Discover the Best Places to Study Abroad for US Students in 2025

  • Great places to study abroad like Ireland, Spain, and Japan are very attractive for US students, offering quality education, amazing cultural experiences, and rewarding job opportunities. 

    • Countries with English-taught programmes and strong safety records, such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Sweden, are particularly appealing. 

    • Affordable tuition fees and thriving industries in fields like Business, Engineering, and Social Sciences make destinations such as Portugal, Austria, and France a great option for those seeking both international education and career prospects. 

     

    Following the recent US elections, we noticed a significant growth among American students considering studying abroad. We decided to have a look at the most appealing international study destination for American students in 2024. What countries around the world interest the most? Countries like the Germany, Italy, Canada, and Austria have always been favourite destinations for American students, yet they showed a decrease in interest over 2024. At the same time, other countries are catching this trend, our data shows. These are the countries we will focus on in this article.  

    Below, you can see which top destinations for US students have become increasingly popular in 2024:

    best places to study abroad for US students  

    These countries offer quality education, a welcoming environment, and numerous perks for international students. Let’s explore the best places to study abroad for American students. 

    Study abroad in Ireland  

    • +44% growth 

    Ireland showed the highest growth in interest as a study-abroad destination for US students. An English-speaking country with renowned universities such as Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin (UCD) and a strong focus on research and innovation,  Ireland attracts more students every year.  

    • Known for: low crime rates, beautiful landscapes, and paying jobs in industries like IT, healthcare, and finance. 

    • Tuition fees: range from €9,000 to €25,000 per year, depending on the chosen programme. 

    • Best universities in Ireland, according to Metaranking:  

    1. Trinity College Dublin  
    2. University College Dublin  
    3. University College Cork 
    4. University of Galway  
    5. Dublin City University  

    Find Master’s abroad in Ireland 

    Study Abroad in Spain 

    +29.8% growth 

    Spain has become one of the most sought-after study-abroad destinations for US students. Known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and exceptional universities like the University of Barcelona and Pompeu Fabra University, Spain offers a perfect mix of academics and lifestyle. Many programs are offered in English, though learning Spanish can be a valuable asset.  

    • Known for: vibrant cultural scene, delicious food, inclusive policies, and affordable living costs. 

    • Tuition fees: €1,000–€6,000 per year at public universities; €10,000–€25,000 at private institutions. 

    1. University of Barcelona 
    2. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona 
    3. Pompeu Fabra University 
    4. Autonomous University of Madrid 
    5. Complutense University of Madrid 

    Find Master’s abroad in Spain 

    Study Abroad in Japan 

    +25.8% growth 

    Japan is rapidly gaining interest as a study-abroad destination, along other Asian countries in a similar trend, due to its unique mix of cultural heritage and technological leadership. Prestigious universities such as the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University offer increasingly accessible English-taught programmes, making Japan aan attractive option for US students. 

    • Known for: safety, technological innovation, and cultural attractions like cherry blossom festivals and anime culture. 

    • Tuition fees: ¥535,800–¥1,200,000 ($3,500–$8,000) per year. 

    1. University of Tokyo 
    2. Kyoto University 
    3. Tohoku University 
    4. Osaka University 
    5. Nagoya University 

    Find Master’s in Japan 

    Study in Japan

    Study Abroad in Austria 

    +22.4% growth 

    Austria has emerged as an attractive destination for US students, offering high-quality education, beautiful landscapes, and affordable tuition fees. With top universities like the University of Vienna and Vienna University of Technology, Austria combines academic rigour with cultural depth. 

    • Known for: safety, great culture, and outdoor activities like skiing in the Alps. 

    • Tuition fees: €1,500–€3,000 per year for non-EU students at public universities. 

    1. University of Vienna 
    2. Vienna University of Technology 
    3. University of Innsbruck 
    4. Medical University of Vienna 
    5. Medical University of Innsbruck 

    Find Master’s abroad in Austria 

    Study Abroad in Portugal 

    +18% growth 

    Portugal is becoming an increasingly popular destination for US students due to its affordable tuition fees, warm climate, and relaxed lifestyle. Renowned universities such as the University of Lisbon and University of Porto offer a range of English-taught programs in various fields. 

    • Known for: fado music, Mediterranean cuisine, and beautiful historic cities with vibrant arts scenes like Lisbon and Porto. 

    • Tuition fees: €3,000–€7,000 per year for international students. 

    1. University of Porto 
    2. University of Lisbon 
    3. NOVA University Lisbon 
    4. University of Coimbra 
    5. Universidade de Aveiro 

    Find Master’s abroad in Portugal 

    Study Abroad in France 

    +11.7% growth 

    France remains a classic choice for US students, offering a perfect mix of prestigious academic institutions and cultural richness. Universities such as Sorbonne University and Sciences Po attract students from around the world with programs available in both French and English, especially at the master’s level. 

