The Safest Places to Study Abroad

Woman looking at river between colourful buildings

Studying abroad is a big decision to make and for many, finding the right study abroad destination involves meeting several criteria.

One of the more frequent questions we are asked is, which countries are safe to study in? The short answer, for most, is that every destination we list on StudyLink will be safe for you to study abroad in, although we always recommended that you are careful, just as you would be in your own country.

Whilst the world becomes safer, there are some countries that are safer than others. This is a list of peaceful countries, as collated in the Global Peace Index. We’ve excluded smaller countries to bring you this list of the top seven safest places to study abroad.

1. Denmark

We’ve put Denmark top of our list for it’s friendly people, safe communities and low crime rate. It’s not just somewhere to go to stay safe though, with thriving cities and idyllic landscapes, it’s easy to see why so many people choose Denmark as their study abroad destination. Danish education is innovative and qualifications are recognised worldwide, providing you with an excellent foundation for your future career.

Get more information about studying in Denmark in our Study in Denmark directory.

2. Ireland

Finishing off our list is Ireland. The country is renowned for its welcoming population, so it’s no surprise that it features on our list of safe places study. It’s a small country that has a big heart and with 9 higher education institutions to choose from, there’s bound to be a course to suit undergraduates and postgraduates alike. Rated as the friendliest country in the world (twice), Ireland is a safe place to study abroad, that provides excellent education in an English speaking environment.

See our dedicated page for studying in Ireland for more information.

3. New Zealand

New Zealand is a great place to study abroad; we put it 7th on our list of the Best Study Abroad Destinations for 2013. It’s also a really safe country with very low crime rates. The international student population has really grown in recent years in New Zealand and it is now one of the most popular places to study abroad. And finally, the education in New Zealand is placing itself firmly on the map of study abroad destinations!

Get more information on studying in New Zealand.

4. Austria

Austria enjoys a central location in Europe with some beautiful vistas and the country has an excellent higher education system. The significance that Austria’s places upon higher education is reflected in its tuition fees, which are incredibly low for the standard of education received, even for international students.

The locals of Austria speak varied dialects of standard German, and almost everyone will also speak English to a very good standard, so it is a great destination to practice your language skills.

Find out what it’s like to study abroad in Austria in our Study in Austria directory.

5. Japan

A country that has suffered more than its fair share of violent history, Japan is nowadays a peaceful country and a perfect place to study. Explore Japan’s rich culture and heritage in Tokyo amongst the 30 million people living there, or escape to the tranquil gardens that surround its cities. The Japanese hold communities in high regard, encouraging the country to be very safe and accepting. Japan is also amongst the most technically advanced nations in the world, perfect for those wanting to study engineering, technology or science.

Get more information and find out what it’s like to study abroad in Japan.

6. Canada

Canada is one of the most peaceful countries on the planet, with a notoriously friendly population and vast stunning landscapes that showcase the beauty of North America. We placed Canada second on our list of the Best Study Abroad Destinations for 2013 for its excellent education and diversity and we’re putting it on this list at number 5. Canada is one of the safest places possible to study abroad, has something for everyone and is almost impossible to dislike.

Find out what it’s like to study abroad in Canada.

7. Sweden

Sweden is a prosperous, welcoming country offering many exciting opportunities for education, work and leisure. Often viewed as a model country for its society and economics, there are around 30,000 international students in Sweden, which provides an exciting, multicultural environment for all the students, and most importantly, helps to make this country a really safe place to study.

Sweden offers plenty of opportunities for international students who wish to pursue a degree or undertake research at a world-class university. Swedish educational institutions are strongly focused on students and their interests; helping you to build skills in your chosen field. Studying in Sweden offers a wide choice of courses and programmes at all levels of study.

Get more information about studying in Sweden.

To see all study abroad destinations, visit our Countries directory.