10 Best Universities for English-Speaking International Students in 2024

Is it possible to study abroad if you only speak English? It absolutely is! More and more universities abroad are offering individual classes as well as the chance to earn full degrees in English -- even in countries where English isn’t the official language.

The following ten universities are some of the best places to study abroad for English speakers. They have some of the largest selections of classes, the best reputations, and the most diverse student bodies (and faculties). They're also located in some of the most dynamic cities, beautiful landscapes, and central locations across the globe.

Check out these top English-speaking universities abroad and start planning your new adventure!

📍 England
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 48%
🎓 Top majors: health and medicine, engineering, biology
📌 QS university ranking: 2nd

For the first time in world university rankings, Imperial College London beat out both Oxford and Cambridge for the top UK spot in 2025. Located in central London, Imperial is steps from Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, St. James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens.

The university has made a name for itself internationally through its high-powered research and excellence in teaching. It is the only university in the UK that focuses solely on science, technology, engineering, medicine, and business.

While you can expect to get a world-class education at Imperial, you’ll also enjoy student life. With over 350 student clubs and societies to join, well-equipped sports facilities, and easy access to all of the exciting museums, attractions, restaurants, and pubs central London has to offer, you’ll never have a dull moment.

Read more: What It's Really Like to Study Abroad in the UK

📍 England
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 30%
🎓 Top majors: natural sciences, psychology, public health
📌 QS university ranking: 3rd

What’s more impressive than saying you’ve studied at Oxford? Aside from the international name recognition, the University of Oxford has a centuries-old tradition of top academic scholarship across a range of fields.

Oxford’s programs are academically intensive and will take your research, writing, and critical thinking skills to the next level. This makes it a great option for serious students keen on pursuing a master’s or doctoral program after their bachelor’s degree. Having an Oxford study abroad on your transcript will not only catch the eye of admission boards but your time there will prepare you for the rigor of postgraduate study.

The city of Oxford revolves around the university and is steeped in history and charm. Bask in the intellectual glow of your fellow students while enjoying the amenities and small town feel of the local area.

Read more: 9 Hacks For Studying Abroad in England

📍 Singapore
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 38%
🎓 Top majors: art history, engineering, architecture
📌 QS university ranking: 8th

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is the oldest university in Singapore and is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Asia. Singapore, a distinct melting pot, operates under a bilingual education system with English as an official language alongside Mandarin, Tamil, and Malay. Universities in Singapore teach primarily in English.

NUS has partnerships with more than 50 US universities, including all colleges in the University of California system, George Washington University, and Cornell. So, not only is transferring credits easy for many students, but having the pre-approval of top-notch American universities speaks for the quality of education at NUS.

Studying abroad in Singapore is a great opportunity to be exposed to a myriad of other languages and cultures. Singapore is also a great hub for exploring other parts of Asia, and a bustling city with plenty to see and do (on all budgets!).

📍 Australia
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 47%
🎓 Top majors: sports-related subjects, law, education
📌 QS university ranking: 13th

Students studying at the University of Melbourne will take classes that integrate hands-on learning and practical experience. This “future-focused” curriculum puts the university on the map with one of the highest rates of graduate employability worldwide. You’ll develop important critical thinking and problem-solving skills at UNIMELB, even as a study abroad student.

Melbourne is a vibrant city and often ranks on lists for best student cities. There are plenty of things to do in the city, whether you want to spend your weekends touring museums and enjoying a coffee with friends in a quirky cafe or soaking up the sun on one of the many local beaches.

Read more: 13 Things to Know Before Studying in Australia

📍 China
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 63%
🎓 Top majors: modern languages, history, archaeology
📌 QS university ranking: 14th

Located in dynamic Beijing, Peking University has been climbing up the top university rankings in recent years. Despite its central location in a busy and industrialized mega-city, the self-contained campus is one of the most beautiful in China. Boasting lush gardens and stunning traditional architecture, you’ll also have access to numerous cafes, supermarkets, a health clinic, ATM, post office, and other amenities.

Peking University, known locally as Beida, has a strong community of international students with a range of clubs, cultural activities, and festivals to enjoy. Studying in Beijing will allow international students to get to know China’s capital city, a cosmopolitan destination that still retains much of its traditional charm.

Read more: How to Study Abroad in China on a Budget

📍 Hong Kong
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 69%
🎓 Top majors: dentistry, education, architecture
📌 QS university ranking: 17th

Studying abroad in a non-English speaking country can sometimes be a challenge for students in health and pre-medicine majors. The good news is, if you’re keen to study in Asia but need to fulfill upper-level credits, you can study totally in English at The University of Hong Kong.

HKU has an internationally-ranked dentistry program and a strong research focus in their medicine department. As an English-medium university, you can study alongside top doctors, nurses, and dentists while gaining insight into Hong Kong’s health system – all with no language barriers. Study abroad experience will definitely give your medical, dental, or veterinary school applications a boost and help you stand out!

