STEM encompasses more than just science, technology, engineering and math. It is a way of thinking, learning and solving problems that can open up a world of possibilities for you. Whether you want to discover new planets, design smart devices, build bridges or cure diseases, STEM can help you achieve your dreams. But where should you study STEM if you want to get the best education and experience?
There are many aspects to consider when choosing a country, such as quality, cost, culture, and opportunities. To help narrow down your options, we did the research for you and ranked the 10 best countries for STEM students to pursue a degree.
These countries have excellent STEM programs, as well as great prospects for STEM graduates in various fields and sectors. They also offer financial support for international students, with many scholarships specifically for STEM fields. Plus, they have diverse and friendly cultures that will heighten your study abroad experience.
For each of these countries, we looked at the following criteria:
- The global ranking of the country’s STEM universities
- The career opportunities for STEM graduates in the country
- The scholarships and financial aid options for international STEM students
- The language and culture of the country, and how it affects the learning and personal development of international students
- Other factors to consider
By the end of this article, you will hopefully have a better idea of which country suits your STEM interests, goals, and preferences. Let’s get started!
1) United States 🇺🇸
The US is the global leader in STEM education and research and a popular destination for international students. It ranks first in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 for computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics. Here in the West, you will find a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, offering plenty of opportunities to gain practical skills and experience through internships and projects.
Career Prospects
The US has a high demand for STEM professionals, with a projected growth of nearly 10% in STEM occupations from 2019 to 2029. There is promising earning potential as a STEM graduate.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- SME Education Foundation Scholarships: for students pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, or related fields. They range from $1,000 to $6,000 per year and are renewable.
- Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship: for students pursuing degrees in aerospace engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or physics. It awards $10,000 per year for up to four years and includes a mentorship and internship opportunity.
- Bank of Canada Scholarships: for students who are pursuing in economics, finance, mathematics, statistics, or related fields. They offer $4,000 per year for up to four years and include a summer employment opportunity.
Language & Culture
The population of the US is incredibly diverse, made up of various ethnic groups, religions, and regions. English is the most widely spoken language, but there are also many other languages spoken by immigrants and minorities.
Other Considerations
Studying in the US can be very expensive, as tuition fees and living costs are high. You may also face challenges with visa regulations and immigration policies. Our team at Global Admissions can help you find suitable programs and scholarships that match your budget and goals.
2) United Kingdom 🇬🇧
The UK has some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world for STEM subjects, such as Oxford and Cambridge. It ranks second in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 for computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics. The UK also has a reputation for excellence and innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology and renewable energy. This gives you the opportunity to learn from leading experts and access the latest facilities and resources.
Career Prospects
Studying in the US can be very expensive, as tuition fees and living costs are high. You may also face challenges with visa regulations and immigration policies. However, our team at Global Admissions can help you find suitable programs and scholarships that match your budget and goals. We can also assist you with the visa application process and other requirements.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Charles Labtiuk Scholarship: for students pursuing a degree in computer science or engineering at the University of Edinburgh. It covers the full tuition fees and provides a living allowance of £15,000 per year.
- Brower Youth Awards: for students who are pursuing a degree in environmental science or related fields at any UK university. They recognize the outstanding achievements and leadership of young environmental activists. They offer a prize of $3,000 and a week-long leadership training in California.
- Society of Women Engineers Scholarship: for female students who are pursuing a degree in engineering or technology at any UK university. It aims to support and encourage women to enter and advance in these fields. It awards $1,000 to $10,000 per year depending on the level of study.
Language & Culture
The UK is an incredibly diverse and multicultural country, where you can meet people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. English is the official language, but you can also learn other languages spoken by different regions and communities, such as Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Irish, or Cornish. You can also enjoy the rich and varied British culture, which includes music, art, literature, sports, cuisine, and more.
Other Considerations
Keep in mind that studying in the UK can be costly, and the post-study work visa options can be limited. You will need to consider your financial situation and your future plans before applying.
3) China 🇨🇳
China is a rising country for STEM education, with many universities that rank highly in these fields. Some notable universities that are highly ranked for their STEM programs are Tsinghua University, Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhejiang University, and Fudan University. These universities have world-class facilities and faculty, as well as strong partnerships with leading STEM organizations and companies.
