The moment you transfer the first tuition fee payment to your university, you’ll be thinking of how you can recoup that investment. This is especially true for international students, who often face high tuition fees when studying abroad. But which are the best countries for university degree ROI?
To find out, we’ve analysed EDUopinions student reviews from around the globe. By comparing the ratings given for Value alongside Career Prospects, we’ve compiled a list of the countries where you’re likely to find an affordable study experience alongside worthy career prospects afterwards. Added together, that means a high likelihood you’ll get your valuable investment in tuition fees and living costs back.
Here are the top 10 countries according to our data – and you might find some surprises among the ranking.
University Degree ROI: What are the best countries?
To find out the best countries for university degree ROI, we looked at just university reviews from reviewers who reported that they were international students. These reviews were grouped by country, and then an average of Value and Career Prospects ratings was calculated.
10. The Netherlands (average rating 4.05/5)
The Netherlands is known for its high academic quality – it boasts six universities in the top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. EU students can study in the Netherlands for an affordable price, too. For example, tuition fees at Wageningen University are €2,314 for one year. Fees for international students rise to €16,400 for Bachelor’s degrees and €19,600 for Master’s degrees.
However, this can be considered excellent value considering the career prospects available after a study-intensive degree in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is home to global companies with specific expertise in manufacturing, scientific research, business, and tourism.
Value Rating: 4.07
Career Prospects Rating: 4.04
9. New Zealand (average rating 4.06/5)
Have you ever considered studying in New Zealand? A degree from this idyllic island nation could cost between €10,000 and €25,000 per year, depending on your subject and education level. This matches international fees for most EU countries, making it an appealing option if you want a more adventurous international study experience.
New Zealand ranks similarly to the Netherlands in terms of career prospects. Notable employers in the country include Xero, Meridian Energy and Air New Zealand. The country excels in the service industry, healthcare, and construction.
Value Rating: 4.08
Career Prospects Rating: 4.04
8. Germany (average rating 4.12/5)
Germany appears on our ranking of the most affordable countries in Europe for international students, primarily driven by its almost nonexistent tuition fees and low cost of living, even in the largest cities. The country is a European powerhouse, with plenty of opportunities in manufacturing, finance, professional services, and the creative industries.
The amount you’ll pay for your degree in Germany will vary depending on the state in which you study. Although many international students believe it’s free to study in Germany, you’ll usually pay an administrative fee of at least €250 per semester. Some states like Baden-Wurttemberg have reintroduced low tuition fees for international students – though you’ll still only pay around €1,500 per semester.
Value Rating: 4.15
Career Prospects Rating: 4.09
7. The United Kingdom (average rating 4.13/5)
The UK is known for having some of the most expensive tuition fees for international students. After Brexit, EU students can no longer benefit from paying ‘home’ fees; as a result, tuition fees for internationals can top €35,000 per year. However, costs can vary slightly across universities and courses, so it’s worth doing thorough research on more affordable universities if you’re worried.
Although international students won’t necessarily see cheap tuition when they study in the UK, there are other reasons this country appears on the ranking of best countries for university degree ROI (and boasts some of the happiest students). In particular, the UK boasts a highly diverse economy, with some of the highest-paying jobs in Europe. In London, international companies are on practically every corner, with excellent prospects for graduates in finance, business, publishing, and even creative subjects.
Value Rating: 4.14
Career Prospects Rating: 4.13
6. Denmark (average rating 4.16/5)
Often overlooked in favour of larger European nations, Denmark is ideal if you’re looking for a blend of unique culture, affordable education, and exciting career prospects. Although small, Denmark offers great career opportunities in energy, sustainability, agriculture, and technology. Plus, students from the EU can study in Denmark for free.
For international students without EU citizenship, tuition fees fluctuate between €6,000 and €16,000 per year. Though this sounds reasonable, especially compared to the UK, there’s a reason that Denmark has a lower value rating than the UK: cost of living. Denmark ranks as one of the most expensive countries in Europe, so you’ll have to factor in more than just tuition if you want to study here.
