Top Destinations for Indian Students Planning to Study Abroad After High School
- Vinayak Rao

- Feb 8, 2025
- 2 min read


Vinayak Rao
Former Immigration Officer, New Zealand Embassy
Ex-India Representative, University of Auckland
Education Counsellor in Hiranandani, Powai
Relocating the entire family after high school is becoming an appealing option for Indian families seeking a better quality of life, world-class education, and citizenship opportunities through investments. Below, we explore the top destinations for families considering migration.
United States of America (USA)
The USA is a leading destination for Indian students due to its world-class universities like Harvard and Stanford and vibrant cities such as New York and San Francisco. Offering the highest number of top-100 QS-ranked universities globally, the USA is ideal for quality education and career prospects.
Residency by Investment
Invest $1,050,000 in non-targeted or $800,000 in rural/high-unemployment projects.
Create/retain 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
Net worth: $1 million.
Green Card holders access U.S. education at domestic rates.
Canada
Canada combines high-quality education with a multicultural environment. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are home to globally ranked universities like the University of Toronto, UBC, and McGill. Favorable immigration policies ease the transition from student to resident.
Residency by Investment:
Startup Visa: CAD 75,000–200,000 investment with organizational support.
Quebec Program: CAD 1.2 million investment with a net worth of CAD 2 million.
Express Entry: Prioritizes skilled professionals in healthcare, IT, and engineering.
Australia
Australia known for its laid-back lifestyle and strong education system, Australia offers vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne and top universities like ANU and the University of Melbourne. Post-study work visas allow students to gain experience and transition to residency.
Residency by Investment
The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) will reopen in July 2024, with prior investment ranges from AUD 1.5 million to 15 million.
Portugal
Portugal is favored for affordable education, rich culture, and welcoming cities like Lisbon and Porto. Its universities are reputable, and the Golden Visa program makes it attractive for families.
Residency by Investment:
Golden Visa: €500,000 in funds or €250,000 in arts/national heritage. Citizenship after five years.
Ireland
Ireland offers quality education, a vibrant culture, and career opportunities in tech and other industries. Dublin hosts universities like Trinity College and serves as a hub for global companies.
Residency by Investment
Immigrant Investor Program: €1 million in funds or €50,000 in startups creating jobs.
New Zealand
Renowned for its landscapes and education, New Zealand attracts families seeking a relaxed lifestyle. Universities like the University of Auckland (QS rank 68) offer strong academic programs and a clear path to residency.
Residency by Investment:
Investor Visa: NZ$15 million.
Entrepreneur Visa: NZ$100,000 investment with three jobs created.
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Choosing the right destination is crucial for Indian students aiming to study abroad after high school. Popular countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany offer diverse programs, global exposure, and excellent career opportunities. While selecting a destination, students should consider factors such as course options, cultural environment, living costs, and post-study work opportunities. Preparing for English proficiency tests like IELTS is often a mandatory step. Staying updated on IELTS exam dates 2026 helps students plan their applications efficiently and ensures they meet university deadlines. Early preparation also gives students enough time to practice, take mock tests, and improve their scores. Alongside academics, exploring scholarship opportunities and campus life can make the transition smoother. With careful planning and timely preparation,…
This is a very insightful overview of top study abroad destinations for Indian students after high school, especially for families considering long-term settlement and residency options. Choosing the right country early can open doors to quality education, global exposure, and future citizenship pathways. At Gradding Homes, we support students and families throughout this journey by helping them shortlist universities, understand course options, and secure safe and reliable student accommodation in Twickenham and other major student cities. With the right guidance and accommodation support, studying abroad after high school becomes a smoother and more confident transition.
There are several great destinations that Indian students often consider for studying abroad after high school. Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany are popular because they offer diverse programs, strong academic systems, and opportunities for personal growth. Studying abroad helps students gain global exposure, access modern facilities, and build confidence while experiencing new cultures and ways of learning.
Along with choosing the right country and university, students also need to think about life outside academics. Planning ahead for accommodation and daily living can make the transition smoother and less stressful. For those considering the UK as a study option, knowing about student accommodation in Leicester can be helpful when preparing for a new academic journey.
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For Indian students planning to study abroad after high school, popular destinations include the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Germany due to quality education and global exposure. Along with choosing the right country, exploring financial support options like de montfort university Scholarships can make international education more accessible and help students plan confidently for their future.