Top Places to Study a Master’s in 2025: Leading and Emerging Countries

Choosing where to study abroad is a big deal, and it’s all about finding the right fit for your goals and dreams. Whether you’re looking for world-class universities, low tuition fees, or an exciting new culture to explore, there’s a destination that ticks all your boxes.

This guide breaks down the top places to study for a Master’s in 2024. From Germany’s free public universities and thriving job market to the UK’s top-ranked schools and one-year programmes, you’ll find everything you need to know. Plus, we’re looking at rising stars like Austria and Spain, which are quickly becoming student favourites for their affordability and great courses.

Here’s a breakdown of the Top Study Destinations and Emerging Study Destinations for 2025, according to Studyportals Data. Let’s dive in!

Top Study Destinations for Master's

Germany

Germany is the most popular destination among students seeking a university abroad on Mastersportals, short of reaching half a million international students in 2025. This is not a surprise; it does tick all the boxes: tuition-free public universities, modern innovation hubs, fun and multicultural cities, plus (and this is no little thing) it has a robust post-graduation job market.

• Top universities: LMU Munich, Heidelberg University, Technical University of Berlin (Discover more top universities in Germany here!)
• Popular programmes: Computer Science, Data Science & Big Data, Management, Business Administration, Artificial Intelligence.
• Student visa: Germany’s student visa process is straightforward and efficient: you must be admitted to a university, provide proof of sufficient funds (around €11,000 annually), and get health insurance.
• Affordability: Public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees except for minimal administrative costs (€150-€350 per semester). Living expenses are reasonable, especially in student-friendly cities like Berlin and Leipzig.
• Career Prospects: Germany offers an 18-month post-study work visa, allowing graduates to find employment in its thriving economy. The strong demand for STEM professionals and an innovation-driven job market make Germany ideal for career-focused students.

Find your Master’s in Germany

The United Kingdom

The UK is a global education powerhouse, offering prestigious universities and one-year Master’s programmes. From vibrant cities like London and Manchester to historic university towns like Oxford and Cambridge, the UK offers cultural diversity, rich history, and academic excellence. It probably would have ranked 1st on our list if not for the high tuition fees and living costs in bigger cities.

• Top universities: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London (Discover more top universities in the UK here!)
• Top programmes: Management, Health Sciences, Public Health, Psychology, Artificial Intelligence.
• Student visa: If you’re 16 or older, you can apply for a UK student visa as long as you’ve got a course offer, proof of funds, and meet the English requirements. It costs around 500 British pounds, lets you study, work part-time, and sometimes bring family (dependants), but you can’t claim benefits or be self-employed. The UK government also requires that students from some countries take a tuberculosis medical exam.
• Affordability: While tuition fees can be high (£10,000-£40,000), scholarships like the Chevening Awards help international students reduce costs. Living costs vary, with London being the most expensive.
• Career prospects: The UK introduced the Graduate Route Visa to attract more international students. This visa allows post-study work for up to two years to those with a Student Visa or Tier 4 (general) student visa.

Find your Master’s in the UK

Canada

Canada is known for its welcoming nature, safety, and stunning natural landscapes. Its high-quality education system, multicultural environment, and clear pathways to permanent residency make it a favourite for international students. While Canada remains a top study destination, recent Studyportals data indicates decreased student interest in studying there. This decrease is caused by the country ending fast-track study permit processing and post-graduation work permit restrictions.

• Top universities: University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University (Discover more top universities in Canada here!)
• Top programmes: Computer Sciences, Business & Management, Medicine & Health.
• Ease of Obtaining a Student Visa: Canada’s student visa (study permit) is accessible for those with a university acceptance letter, proof of funds, and biometrics. Canada has a strong history of issuing visas to international students, including significant numbers of applicants from India, Nigeria, and Pakistan. However, Canada plans to limit the number of study permits issued to 437,000 next year, increasing the competition to study for Master’s degrees in Canada.
• Affordability: Tuition fees range from CAD 110,000 to CAD 30,000 per year. Scholarships and part-time work opportunities help offset costs.
• Career Prospects: Policies like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allow graduates to work in Canada for up to three years. However, the PGWP is more favourable for graduates in specific fields, such as STEM, Agriculture ,and Healthcare.

Find your Master’s in Canada

The United States of America

With over 1 million international students, the United States is still the world’s top study destination. No surprise, really, since it is home to some of the best universities in the world, like Harvard and MIT, and invests nearly 40% of the world’s research funding. With tons of degree options and work opportunities, it’s a great place to study and launch your career. However, recent policies restrict student travel, and some fear that measures will be taken to balance international student numbers with domestic priorities.

