1. Finland
Finland might seem like an unfamiliar country to many, but the reality is that the number of Vietnamese students in Finland is rapidly increasing. One standout aspect is that studying in Finland gives you the opportunity to be exempt from tuition fees. According to the PISA program results, Finland's education system ranks among the top in the world. Another advantage of studying in Finland is the straightforward exam registration process. In addition to high-quality education, Finland boasts a unique cultural scene and breathtaking natural landscapes. Life here is peaceful, and the local people are open-minded and friendly. Finland also ranks among the top countries equipping the younger generation with essential skills to navigate, adapt, and thrive in the ever-changing global job market (Global Education Index for the Future, 2018). Students can choose to study in vibrant cities like Helsinki or Tampere, or opt for the serene Lapland region. Modern and highly-rated facilities include multi-functional buildings, top-notch laboratories, eLearning systems, and more.
Finland is one of the best-educated countries in Europe and the world. As of 2016 statistics, the number of international students in Finland was 21,061, with over 10% being Vietnamese students (2,516 students). With advanced education quality, a developed higher education system, diverse programs, globally recognized degrees, and numerous career opportunities for students, Finland is one of the most attractive study destinations worldwide. All universities in Finland rank in the top 2% globally, according to the prestigious QS World University Rankings and THE Rankings. Notable examples include the University of Helsinki, listed among the top 20 universities in Europe and within the top 100 globally (THE Rankings 2020). Other high-quality universities such as Aalto University, Tampere University, and Oulu University also rank in the top 300 worldwide. In addition to universities offering multidisciplinary programs and research-oriented directions, Finland has a significant number of Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) focusing on vocational training, highly regarded for the quality of teaching.


2. United States
The United States is a global powerhouse, excelling in various aspects such as economy, science, and more. It is a diverse and multicultural nation with a modern education system recognized worldwide. With numerous universities ranking at the top globally, the land of the stars and stripes is a notable destination for anyone considering studying abroad. In U.S. universities, you not only engage in pure academic pursuits but also immerse yourself in work, participate in research, and connect with global talents. The diversity of fields allows you to comfortably choose a suitable major. Simply looking at the history of Nobel Prize rankings among world countries reveals the unmatched position of the U.S. Valuing education and emphasizing the value of human resources has enabled the U.S. government to have the best education and support policies for international students (with up to 50 U.S. universities ranking among the top 200 globally). Possessing a degree from U.S. universities and colleges is highly recognized and valued worldwide, regardless of where you work.
Furthermore, being part of this world-leading economy opens up a myriad of job opportunities with an enviable work environment and salary. For these reasons, it's no surprise that the tuition fees for international students here are among the highest globally (over $33,000 USD per year reflects the average tuition fee for an international student). However, considering what you receive in return, the U.S. remains the number one study destination in the world. If financial conditions are a concern, don't hastily give up on the dream of studying abroad, as every year, thousands of full scholarships are offered by the government, educational organizations, and U.S. universities for international students. Vietnam has consistently had a high number of students studying in The United States (ranking 6th among the top 10 countries with the highest number of students in the U.S.), with a significant proportion of them on scholarships.


3. Australia
Australia, along with the UK and the US, is one of the top countries with a leading education system globally. If you study in Australia, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a high-quality educational environment with diverse programs and progressively improved teaching methods that enhance the knowledge and practical skills of each student. With globally recognized qualifications, you will expand future career opportunities. Australia consistently ranks among the countries with the best quality of life globally, offering a worry-free living environment. International students find it easy to integrate into Australia and have the opportunity to experience various cultures. Among the top 3 leading study destinations globally, Australia has the lowest cost of living and always provides opportunities for students to work part-time to support their lifestyles. Australia's education system is highly developed and is considered a pride of the Australian people. The diversity in the education system and the quality of teaching form the foundation of Australia's education services, focusing on excellent teaching and research and providing extensive support services for students.
The facilities and quality of education cater to students of various levels when choosing to study in Australia. Despite the high cost of living, foreigners living and working in Australia highly appreciate the quality of life in the land of the kangaroo, acknowledging a perfect balance between life and work, according to a recent survey by InterNations. To attract international students, the Australian government in general and individual universities provide numerous support services: orientation programs for new students, tutoring systems, psychological counseling, health care, childcare, employment, banking, security, convenience stores, public transportation services, clubs, associations, sports, fitness centers, and more. Australia is considered one of the most attractive countries for international students, offering an excellent modern education system and the highest scholarship policies for international students choosing Australia as the starting point for their academic careers to secure a bright future. Settlement in Australia becomes even more achievable when you hold a degree from an Australian university and a solid foundation in the English language, making the opportunity to find stable employment in Australia easily accessible. Hence, nearly 250,000 international students have chosen Australia as the 'golden destination' on the path to seeking knowledge.


