and daily commute expenses should be thoroughly checked. This will ensure
that you do not end up spending a huge amount later on, thereby unsettling your budget.
3 Job opportunities: You should also check thoroughly what kind of job opportunities are
available post-completion of your degree. Many countries allow international students to
work while studying. There are fixed hours for which students can work and earn enough to
meet their day-to-day expenses. But other than this, you should research and find out the job
prospects post studies.
Top 5 Countries to Pursue Undergraduate Studies in 2024
3. 1 The United States: The US is a hub of innovation and diverse opportunities. American
universities are known for their vibrant campus life, opportunities for internships, and access
to cutting-edge research. However, it is important to consider the higher cost of education and
living when choosing the US.
Top international colleges in the US
1 Harvard University: This is situated in Cambridge and is one of the Ivy League research
universities. It offers myriad courses in STEM, business, and humanities streams.
Some of the popular undergraduate programs offered are:
● Applied Mathematics
● Astrophysics
● Biomedical Engineering
● Business Administration and Management
● Comparative Literature
● African and African American Studies
Popular graduate programs offered by Harvard:
● Applied Physics
● Astronomy
● Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning
● American Studies
2 Stanford University: It is a private research university situated in California. It offers a
variety of programs in the fields of
● Medicine
● Law
● Engineering
● Education
● Sustainability
● Business
● Humanities & Sciences
3 Massachusetts Institute of Technology: It is a private land-grant research university in
Cambridge, Massachusetts. It offers programs in
● Architecture
● Urban Studies and Planning
● Aeronautics and Astronautics
● Chemical Engineering
● Mechanical Engineering
● Global Languages
● Comparative Media Studies
● Philosophy
Job opportunities
4. When it comes to job prospects, the United States has many opportunities for software
engineers, cybersecurity analysts, software developers, and healthcare and marketing
professionals.
2 The United Kingdom: The United Kingdom offers quality education and top-notch
facilities that help students to learn and grow in a conducive environment. Moreover, it has
many immigrants from Asian countries, and thus, is a pot-pouri of different cultures and
cuisines.
Top international colleges in the UK
1 Imperial College London: It is a public research university in London. It has a greater
proportion of world-leading research than any other university in the UK.
Popular programs offered are:
● Medicine and Healthcare
● Business and Management
● Artificial Intelligence
● Materials Science
● Electrical and Electronic Engineering
● Public Health
2 The University of Cambridge: This is a public collegiate research university in
Cambridge. It has more than 20,000 students from 140 countries. There are 31 Colleges and 6
Schools, and over 150 Faculties and Departments.
Popular programs offered are:
● Architecture
● Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
● Linguistics
● Medicine, MB and BChir
● Psychological and Behavioral Sciences
● Veterinary Medicine
3 University of Oxford: It is a collegiate research university and one of the oldest in the
UK.
Popular programs offered are:
● Biomedical Sciences
● Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
● Ancient Philosophy
● Applied Digital Health
● Economics and Development
Post-study work visa in the UK
5. A graduate visa allows international students to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after
completing their course in the UK. You must be in the UK when you apply and your current
visa should be a student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa. You can apply online and the
process usually takes 8 weeks. Your visa starts from the day your application is approved.
3 Canada: Canada stands out for its high-quality education system, especially known for
research-intensive universities like the University of Toronto and McGill University. What
makes Canada particularly appealing is its multicultural environment, friendly immigration
policies, and opportunities for post-graduation employment.
It offers a good quality of life to international students and is one of the safest countries.
Top international colleges in Canada
1 University of Toronto: This is a globally top-ranked public research university in Ontario.
Popular programs offered are:
● Actuarial Science
● Applied Mathematics
● Astronomy and Astrophysics
● Cinema Studies
● Computer Science
● Data Science
2 McGill University: It is a public research university located in Quebec. It has produced 12
Nobel laureates and 145 Rhodes Scholars.
Popular programs offered are:
● Pure and Applied Sciences
● Health Sciences
● Math, computing, and Technology
● Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences
3 University of British Columbia: UBC is ranked the third-best university in Canada.
Popular programs offered are:
● Applied Science
● Medicine
● Pharmaceutical Sciences
● Biomedical Engineering
Post-graduate work permit in Canada
A PGWP is an excellent opportunity for international students to stay and work in Canada.
With PGWP, students who have completed their degree, diploma, or certificate program from
a Canadian post-graduate institution can gain valuable work experience in Canada.
6. Though the duration of PGWP depends on the study program, the maximum duration is three
years for programs having a duration of more than two years.
- International students can now complete their entire program online from outside of Canada
and still be eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit Canada
- The new extended time frame for international students to apply for a PGWP after
completing their program is 180 days compared to the earlier time frame of 90 days
4 Australia: With its sunny beaches and dynamic cities, Australia offers a lifestyle that is
hard to beat. Universities such as the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne
are recognized globally for their research facilities and student satisfaction. Moreover,
Australia’s post-study work visa options offer students a pathway to employment after
graduation.
Scholarship opportunities
1 Australia Awards Scholarship: It provides financial support to eligible candidates
worldwide and is available to undergraduate, master’s and PhD students.
2 Melbourne Research Scholarships: This is a fully-funded scholarship for international
students.
5 Germany: Germany offers a robust education system with a special emphasis on
engineering and technology. The country is known for its practically free tuition at public
universities and low cost of living. Cities like Berlin and Munich provide a rich cultural
experience and a vibrant student life.
7. Conclusion
Studying abroad is a life-changing decision that opens a world of opportunities. Whether you
are drawn to the innovative campuses of the United States, the affordable and high-quality
education in Germany, or the vibrant cultures of Canada or Australia, there is a world of
possibilities waiting for you. It is crucial to select the right country that meets your course
preference as well as your budget requirements.
Navigating the application process and planning your finances can prove to be tedious.
Starting early and seeking guidance from professionals can help ensure that your journey is as
smooth and rewarding as possible. This is where Manya Princeton can help you.
FAQs
1. Why are these countries considered the top destinations for undergraduate studies?
These countries are selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of their education systems,
including the quality of their universities, the diversity and inclusivity of their campuses,
affordability in terms of tuition and living costs, and the opportunities they offer for work and
cultural experiences post-graduation.
2. What are the main factors to be considered when choosing a country for my
undergraduate studies?
When choosing a country for your undergraduate studies, consider factors such as the quality
of education in your field of interest, language barriers, cultural fit, cost of living and tuition
fees, safety, and the availability of scholarships or financial aid. You should also check
post-graduation opportunities, such as work visas and employment prospects.
3. How can I finance my undergraduate studies in these countries?
Financing options vary by country and institution but may include scholarships, grants,
student loans, and part-time employment opportunities. Many universities offer financial aid
packages specifically for international students, and there are also government-sponsored
scholarships in some of these top countries.
4. What are the visa requirements for international students in these countries?
Visa requirements for international students vary from country to country. Generally, you
need to provide proof of acceptance into a recognized university, demonstrate financial
stability to cover tuition and living expenses, and sometimes show proficiency in the
language of instruction.
5. Can I work while studying in these countries, and what are the prospects of staying
after graduation?
Most of these countries allow international students to work part-time during their studies,
subject to certain restrictions regarding the number of hours. Post-graduation work prospects
8. vary, with some countries offering post-study work visas that allow graduates to stay and
work for a period after completing their degree.