The Best Country to Study Abroad After 12th Grade - 2025
When it comes to getting a world-class undergraduate degree in the 21st century, the world is your oyster. Over 100 destinations feature in the QS World University Rankings of 2025. The best country to study abroad after 12th grade for you boils down to your particular requirements and preferences. With some countries rising in popularity and others changing international student policies, it’s worth your while looking into how your top options fare in 2025.
International Student Opportunities at Top Study Abroad Destinations in 2025
Australia
If you have been researching the topic of studying abroad, Australia may be at the top of your list. Australia is one of the most popular countries among international students to pursue higher education. Such is the country’s popularity that the Australian government is setting a study cap of 145,000 new international students for 2025 to enforce more sustainable immigration.
Before the study cap, Australia recorded over 700,000 international students enrolled in the country. While the specifics of the caps – or indicative student profiles (ISPs) – are yet to be confirmed, Australia continues to be at the top of the list for the best country to study abroad after 12th grade.
Top Universities in Australia
The top reason to consider studying for an undergraduate degree in any country is the quality of universities. Australia has 38 of its 41 universities ranking among the best in the world. The 2025 cap allocations will not impact all Australian universities equally. Some of the top universities you should be considering in Australia include:
| University | QS World Ranking 2025 |
| Monash University | #37 |
| University of Adelaide | =82 |
| Deakin University | #197 |
| Charles Darwin University | 621-630 |
| Charles Sturt University | 851-900 |
Study and Living Costs
Study costs in Australia will vary depending on a range of factors. Tuition fees if you are planning to study abroad after 12th grade can range between AUD 34,500 to AUD 94,500 per year, depending on the degree and university.
Living costs, however, depend largely on where you will be staying. Living costs are higher in big cities like Sydney and Melbourne, but lower in cities like Perth and Adelaide. The Australian government estimates an annual expenditure of around AUD 29,710 in living costs for international students.
Student Jobs
In Australia, the student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per two weeks. You can also work full-time during your semester breaks. Part-timers in Australia can access a minimum wage of AUD 24 per hour.
Post-Study Opportunities
The Australian government offers a Temporary Graduate Visa of up to 3 years for international graduates. This visa allows fresh graduates to explore work opportunities in their industry in Australia and start their careers in its various growth sectors.
Canada
Canada is quick to come to mind as the best country to study abroad, but like Australia, there are study permit caps to consider in 2025. Starting in 2024, study permit grants were set to decrease by 35% as the government temporarily capped inbound student mobility to promote more sustainable immigration. These policy measures are set to continue into 2025.
While this limits opportunities for those planning to study abroad after 12th grade, Canada is offering more flexible options for postgraduate students. Master’s and doctoral students do not fall under the cap, and in fact, master’s students can access a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit extension.
Top Universities in Canada
Canadian universities are consistently climbing the ranks among world-class higher education providers. Some of the top universities in Canada are:
| University | QS World Ranking 2025 |
| University of British Columbia | #38 |
| University of Calgary | =198 |
| University of Saskatchewan | =340 |
| University of Victoria | #349 |
| York University | =362 |
Study and Living Costs
Some Canadian universities offer programs at an annual tuition starting from CAD 10,000. This affordability is reflected in the living costs, although this may greatly vary depending on the part of Canada where you are studying. Living costs are substantially higher in big cities like Toronto and lower in regions like Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec City. The government of Canada requires financial proof of CAD 20,635 for your living expenses while applying for the student visa.
Student Jobs
The Canadian Study Permit allows you to work up to 20 hours per week. Working full-time during your semester breaks is also an option. The minimum wage for students in Canada will be CAD 13.60 to CAD 16.77 per hour depending on your region.
Post-Study Opportunities
Canada also offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit that allows international students to continue living and working in Canada after graduation. Master’s graduates especially are eligible for a three-year PGWP extension starting from 2024.
Ireland
Despite being a small country, Ireland is an increasingly desirable destination for international students. In fact, it is one of our strongest contenders for the best country to study abroad after 12th grade. As the number of incoming students increases every year, Ireland could be a promising option for you to consider in 2025. Studying in Ireland after 12th grade is not only more affordable in comparison to other European countries but also great for your career. This is especially the case as Ireland is currently the fastest-growing country in the European Union, with among the highest youth employment rates.
