Study abroad: eight countries compared
Rankings tell you about universities. These four numbers tell you about your life there: what the visa costs, how much money you must show, how much you can work while studying, and how long you can stay to work afterwards.
How long you can stay after your degree
The four numbers, side by side
| Country | Visa cost | Money to show | Work while studying | Stay after degree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | US$185 + US$350 SEVIS | First-year cost on the I-20 | 20 h/week, on campus | OPT 12 months; +24 for STEM |
| UK | £558 + £776 health surcharge a year | £1,171–1,529 a month, up to 9 months | 20 h/week | 18 months from Jan 2027 |
| Canada | CA$150 + CA$85 biometrics | CA$23,448 + first-year tuition | 24 h/week | Up to 3 years |
| Australia | A$2,500 | A$29,710 a year + tuition | 48 h/fortnight | About 2 years |
| Germany | €75 | €11,904 a year (blocked account) | 140 full days a year | 18 months to find a job |
| Ireland | €60 + €300 residence permit | €10,000 + €6,000 tuition paid | 20 h/week | 12 months; master's up to 24 |
| New Zealand | About NZ$850 | NZ$20,000 a year | 25 h/week | Up to 3 years |
| MBBS in Russia | — | — | — | Return to India: FMGE, then internship |
Tuition is left out on purpose: it varies more between universities in one country than between countries. Use each university's own fee page. All figures were checked on 10 Nov 2026 and change often; each guide links its sources.
Three questions before you choose a country
- Can my family show the money without a loan that will still be unpaid if the visa is refused?
- What is the plan after the degree? A job there, a job in India, or further study. The stay-back years matter only for the first.
- Is the course itself good? A strong course in a less popular country beats a weak one in a famous country.
Planning the money
Indian education loans for study abroad, interest subsidy rules and scholarships are explained on paying for college.
Stuck between two countries?
Send your course, budget and plan after the degree. A person replies within 12 to 15 hours. Free, with no sales call.
Sources
Each country guide lists its own sources. Official sites: travel.state.gov, gov.uk, canada.ca, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, make-it-in-germany.com, irishimmigration.ie, immigration.govt.nz, nmc.org.in.