9 Top Study Destinations You Haven’t Considered

A great place to study abroad for chocoholics, beer lovers and budding policy wonks alike, Belgium features at 15^th in the System Strength Rankings. It’s home to a good selection of prestigious international universities, which teach predominantly in either French or Flemish (a variety of Dutch), as well as offering many opportunities to study in English. Belgium is multicultural, multi-lingual, and an established political hub, with capital city Brussels often called the ‘Capital of Europe’. It’s also home to some beautiful countryside, great food, and an overall high quality of life, with low tuition fees and reasonable costs of living. The highest-ranked Belgian university is Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), which places joint 82^nd in the world.  

The next of our best places to study abroad that you may not yet have considered is South Africa, a diverse and unique country which ranks 30^th in the System Strength Rankings. This is a perfect study destination for those interested in exploring the country’s turbulent past, dynamic present, and stunning natural landscapes. Of the nine South African institutions featured in the global rankings, the highest-ranked is the University of Cape Town, at 171^st in the world. The nation has no less than 11 official languages, including English, and many universities offer multicultural student communities, good facilities, social activities and clubs, and good support for international students. 

Ranked 48^th in the System Strength Rankings, the United Arab Emirates has proved to be an attractive option for expatriates, tempted in by the hot, sunny climate and tax-free earnings. It’s also got plenty to offer international students, with an exciting, youthful and hospitable outlook and some of the best universities in the Gulf region. Of the six top universities featured in the QS World University Rankings, the American University of Sharjah is the highest ranked at 411-420, while the city of Sharjah itself features among the top 75 in the latest QS Best Student Cities index, reflecting its status as a hub of education and Emirati culture. The UAE’s population is incredibly diverse, with only 13% of the population native to the country, and the rest coming from all over the world.

Back to Europe, the next of our best places to study abroad which you may not have considered yet is ideal for tech-lovers – Estonia is famous for its innovation and leadership in digital and internet technologies, with the ‘E-Estonia’ movement digitalizing various aspects of daily life. Also known for its entrepreneurial spirit, Estonia has provided the foundation for many successful start-ups and also encourages an innovative spirit in students. Away from all the technology, Estonia boasts picturesque lakes, forests and beaches, as well as interesting and historical cities. Higher education in Estonia is well-respected around the world, earning it 49^th place in the System Strength Rankings, and the country’s highest-ranked university is currently the University of Tartu at 400^th in the world.

The largest and richest of the countries nicknamed the ‘Stans’, Kazakhstan places 41^st in the System Strength Rankings and is gaining in prominence as an Asian education hub. Another ethnically diverse nation, the international elements of the country are also reflected in its higher education, with Kazakhstani universities taking part in a growing number of international exchanges and collaborations. There are around 150 universities in Kazakhstan, with its oldest and largest, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) the highest-ranked at joint 275^th in the world. A tolerant multi-lingual, multi-cultural state, Kazakh people are known for their friendliness and hospitality.  

Last but not least in our list of the best places to study abroad which you haven’t yet considered, Chile features in 30^th place in the System Strength Rankings and is indeed home to one of the strongest higher education systems in Latin America. The country’s highest-ranked university, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, is placed 170^th, and many other high-quality institutions are found here. With attractive and very varied terrain, Chile may be ideal for explorers and students who enjoy outdoor activities. The country also boasts well-developed infrastructure, vibrant cities, renowned universities, and one of the region’s most stable and prosperous economies.