10 Most Expensive Cities in the World For Students to Study Abroad
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Some of the best universities in the world are located in the most expensive cities worldwide. If you are planning to study abroad then it is important to know the list of costliest cities in the world for students so you can plan your finances in the early stage.
The result of Mercer's Cost of Living Survey 2024 is released recently. According to the report, Hong Kong, Singapore and Zurich are currently the most expensive cities in the world. Students need to have a hefty amount to cover their living expenses in these cities. The Cost of studying abroad is one of the prime factors to consider when it comes to choosing a destination for higher studies. Students want to get admission to the best universities in the world which are located in the costliest cities in the world for students.
In recent years, the trend of studying abroad has increased. Many students are travelling out of India for higher studies. If you are an Indian student who is going to study abroad, then having a clear idea about the expenses is important. In this blog, we will mention a list of the 10 most expensive cities in the world for study abroad in 2024. Also, you’ll get to know about the best universities in that country for international students.
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Key Factors Determining Cost in Top Study Abroad Cities
The cost of studying in a country depends on various factors that affect the overall budget. Tuition fees, living costs, travelling expenses and health insurance are the majorly known key factors. All play a big part in deciding the budget for studying abroad. It is known to all that, tuition fees can be different for each university and country.
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The living expenses such as accommodation rent will not be the same for living inside the city or outside. Health insurance is an integral part of the total cost of studying outside India. If a student falls ill or is injured during their studies in another nation, then health insurance covers the total medical expense.
World’s Most Expensive Cities for Studying Abroad
Check out the list of the 10 most expensive cities in the world for students. In the table below, we have mentioned the per month housing rent in the most expensive cities in the world to study abroad. This data is according to Mercer's Cost of Living Survey 2024. We have kept only those cities where top universities are located.
- Singapore
- Zurich
- New York City
- London
- Copenhagen
- Los Angeles
- Edinburgh
- Cambridge
- Oxford
- Sydney
Costliest Cities in the World 2024
Here is the list of top 10 most expensive cities worldwide based on the cost of living
Source: Mercer
Most Expensive Countries to Study Abroad 2024
Below, we have mentioned a list of the costliest countries in the world for higher studies. The table mentioned below has information about a range of tuition fees for UG and PG courses in these countries. These key insights will help you to create financial planning for study abroad.
| Expensive Countries |
Tuition Fee Range for UG Courses Per Year |
Tuition Fee Range for PG Courses Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| USD 20,000 to USD 40,000 |
USD 20,000 to USD 45,000 |
|
| USD 13,000 to USD 29,000 |
USD 14,300 to USD 32,500 |
|
| USD 12,600 to USD 25,200 |
USD 13,000 to USD 30,000 |
|
| USD 9,650 to USD 15,000 |
USD 12,600 to USD 18,500 |
|
| USD 12,200 to USD 15,300 |
USD 11,600 to USD 18,300 |
How to Study in Most Expensive Cities in the World?
There is no doubt that you need a good amount to study in the best universities located in the costliest cities in the world. Below, we have mentioned some of the popular scholarships to study abroad for Indian students. This list will include government and private scholarships with other related details.
- The Ministry of Education of India offers Commonwealth Scholarship for the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Israel, China, Japan and more countries.
- GREAT Scholarships (UK)
- Manmohan Singh Scholarships (UK)
- Global Study Awards (USA)
- Tata Scholarship (USA)
Related Blogs
| Student Loan Eligibility Criteria | Education Loans for Studying Abroad | Education Loan Calculator |
Tips to Study in Costliest Cities in the World
You must have some financial planning to manage or save money while studying abroad. We have mentioned some of the most popular and tried tips to minimize the cost.
- Choose Shared Accommodation such as shared apartments or student dormitories
- Plan your budget at the beginning of the month
- Learn cooking
- Use student discounts (If available) or shop during the sale
- Find Part-time work opportunities
- Use PDFs or digital copies of books
- Choose free entertainment events
- Get a health insurance
Financial planning will help students align with the cash flow and expenses. Students will be focused on their studies as they won't spend hours managing expenses, Best tool to avoid extra expenses,
Most Expensive Cities Worldwide for Expats in 2024
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit's Cost of Living Survey 2023, Singapore and Zurich are the costliest cities in the world. They have jointly claimed the top spot in the list. This is 9th time in the last 11 years that Singapore has been on the list of the top 10 most expensive cities worldwide.
| Top Cities (Countries) |
Monthly Cost of Living Without Rent (In INR) |
|---|---|
| New York (USA) |
1.34 Lakhs |
| Hong Kong (China) |
95.79 Thousand |
| Geneva (Switzerland) |
1.43 Lakhs |
| London (United Kingdom) |
1.13 Lakhs |
| Singapore |
93.00 Thousand |
| Zurich (Switzerland) |
1.59 Lakhs |
| San Francisco (USA) |
1.28 Lakhs |
| Tel Aviv (Israel) |
94.63 Thousand |
| Seoul (South Korea) |
95.35 Thousand |
| Tokyo (Japan) |
75.14 Thousand |
Note: EIU’s costliest cities worldwide 2023 survey was conducted between 14 August to 11 September 2023. 173 cities of different nations were covered in the survey.
