Looking for the best universities for Indian students abroad? Scanning the best country to study abroad for Indian students? Want to zero in on the best foreign universities for Indian students with a strong record of Indian student intake? You’re in the right place. In this deep dive I’ll walk you through my list of ten global universities that routinely rank among the best for Indian students, bringing in considerations like intake, culture, scholarship availability, career outcomes, and more. So grab a chai, get comfy, and let’s jump in.
Table of Contents
What Makes a University “Best for Indian Students”?
Before we list names, let’s agree on what “best university in the world for Indian students” actually means. For me it combines:
- A strong international student community and significant Indian student intake (so you won’t feel totally alone).
- Good post-study work/career opportunities for Indian grads.
- Scholarships or financial support options relevant to Indian students (yes, the best scholarship for Indian students to study abroad matters).
- A country that is among the best countries for masters for Indian students (cost, visa, culture).
- Reputation + academic strength—so your degree carries value globally.
So when I say “best universities for Indian students abroad” or “universities with highest Indian student intake,” I’m thinking of these features.
Selection Criteria & Side Notes
I used a mix of global ranking data (e.g., Quacquarelli Symonds, Times Higher Education) plus specific indicators like Indian student population, scholarship visibility, and work visa friendliness.
Of course, there’s no perfect metric. Your “best” may differ if you’re in engineering vs. arts or want a 1-year vs. 2-year program. Think of it as a map, not a blueprint.
Also, I’ll admit: I started this list thinking “US only” (because, you know, bias). Then I changed my mind when I saw Australian and Canadian options offering work visas and lower stress. That’s part of the fun: the more you dig, the more your preferences shift.
Top 10 Universities for Indian Students
Here we go—our handpicked ten, in no particular strict order (because “rankings” aren’t everything, but each one has a strong case).
University of Toronto (Canada)
Toronto rocks for Indian students. Canada has become one of the most popular destinations for Indian students globally. The University of Toronto (U of T) excels academically and offers a massive, diverse international student body. If you’re asking, “What’s the best foreign university for Indian students where I’ll feel at home?” It is high on the list. The Indian diaspora in Toronto means there are cultural clubs, food options you’ll recognize, and a network to tap into late at night when homesickness hits (and it will, trust me).
University of Melbourne (Australia)
Australia often features in “best country to study abroad for Indian students” lists. The University of Melbourne is among its flagship institutions—high global ranking, good post-study work options, and relatively more friendly visa rules (for many Indian applicants) compared to some US or UK pathways. If you’re thinking of the “best country for masters for Indian students,” Australia is a strong contender and Melbourne a top pick within it.
University of Oxford (UK)
Yes, the legendary Oxford. For Indian students aiming for the very top, this is up there. The academic prestige alone is huge. But it’s also about the network, the global brand, and the doors it opens. If you’re asking, “Which are the best universities in the world for Indian students?” Oxford always features. Added bonus: the UK has some generous scholarships and shorter master’s programs (often one year instead of two).
University of California, Berkeley (USA)
The U.S. remains a dominant destination. Many Indian students gravitate there because of research opportunities, industry proximity, and global reputation. Berkeley ticks those boxes. If you’re comfortable with higher cost and tougher competition, Berkeley offers a compelling path. It’s very much among the “best foreign universities for Indian students” if you factor in ambitious career goals.
National University of Singapore (Singapore)
Sometimes people overlook Asia, but Singapore is quietly a goldmine. Quality education, safe city, shorter distance from India (flight wise), English medium. The National University of Singapore (NUS) is globally ranked and hugely attractive for Indian students wanting a world class degree without trans continental fatigue.
University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Okay, Netherlands might surprise you but hear me out. Study in English programmes, solid European credentials, liberal culture. The University of Amsterdam is well ranked and often features in lists of international friendly universities. If you want “best scholarship for Indian students to study abroad” and options in continental Europe, this is one worth eyeing.
University of British Columbia (Canada)
Another great Canadian option. UBC combines strong academics with a scenic campus and excellent quality of life. For Indian students wanting a balance between rigorous uni and a good environment (less stress, more life), UBC is up there. Plus, Canada’s immigration/residency pathways make it a smart long term pick.
University of Sydney (Australia)
If Melbourne appeals but you want something slightly different vibe, Sydney offers that ‘big city meets beach’ combo. University of Sydney is globally respected and has solid international student numbers. Again, when thinking which country to pick for your master’s, Australia (with Sydney) remains strong.
Technical University of Munich (Germany)
Germany tends to show up in “best country to study abroad for Indian students” lists because tuition fees are very low or often zero for international students.
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Germany’s crown jewels. If your discipline leans engineering/tech, this is massively relevant for Indian students wanting value + global pedigree.
University of Manchester (UK)
Rounding off with Manchester. It’s less intimidating (in perception) than Oxford/Cambridge but still globally respected and friendly for international students. UK universities also often have large Indian student populations, which means you’ll find comfort, networks and support. If you’re exploring “universities with highest Indian student intake”, UK options like Manchester are wise.
My Change of Mind (and Why It Matters)
Let me be honest, I started researching this list with a strong bias toward the U.S. I thought: “If it’s not America, why bother?” Classic. But as I dug deeper I found surprising gems: like how Germany offers near zero tuition, or how Canada’s Indian community and immigration paths make it a viable life option, not just a one year trip.
So yes – I changed my mind. And that’s a good thing. It means you shouldn’t fixate on one destination. The “best country to study abroad for Indian students” isn’t always the flashiest; it’s the one that fits you. Maybe it’s Melbourne, maybe Amsterdam, maybe Toronto. The key: match your priorities (cost, culture, career) to the institution.
Conclusion & Your Next Step
So there you have it – the top ten global universities that check many boxes for Indian students. Remember: the “best foreign universities for Indian students” isn’t one size fits all. It’s about you. Your dreams. Your budget. Your comfort zone. Your ambition.
Here’s your actionable next step: pick your top three destinations this weekend. Research programmes, scholarships, check Indian student intake data, call current Indian students in those universities. Then shortlist two universities per destination, and mark scholarship deadlines.
Still unsure which university fits your goals?
FAQs
Q1: What’s the “best scholarship for Indian students to study abroad”?
It depends on destination, field and timing. Many countries/universities offer India-specific scholarships or international-student funding. Always check each university’s international admissions page and Indian embassy resource.
Q2: Should I only consider universities “with highest Indian student intake”?
Not necessarily. A high intake means comfort and community, but sometimes smaller intake means more focus on international students, better funding, more support. Both angles valid.
Q3: How do I pick the “best country for masters for Indian students”?
Consider tuition, living costs, post-study work permits, job market, cultural adaptability. For example Canada, Australia, Germany often score well.
Q4: Are global rankings the only factor?
Nope. Rankings help but pick universities that align with your major, vibe, career path and budget.
