Top 10 Safest Countries for Indian Students to Study Abroad in 2024

Per the latest Education Ministry data, more than 7.7 lakh Indian students went to study abroad in 2022. This is a six-year high! Not only this, 2 million Indian students are estimated to be studying overseas by 2024, according to the latest trends. Knowing which is the safest country for Indian students is a crucial aspect of planning your study abroad journey, especially in today’s time when the number of Indian students opting to study abroad has surged like never before. 

Why is it Important to Find a Safe Country to Study Abroad

Parents and guardians are always concerned about the safety of their children, especially if they have moved out to study or work. Their concerns are justified, considering the instances of attacks against students and other crimes on campus. Hence, choosing the safest country in the world for Indian students intending to study abroad becomes pivotal.

A study by The Student Room and the British Council ranked ‘Campus Safety’ as the 5th most important factor (out of 19) impacting the study abroad destination choice of students. What also adds to this weightage is that it ranked 17 of 19 only five years ago. 

If we compare between Indians going abroad to work and those to study, safety concerns usually arise for students. This is because those going for employment purposes witness better financial security, stricter laws protecting international workers' rights, and more opportunities to integrate into the community with guidance from fellow workers. Hence, choosing the best country to work for Indians is a different ball game altogether.

However, this takes time for international students. Their temporary status and lack of familiarity with the new culture and environment leave them vulnerable to several risks.

List of Safe Countries Based on Various Parameters

Here is a list of options when considering the safest country for Indian students based on diverse parameters. 

Global Peace Index

As per the 2023 Global Peace Index, here are the top peaceful countries in the world: 

Source: Institute for Economics & Peace

Happiness Index 

Here is the ranking of the countries in the global happiness index on a three-year average between 2020-2022. 

Source: United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Report

Crime Rate

When choosing the safest country for Indian students, the crime rates also play an essential role. The table below shows the popular countries to study abroad ranked in order of safety. 

Source: World Population Review

Cost of Living 

Along with the safety aspect, the cost of living should also be considered for assessing the best country for Indian students since it directly impacts the decision to study abroad and contributes immensely toward the overall happiness quotient. Here are some of the cheapest countries to live in.

Source: U.S. News and Report

Glimpse into 10 Safest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students

Here are some of the top choices for those seeking the safest country in the world for Indian students. 

Iceland

It is the safest country in the world for Indians and other international students or workers. Iceland is the world's most peaceful nation, as ranked in the Global Peace Index for 2023. The serene country is known for retaining the number one ranking for 16 years and has the smallest population for any NATO member State. At the same time, it has no standing armed force, navy, or air force, with unbelievably lower crime rates. Iceland also offers excellent education and welfare mechanisms; hence, it usually tops when listing which country is best for Indian students.

• Iceland is also ranked among the top five most accepting countries for LGBTI and the safest countries for women.
• Top Universities: University of Iceland,  Reykjavík University,  University of Akureyri

Denmark

Denmark has always been one of the front-runners on the world’s safest country list. The country is known for its safe travel routes, respect for human rights and freedoms, and free press. It also has a higher income equality level than many other countries. It has also been ranked as one of the world’s happiest countries. 

• QS Best Student Cities 2024: Copenhagen
• Top Universities: University of Copenhagen, Technical University of Denmark, Aarhus University

Ireland

Ireland is one of the most developed and most prosperous global nations. It has overcome years of conflict with the UK and achieved stability today. Its independent status and neutral military forces make it one of the safest places in the world to live, work, and study. 

• QS Best Student Cities 2024: Dublin
• Top Universities: Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, University College Dublin, University of Galway

New Zealand

New Zealand has overtaken many other nations to achieve peace and prosperity. It offers excellent societal safety along with negligible international and domestic conflicts. The tranquil country provides natural beauty, good work-life balance, great healthcare, education, and income. 

• QS Best Student Cities 2024: Auckland and Christchurch
• Top Universities: The University of Auckland, University of Otago, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Waikato

Austria

Ranked number 5 in the Global Peace Index, Austria is a small and beautiful country steeped in culture and history. It is highly ranked on several parameters, including housing, jobs, income, etc. 

• QS Best Student Cities 2024: Vienna and Graz
• Top Universities: University of Vienna, Technische Universität Wien

Singapore

Occupying the 6th spot in the Global Peace Index for 2023, Singapore offers great societal security and safety with fewer international and domestic conflicts. It is also a prosperous city-state that is fast transforming into Asia's significant economic and financial hub, offering residents an excellent quality of life. 

• It is ranked first in the Global Law and Order Index 2022, a report released by Gallup every year to track people's perceptions of their safety, security, and confidence in their local police.
• Top Universities: National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)

Japan

Japan is highly populated but offers a good quality of life and peace. The recorded crime rate has declined to historical lows over the last few years. Japan is also known for its cosmopolitan culture and its emphasis on quality education. 

• QS Best Student Cities 2024: Tokyo, Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe, and Nagoya
• Top Universities: The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech), Tohoku University, Kyushu University, Nagoya University

Switzerland

It is one of the most peaceful nations in the world, with high security and low political instability or conflicts. Switzerland is a highly prosperous and stable country that embraces religious and linguistic diversity while working on scaling up its gender equality ratio. It is also ranked high in education, health, well-being, and environmental quality in the United Nations Happiness Report. 

• QS Best Student Cities 2024: Zurich and Lausanne
• Top Universities: ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Zurich, University of Basel, University of Bern, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne

Finland

Finland is ranked the happiest country in the world. It boasts a high work-life balance with flexible working options. The country is becoming a popular choice for studying abroad for Indian students.

• Key Point: It is also ranked second in the Women Peace and Security (WPS) Index 2021-22.
• QS Best Student Cities 2024: Helsinki
• Top Universities: Aalto University, University of Helsinki

Sweden

Ranking among the top ten countries in the GPI and WPS Index, Sweden is stepping up as a safe destination for quality education. With many top-ranked universities, a welcoming community, and low crime rates, the country is expanding as a hub for students from different cultures.

• QS Best Student Cities 2024: Stockholm and Gothenburg
• Top Universities: KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Lund University, Uppsala University, Stockholm University, Chalmers University of Technology, University of Gothenburg

Conclusion

Venturing to study abroad is a lifetime decision, and you should thoroughly consider all factors amounting to your safety. The rankings based on various parameters mentioned in this article can help you zero in on the safest country in the world for Indians. In summary, the top 10 safest countries to study abroad in 2024 offer more than just high-quality education; they provide a secure and welcoming environment for international students. These nations stand out not only for their low crime rates and stable political climates but also for their inclusive and supportive academic communities. Safety is a key consideration for students and their families when choosing an international study destination, and these countries exemplify the ideal combination of educational excellence and personal security. In a world where safety concerns are increasingly paramount, these countries set a benchmark for providing a safe, enriching, and culturally diverse learning experience, making them preferred destinations for students seeking to pursue their academic goals with peace of mind in 2024.