Top 10 Study Abroad Destinations for IELTS Test-Takers

Explores the Top 10 Study Abroad Destinations for IELTS Test-Takers, offering essential insights for international students. It covers popular countries known for their quality education, diverse cultures, and post-study opportunities. You'll find key details on why each nation attracts global talent, helping to inform your decision-making process for an international academic journey.

 

authorImageMbbs 5 Dec, 2025
Share

Share

study abroad destinations

Top 10 Study Abroad Destinations for IELTS Test-Takers: Studying abroad is one of the biggest steps in shaping a student's academic and professional future, and IELTS test-takers have a wide range of countries to choose from. These destinations represent world-class universities, excellent learning environments, and strong career opportunities that are ideal for students who wish to build a successful global career.

Top 10 Study Abroad Destinations for IELTS Test-Takers

Choosing the right country is one of the biggest decisions for students planning global education. The Top 10 Study Abroad Destinations for IELTS Test-Takers are known for excellent universities, diverse cultures, and strong job prospects. These countries welcome international students and offer valuable learning and career opportunities.

Below are the Top 10 Study Abroad Destinations for IELTS Test-Takers preferred by Indian students.

United States of America (USA)


The USA is among the Top 10 Study Abroad Destinations for IELTS Test-Takers because of world-famous universities like MIT, Harvard, and Stanford. Students choose the USA because it offers many courses, great research options, strong STEM programs, and global job opportunities. Many Indian students study Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Data Science, and AI. The OPT program, especially the 3-year OPT for STEM courses, helps students gain work experience after graduation.

Canada

Canada is a very popular study destination for Indian students. It is known for affordable education, high safety, a multicultural environment, and strong post-study work options. Many students also like the easy PR pathways. Popular courses include Business, Engineering, Healthcare, IT, and Hospitality. Universities like Toronto, McGill, and UBC attract thousands of students every year. The PGWP allows students to work in Canada after their studies.

United Kingdom (UK)

The UK is one of the Top 10 Study Abroad Destinations for IELTS Test-Takers due to top institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London. Students prefer the UK for its 1-year Master’s programs, excellent academics, and strong research culture. Popular courses include Law, Finance, Engineering, Marketing, Public Health, and Data Analytics. The 2-year Graduate Route Visa helps students gain international work experience.

Australia

Australia is becoming very popular because of its high-quality education, great lifestyle, and safe cities. It offers strong programs in STEM, good job opportunities, and excellent living standards. Top universities include Melbourne, ANU, UNSW, and Monash. Students commonly choose Nursing, IT, Biotechnology, Engineering, and Business.

Germany

Germany is known for providing higher education either free or at a very low cost, particularly in public universities. Therefore, it is considered one of the best options for a student seeking a low-budget study abroad experience. Germany is renowned for engineering, research, and manufacturing, especially mechanical engineering, automobile, robotics, computer science, and AI. The country has pretty good post-study work options, too.

Ireland

Ireland is becoming popular because of its fast-growing tech industry and friendly student policies. It offers 1-year Master’s programs and strong job opportunities in IT, Finance, and Pharma. Tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft have offices here. Popular courses include Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Business Analytics.

New Zealand

New Zealand is loved for its peaceful environment, high-quality education, and good job opportunities. It offers affordable study options, flexible work rules, and a great quality of life. Popular courses include Agriculture, Environmental Science, Hospitality, Engineering, and Healthcare.

Singapore

Singapore is one of the leading study hubs in Asia, with top universities like NUS and NTU, offering good placements. It's clean, safe, cost-effective, and relatively close to India. Students apply for programs in Business, Finance, Engineering, Hospitality, and Computer Science.

France

With France offering relatively affordable higher education and boasting some of the world's best business schools, it is fast emerging as a favorite destination for Indian students. HEC Paris, INSEAD, and Sorbonne University are the top institutions. Fashion, Culinary Arts, Luxury Brand Management, Business, and Engineering are the popular programs offered in English.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is growing fast as an education hub. Students choose the UAE because it is close to India, offers high-paying jobs, and has international campuses of global universities. Popular courses include Business, Aviation, Architecture, Media, and IT. It also offers a modern and safe lifestyle.

