— Raghwa Gopal 

In light of Canada’s recent policy shift to cap the intake of international students, many aspiring study abroad students are reconsidering study destinations. This change, accentuated by a high rate of visa application rejections, signals a shift in Canada’s accessibility as a preferred global study destination. Nevertheless, this presents a unique opportunity to explore other global educational horizons.

While we adapt to these changes, it is crucial to consider alternative study abroad destinations that blend quality education, affordability, and welcoming policies for international students. Here are some other upcoming study abroad destinations for Indian students:

Acclaimed for its exceptional education system and research focus, Germany has emerged as a prime location for international students. Most strikingly, public universities here offer tuition-free undergraduate programmes, irrespective of nationality. Living costs in cities such as Berlin or Munich typically range from €850 to €1,200 monthly, including accommodation, food, transport, and health insurance.

Increasingly favoured by Indian students, Ireland’s universities rank within the global top 3 per cent. Celebrated for STEM and technology fields, Ireland also provides robust support for international students, post-study work options, and more economical living and educational expenses compared to traditional destinations.

Offering a balanced lifestyle with high education standards, New Zealand’s undergraduate courses cost international students between NZ$22,000 and NZ$32,000 (approximately €13,000 to €19,000) per year. Postgraduate courses range from NZ$26,000 to NZ$37,000 (around €15,500 to €22,000) annually, with annual living expenses estimated at NZ$20,000 (about €11,900).

Under the ambitious ‘South Korea 300K Project’, the South Korean Ministry of Education aspires to attract 300,000 international students by 2027. This initiative aims to ease language barriers and streamline permanent residency processes, significantly reducing the time for eligible students to obtain Permanent Residence (3K) from six to three years.

Hungary stands out with affordable tuition fees (€1,200 to €5,000 annually) and reasonable living costs. It offers diverse high-quality educational programmes across its renowned universities.

Italy combines rich cultural experiences with educational opportunities. Monthly rents here fall between €200 and €300, with annual tuition fees ranging from €900 to €4,000.

Gaining popularity, Malta offers a unique blend of Mediterranean culture and educational excellence. Students can expect monthly rents of around €700 and annual tuition fees between €5,000 and €7,500.

Known for its innovative and research-centric education, Sweden’s tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students range from €7,500 to €25,000 annually, varying by course and university. Average living costs are around €950 per month.

Famous for its dynamic culture and excellent universities, Spain provides relatively low tuition fees (€750 to €2,500 annually for EU students, slightly higher for non-EU students) and affordable living costs (about €900 to €1,100 monthly).

Emerging as an attractive destination, Taiwan offers affordability and quality education. International students pay about TWD 100,000 to TWD 150,000 (approximately €3,000 to €4,500) annually in tuition fees. Living expenses are relatively low, around TWD 15,000 to TWD 20,000 (approximately €450 to €600) per month.

With the educational landscape evolving globally, these countries are becoming increasingly appealing alternatives, offering a harmonious blend of quality education and affordability.

(The writer is the CEO of M Square Media)