You’re almost done with high school, ready to take the next big step: studying abroad. Everyone’s told you it’s the best thing ever – new cultures, new languages, a global mindset. But when you actually start looking into where you can go, reality hits. Spoiler alert: it’s way more complicated than you thought.
The UK might’ve been on your list, but if you thought you could bring your family along for the ride, think again. Recent legislation prohibits international students from bringing family members with them unless they’re pursuing certain postgraduate programs. So if you were hoping to have your spouse or child join you during your studies, you might be out of luck.
In addition, there’s plans to raise the already expensive tuition fees by an additional 13.5% over the next 5 years (up to 12.000€ per year).
The Netherlands is known for its open-mindedness and high-ranking universities. Seems like a good option, right? Well, not as much anymore. Universities are cutting down the number of EU students by 50% by 2029. Why? Apparently, too many have been showing up and it’s costing too much money (300 million euros budget cuts announced). Blame the housing crisis, a more conservative government, overcrowded classrooms, or just a general “we’re full” policy.
Canada’s always been a friendly option, and it’s still a solid choice. But even they’ve started tightening things up. Immigration rules have become stricter, and while it’s still possible to get in, you’ll need to prove you can pay for everything – and living in cities like Toronto or Vancouver isn’t exactly cheap.
Plus, they’re not as lenient about letting you stick around after graduation. If you’re hoping to build a life there post-degree, you might be in for a surprise. Still, if you absolutely love maple syrup and proper winters (sorry, poor stereotypes), Canada’s waiting for you (just with a bit more paperwork).
Dreaming of going to an Ivy League or starting your career in Silicon Valley? Well, studying in the U.S. may depend a lot on who’s in charge. And with the upcoming elections in just under two weeks, there is high uncertainty what new policies will be implemented for international students.
The new changes to the F-1 visa regulation also impose stricter rules on how long international students can stay outside the US during their studies (5 consecutive months). With that in mind, traveling abroad for an internship, doing an exchange or even having to go back home for personal reasons can become a lot more complex.
Germany sounds like a dream come true: free tuition at top universities. It’s every budget-conscious student’s dream. But here’s the catch: everyone else wants in, too. Although Germany has not imposed any hard limits on the number of international students, English-taught programs are insanely competitive, so don’t be surprised if you don’t get a spot. Out of the 2.8 million students in Germany, over 16% are already international students (~458.000).
In addition, in 2023 Germany increased its proof-of-funds for non-EEA students by 6% for the 2024/2025 academic year to almost 12.000€. Although there’s multiple ways to prove you have access to this type of money, it still limits accessibility for students from lower-income families.
Australia recently announced a limit of international students. In total, only 270,000 international students are welcome every year. Although this may still seem like a lot (especially for a country with a population of ~26 million), there are currently an estimated 717,000 international students in the country. That means a drop of 62%!
In addition, they have also announced stricter English-language requirements for any prospective students hoping to study over there. Top that off with a housing crisis in some of the biggest cities like Sydney and Melbourne, and you’ve created a very competitive and expensive study destination.
Countries Where You’re Still Welcome
Is it all that bad though? Fortunately, some countries have opted for a different strategy and are still welcoming international students with open arms. In fact, one country you might not expect is making a strong effort to attract more students: South Korea.
South Korea is quickly rising as a top destination for international students, especially for those drawn by its dynamic culture, tech-savvy cities, and high-quality education. The South Korean government is actively working to attract more students from abroad, aiming to bring in thousands more by the end of the decade. Initiatives include increased scholarships, improved student support services, and more
English-taught programs at major universities like Seoul National University and KAIST.
While South Korea is becoming more accessible, adjusting to the intense academic environment and adapting to the cultural landscape may still be challenging. And though many classes are now offered in English, some knowledge of Korean can still be helpful. But for those seeking a high-energy, innovative study experience, South Korea is rolling out the welcome mat.
So, where can you go? The options are shrinking, and it seems like countries are making it harder to get in, not easier. While studying abroad may come with more hurdles than you anticipated, the experience is still incredibly valuable.
Even if it means considering countries you hadn’t originally thought of, the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, make international connections, and gain a unique perspective on your field of study is always worth it. Studying abroad will challenge you and expand your horizons in ways that staying home simply can’t.