Career Prospects
China has a strong focus on STEM education and research, with initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Made in China 2025 plan, which aim to enhance China’s global influence and competitiveness in STEM sectors. These initiatives create a huge and growing market for STEM products and services, as well as a demand for STEM talent and innovation.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Chinese Government Scholarship: for students who want to study at any Chinese university at any level of study. It covers the full or partial tuition fees, accommodation, living allowance, and medical insurance.
- Belt and Road Initiative Scholarship: for students who come from countries along the Belt and Road Initiative route and want to study at selected Chinese universities at any level of study. It covers the full or partial tuition fees, accommodation, living allowance, and medical insurance.
- Confucius Institute Scholarship: for students who want to study Chinese language or culture at any Confucius Institute or Chinese university at any level of study. It covers the full or partial tuition fees, accommodation, living allowance, and medical insurance.
Language & Culture
China has a diverse and complex language and culture. Chinese is the official language, but there are also many other languages spoken by different ethnic groups and communities. Many Chinese universities offer programs in English or bilingual programs for international students. You can also learn Chinese language and culture through courses or activities offered by your university or local community.
Other Considerations
Studying in China can be challenging because of the language barrier, the academic pressure, and the cultural differences. You might need to adapt to a different learning style, social norms, and lifestyle. On the bright side, you can benefit from the rich and unique Chinese culture, which includes history, art, literature, cuisine, and more. If you need assistance with applying to study in China, you can contact our sister company, China Admissions, which can provide guidance and support for your application process.
4) Germany 🇩🇪
Germany is a renowned country for STEM education, as it has many universities that offer strong engineering and technical programs. It ranks highly for computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biological sciences in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. Germany also offers tuition-free or low-cost education for international students in many public universities.
Career Prospects
Germany has a reputation for excellence and efficiency in engineering and automotive technology, boasting a dynamic economy that can provide ample opportunities for graduates in STEM sectors. Some of the most popular STEM jobs in Germany include software engineer, data scientist, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, and biotechnologist. You can also benefit from the high salaries, social benefits, and work-life balance that Germany offers.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- RISE Germany program (Research Internships in Science and Engineering): for undergraduate students who want to do a research internship at a German university or research institution. It covers the travel costs, living allowance, and health insurance.
- The DAAD scholarships: for students who want to study at any level of study at any German university or research institution. They cover the tuition fees, living allowance, health insurance, and travel costs.
Language & Culture
German is the official language, but English is widely spoken in the country. You can learn the German language and culture through courses or activities offered by your university or local community. You can also enjoy the rich and varied German culture, which includes music, art, literature, cuisine, and more.
Other Considerations
Studying in Germany can be challenging because of the academic rigor, the bureaucratic procedures, and the cultural differences. You might need to adapt to a different learning style, social norms, and lifestyle. However, you can also benefit from the high-quality education, the innovation opportunities, and the international exposure that Germany offers.
5) Canada 🇨🇦
Canada is a country that offers a unique combination of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and outdoor adventure. Canada’s universities rank sixth in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 for engineering and technology. It also ranks highly for computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biological sciences.
Career Prospects
Canada has a diverse and innovative economy that relies on sectors such as biotechnology, digital services, mobility, and computer sciences. These sectors offer many opportunities for STEM graduates to apply their skills and knowledge in various fields and industries. You can also benefit from the high salaries, social benefits, and work-life balance that Canada offers.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- SME Education Foundation Scholarships: for students who are pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, or related fields at any Canadian university. They range from $1,000 to $6,000 per year and are renewable.
- Bank of Canada Scholarships: for students who are pursuing degrees in economics, finance, mathematics, statistics, or related fields at any Canadian university. They offer $4,000 per year for up to four years and include a summer employment opportunity.
- Schulich Leader Scholarships: for students who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics at selected Canadian universities. They offer $80,000 or $100,000 depending on the program duration and include access to mentorship and networking opportunities.
Language & Culture
Canada has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere along with a high standard of living and an abundance of natural beauty. Canada is officially bilingual (English and French), but there are also many other languages spoken by different ethnic groups and communities.
Other Considerations
Studying in Canada can be expensive, as tuition fees and living costs are high. However, it is a viable destination if you plan your budget carefully. You may also face challenges with the climate and wildlife in Canada, as some regions can be very cold or have dangerous animals. However, you can also enjoy the many outdoor activities and attractions that Canada offers, such as skiing, hiking, camping, or visiting national parks.