📍 Switzerland
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 43%
🎓 Top majors: engineering, natural sciences, computer science
📌 QS university ranking: 26th

STEM majors who want to get the most bang for their study abroad buck will love the opportunity to attend École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. At less than $1,000 a semester, you will find top-ranked programs in engineering, the natural sciences, and tech, many of which are taught in English.

Although the tuition costs are low, Switzerland can be an expensive place to live. You will need to budget around $600-$900 a month for housing. Luckily, Lausanne is a fascinating and beautiful city with lots of free things to do!

📍 Germany
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 38%
🎓 Top majors: physics, engineering, chemistry
📌 QS university ranking: 28th

For those who are interested in studying abroad in Germany in English, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is a great choice. Ranked 28th in the world by QS World University Rankings, TUM prides itself on its connections and partnerships with the international community.

STEM-focused students will benefit from TUM’s research-intensive environment with global campuses across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. You can benefit from these research and industry links through student jobs and internships promoted across many university departments.

At TUM, you can take individual classes or earn full degrees in English. Even though the university recently implemented tuition costs, the price is still low in comparison to other European nations. What’s more, Munich is a notoriously popular student city known for its diversity, amenities, and fun things to do.

Learn more about studying abroad in English at universities across Germany with the German Academic Exchange Service.

📍 South Korea
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 71%
🎓 Top majors: engineering, modern languages, data science
📌 QS university ranking: 31st

With 71% of its students from outside of South Korea, Seoul National University (SNU) has the largest percentage of international students on our list. SNU is committed to continuing to increase campus diversity and foster partnerships and exchanges with foreign universities worldwide. This makes SNU not only a welcoming place to study but a great place to meet and exchange ideas with new friends and classmates from over 50 countries globally.

Seoul is packed with fun things to do and see, from the multicultural melting pot of Itaewon to the more traditional, historic center of Jongno. Whether you love pop culture, history, art, or a little mix of everything, you can find something new and exciting to do in Seoul around every corner.

Read more: Ultimate Guide for Studying Abroad in South Korea as an International Student

📍 South Africa
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 53%
🎓 Top majors: development studies, geography, anthropology
📌 QS university ranking: 171st

The University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa is a top African university with a focus on community building and engagement. Even if you’re not studying international development or human rights, there are countless opportunities to get involved in campus activities and service learning projects that give back to Cape Town and the wider region.

Cape Town is home to gorgeous white sand beaches, hiking with fantastic views, and sports to watch and play. A truly multicultural city, there is no shortage of local flavors to try, languages to learn (South Africa has 11 official languages!), and art, music, and dance to experience.

Read more: The 8 Best Universities in South Africa for International Students

If one or more of these universities has caught your eye but you don’t know how to get the ball rolling, we’re here to help you out.

If you have a specific university in mind, think about what you’d like to study and for how long. Check out your home university’s study abroad website to determine if existing programs or partnerships exist with your desired overseas university.

You can also explore programs ran by third-party providers. Study abroad program providers are sort of a one-stop-shop: they help you through the application, register you for classes at your foreign university, assist with the visa process, and arrange housing and excursions during your time overseas.

These programs generally cost more than university-led programs/exchanges and direct enrollment, but they provide a lot of extra perks and support, taking the stress out of study abroad planning.

Your university’s study abroad advisor is your go-to person to discuss your plans. Make an appointment with them and bring your research. Explain where you’d like to go and what you’re hoping to study as well as potential programs you’ve identified.

They will help you map out goals, can explain financial considerations, and will make sure your study abroad fits seamlessly into your academic plan.

Applying for study abroad generally entails gathering some documents that you’ll submit alongside the application form. You will usually need a copy of your transcripts, one or more letters of recommendation from professors, and a personal statement or statement of goals for your study abroad.

If you apply for a study abroad program through a third-party provider, they will be there to guide you from start to finish and answer any questions you may have.

Whether you choose to complete your entire degree abroad or want to study for a semester or academic year, there are several ways to fund your education overseas.

• Federal financial aid: You can use US federal financial aid money to study abroad as long as your program is at an accredited and approved university. Your student loans can be used for short-term study abroad or entire degree programs.
• Private student loans: If you’ve maxed out your borrowing or don’t qualify for federal financial aid, you can go with a private loan provider like Sallie Mae. Be aware though that interest rates, repayment plans, and opportunities for loan forgiveness are not as flexible as US student loans.
• Scholarships and grants: There are 1,000s of scholarships and grants out there if you know where to look. Many third-party providers have their own internal funding options for participants so be sure to ask around when doing your research!

These are just a sampling of the many international universities that teach in English but we think they’re a great place to start. Finding a university abroad that ticks all your boxes is possible. With a little research and planning, you’ll be on your way to a life-changing study abroad adventure.

Read more about studying abroad:

• 5 Ways to Study Abroad for Free or Cheap
• How to Prepare for Studying Abroad: 10 Things to do Before your Trip
• 15 Best Summer Study Abroad Programs
• Everything You Need to Know About Study Abroad Housing