    • Known for: its rich history, iconic art and architecture like the Notre Dame, delicious food, and amazing museums like the Louvre. 

    • Tuition fees: €170–€650 per year at public universities; €3,000–€20,000 at private institutions. 

    1. Paris-Saclay University 
    2. Sorbonne University 
    3. University Paris Cité 
    4. Université Grenoble Alpes 
    5. Aix-Marseille University 

    Find Master’s abroad in France 

    Study Abroad in Switzerland 

    +8.4% growth 

    Switzerland combines world-class education, innovation, and stunning Alpine landscapes, making it an attractive option for US students. Renowned for its universities like ETH Zurich and EPFL, Switzerland excels in fields like engineering and life sciences. 

    • Known for: high safety standards, research excellence, outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, and, of course, chocolate. 

    • Tuition fees: CHF 500–CHF 2,000 ($550–$2,200) per semester. 

    1. ETH Zurich 
    2. EPFL 
    3. University of Zurich 
    4. University of Bern 
    5. University of Basel 

    Find Master’s abroad in Switzerland 

    Study Abroad in the United Kingdom 

    +7.8% growth 

    The United Kingdom continues to be one of the most popular study destinations for US students due to its prestigious universities and English-speaking environment. Institutions such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge offer unparalleled academic opportunities, while the UK’s vibrant cultural scene adds to its appeal. 

    • Known for: prestigious universities, multicultural society, excellent soccer teams, and great literature. 

    • Tuition fees: £10,000–£38,000 ($12,500–$48,000) per year. 

    1. University of Cambridge 
    2. University of Oxford 
    3. Imperial College London 
    4. University College London (UCL) 
    5. The University of Edinburgh 

    Find Master’s abroad in the United Kingdom 

    Study Abroad in the Netherlands 

    +7.8% growth 

    The Netherlands offers an innovative education system and a welcoming environment for international students. Most Dutch universities offer English-taught programs, making it easy for US students to adapt. 

    • Known for: high safety levels, cycling-friendly cities, and innovative education. 

    • Tuition fees: €6,000–€15,000 per year for non-EU students. 

    1. University of Amsterdam 
    2. Utrecht University 
    3. University of Groningen 
    4. Leiden University 
    5. Wageningen University and Research 

    Find Master’s abroad in the Netherlands 

    Study in the Netherlands

    Study Abroad in Sweden 

    +2% growth Sweden attracts students with its focus on innovation, sustainability, and gender equality. Universities like Karolinska Institute and Lund University offer globally recognised programs in English, making it a top choice for US students. 

    • Known for: clean environment, progressive social policies, and innovative research. 

    • Tuition fees: SEK 80,000–SEK 200,000 ($7,500–$18,500) per year. 

    1. Lund University 
    2. Uppsala University 
    3. Stockholm University 
    4. University of Gothenburg 
    5. KTH Royal Institute of Technology 

    Find Master’s abroad in Sweden 

    Methodology

    The data from Studyportals compares trends from 2024 to 2023, highlighting which countries saw the biggest increase in US students' interest in pursuing Master’s degrees abroad.

    The list of top destinations is based on the countries with the highest search activity by US students.

    • The popular disciplines reflect the most sought-after fields of study in each destination.
    • For the purpose of this article, we limited our data to on-campus study options.
    • Together, this data shows where US students want to study and what subjects they’re most interested in.

    Final words

    By considering both educational quality and affordability, these destinations provide options that fit a range of budgets while delivering world-class academic experiences and enriching cultural opportunities. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge research, career opportunities, or a cultural experience, these study-abroad destinations offer the ideal environment to achieve your academic and personal goals. 

    Additional resources 

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    1. What are some great places to study abroad for US students? 

    Some of the top destinations for US students to study abroad include Ireland, Spain, Japan, and the United Kingdom. These countries offer renowned universities, English-taught programmes, cultural immersion, and opportunities for post-study employment. 

    2. How much does it cost to study abroad in popular destinations? 

    Tuition fees vary by country and institution. For example, in Ireland, fees range from €9,000 to €25,000 per year, while in Spain, public universities cost between €1,000 and €6,000 annually. In the UK, tuition ranges from £10,000 to £38,000 ($12,500–$48,000) per year. 

    3. Are there English-taught programmes in non-English speaking countries? 

    Yes, many non-English speaking countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, and Japan offer a wide range of programmes taught in English, making it easier for US students to pursue their studies without needing to learn a new language.

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