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- 5 min
- Published: 11 August 2025
- Updated: 10 August 2025
Harvard University, University of Oxford, and University of Toronto feature among the top 25 countries that a majority of Indian students prefer to study in year after year. Additionally, The University of Sydney, The University of Auckland, and Trinity College Dublin are equally popular choices for Indian students to study abroad. All of these institutions have gained popularity over the years due to their academic excellence, consistently top global rankings, a diverse student body, and lucrative post-study work options. In this study-abroad guide for Indian students, we examine the top 25 universities overseas that are a top choice among numerous Indian students each year for higher education. We delve into their overall global rankings, the cost of study programs, and admission eligibility criteria so that you can make an informed choice.
Top 25 Global Universities Preferred by Indian Students
ome of the top choices for universities abroad among international students include Stanford University, the University of Cambridge, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). These universities consistently rank high on global university ranking platforms every year, attracting numerous applicants from every corner of the globe.
The table below lists the top 25 international universities for Indian students, which are a popular choice among students worldwide. Their respective QS World University Rankings, popular courses, and average cost of studying abroad for Indian students are also mentioned alongside to help you make an informed choice:
University | QS World University Rankings 2026 | Popular Courses | Average Cost of Studying (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | BSc in CS and Engineering MSc in Atmospheric Science | USD 61,990 | |
2 | MBBS MSc Strategic Marketing | GBP 55,800 GBP 42,500 | |
3 | Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology MSc in Symbolic Systems | USD 61,731 USD 38,160 | |
4 | BA in Math | GBP 35,260 GBP 34,120 | |
5 | BA in Anthropology Master of Laws | USD 54,269 USD 73,600 | |
6 | BA (Hons) Economics Master’s in Genomic Medicine | GBP 27,024 GBP 46,806 | |
9 | BA (Hons) Fine Art MA Publishing | GBP 37,500 | |
10 | BSc in Computer Science MSc in Materials Science | USD 63,402 | |
13 | BA in History BA in Classical Studies | USD 63,801 | |
15 | BA in Architecture Master of Public Health | USD 58,620 USD 32,578 | |
16 | BSc in Food Science MSc in Chemical Engineering | USD 65,204 USD 29,500 | |
=17 | BA in German MA in Energy and Resources | USD 45,096 USD 27,366 | |
19 | Bachelor of Music in Performance Master of Journalism | AUD 35,888 AUD 47,242 | |
20 | Bachelor of Actuarial Studies Master of Financial Analysis | AUD 58,333 AUD 59,500 | |
21 | BA in Humanities MPhil in Applied Math | USD 64,700 USD 48,300 | |
=25 | BA in Economics Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience | USD 62,400 | |
=25 | BA in Socio Legal Studies BA in Archaeology | AUD 48,500 AUD 50,000 | |
27 | Certificate in Inclusive Education Graduate Certificate in Advanced Business Management | CAD 46,795 | |
29 | MSc in Earth Sciences Doctor of Philosophy in Geography | CAD 30,350 CAD 6,210 | |
31 | BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering MSc Sustainable Cities | GBP 33,450 GBP 27,996 | |
=32 | BA in Environmental Studies Master of History | AUD 49,820 AUD 53,110 | |
34 | BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences - Zoology MSc Clinical Anatomy | GBP 36,800 GBP 35,300 | |
35 | BA (Hons) Architecture MSc Quantitative Finance | GBP 28,000 GBP 33,500 | |
=36 | Bachelor of Music Master of Applied Linguistics | AUD 38,700 AUD 40,200 | |
=38 | BSc in Chemical Engineering MFA in Sound Arts | USD 67,264 USD 70,628 |
Source: https://www.idp.com/
Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings
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Key Checklist for Choosing the Best University Abroad
Among the numerous top universities for international students, selecting the best university for your education requires a careful assessment of your own academic and career aspirations and aligning those goals with the university’s course offerings. Additionally, please take the university's rankings (both global and subject-specific) into consideration.
To help you make an informed choice, shared below is a checklist that can help you select the best international university for higher education abroad for Indian students:
Set your goals right: Clearly define your academic and career objectives first. Getting clarity on your goals would help you shortlist the right university that best aligns with the achievement of those goals.
Check the university rankings: They are often one of the best determinants of the quality of education offered by the university and help international students make the right choice. Consider both global rankings and specific ones to understand the level of academic excellence for which the university is renowned worldwide.
Cost of studying: This is one of the top considerations in choosing an international university. Ensure that you confirm the exact fee structure for the program you are interested in at the university, as well as the average cost of living in the country. This would help you make an informed decision.
Research the education system: Different countries, such as the USA, the UK, Canada, or Australia, follow different academic systems. Hence, find out more about the educational structure followed in each of the countries before narrowing down to the universities in each of these regions.
Enquire about infrastructure and research support: A good university should ideally be equipped with all the necessary campus facilities for international students. It should have a well-stocked library, cutting-edge research laboratories, and spacious areas for cultural events.
Look for rewarding career prospects: Don’t forget to find out about the career support services provided by the educational institution you are considering. Check for placement, internship support, and the potential career prospects upon studying at the university. Also, ensure that the degree awarded by the university is recognised globally.
How IDP Helps Choose the Best Universities Abroad for Indian Students
Making a well-thought-out decision and choosing among the numerous options of high-ranked universities globally can seem daunting. This is where you need the expert guidance and assistance of professional consultants. IDP Education has been in the industry for over 55 years, and we have worked with nearly 1,000 institutions in 6 top countries in the world.
We help you choose the best study institution that aligns with your academic and career aspirations in the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Leave it to us to identify the top universities abroad in these countries and the best study programs they offer. We also assist you throughout the university application process during admissions, including drafting a Statement of Purpose and gathering other required documents.
FAQs: Top 25 Universities Abroad Preferred by Indian Students
1. What makes a university ideal for Indian students?
Look for an international university that best aligns with your academic and career goals, ranks well on the global ranking systems, and offers a supportive and inclusive environment for international students.
2. How can I choose the best university to study abroad?
Research your options well and check the university rankings globally. Also, ensure that the university offers the desired study program. You can also seek assistance from professional experts such as study-abroad consultants like IDP Education, who would help you choose the best university abroad for your needs.
3. How to check if I am eligible to study abroad?
You need to check the eligibility criteria for studying abroad, as specified by each university, and determine whether you meet their specific requirements. You will also need to assess your English language proficiency to study abroad. Alternatively, you can consult with experts like IDP Education for a free assessment of your profile and to help determine the best study-abroad options for Indian students.
4. How to choose the best university abroad for my course?
You may check popular world university ranking portals such as QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, and US News and World Report. Additionally, IDP Education consultants can help you identify the top foreign universities for Indian students.
5. Which country gives 100% scholarships for Indian students?
The UK, the USA, and Australia are generally known to offer 100% scholarships to international students.
6. What is the best time to apply for studying abroad?
You should start applying at least 6-12 months before the intended start date of your course. This would allow you sufficient time to prepare for the university and visa applications to study abroad.
7. What are the most employable courses abroad?
Some of the top-preferred study programs that unlock high-paying job opportunities after completion are Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Medicine, and MBA, among others.
8. What mistakes should I avoid when applying abroad?
Some common mistakes to avoid include submitting the application late beyond the deadline, sharing incomplete or inaccurate information in the application, and plagiarising the Statement of Purpose or Letter of Recommendation documents.
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