6) Australia 🇦🇺
Australia is a great country for STEM students, particularly when you consider that it has a national strategy, various initiatives, and a flexible curriculum to support and enhance STEM education. It ranks sixth in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 for engineering and technology. It also ranks highly for computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biological sciences.
Career Prospects
Australia has a leading, innovative economy that relies on sectors such as biotechnology, digital services, mobility, and computer sciences. These sectors offer great opportunities for STEM graduates to apply their skills and knowledge in various fields and industries. Graduates working in Australia usually enjoy a high income and good work-life balance.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- SME Education Foundation Scholarships: for students who are pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, or related fields at any Australian university. They range from $1,000 to $6,000 per year and are renewable.
- Bank of Canada Scholarships: for students who are pursuing degrees in economics, finance, mathematics, statistics, or related fields at any Australian university. They offer $4,000 per year for up to four years and include a summer employment opportunity.
- Australia Awards Scholarships: for students who come from developing countries and want to study at any level of study at any Australian university. They cover the full tuition fees, living allowance, health insurance, travel costs, and academic support.
Language & Culture
The people in Australia are known for being friendly and laid-back. English is the official language of Australia, but you can also learn other languages spoken by diverse ethnic groups and communities, such as Aboriginal languages or Mandarin. The country has a distinctively varied culture encompassing music festivals, art galleries, literature prizes, sports events, cuisine markets and more.
Other Considerations
With high living costs and tuition fees, studying in Australia can be quite expensive. Ensure you meet the academic and language requirements for admission, and plan your budget carefully. Note that in some areas of Australia, you could face challenges with a very hot climate and dangerous wildlife.
7) Switzerland🇨🇭
Switzerland is a country that undoubtedly offers excellent STEM education, in line with its high standards. It is home to some of the best universities in the world for these subjects, especially for environmental science, health science, information technology, and engineering. It ranks seventh in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 for engineering and technology.
Career Prospects
Switzerland is a hub for computer science and technology, biomedical engineering and biotechnology, and civil engineering and infrastructure. It has many innovative companies and laboratories, such as Google, IBM, Logitech, CERN, ETH Zurich, the University of Basel, the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, and the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research. It also has impressive infrastructure and engineering projects, such as the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the Large Hadron Collider, the Jungfraujoch Railway Station, and the Swiss Re Tower.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: for students who want to study at any level of study at any Swiss university or research institution. They cover the full tuition fees, living allowance, health insurance, travel costs, and academic support.
- RISE Germany program (Research Internships in Science and Engineering): for undergraduate students who want to do a research internship at a German or Swiss university or research institution. It covers the travel costs, living allowance, and health insurance.
- DAAD scholarships: for students who want to study at any level of study at any German or Swiss university or research institution. They cover the tuition fees, living allowance, health insurance, and travel costs.
Language & Culture
As a student in Switzerland, you will find a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, a high standard of living, and a natural beauty. Switzerland is officially quadrilingual (German, French, Italian, and Romansh), but there are also many other languages spoken by different ethnic groups and communities.
Other Considerations
As well as high costs, keep in mind that Switzerland has academic rigor, bureaucratic procedures and vast cultural differences. You might need to adapt to a different learning style, social norms, and lifestyle. However, you can also benefit from the high-quality education, the innovation opportunities, and the international exposure that Switzerland offers.
8) Singapore 🇸🇬
Singapore is an emerging hub for STEM education and research in Asia. Its universities offer a diverse range of programs, from computer science and engineering to biomedical science and nanotechnology. It ranks eighth in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 for engineering and technology. Singapore also has a strong emphasis on technology and innovation, with initiatives such as Smart Nation and Industry 4.0.
Career Prospects
The career prospects for STEM graduates in Singapore are also promising, as Singapore is a hub for biotechnology, digital services, mobility, and computer sciences. It has many innovative companies and laboratories, such as Google, Facebook, IBM, A*STAR, the National University of Singapore, the Nanyang Technological University, the Duke-NUS Medical School, and the Biopolis. It also has impressive infrastructure and engineering projects, such as the Marina Bay Sands, the Gardens by the Bay, the Jewel Changi Airport, and the Thomson-East Coast Line.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- New Engineering and Tech Programme Scholarship: for students who want to study engineering or technology at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). It covers the full tuition fees, living allowance, health insurance, travel costs, and academic support.