Top Universities in Costliest Cities Worldwide to Study Abroad
All above mentioned cities are located in developed nations. New York City (USA) and Paris (France) are the most popular cities among international students. To decide the cheapest and costliest cities in the world survey agencies compare the prices of groceries, rent and other necessary expenses in these cities.
According to ECA International, here are the 10 most expensive places for International students. To help students, we have mentioned city-wise top universities.
| Top Cities (Countries) |
Top Universities in the City |
|---|---|
| New York (USA) |
|
| Hong Kong (China) |
|
| Geneva (Switzerland) |
|
| London (United Kingdom) |
|
| Singapore |
|
| Zurich (Switzerland) |
|
| San Francisco (USA) |
|
| Tel Aviv (Israel) |
|
| Seoul (South Korea) |
|
| Tokyo (Japan) |
|
Must Read
| Cost of Living in Toronto Ontario | Cost of Living in Japan | Living Cost in London for Students |
| Cost of Living in Australia | Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students |
Top Reasons Behind the Increasing Cost of Living
New York, London, Geneva, and Singapore are the costliest cities in the world for Indian students due to the higher currency value and expensive cost of living. House rent, grocery and travel costs are the major expenses for expats living in the cities mentioned above.
Below, we have mentioned some key points that will help you to understand the reason behind the increasing living expenses in these cities.
- Tokyo is the costliest city in Japan and third in Asia. The expensive living expenses in Tokyo recently surged which is making Tokyo expensive to live as a student.
- Due to the ongoing Hamas-Israel War, the price of groceries increased. According to the Times of Israel, the cost of living accelerated above by 5% inflation and house prices increased by 20% (Before War).
Cheapest Countries in the World for Students to Study Abroad
Now, it is time to know some of the cheapest countries in the world for study abroad. Below, we have mentioned the top 7 nations across the world that are most affordable for Indian students to study abroad. Subsidized education and lower currency value are the key reasons behind the affordability of these countries. Check the list
- Norway
- Malaysia
- Spain
- France
- Germany
- South Africa
- Taiwan
Most Expensive Cities in the World FAQs
Q. What are the most expensive cities in the world?
A. According to the EIU’s latest survey, Singapore, Zurich (Switzerland), New York City (USA), Geneva (Switzerland) and Hong Kong are the costliest cities in the world. Increasing cost of living, housing rent and other expenses in these cities are the reason behind this. More than 170 cities across the globe were part of this survey.
What are the costliest cities in the world for study abroad in 2024?
According to Business Insider ranks 2021’s most expensive cities by student rent survey, here are the top 5 Costliest Cities in the World for international students
- New York City- INR 174,632
- San Francisco- INR153,384
- Berkeley- INR 152,388
- San Diego- INR 144,088
- Boston- INR 127,820
Q. Which country is most expensive for Indian students?
A. The United States of America (USA) is the costliest country in the world for Indian students to study abroad. It is the home of some of the top universities in the world such as
The estimated cost of living in the USA for Indian students is around INR 8.30 Lakhs to 16.60 Lakhs per year. They need a budget of USD 20,000 to USD 40,000 per year for UG course and USD 20,000 to USD 45,000 annually for PG course.
Q. How much do I need to study in the most expensive city in the world?
A. The costliest city in the world for study is New York City (USA). An Indian student needs at least INR 3.00 lakhs per month to study in New York. This living cost in New York is INR 134,591 and monthly rent is INR 174,632.
What is the importance of Financial planning to study abroad?
Below, we have mentioned three major benefits of doing financial planning in your student days.
- Financial planning will help students align with the cash flow and expenses
- Students will be focused on their studies as they won't spend hours managing expenses
- Best tool to avoid extra expenses
No matter if you are studying in India or abroad, budget planning will be always helpful for you.
Q: Â Is Singapore Management University hard to get into?
According to various sources, Singapore Management University has an acceptance rate of around 45% which makes it moderately selective for international student admissions. Some of the general admission requirements at the university are given as follows:
- Academic Transcripts
- International Qualifications that are equivalent
- Standardized Test Scores
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
After the student receives an offer letter, they are required to give the admission interview to be enrolled.
Q: Â How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Â Is it worth studying at Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia?
Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (MITA) is largely regarded as one of Australia's top institutions. It has a solid reputation in engineering, business, and science.
To begin with, Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia provides a world-class education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. You will be able to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful profession.
Second, the university is well-known on a global scale. It has the highest graduate employability rate in Australia. This is due to the great level of education and possibilities provided by the university to its students.
Third, the university boasts a broad and vibrant culture. While learning, you will be able to pursue your hobbies and meet like-minded people. This will aid in the development of your professional chances and the formation of strong relationships that will continue long after you graduate.
Fourth, the institution provides a wide range of facilities and services to make your studies more pleasurable and productive. You will be able to locate
Q: Â Is Torrens University good for international students?
Torrens University Australia is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia. It offers a culturally vibrant and comfortable environment for international students. Each year thousands of international students from all over the world come to study at various courses of the university. currently, there are 3932 total students at Torrens University out of which 986 are international students.
Q: Â Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: Â Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?
The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: Â How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: Â Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio
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