Top 10 Safest Countries for Indian Students to Study Abroad

If you are en route planning your study abroad journey, the first question that may have cropped in your mind is which is the safest country for Indian students. The question is especially relevant today when the number of Indian students studying abroad has surged like never before. Per the latest Education Ministry data, more than 7,70,000 Indian students went abroad for studies in 2022. This is a six-year high, exhibiting the growing interest of Indian students to study overseas.

Why Is It Important to Find a Safe Country to Study Abroad

Parents and guardians are concerned about the safety of their children, and their concerns are justified, considering the instances of attacks against students and other crimes on campus. They will naturally want to choose the safest country in the world for Indian students intending to study abroad, provided everything else works fine regarding the admission process. 

A study by The Student Roomand 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 the fact it ranked only 17 of 19 just five years ago. 

If we see it from all Indians going abroad for work or study, safety concerns usually arise for students. The best country to work for Indians is a different ball game since there is the security of employment and more opportunities to integrate into the community with guidance from fellow workers, as many countries officially lay the laws protecting international workers' rights. 

However, this takes time for international students, with reports stating that the temporary status and lack of familiarity with the new culture and environment leave them vulnerable to several risks. Language barriers are also an issue at times. 

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 it comes to choosing the safest country for Indian students, the crime rates should also be taken into consideration. Here is a report that ranks the safest countries in the world. 

Source: U.S. News and World Report

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

A Glimpse Into 10 Safest Countries for Indian Students

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

1.Switzerland

It is one of the most peaceful nations in the world, with high security and low domestic and international 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 the United Nations Happiness Report about education, health, well-being, and environmental quality. 

2.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. 

3.Slovenia

Slovenia is a natural paradise covered by forests and close to the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea. It is the sole Central European country in the top-10 list of the Global Peace Index and is known for its welcoming and tranquil atmosphere. 

4.Portugal

The country has rapidly gained momentum over the last few years, climbing up the ranks in the Global Peace Index. It also offers above-average work-life balance, housing, environmental quality, and personal security. It is also one of the continent’s most pocket-friendly destinations. 

5.Singapore

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

6.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. 

7.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. 

8.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 world's most secure places to live, work, and study. 

9.Denmark

Denmark has always been one of the front-runners in the Global Peace Index tally. 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. 

10.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 arm force, navy, or air force, with unbelievably lower crime rates. Iceland also offers excellent education and welfare mechanisms while ranking amongst the top countries for well-being, earnings, and jobs. 

Looking for the safest country in the world for Indians will be easier if you consider the above-mentioned rankings and ratings. After all, venturing abroad to study is a lifetime decision and you should be assured about your safety above everything else.