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Find opportunities that are right for you to continue your education outside your home country.
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© 2025 Freedom Degree
Freedom Degree, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. © 2025 | Powered by Strapi
Nov 05, 2025
The geography of global education is broader than you'd expect. We discuss six underrated countries for studying abroad.
In many post-Soviet countries, people tend to think of “studying abroad” as a short and predictable list of Western countries like Germany, the UK, or the US. However, as European universities themselves like to remind us, the world is much bigger than a few elite schools of old Europe.
In this article, we’ll tell you about six countries that often fall off applicants’ radar — despite having strong universities and additional advantages such as affordable tuition and simpler bureaucracy.
Advantages: high-quality education, low tuition
Disadvantages: knowledge of Chinese is desirable, censorship, difficult admission process; humanities are focused more on ideological alignment than on critical inquiry.
Top universities: Peking University, Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Tuition: $3,000–4,000 per year; up to $10,000 for English-language programs
Generously state-funded Chinese universities are climbing rapidly in global rankings. According to QS 2026, 33 institutions are in the top 500, five of them in the top 50, with Peking University reaching 17th place. In recent years, China has been actively attracting foreign students and introducing English-language programs. Still, most programs are taught in Chinese, and daily life can be difficult without it — English proficiency remains relatively low nationwide. Those interested in studying in China should explore Foundation Year options that include language preparation.
One of China’s main advantages is its affordability, especially considering the quality of education. There are numerous government (e.g., CSC) and university scholarships available to foreigners. Living costs are moderate, particularly outside major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Be mindful of each university’s application procedures — many require entrance exams and have strict timelines. Finally, be prepared for life behind the “Great Firewall” and close government oversight.
Advantages: affordability, proximity, climate
Disadvantages: quotas for foreign students, IELTS often not accepted, sharp decline in academic freedom in recent years
Top universities: Middle East Technical University, Istanbul Technical University, Koç University, Boğaziçi University, Sabancı University
Tuition: $2,000–3,000 per year
Turkey offers solid education opportunities — six universities in Istanbul and Ankara appear in the QS Top 500 (none yet higher than the 300s). Many Turkish universities teach in English (most prefer TOEFL to IELTS) and actively recruit international students. Russian high school exam results (EGE) are widely accepted; top universities usually require around 240 points from three subjects excluding Russian language. Tuition is very affordable, but note that quotas for foreign students still apply, varying by program.
For students from Russia, Turkey’s transport accessibility, tourist appeal, and mild climate are major pluses. The country also has a large Russian-speaking community, and plenty of local information is available in Russian. Still, the “friendship” between Russia and Turkey can sometimes bring not only advantages but also complications.
If you are considering the humanities — especially fields like human rights or critical studies — be prepared for strict limits and political control. Topics involving human rights, Kurdish issues, or modern history face high risks of censorship or self-censorship.
Advantages: multicultural environment, good career prospects after graduation
Disadvantages: expensive, strict laws, low academic freedom; humanities involving critical thinking or human rights operate under caution
Top universities: Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, American University of Sharjah, University of Sharjah, Abu Dhabi University
Tuition: $10,000–30,000 per year
Until recently, the UAE’s public universities were closed to foreigners, but the situation has changed rapidly. The Emirates now welcome students from around the world. Massive state investment and initiatives like Dubai Knowledge Park helped six UAE universities enter the QS Top 500. Many Western universities — including Sorbonne, Heriot-Watt, Middlesex, and London Business School — have opened local campuses granting identical diplomas.
Since Emirati citizens make up only about 20 % of the population, foreign students usually integrate easily. High school graduates from Russia (11 years of study) can obtain an equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education. Rapid economic growth means strong post-graduation prospects — but keep in mind the high cost of living and strict laws of an absolute Islamic monarchy.
Advantages: strong education system, English widely spoken, simple bureaucracy
Disadvantages: cannot enroll straight after Russian school, tropical climate, academic freedom limited by political-cultural context
Top universities: Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Sunway University
Tuition: $5,000–18,000 per year
Malaysia leads the region in education quality, with 10 universities in the QS Top 500, five of them in the top 200. Because of its colonial past, English is a major language of instruction. International branch campuses of Western universities (e.g., Monash, Nottingham, Lancaster, Arizona State) also operate here. Bureaucracy is relatively simple — student visas are handled directly through universities.
The main challenge for post-Soviet applicants is the 12-year school system: Russian students must complete one additional year — through a Malaysian or international school, a university foundation program, or a preparatory course. Be ready as well for the tropical climate and humid 40 °C summers.
Advantages: affordable tuition, programs in Russian, cultural proximity
Disadvantages: limited international recognition of degrees, restricted academic autonomy and freedom in humanities
Top universities: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Satbayev University, KIMEP, Nazarbayev University
Tuition: $3,000–10,000 per year; Nazarbayev University ≈ $15,000
Kazakhstan isn’t usually seen as an educational hub, yet several universities have achieved international recognition. Three are in the QS Top 500 (2026 edition). The flagship is Nazarbayev University — heavily funded by the government and positioned as a national center of science and education. The country also hosts branches of Western universities (Sorbonne, De Montfort, Cardiff), offering European diplomas without European prices. As a Bologna Process member, Kazakhstan ensures credit compatibility with Europe.
For post-Soviet students, Kazakhstan offers practical advantages: programs in both Russian and English, no visa required for Russian citizens (only local registration), and a straightforward admission process accepting EGE results. However, political activists and refugees should be aware that the country is not considered entirely safe for dissent.
Advantages: integration programs, large Russian-speaking community
Disadvantages: cannot enroll straight after school, few English-language programs, complex security situation
Top universities: Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Tuition: $4,500–15,000 per year
Israel has only nine universities, but four rank in the QS Top 500 (2026). You can’t enter directly after 11 years of school — one additional academic year is required. The common route is the Mechina preparatory program (Hebrew, English, math). Some programs start in English, then transition to Hebrew. Knowledge of Hebrew opens access to many more affordable options.
Thanks to a large Russian-speaking population and strong integration infrastructure, adaptation is relatively easy. Israel feels culturally close to Europe and offers high living standards, though ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions can’t be ignored.
We hope this overview helped you discover the advantages of studying in several countries that are usually overlooked. Don’t let stereotypes limit your search — focus on quality, not just geography.