Top Universities in Ireland
Ireland, because of its much smaller size in comparison to some of the other entries in this list, has a relatively small number of universities. However, almost all of these universities rank among the world’s best higher education providers, including:
| University | QS World Ranking 2025 |
| Trinity College Dublin | #87 |
| University College Cork | =273 |
| University of Galway | =273 |
| University of Limerick | =421 |
| Maynooth University | 801-850 |
Study and Living Costs
An undergraduate degree in Ireland can cost you between €9,850 per year to €19,500 per year. This is comparatively more affordable than tuition fees in neighboring countries in Europe.
As far as living costs go, the Irish visa requires proof of funds of €10,000 to cover annual living expenses. This is roughly how much you can expect to spend as an international student living in Ireland, though the costs will vary depending on where you live, your lifestyle, etc.
Student Jobs
Ireland also offers part-time work opportunities for international students. You will be able to work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during your semester break. This part-time work pays a minimum wage of €10.50 per hour as of the time of writing.
Post-Study Opportunities
You can apply for the Third-Level Graduate Scheme to continue living and working in Ireland after graduation.
The UK
The UK is a historic hub of education with an academic legacy that precedes it. You will find some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK. Studying abroad after 12th grade in the UK can change the course of your life greatly. While a bit on the expensive side, higher education in the UK is sure to be worth every penny.
Top Universities in the UK
The UK is home to the best universities in the world, with 4 out of the top 10 global best universities calling the UK their home. Some of the best universities you can consider in the UK are:
| University | QS World Ranking 2025 |
| University of Exeter | =169 |
| University of York | #184 |
| University of Aberdeen | =236 |
| Coventry University | =526 |
| Nottingham Trent University | =592 |
Study and Living Costs
Studying in the UK can get pretty expensive. An undergraduate degree in the UK will cost you anywhere between £11,400 per year to £38,000 per year. On top of that, the living costs in the UK are some of the highest in the world for international students. Nonetheless, the UK reigns as the best country to study abroad for many international students thanks to the high standards of academic excellence and the stellar graduate outcomes of its universities.
Student Jobs
The UK student visa allows students to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week. You can access a minimum wage of around £10 per hour as a part-timer in the UK. Over semester breaks, you can work full-time.
Post-Study Opportunities
Completing a post-secondary, full-time degree in the UK makes you eligible for the country’s Graduate visa. This Graduate visa allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after graduation.
The USA
Home to dozens of the top universities in the world, the USA is a leading destination for many students around the world. The hype for higher education in the USA will not decrease in 2025 either. You can choose from the longest list of world-ranking universities to select any program you wish to pursue. The USA also offers scholarships on the basis of merit, creating more opportunities and access. There are more than a million international students studying in the USA, and you can easily be one of them in 2025.
Top Universities in the USA
The USA is home to the highest number of top-ranking universities in the world. Some of the universities you might like to consider are:
| University | QS World Ranking 2025 |
| The University of Arizona | =293 |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology | =527 |
| Florida International University | =574 |
| West Virginia University | 1000-1200 |
| Western Michigan University | 1200-1400 |
Study and Living Costs
Although study costs can get pretty high in the USA, you can apply for scholarships in almost every university you apply to. Scholarships can give you anywhere between 10% to 100% off on your tuition fees. Tuition fees can also vary significantly depending on the location of the university and whether the institution is a public or private university. Public universities in cities with lower costs of living tend to fall on the significantly more affordable side.
Living costs in the USA depend largely on your location. The USA is a massive country with a lot of variation in the cost of living across cities and even within cities. Cities like New York can be quite expensive, whereas tuition and living costs in a city like San Diego may be more affordable.
Student Jobs
Unfortunately, the F1 student visa in the USA does not allow you to take part-time employment outside the university campus. You can, however, work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Outside of on-campus part-time jobs, you may be able to work as a student if you are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Post-Study Opportunities
The USA has the biggest economy in the world, with opportunities for employment in every sector. International students may be eligible for post-completion OPT to continue living and working in the USA, under certain conditions, for up to 12 months. Graduates in certain STEM subjects may be eligible for a 24-month extension.
Rounding Up
Studying abroad after 12th grade is a great way to explore opportunities you would otherwise miss out on. Choosing the best country to study abroad in 2025 can make all the difference in your career and life trajectory. Each country offers some pros and cons for you to consider. Before you make your decision, compare the availability of programs, career advantages, and scholarships, as well as the affordability of these options. To discover the right opportunity for you, set up a free appointment with one of our Student Success Consultants today.