The 7 Best Countries for Grad School Abroad in 2025

You've finally decided: it's time for grad school. Maybe you've been out of school for a few years or are a current undergrad and know that graduate school is a necessary step in your academic and professional career. Whether you studied abroad during your bachelor’s and got hooked or you’re just looking to mix things up, doing your graduate degree abroad is a fabulous option.

Earning my Master of Public Health abroad in Dublin, Ireland was a great move for my professional development and personal growth. I was able to learn about public health from a truly international perspective not only from my Irish instructors but from my diverse cohort of classmates from all over the world. I made new friends and connections and even saved money on my tuition in the process!

The following destinations are some of the best countries for earning your master’s degree abroad. Chosen for their academic reputation, affordability, and number of study abroad graduate programs in English, you’re bound to find a country that matches your goals and lifestyle.

💰 Average tuition cost: generally free; fees of $100-$400 USD per semester
💸 Average monthly cost of living: $850-$1,000 USD
🥇 Top fields of study: engineering, healthcare, business

It may sound too good to be true, but we’re here to tell you that it’s possible to study abroad in Germany tuition-free! Even international students can study in Germany by simply paying a small semester contribution to a number of prestigious public universities. Unlike in the US, private universities are not actually seen as superior as many public universities have better reputations and research records.

Germany is a top destination for students pursuing advanced degrees in engineering (especially automotive, electrical, and chemical). The county is also pioneering innovation in the healthcare field through the development of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. Merck, Bayer, Siemens, BMW, and Volkswagen are a few of the companies in these sectors that hire international student graduates.

In addition to free tuition, international students are eligible for many scholarship opportunities to help offset other costs associated with studying.

💰 Average tuition cost: $1,500-$6,000 USD
💸 Average monthly cost of living: $900-$1,300 USD
🥇 Top fields of study: marketing, tourism, finance

Spain has continued to add more graduate degrees taught fully in English in recent years and is an attractive destination to study a master’s degree due to its affordable tuition and modest cost of living. Home to some of the oldest universities in the world, Spain has a strong educational tradition. It is also a great place for students to get work experience while studying.

Not only can master’s students work up to 30 hours a week while studying in Spain, there is also a big emphasis on internships (prácticas). While some prácticas are unpaid, you’ll find others that offer a monthly stipend (beca). In a competitive global job market, it’s more important than ever to pair your education with practical work experience.

As an added bonus, Spain has an employment-seeking residence permit available to graduates that is valid for up to 2 years. If you get your foot in the door as an intern while studying, you may end up with a job contract!

💰 Average tuition cost: $100-$400 USD
💸 Average monthly cost of living: $700-$1,300 USD
🥇 Top fields of study: art, business, political science

For Francophiles, France is the obvious choice for graduate school abroad. If you’re not French culture-obsessed though, there are still a lot of reasons why France is one of the best countries for master’s level study.

Aside from the affordable tuition rates for international students and a wide selection of degrees in English, there are countless opportunities for language immersion. Even if you don’t speak French yet, you can significantly improve your language skills outside of the classroom. France has a proud linguistic tradition which, when paired with a low national English proficiency, provides the perfect atmosphere to use French in daily life.

Outside of France, French is an official language in over 25 countries. As a significant world language, adding French fluency to your repertoire will serve you well in whichever career field you choose!

💰 Average tuition cost: $11,000-$20,000 USD
💸 Average monthly cost of living: $1,100-$1,400 USD
🥇 Top fields of study: IT, engineering, natural sciences

South Korea is an up-and-coming country for studying a master’s degree abroad. It has gained popularity in recent years as an undergraduate study abroad destination but Korea has a lot to offer graduate students, too. Aside from the chance to engage with Korea’s dynamic culture and food scene, the country offers unique and rigorous master’s programs.

If you’re planning to study a subject within the STEM (science, tech, engineering, math) field, South Korea is a particularly attractive destination due to its emphasis on research and innovation. In fact, South Korea is one of the countries that produces the most STEM grads in the world. Graduate studies in the sciences and technology tend to be highly lab-focused, ensuring you get lots of hands-on experience to add to your skillset (and CV!).