Value Rating: 4.08
Career Prospects Rating: 4.24
5. The United States (average rating 4.17/4)
The United States is a common study destination for business students, given that US business schools are some of the best in the world. However, it’s also an attractive option for students who want to gain an intensive education at an Ivy League university or benefit from proximity to the world’s biggest companies in cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco. The US also appears in the top five countries in the world for high salaries, so it makes sense that students rate it highly for career prospects.
International student tuition fees in the US can vary massively depending on the course and university you choose. Community colleges offer lower fees, often up to €20,000 per year, while a graduate programme at a university could have fees of over €40,000 per year. But thanks to the US’ reputation, plenty of scholarship opportunities are available to students who want to start their careers there.
Value Rating: 4.13
Career Prospects Rating: 4.20
4. Belgium (average rating 4.26/5)
Belgium almost makes it into the top three countries for university degree ROI. It might be small, but Belgium’s universities are world-renowned (KU Leuven ranks in the top 50 universities in the world), and annual tuition fees for bachelor’s programmes are under €10,000 for international students. Students from the EU, meanwhile, pay just €1,116.
But why the high ranking for ROI? Students gave universities in Belgium high scores for value and career prospects, much higher than the previous country on this list, the US. Brussels is home to European agencies like the European Parliament and the European Commission and agencies like NATO and the World Bank. So, students could end up working for prestigious organisations after their degree.
Value Rating: 4.26
Career Prospects Rating: 4.26
3. Australia (average rating 4.29/5)
Making the top 3 best countries in the world for degree ROI is Australia. The world’s sixth-largest country is a great choice for students who want to enjoy proximity to great jobs and value-for-money education; 620,000 international students chose to study in Australia in 2022. The country’s regions are home to various industries, from life sciences and tech in Melbourne to finance and communications in Sydney.
Tuition fees for international students in Australia are similar to other countries outside the EU – up to €27,000 per year for a bachelor’s degree and €30,000 per year for a Master’s programme. While students rate Australian universities only slightly better for value than Belgium, its career prospects rating helps Australia gain a great score for university degree ROI.
Value Rating: 4.25
Career Prospects Rating: 4.34
2. Ireland (average rating 4.32/5)
Just missing out on the top spot on our ranking is Ireland. Between 2007 and 2021, the country experienced a 90% increase in the number of international students choosing its universities, a testament to the quality of its education and the value for money for EU students. Bachelor’s students from the EU will pay less than €3,000 per year to study at a top university like Trinity College Dublin, while non-EU students will pay up to €28,000 depending on the degree.
Although fees in Ireland are similar to those in the UK, Ireland is increasingly appealing to international students because of the quality of its career prospects. Ireland beats the UK in the rankings of highest salaries, and the number of jobs in accounting, corporate finance, engineering, and life sciences has soared in recent years.
Value Rating: 4.31
Career Prospects Rating: 4.33
1. Switzerland (average rating 4.42/5)
But making the top spot on our ranking of international student university degree ROI is Switzerland! The central European country scores just a few points higher than Ireland for value but significantly higher for career prospects.
In fact, Switzerland has long had a reputation for career prospects. It’s home to EU agencies and top companies across manufacturing (Nestlé), finance (Credit Suisse) and retail (Migros). Plus, it’s the second-best country in the world in terms of job salaries.
The country is also facing a worker shortage, so there are lots of opportunities for qualified international graduates in areas such as engineering, IT, healthcare, and construction.
Plus, students can benefit from low tuition fees – a help, given Switzerland’s high cost of living. For example, fees at the best university in Switzerland, ETH Zürich, total just €745 per semester for EU and non-EU students. The total study and living costs in Zürich are estimated at just over €2,000 a month – not bad for a place at a top 20 university.
Factoring in the exciting job opportunities in Switzerland, affordable tuition fees, and networking available at top universities, it’s no surprise that Switzerland is the best country in the world for university degree ROI for international students!
Value Rating: 4.38
Career Prospects Rating: 4.46
Conclusion
When considering where to study internationally, costs will be at the front of your mind. However, in these ten countries, you can balance tuition and living costs with lucrative career opportunities – resulting in an attractive return on investment.
If you’re still deciding where to study and want to hear from more international students about their experience, check out our ranking of the top universities for international students in Europe.
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