• Top universities: Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University (Discover more top universities in the US here!)
• Popular programmes: Computer Sciences, Business & Management, Medicine & Health, Engineering & Technology, Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences.
• Student visa: If you plan to attend a university or college in the US, you need an F-1 visa. The F-1 student visa is standard for international university/college students. Other types of visas apply if you plan to participate in an exchange program or study a non-academic or vocational course. Although the US visa process is not among the most straightforward (challenges often include financial proof, demonstrating ties to your home country, and passing the visa interview), the US continues to issue many visas to qualified applicants.
• Affordability: Tuition fees can be high (USD 20,000-USD 50,000 annually), but scholarships like Fulbright and assistantships can help. Living costs vary greatly depending on location.
• Career Prospects: The Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme allows international graduates to work in the US for up to 12 months (36 months for STEM degrees).

Find your Master’s in the US

Italy

Italy combines affordable education, cultural richness, and top-ranked universities. Policies to attract international students include increasing the number of English-taught programmes and providing scholarships for non-EU students. Italy’s government facilitates access through bilateral agreements and scholarships such as the “Invest Your Talent in Italy” programme. According to our data, this initiative addresses countries like Turkey, Tunisia, India and Egypt, where interest in studying in Italy is very high.

• Top universities: University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza University of Rome (Discover more top universities in Italy here!)
• Popular programmes: Business & Management, Economics, Data Science, Arts, Architecture & Design.
• Ease of Obtaining a Student Visa: Italy’s student visa process is relatively straightforward. Applicants need proof of enrolment, funds, and accommodation.
• Affordability: Tuition fees are low (€1,000-€4,000 annually), and living costs are manageable in most cities.
• Career Prospects: Italy offers growing engineering, design, and research opportunities. Non-EU graduates can apply for a work visa after a job offer, while EU graduates benefit from free movement across Europe.

Find your Master’s in Italy

Emerging Study Destinations for Master's

Austria (+37% increase)

With close to a 40% increase in student interest, Austria is becoming a hotspot for international master’s students thanks to its top-notch education, affordable tuition, and focus on research and innovation. With more universities offering English-taught programmes, Austria attracts students from all over. It’s especially popular with students from neighbouring countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia.

• Top universities: University of Vienna, TU Wien (Discover more top universities in Austria here!)
• Popular programmes: Business & Management, Web Technologies and Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, General Engineering.
• Ease of Obtaining a Student Visa: Austria’s requirements are comparable to those of other European destinations, though the financial proof may be stricter than in other countries (€12,000 annually). You may also need to provide a rental agreement to show you secured a place to stay, together with health insurance and other standard requirements.
• Affordability: Similar to Germany, postgraduate education in Austria is affordable for EU/EEA students at public universities, where tuition is generally free. Tuition fees for non-EU students are also manageable (around €700-€1,500 per semester). Living costs are reasonable compared to Western Europe.
• Career Prospects: Austria has implemented policies to encourage international graduates to stay. Graduates of Austrian universities can extend their stay for up to 12 months to get a job in their field. After securing a job offer, graduates can apply for a Red-White-Red card, which allows them to stay for up to 2 years.

Find your Master’s in Austria

Spain (+32%)

Spain witnessed an increase of almost a third in student interest compared to the previous year. Its growing number of English-taught programmes and affordable education options make it an attractive destination. Moreover, the MAEC-AECID programme offers grants to students from Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, provided by the  Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperations (MAEC) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).

• Top universities: University of Barcelona, IE Business School (Discover more top universities in Spain here!)
• Popular programmes: International Business, Business & Management, Tourism.
• Ease of Obtaining a Student Visa: Spain is known for its complex administrative requirements, such as apostilled documents and translations. Due to shared language and cultural ties, Spanish-speaking applicants often have an advantage, making the documentation process slightly easier.
• Affordability: Tuition fees range between €1,500-€3,500 per year. Living costs are relatively low compared to Northern Europe. Like other European countries, Spain allows students to work up to 20 hours per week, making it appealing for those seeking part-time employment.
• Career Prospects: Spain offers a one-year post-study visa for graduates to find employment, comparable to countries like Germany but less extensive than the UK or Ireland.

Find your Master’s in Spain

Ireland (+23%)

Ireland offers excellent higher education, together with a mix of warm hospitality, historic sites, and modern cities. As the only English-speaking country in the EU, it’s also safe to say that Ireland attracts students who might have previously considered the UK. Benefits such as easier mobility within Europe, lower tuition fees for EU citizens, and access to EU-funded programmes like Erasmus+ make Ireland a strong alternative.

• Top universities: Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin (Discover more top universities in Ireland here!)
• Popular programmes: Cyber Security, Sustainable Development, Data Analytics, Psychology, Food Science.
• Ease of Obtaining a Student Visa: For EU students, it’s seamless since no visa is required. The Irish visa process is clear for non-EU students but requires thorough documentation and financial proof. Compared to other countries, Ireland’s visa process is relatively straightforward, with fewer administrative hurdles than the UK but slightly more demanding than some Schengen countries.
• Affordability: Tuition fees range from €10,000-€20,000 annually. Scholarships are available.
• Career Prospects: Ireland’s stay-back visa allows graduates to work for up to two years, particularly in the tech and finance sectors.

