Best Study Visa Countries 2026

The best countries for international students, ranked by permitted study duration, application processing speed, and visa fees. Countries that welcome students with longer stays, faster decisions, and lower costs rank highest.

Scored by stay duration, processing speed, and application fee · scored out of 10

1. #1
   🇦🇪

   United Arab EmiratesUAE Student Visa

   8.0 / 10

   Processing~3 days

   FeeAED 550

   View requirements →
2. #2
   🇨🇳

   ChinaChina Student Visa (X1/X2)

   7.8 / 10

   Processing~5 days

   FeeCNY 400

   View requirements →
3. #3
   🇮🇳

   IndiaIndia Student Visa (S Visa)

   7.5 / 10

   Processing~10 days

   FeeUSD 25

   View requirements →
4. #4
   🇿🇦

   South AfricaSouth Africa Study Permit

   7.1 / 10

   Processing~15 days

   FeeZAR 1520

   View requirements →
5. #5
   🇸🇬

   SingaporeSingapore Student Pass

   6.7 / 10

   Processing~21 days

   FeeSGD 30

   View requirements →
6. #6
   🇬🇧

   United KingdomStudent Visa

   6.7 / 10

   Processing~21 days

   FeeGBP 558

   View requirements →
7. #7
   🇲🇾

   MalaysiaMalaysia Student Pass

   6.1 / 10

   Stay1825 days

   Processing~45 days

   View requirements →
8. #8
   🇳🇿

   New ZealandNew Zealand Student Visa

   6.1 / 10

   Processing~30 days

   FeeNZD 375

   View requirements →
9. #9
   🇮🇱

   IsraelIsrael A/2 Student Visa — Recognised Institution Enrolment Required; 12 months renewable

   5.9 / 10

   Stay365 days

   Processing~14 days

   FeeUSD 0

   View requirements →
10. #10
    🇰🇷

    South KoreaSouth Korea Student Visa (D-2)

    5.7 / 10

    Processing~7 days

    FeeKRW 40000

    View requirements →