Five Korean universities rank in the top 100 globally so earning a master’s degree here will be sure to be respected and recognized.

💰 Average tuition cost: $19,000-$35,000 USD
💸 Average monthly cost of living: $850-$1,650 USD
🥇 Top fields of study: finance, social sciences, health & medicine

The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world. Whether you choose to return to your home country, stay in the UK, or move elsewhere after graduation, your degree will be recognized and respected.

Many US career fields that require specific accredited degrees maintain reciprocity agreements with the UK. Degrees in fields like library science, architecture, engineering, occupational therapy, accountancy, and more earned in the UK are recognized in the US for the purpose of licensure or certification.

While not automatic, many UK healthcare grads also have an easy path to licensure. For example, UK-trained nurses are eligible to take the NCLEX to become licensed in the US. What's more, these healthcare programs may

💰 Average tuition cost: free; semester fee of $25,000-$40,000 USD
💸 Average monthly cost of living: $1,100-$2,500 USD
🥇 Top fields of study: computer science, engineering, manufacturing/supply chain

While Singapore isn’t among the most affordable countries for tuition on our list, the country boasts a great post-graduation employment rate for international students. If your dream is to stay and work in Singapore after you finish your studies, your chances here are high. Having some experience in your field is key to making you more competitive, so this Singapore is a great choice for mid-level professionals who decide to take on a master’s abroad.

Singapore has four official languages but English is widely spoken and is the primary language of instruction at universities. If you don’t have fluency in any additional languages, studying here will mean an easy linguistic transition. As a country, Singapore is safe, clean, modern, and diverse. International students will enjoy a welcoming, multicultural melting pot in this island nation.

💰 Average tuition cost: $19,000-$30,000 USD
💸 Average monthly cost of living: $1,000-$1,400 USD
🥇 Top fields of study: environmental science, agriculture, sports science

New Zealand’s natural beauty makes it the perfect location to study all things environmental. The international reputation of several sports science programs goes hand-in-hand with the outdoorsy, sporty lifestyle of many Kiwis. If you’re passionate about sustainable living or trying to up your eco-conscious practices, New Zealand is the obvious choice for a master’s degree abroad.

With a focus on preserving the stunning landscapes and biodiversity of the country, New Zealand has made a name for itself as a global leader in renewable energy. This little island boasts record-low greenhouse gas emissions and has a government that has pledged to support policies and laws aimed at fostering a greener future.

Read more: The Top Universities in New Zealand for International Students

Earning a graduate degree abroad is a great way to gain an international perspective in your field. It’s important to know though if all the hard work you put in abroad will be recognized at home.

For fields that don’t require specific licensure or certification, the process is usually as easy as getting a degree equivalency report. Companies like World Education Services will evaluate your overseas degree and generate a report stating it is equivalent to a US degree. To work at the state health department, I simply presented an equivalency report for the MPH that I earned abroad.

If you are planning to pursue a degree within healthcare or a field that requires an accredited degree (ex. an ALA-accredited library science degree), you’ll need to make sure that your master’s will be accepted within your field. The US has reciprocal agreements with the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland for several professions so it’s worth doing some research to see if your field is included.

Federal financial aid isn’t just for studying in the US, you can also use it to earn your full graduate degree abroad. The US Department of Education maintains a list of eligible overseas universities that is updated quarterly and details all of the institutions that participate in the US federal student loan program.

If the school’s status is "eligible" it means they accept aid. “Deferment only” means that you’ll only be able to defer your current loan payments while studying abroad.

Read more: Why & How to Earn a Graduate Degree Abroad

Beyond these seven countries, there are obviously many other great destinations for international graduate students. Some that didn't make the list but might call out to you include Australia, the Netherlands, and even Canada!

Whichever country you choose in 2025, your master's degree will help you take the next step in your career and life. Research programs, make your choice wisely, and enjoy the adventure to come.

Read more about life abroad:

• The Pros & Cons of Earning a Graduate Degree Abroad
• Study in the UK vs the US: Which is Better for Your Master's Degree?
• 11 Best US Companies to Work for Abroad
• 10 Best Countries to Work Abroad