Find your Master’s in Ireland

France (+19%)

France is a fantastic choice for international students, thanks to its top universities, affordable tuition, and rich culture. It’s especially popular with students from Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria, where French is still widely spoken. With English-taught programmes, easier visa processes, and scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, France makes studying there simple and rewarding. Plus, post-study work opportunities add even more value.

• Top universities: Sorbonne University, HEC Paris (Discover more top universities in France here!)
• Popular programmes: Biology, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, International Relations, Law, Agriculture & Forestry.
• Ease of Obtaining a Student Visa: Non-EU students must register with Campus France, provide proof of enrolment, financial support (€615/month), and accommodation, and apply through their local consulate. The French study visa process usually takes 3-6 weeks, similar to Germany, but faster than the UK, and often includes interviews. France’s Bienvenue en France initiative simplifies the process further, making it slightly easier than Germany’s detailed requirements and less costly than the UK’s higher fees.
• Affordability: Low public university fees (€200-€4,000 per year). Scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence Programme are available.
• Career Prospects: Non-EU/EEA graduates of French universities with at least a master’s degree can apply for a temporary residence permit (APS), valid for 12 months (renewable for 12 more months).

Find your Master’s in France

Poland (+9%)

Rising education costs in Western Europe have made Poland an attractive, budget-friendly alternative, particularly for Asian, African, and Eastern European students. Polish universities have increased the availability of English-taught programmes, focusing on fields like medicine, IT, and engineering. Thanks to its political stability and fast-growing economy, this European Union country stands out as a safe option compared to nearby regions, especially in light of recent geopolitical tensions like the war in Ukraine.

• Top universities: University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University (Discover more top universities in Poland here!)
• Popular programmes: Hospitality, Leasure and Sports, Law, Business & Management.
• Ease of Obtaining a Student Visa: Poland’s student visa process is straightforward. Students need proof of admission, funds, and health insurance. The country maintains a steady record of issuing student visas. Non-EU students should submit their documents to the nearest Polish consulate or embassy, with processing times typically ranging from 15 to 30 days.
• Affordability: Studies in the Polish language are free for Polish and EU/EEA students and also for students with a Polish Charter (Karta Polaka). Tuition fees are low (€2,000-€6,000 annually), and living costs are among the lowest in Europe.
• Career Prospects: In Poland, non-EU/EEA graduates can apply for a temporary residence permit for up to 9 months after graduation to find a job or start a business. Once employed, they don’t need a separate work permit, simplifying the process of entering the workforce.

Find your Master’s in Poland

In conclusion…

Studying abroad is an exciting journey that can shape your future in amazing ways. Whether you’re aiming for top-ranked universities, affordable tuition, or a chance to experience life in a new country, the right destination is out there waiting for you.

Germany, the UK, Canada, and the US bring something unique, while up-and-coming spots like Austria and Spain are making waves for their affordability and growing appeal. Each country has its own vibe, opportunities, and challenges, so it’s all about finding what works best for you.

Take the time to explore your options, determine your priorities, and disembark on your next adventure. Wherever you choose to go, the experience will be unforgettable!

Methodology

• We explored top study destinations and emerging ones to understand their appeal and trends.
• We identified the source of most international enrolments in the destination country. and examined the countries with the highest share of students choosing a specific destination to highlight their influence.
• Measured the share of international students from specific origin countries to pinpoint where destination countries are most influential.
• The increasing and decreasing interest in each destination was analysed using data on student interest trends from Studyportals.
• Reviewed the ease of obtaining student visas for key nationalities by looking at requirements and processing times on official websites and used recent data on the number of student visas issued by each destination country to demonstrate their openness and friendliness to international students.

FAQs

1. What are the best countries for affordable tuition fees?

Germany and Austria are top choices for affordable education. Many public universities offer free or low-cost tuition for international students. Countries like Italy, Spain, and Poland are also budget-friendly options.

2. Which destinations have the easiest visa processes for international students?

Germany, Ireland, and Austria are known for having relatively straightforward visa processes, especially if you meet the financial requirements and secure university admission.

3. How do living costs compare across study destinations?

Living costs vary widely. While cities like London and New York can be expensive, student-friendly cities in Germany, Poland, or Spain offer much lower costs.  When budgeting, consider accommodation, food, and transport.

4. Can I get scholarships to study abroad?

Yes! Many countries and universities offer scholarships. Notable options include Germany’s DAAD, the UK’s Chevening Awards, Canada’s Vanier Scholarship, and Italy’s “Invest Your Talent in Italy” programme.

5. What’s the best destination for cultural experiences?

If you’re looking for a rich cultural experience, destinations like Italy, Spain, and France are unbeatable for their art, history, and lifestyle.

6. How do I decide where to study abroad?

Start by identifying your goals, career prospects, academic reputation, or lifestyle. Then, research each country’s strengths and how they align with your needs.