Where Should I Study Abroad? – Best Countries for 2026

Where should I study abroad?” It’s one of the most common questions we hear. There is no single right answer. There is, however, a right answer for you.

One of the best ways to get a sense of what’s out there is to look at students like yourself! Using data from FindAPhD, we’ve found that these are the 10 countries students have searched for the most in the last year.

#10 Italy

Italy is home to some historic universities and it’s the birthplace of the Bologna Credit System which universities across the world still follow. That gives you an idea of the impact Italy and Italian universities have had on the world of higher education. Public university tuition is relatively low, often ranging from €850 to €3,500 per year and there are a number of scholarships available for international students. You’ll also benefit from structured academic support, research opportunities and access to well-established libraries and labs if you choose to study in Italy.

#9 Netherlands

Most PhD candidates in the Netherlands are actually paid as university employees, meaning you receive a salary (not just a stipend). There are also often no tuition fees while you research, teach and contribute to cutting-edge projects. If that hasn’t convinced you yet, maybe knowing that most of the research is in English and has strong links to industry will!

#8 China

You might want to look towards China if you’re looking for world-class research opportunities and plenty of funding to cover tuition fees, living costs and a stipend. Chinese PhDs are more structured, usually lasting three to four years. Chinese universities, including several in the C9 League, are rising in global rankings. Times Higher Education 2026 world rankings have four Chinese universities in the top 50!

#7 Switzerland

Switzerland has the highest number of Nobel Prize winners per capita (no pressure!) which gives you an idea of the importance of research at Swiss universities. The Swiss are known for their excellence in every field, and PhD study is no different. You’ll be studying for 3-5 years depending on how your PhD is structured. Tuition fees are generally very low, and there are scholarships and funding schemes to help support your studies, so you can focus on your research without huge costs.

#6 New Zealand

Fancy a PhD at no extra international student cost? New Zealand is the place for you! New Zealand might just have eight universities, but they pack a punch (and the ranking tables agree!). Add in three‑ to four‑year programmes, stunning scenery, and the chance to stay on for up to three years after you graduate to look for work, and New Zealand blends serious academic value with a rewarding life abroad.

#5 Canada

Canada continues to be a popular study destination for 2026. Just be aware that the study permit caps are continuing into 2026, but PhD students at public universities are exempt — which is some positive news. There is plenty to like about study in Canada:  English-taught courses, a three-year post-study work permit and generous government funding.

#4 Ireland

Ireland is in the top half of the list for 2026 thanks to its mix of high-quality research, English-friendly study and a big job market. Ireland is very well positioned, with the UK being especially close. However, Irish PhDs differ in one big way from the ones in the UK. Irish PhDs are more structured giving equal importance to original research and transferrable skills. However, you’ll need to think about the cost of studying in Ireland with tuition fee and being on the higher side. There are a number of scholarships available to help with finances, but you need to be proactive and prepared when making applications.

#3 USA

USA still remains very popular amongst prospective students, but there have been massive changes in visa regulations which you need to consider before jumping in. Make the most of some of the world’s most prestigious universities — 23 out of the top 50 universities in the Times Higher Education 2026 ranking are based in USA! It’s true that study in the USA isn’t exactly cheap, but there are plenty of scholarships to help like the Fulbright and Marshall Scholarships.

#2 Germany

Germany is the birthplace of the PhD so the fact that it’s on second place on this list comes as no surprise!  Germany really is built to facilitate your research — it’s got dedicated research institutions like the Max Planck Institutes and universities charge no tuition fees even for international students. Add an 18-month post-study work visa and access to one of Europe’s strongest job markets, and Germany makes studying abroad feel like a very smart move.

#1.5 UK

Since we’re based in the UK and we’ve got more than 4,000 UK PhD programmes listed on our website, it’s historically been the place students most search for on FindAPhD.com. That said, the UK remains a highly attractive study destination in its own right. There has been uncertainty and upheaval in the last year, but the UK still has a lot on offer for international students. Its higher education system is as diverse as the country itself, ranging from ancient universities in Oxford and Cambridge to modern, innovative institutions. You can benefit from fully funded studentships and a three-year post-study work visa once you’ve completed your research.

#1 Australia

Top of the list for PhDs is Australia and rightly so! Its universities are globally recognised, with pioneering projects in ecology to medical science that let your work really make an impact. Many PhDs come with generous funding or scholarships (often covering fees and a living stipend), and you can enjoy up to three years of post-study work options afterward to jumpstart your career.

And there you have it, the top 10! For more countries where you can study your PhD, head to our study abroad homepage.