Factors to be Considered for Study Abroad Destination

Prior planning is very crucial in selecting the right country for studying abroad. Students should consider academic goals, financial status, and long-term career plans. Knowledge of visa rules and the prevailing cultural environment will help in making a choice both confidently and suitably.

  • Academic Interests: Check if the country offers the programs and specializations you want.

  • Financial Planning: Compare tuition fees, living costs, and scholarship opportunities.

  • Visa & Work Options: Review visa requirements and post-study work permits that support career growth.

  • Cultural Fit: Choose a place where you can adjust easily to the lifestyle and environment.

  • Student Support: Look for countries that offer strong support services for international students.

List of Top Study Abroad Destinations for IELTS Test-Takers

Therefore, choosing the appropriate country for studying abroad becomes a significant decision for an Indian student with a vision for their future career. There are many IELTS test-takers who seek quality education, excellent job opportunities, and a secure, friendly environment. The following countries are considered to be the best for Indian students to pursue higher studies abroad, while many of these countries have also been projected to be among the best to study abroad in 2025 regarding academic excellence and recognition worldwide.

These destinations are also among the Best countries to study abroad after 12th, offering a number of undergraduate programs, and are ideal for those seeking the best countries to study abroad for English speakers, given that in most cases, courses are taught in English with strong student support systems.

List of Top Study Abroad Destinations for IELTS Test-Takers

Country / Region

Typical IELTS Requirement for Admission

USA

Overall 6.0-7.0 for many universities; competitive/top universities often expect 6.5-7.5. 

Canada

Typically 6.0-6.5 overall for undergraduates; many universities expect 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate courses.

United Kingdom (UK)

For many courses: 6.0-6.5 overall; for top institutions or competitive courses: 6.5-7.5+

Australia

Bachelor’s / undergraduate courses often accept 6.0–6.5; for some universities or postgrad courses, 6.5-7.0 may be required

New Zealand

Generally 6.0–6.5 overall

Germany

For English-taught courses/universities: often around 6.0–6.5, though many universities may have higher or more specific requirements. 

Ireland

Typical requirement: 6.0-7.0 overall, depending on the institution and course

France

For English-language programs (where available), universities often expect around 6.0-7.0 IELTS.

Singapore

Many universities accept around 6.5-7.0+ IELTS (varies by institution and course), check specific university guidelines.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Commonly, around 6.5 or above, especially for international students seeking admission to universities offering English-medium courses.

Note: These are typical or average IELTS bands accepted for admission; many competitive courses (especially at top-ranked universities) may demand higher scores, or minimum scores for individual modules (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing). Always verify requirements for your specific program.

Top Study Abroad Destinations for IELTS FAQS

Which country usually requires the highest IELTS scores?

Often, high-ranking universities in the US and UK may demand higher IELTS scores-one would expect 7.0 or 7.5 in general, for their more competitive postgraduate courses.

Are there any scholarships for Indian students studying in these countries?

Yes, many universities and national governments in these destinations offer scholarships specifically for international students, including those from India, based on merit or need.

What are common post-study work opportunities in the Top 10 Study Abroad Destinations for IELTS Test-Takers?

Many of these countries now offer post-study work permissions, providing valuable work experience to students who graduated using routes like the USA's OPT, UK's Graduate Route, and Canada's PGWP.

How large is the difference in the cost of living between these countries?

Living costs are very different, ranging from high costs in the USA, UK, and Australia, while sometimes Germany and Canada provide cheaper alternatives.
Acadfly LogoWe understand that every student has different needs and capabilities, which is why we personalize our strategy and guidance so that it becomes the best fit for every student.
About Acadfly
At Acadfly, we believe that knowledge knows no boundaries. Our journey began with a commitment to supporting students in their educational pursuits, transcending geographical limitations. Now, we proudly present Acadfly, an end-to-end student recruitment program dedicated to opening pathways to global education. We understand the challenges faced by Indian students seeking overseas education. The fear of being misled or cheated is all too real.

© 2024 Acadfly. All rights reserved.