4. Canada
Canada is a country with a developed yet serene industry, offering a clean and safe environment. Canada boasts many cultural and world-renowned tourist destinations as well as numerous achievements in science. Encouraging the development of a multicultural society, Canada welcomes and respects cultural diversity, making it easy for international students from any country to integrate and adapt. It stands among the top countries globally in science development, technology, and has a modern industry. Education here is hands-on, providing dual results as students accumulate experience before entering their professions. As the world's second-largest country, it is also one of the leading study destinations today. Canada's development owes a significant part to the government's accurate focus on educational development. The country always prioritizes a high budget for education.
Being a country where education always takes precedence with the national budget for education always prioritized, Canada becomes one of the countries with the best quality education globally, with many prestigious universities known to humanity, such as Toronto, British Columbia, and more. Not only that, for international students, the Canadian government also provides a lot of favors and attention, such as possible support for food, initial healthcare, scholarship policies, or tuition fee reductions for students with outstanding achievements. These factors, along with a professional, dynamic learning environment and dedicated teaching staff, have helped Canada become one of the top countries attracting the most international students globally. According to unofficial statistics, there are more than 120,000 international students currently studying here.


5. United Kingdom
In Europe, United Kingdom is always an ideal choice for international students. The overall course costs are not exorbitant and relatively manageable compared to some other study-abroad destinations. The UK is one of the leading countries in terms of the quality of education, offering diverse courses and internationally recognized qualifications. It also provides healthcare support for students. Students in the UK are allowed to work part-time for 20 hours a week, helping to cover living expenses and tuition fees. The procedures to go to the UK are also more comfortable than in other countries. Coming to the UK, you also have the opportunity to experience a vibrant cultural scene. As a country with a developed education system and many prestigious universities such as Cambridge and Oxford, the United Kingdom truly becomes the number one destination attracting the most international students worldwide.
A special feature of education in the UK is the modern learning method, not restricted and limited to a specific mold. Students experience thinking positively and especially expressing their opinions and views to teachers, which always motivates students at these schools to strive and exert great effort to assert themselves. Graduating with a bachelor's degree from one of the prestigious universities in the UK is also an important step in finding good employment opportunities for students in the future. In addition to the advantages of the education system, the United Kingdom is also the country with one of the largest scholarship funds globally, with many scholarships valued up to 100% coming from prestigious universities. The UK also possesses a long list of the oldest and most famous universities in the world, such as the University of Birmingham, University of Exeter, City University London, Sussex University, University of Newcastle, University of Lancaster, University of Leicester, and more. The diverse cultural space, the harmonious blend of classic and modern in a very unique way, is also a pride of this country and has enough attraction to make international friends want to come and experience. Modern yet peaceful lifestyle, beautiful nature, and friendly people are an irresistible invitation for any international student.


6. France
According to the rankings of the best universities in the world, it can be seen that France is a country with a high quality education system. Coming to France, you have the opportunity to access an advanced scientific and dynamic research environment. In France, there is a strong connection between universities and businesses, allowing students to intern at companies, immerse themselves in the working environment, and increase job opportunities after graduation. Tuition fees at public universities will be partially subsidized by the government, so tuition fees at public universities in France are relatively low. Moreover, international students will also enjoy benefits in daily life and can work part-time without needing a permit.
Not limited to the French language, you also have the option to choose English-language courses. Additionally, France is a country with rich culture and diverse cuisine, offering you many opportunities for experience and exploration. With a highly developed economy alongside an advanced education system carefully nurtured from the beginning, France has many admirable achievements. Furthermore, the education environment in France is expansive, continuously promoting learning and encouraging the 'independence, self-learning' ability of students by combining education from many other countries to create diversity and richness in the country's education system. In France, there are some fields of study that are considered the best in the world, such as tourism, medicine, architecture, and more.


7. Japan
Among the destinations in the East, Japan stands out as the top choice. International students will have access to an advanced science and technology environment ranked second in the world. Being an Asian country, the cultural similarities between Japan and Vietnam make adaptation easy. The educational environment is highly developed, providing the most favorable conditions for students. In Japan, there are many scholarships available for international students: scholarships from universities, the Japanese government (MEXT, JDS), or Japanese companies ranging from around 130 million to 400 million VND per year. Another advantage is that international students in Japan have the opportunity to work part-time to earn extra income. After graduation, you will have many opportunities to stay and work. While Japan may not be a vast country, it is renowned worldwide for its cultural traditions and the unique lifestyle of its people.
With the policy 'Not leaving any child in the family and not leaving any family in the community without education,' Japan aims to ensure the holistic development of children in all aspects, including the heart, intelligence, emotions, spirit, attitude, value system, humanities, etc., becoming the basic educational philosophy of the country. The compulsory education system in Japan is from elementary to the first level of secondary education, so all children aged 6 to 15 must attend school. The graduation rate of the second-level secondary school in Japan is 90%. After that, 53.4% of this ratio continue their studies at specialized schools, colleges, or universities. Japan is one of the countries with the highest literacy rate in the world, with nearly 0% of people unable to read and write. Therefore, Japan is one of the developed countries in the world with a literacy rate practically at 0, and 72.5% of students pursue higher education, a figure on par with the United States and surpassing several European countries. This has laid the foundation for the economic and industrial development of the country in the modern era.


8. Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the countries with the highest number of English-taught university programs in Europe, offering thousands of courses for international students. The cost of living in The Netherlands is relatively low compared to the European average. The country is renowned for its music, beautiful landscapes, and bicycle culture, making it ideal for young individuals seeking education and exploration. The unique advantages for choosing The Netherlands as a study destination include the widespread use of English, affordable living and study expenses, a clean and friendly living environment, high-quality teaching staff, and a diverse range of disciplines across various fields. According to UNESCO statistics, there are currently over 57,000 international students studying here.
The Netherlands, the land of tulips, windmills, and wooden shoes, has captivated tourists from hundreds of countries around the world. It is also famous for its lush and serene natural scenery and boasts one of the most advanced economies in Europe. Today, The Netherlands not only attracts tourists but is also an appealing destination for international students. Besides Dutch-taught programs, for over 45 years, Dutch universities, specialized institutions, and international education institutes have been offering international education programs in English at various levels. Particularly, higher education in The Netherlands receives significant support from the government, providing up to a 75% reduction in tuition fees and scholarships for outstanding students studying in The Netherlands. Students can also self-fund by working part-time on designated days. Additionally, the government allows students to borrow money with limited repayment obligations, payable only upon graduation and securing employment.


9. Germany
Germany is one of the leading countries in the world for education, and its degrees are globally recognized. The number of universities in Germany ranks among the top 400 and 700, only surpassed by the United States and the United Kingdom. When you come to Germany, you will have the opportunity to enjoy 100% free undergraduate and college courses. With over 360 universities, students have numerous options to choose the field of study that suits them. Not only are there courses in German, but you also have the opportunity to choose courses in English. The cost of living in Germany is also among the lowest in Europe (average: 4800 to 5400 euros per year). Moreover, there are many benefits for international students in Germany, such as reduced meals at student cafeterias and exemption from public transportation fees. The political and security situation in Germany is stable, ensuring the safety of students. After graduation, you will have the opportunity to work in the country.
Ranked among the most advanced countries in the world, Germany offers excellent education with very low tuition fees. According to the latest compilation by Internationale-Studierende, all states in Germany unanimously do not charge tuition fees to ensure equal educational opportunities for the people. In cases where students exceed the allowed study period or pursue a second undergraduate program in Germany, 6 states will charge tuition fees, approximately 800 euros per semester. The remaining states still waive tuition fees for students. If you are a student with excellent academic performance, you have many opportunities to receive scholarships for international students in Germany. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the largest scholarship providers globally. Every year, this organization offers numerous large scholarship programs for students. Germany is one of the safest countries in the world, with police presence everywhere and ready to help whenever you need. You can move freely at night without any special safety precautions. Additionally, Germany has a central location in Europe, where various classical, modern, colorful, and multicultural cultures converge. The friendly, kind, and sociable people are crucial factors attracting international students.


10. Singapore
Singapore is a convenient destination for Vietnamese students. With its geographical proximity to Vietnam, you can easily and quickly study abroad. You don't need to prove financial capacity, and you don't have to worry about a visa because the school will take care of it for you. The cost of living in Singapore is also closer to Vietnam compared to European and American countries, making the cost of studying abroad lower. Singapore offers more scholarship programs compared to other countries. Moreover, with collaborative relationships and teaching with universities abroad, you can study in Singapore and still receive a degree from the UK, without worrying about the value of the diploma. Furthermore, with similarities in East Asian culture but still diverse, Singapore is a suitable destination for Vietnamese international students. Mention Singapore, and we immediately think of the image of the Asian dragon, the cleanest city in the world, and a globally vibrant commercial center. Although Singapore's area is only slightly larger than Hanoi, with a population roughly equivalent to Ho Chi Minh City, limited natural resources, it is now a country with a top 5 per capita income in the world at $61,567 (2015), second-highest in the Asia-Pacific region, only after Australia.
Singapore is one of the few countries in Asia that invests heavily in education. Despite being a small country, the education system here is on par with major 'study powerhouses' worldwide, such as the UK, Australia, and the US, affirming its international standards in training its workforce. International students studying here enjoy excellent scholarship incentives. Singaporean international students are also exempt from financial proof requirements. This is the reason why the Lion Island ranks 17th in the list of countries with the best education environment globally. It's not surprising that the number of Vietnamese students studying in Singapore is increasing. Singapore owns 3 prestigious public universities: NUS, NTU, appearing in the rankings of the world's best universities. Studying at these universities, students can be completely assured of future career prospects. Many students, even before graduating, have received invitations and job offers from major international corporations.

