6 of the best places to study abroad in Asia

“International student mobility has changed a lot over the past decade or so. It used to be the case that students from Asian countries flocked to the West for higher education, but these tides are steadily turning. Countries like the US, UK and Australia remain popular study abroad destinations, but as countries in Asia continue to develop and economies flourish, a number of universities on the continent are making names for themselves. Going to study abroad in Asia has its benefits – the cost of living is generally lower (although cities like Singapore and Hong Kong can be expensive), cities are very diverse, and the weather is generally milder than in other continents. As the importance of global skills and international mindsets gains traction, going to study abroad in Asia can be a great way to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a whole new culture. What are the rising study abroad destinations in Asia? One benefit when you study abroad in Asia? The food. Food in Malaysia’s pretty cheap. Source: Aqeel Haqimie via Pexels 1. Malaysia Malaysia may be a small country, but it’s one that’s rich with culture and diversity. With such a multicultural population, cuisine here is truly international – not to mention delicious! Although it’s a Muslim-majority country, Malaysia is fairly liberal, so you can enjoy a fantastic student experience with a vibrant nightlife and tropical weather all year round. The country is home to a number of reputable universities, such as the University of Malaya, which has been steadily climbing world rankings year after year. There are also plenty of universities which partner with overseas institutions such as Monash University and the University of Nottingham. As for the cost of living, it’s relatively lower compared to neighbouring Singapore. There are many international students learning in the country, so it’s easy to find affordable student housing. Taiwan may be small, but that’s part of its charm. You can literally drive around the whole island in about eight hours. Source: Derek Tsai via Pexels 2. Taiwan Another rising star to study abroad in Asia is Taiwan ; its universities are attracting international students from all over the world. It’s a very safe country to live in, as crime rates are low. According to AsiaExchange , “The high level of education, low exposure to crime, economic freedom and good healthcare system are a few examples of why Taiwan is ranked 2nd on the annual Global Peace Index.” The economy has boomed in recent years so now the country is flourishing, and there are plenty of things here that help to form an unforgettable student experience. The country’s diverse cuisine, rich culture, historical sites and majestic landscapes are just some of the main attractions for visitors to Taiwan. When it comes to higher education, academics are of high quality. Top universities include the National Taiwan University and National Tsinghua University. People in Korea are really kind and polite, so you’ll feel welcome pretty quickly. Source: e-kobud-i via Pexels 3. South Korea Another emerging country to study abroad in Asia is South Korea , the land of K-pop and kimchi. The country itself has so much to offer students, including stunning landscapes, delicious food, high-tech cities, a thriving beauty and fashion industry, and more. Its capital city, Seoul, was even recently named the best student city in the world . According to QS Top Universities , Investment in education and research has been at the heart of South Korea’s growth into the world’s 11 th largest economy and the fourth largest economy within Asia. It’s this investment and growth in innovation and technology that has meant the country is known as one of the four ‘Asian Tiger’ economies, alongside Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.” Top universities include Seoul National University and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST). When you study abroad in Asia, you’ll experience its history, especially in Japan. One minute you’re in a high-tech city, the next you’re surrounded by centuries-old traditions. Source: AXP Photography via Pexels 4. Japan Japan is another upcoming country to study abroad in Asia. Due to government efforts to attract more international students, it’s fast becoming a fan-favourite for students around the world. The country is attractive for students as it’s a clean and safe, with high-tech innovations and a rich cultural heritage, not to mention high academic standards. According to Times Higher Education , “Japan is a country that successfully maintains ancient traditions alongside its identity as a nation of technological innovation. This contrast can also be seen in the country’s higher education institutions as they develop their research output and international outreach while preserving Japan’s cultures and values.” Two of the top universities in Japan are the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University. Brunei ticks all the boxes if you’re after a Muslim-friendly destination. Source: Tc Zainul via Pexels 5. Brunei If you’re looking for somewhere safe, peaceful, and not too expensive, Brunei Darussalam could be a great fit. It’s often called the “abode of peace.” Life there is calm, the community is welcoming, and the environment is super relaxing. It’s a small country near the equator with fewer than 500,000 people, so it never feels overcrowded. The weather stays warm all year (around 28 to 32°C), and since it’s an Islamic country, Muslim students will find plenty of mosques on campus and halal food almost everywhere. Price-wise, it’s quite manageable too. Tuition starts at around US$2,359.07 ($3,000 Brunei Dollars) a year, and living costs are only about 25% higher than Malaysia, which is still pretty reasonable overall. Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most dynamic cities you’ll come across when you study abroad in Asia. Source: Lộc Nguyễn via Pexels 6. Vietnam Aside from being a desired travel destination, Vietnam is one of the most interesting places to study abroad in Asia. More universities in Vietnam are gaining global recognition, with 10 making it into the QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities . On top of that, the country keeps things student-friendly with relatively simple visa options. Visa fees vary depending on duration and entry type: US$35 for a three-month single-entry visa US$60 for a three-month multiple-entry visa US$105 for a three to six-month multiple-entry visa US$145 for a multiple-entry visa valid for up to one year One of the best things about studying in Vietnam is how affordable it is. Instead of paying US$30,000 to US$50,000 a year like you would in many Western countries, you’re looking at around US$1,800 to US$13,000 annually. Universities like Vietnam National University , RMIT Vietnam , and British University Vietnam also offer degrees that are recognised globally. At RMIT Vietnam, you’ll graduate with the same degree as students at RMIT University , and BUV offers UK degrees from Staffordshire University or the University of London . Basically, you get the same quality — just without the crazy cost. Disclaimer: This article was updated on April 17, 2026.

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