

The Top 10 Study Abroad Cities Revealed
Pack your bags and get ready to travel the world 🌎
One of the best parts of your college experience is the opportunity to study abroad. It’s a great way to travel the world on a budget. Plus, plenty of universities partner with sister colleges, allowing you to pay the exact same amount for your tuition. But how can you narrow down where to go?
Thankfully, college expert Helpful Professor has narrowed down the top 10 cities to study abroad in. The list was compiled based on a variety of factors:
- Number of universities
- Average university score
- Average international students
- Cost of living
- Freedom
- Safety
- Friendliness
Scroll to find your perfect fit for studying abroad!
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
While only one college can be found in Copenhagen (the University of Copenhagen), it’s still a viable option for study abroad students. The city itself ranks among the best when it comes to freedom and safety, along with being one of the most eco-friendly cities in Europe.
Beautiful architecture lines the streets, and being on the water offers a breathtaking view of the canals. With a plethora of street markets, cuisines, and nightlife options, you’ll love spending your time here.
9. Liverpool, United Kingdom
The University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University are popular college choices for study abroad students, and for good reason. Both are located in the heart of the city, providing easy access to everything else Liverpool has to offer.
A lower cost of living will still give you a quintessentially British experience without paying the price of being in London. The city is also known for its “Scouse charm,” which is shown in the warmth and friendliness of locals as well as its incredible musical heritage.
8. Manchester, United Kingdom
If you’re looking for a study abroad destination with less culture shock, Manchester will be your best bet. It has all the amenities of a large city, including an easy-to-navigate tram system.
Two great universities are also located in Manchester: The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. Both of them have a rich history in higher education, as well. Just be aware that the city can get hit with quite a lot of rain!
7. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is one of the most popular places to study abroad in the world. The city ranks the highest for the number of international students who fly there every year. Three fantastic universities (The University of Sydney, The University of New South Wales, and Macquarie University) also call Sydney home.
The city itself is also constantly growing, packed with new startups, beautiful beaches, and a killer nightlife scene. Plus, you might even pick up surfing as a hobby.
6. Munich, Germany
Two top-notch colleges are located in Munich, found in the Technical Institute of Munich and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. But there’s plenty to do outside of class if you decide to call Munich your temporary home away from home.
And where better to celebrate Oktoberfest than in Munich? Brimming with food, culture, history, and nightlife, Munich will offer you a great mix of education and fun.
5. Melbourne, Australia
For those students not intimidated by studying really far from home, Melbourne is a great laid-back city to study abroad in. Six fantastic universities are in the city, one of which (Monash University) welcomes around 30,000 international students every year.
The nightlife is also next-level in Melbourne, with something always going on. With a nice mix of freedom and fun, this Australian city might just be at the top of your study abroad list.
4. Glasgow, United Kingdom
If you’re looking for historical beauty for your study abroad experience, Glasgow is the place to be. Two fantastic universities call Glasgow home: the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde. Their campuses look straight out of Harry Potter.
The cost of living in Glasgow is also much more affordable than other UK cities like London or Edinburgh. And according to research, it’s also a friendlier city to live in!
3. Vancouver, Canada
The various neighborhoods in Vancouver make this city a great choice for studying abroad. It’s also a perfect blend of city life with nature, creating a beautiful backdrop for your time studying abroad.
One of the top colleges, the University of British Columbia, is also located here. Plenty of biking routes also make the city easy and affordable to navigate.
2. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is full of things to do—a vibrant nightlife, museums, and one of the best food scenes in the world. The capital of Japan is also one of the safest cities in the world. 13 universities are scattered across the city, with some of them ranking as the best in the world.
And thanks to the relatively small size of Japan and easy access to public transportation, it’s easy to move around the country. Plus, traveling is very affordable in Japan!
1. Montréal, Canada
For students looking for a French language immersion with plenty of English-speaking opportunities as well, Montréal is the perfect choice. The city offers a diverse linguistic and cultural scene perfect for students. Three of the world’s top universities are in Montréal as well:
- McGill University
- Université de Montréal
- Concordia Canada
Save on all your travels when you use Student Beans
Looking for super cheap travels tickets? Find out how you can spend $5 for the best spring break!