- Toptal STEM Scholarships For Women: for female students who want to study STEM subjects at any level of study at any Singaporean university. It awards $10,000 and a year of mentorship from a Toptal expert.
- Education Future International Scholarship: for students who want to study at any level of study at any Singaporean university. It awards up to $5,000 depending on the academic merit and financial need of the applicant.
Language & Culture
Singapore has a cosmopolitan society that is welcoming to international students. English is the official language here, but you can also learn other languages spoken by different ethnic groups and communities, such as Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, or Hindi. . Singapore has a fascinating culture, featuring a blend of different ethnic groups, languages and religions that have shaped its modern-day identity. It is a country where Eastern and Western cultures meet, where contemporary and traditional elements harmonize, and where multiculturalism is embraced.
Other Considerations
Living and studying in Singapore can be costly, and students sometimes find the academic pressure and competition to be challenging. However, with expert guidance, you will be able to find a university and program that suits your needs.
9) Netherlands 🇳🇱
The Netherlands offers a wide range of STEM programs in English, making it accessible to international students. Dutch universities are known for their research output and modern facilities in STEM fields.
Career Prospects
The Netherlands is a leading country in science and technology research and innovation, and it offers many opportunities for STEM graduates in various fields. Some of the examples of prestigious institutions and projects that STEM graduates can work with are the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), the University of Amsterdam, the Tilburg University, Philips, DSM, Unilever, Erasmus Medical Center, the Eindhoven University of Technology, the Delft University of Technology, the Delta Works, and the Amsterdam Smart City.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Holland Government Scholarship: for students who want to study at any level of study at any Dutch university or research institution. It covers the partial tuition fees and living costs.
- University Twente Scholarship: for students who want to study a master’s degree in engineering or technology at the University of Twente. It covers the full or partial tuition fees and living costs.
Language & Culture
The Netherlands has a progressive and tolerant culture that values creativity and collaboration. but English is widely spoken in the country. It’s not hard to find communities speaking other languages such as Frisian, Limburgish, or Turkish.
Other Considerations
The Netherlands has higher costs for living and tuition fees for international students. Students sometimes find minor challenges with the weather and transportation, as some regions can be cold and rainy or have traffic congestion.
10) France 🇫🇷
Home to many Nobel laureates and distinguished scholars, France is known for its excellence and innovation in STEM fields, particularly areas of aerospace, nuclear energy, and biotechnology. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, France ranks seventh in the world for engineering and technology. It also ranks highly for mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biological sciences.
Career Prospects
France is a leading country in science and technology research and innovation, and it offers many opportunities for STEM graduates in various fields, such as mathematics, statistics, biomedical engineering, and civil engineering. Some of the examples of prestigious institutions and projects that STEM graduates can work with are the Institut Henri Poincaré, the École Normale Supérieure, the CNRS, Sanofi, Servier, Bio-Rad, Institut Pasteur, the Eiffel Tower, the Channel Tunnel, the Millau Viaduct, and the ITER nuclear fusion reactor.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme: for students who want to study a master’s or PhD degree in engineering, science, or technology at any French university or research institution. It covers tuition fees, living allowance, health insurance, travel costs, and cultural activities.
- Make Our Planet Great Again Initiative: for students who want to study a master’s or PhD degree in environmental science or related fields at any French university or research institution. It covers the tuition fees, living allowance, health insurance, travel costs, and visa fees.
- French Government Scholarships:for students who want to study at any level of study at any French university or research institution. They cover the partial tuition fees and living costs.
Language & Culture
While French is the official language, France is a multicultural haven where various languages are spoken, reflecting the diversity of its regions and communities. You’ll find an array of cultures to explore and enjoy.
Other Considerations
The language barrier can be an issue for some students in France. However, many STEM programs in France are offered in English, making it accessible to international students. Students sometimes find the bureaucratic procedures and cultural differences to be frustrating, as they may have to deal with a lot of paperwork, regulations, and formalities
Study a STEM Program in 2024
Each of these countries has its own strengths and advantages that make them attractive destinations for international students. You can learn more about universities in each country and their STEM programs by browsing our platform.
Ready to apply for the upcoming 2024 intake? You can also book a free call with one of our student advisors for further guidance.
