Choosing the right destination for higher education impacts your personal growth, the quality of education, and your career. Today, there is a more diverse array of study destinations than ever before, from emerging countries to well-established destinations. If you, too, are planning to pursue your higher education abroad but aren’t sure where to begin, here are the top offbeat and popular study destinations abroad that you can consider:
Key highlights:
- Top Reasons to Study Abroad
- Why Offbeat Study Destinations Are So Popular
- The Best Offbeat and Popular Study Destinations in 2026
- How to Choose the Right Study Destination?
Top Reasons to Study Abroad
- Study at top-ranking universities as per the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, as it enables you to access quality education.
- Most popular study abroad destinations offer globally recognised degrees and better career opportunities.
- You can access unique courses and specialisations and choose the one that aligns best with your interests and goals.
- Conduct advanced research in your preferred field of study.
- Stay and work in the country after your course with a post-study work visa.
- Gain global exposure and study with students from various cultures.
Why Offbeat Study Destinations Are So Popular
- More immersive, transformative, and culturally rich experiences.
- Employers and graduate schools prefer candidates who show initiative, cross-cultural competence, and adaptability.
- Offbeat study destinations are less crowded, so they offer more genuine experiences with the daily life, customs, and values of the destination.
- More competitive tuition fees and costs of living.
- Build adaptability, confidence, and real-world problem-solving skills.
- Establish global friendships and lasting bonds in diverse, welcoming environments.
The Best Offbeat Study Destinations in 2026
1. New Zealand
The secure and serene country of New Zealand is also one of the safest in the world and offers an excellent education system for international students.
| Top Universities | University | QS World University Rankings 2026(New Zealand-Specific) | THE World University Rankings 2026(New Zealand-Specific) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | 1 | 1 | |
| University of Otago | 2 | 2 | |
| Massey University | 3 | 7 | |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 4 | 4 | |
| University of Canterbury | 5 | 8 | |
| Popular Courses | Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data, and Cybersecurity Engineering Health Sciences, Nursing, and Allied Health Business, Management, and Finance Agriculture, Food Science, and Environmental Studies. |
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| Why Study in New Zealand | Excellent system of higher education and research-based programmes. Up to date teaching techniques. Secure, hospitable, supportive multicultural environment. Gain work experience while you study. Post-study work visa of 1 to 3 years. |
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2. Germany
One of the more affordable study abroad destinations, Germany has become a top choice for students planning to pursue Science and Technology. Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses.
| Top Universities | University | QS World University Rankings 2026(New Zealand-Specific) | THE World University Rankings 2026(New Zealand-Specific) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | 1 | 1 | |
| Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | 2 | 2 | |
| Universität Heidelberg | 3 | 3 | |
| Freie Universität Berlin | 4 | 9 | |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) | 5 | 15 | |
| Popular Courses | Engineering Natural Science Management Humanities and Arts Computer Science and Information Technology |
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| Why Study in Germany | Widely recognised education system. Study and work simultaneously for a better understanding of your programme. Open-minded culture. Easy transition from learning to the professional environment. A German student visa offers access to the entire Schengen area. |
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3. South Korea
South Korea offers the perfect blend of modern and traditional cultures, ensuring that you can enjoy a rich experience that fosters global awareness and personal growth.
| Top Universities | University | QS World University Rankings 2026(New Zealand-Specific) | THE World University Rankings 2026(New Zealand-Specific) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul National University | 1 | 1 | |
| Yonsei University | 2 | 3 | |
| Korea University | 3 | 6 | |
| Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) | 4 | 5 | |
| Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) | 5 | 4 | |
| Popular Courses | Computer Science and Information Technology Engineering and Robotics Digital Marketing Renewable Energy Healthcare and Nursing |
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| Why Study in South Korea | Globally recognised education system for innovation and research output. World-class universities that consistently rank in the world’s top 100. Largest exporters of technology and automotive parts. Youth unemployment rate lower than the global average. Cultural and social experiences along with a cutting-edge academic journey. |
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4. Ireland
Ireland is a safe, vibrant study destination that offers a warm and friendly environment as well as varied career opportunities to international students.
| Top Universities | University | QS World University Rankings 2026(New Zealand-Specific) | THE World University Rankings 2026(New Zealand-Specific) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College Dublin | 1 | 1 | |
| University College Dublin | 2 | 2 | |
| University College Cork | 3 | 5 | |
| University of Galway | 4 | 6 | |
| University of Limerick | 5 | 8 | |
| Popular Courses | Business and Management Information Technology and Computer Science Engineering Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals Health, Nursing, and Healthcare |
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| Why Study in Ireland | Academic excellence, practical learning, and strong industry connections. One of the safest nations in the world. Warm, welcoming culture, high standard of living, and good government services. Strong job market for multiple fields of study. Only major English-speaking country in the European Union (EU). |
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5. Netherlands
The Netherlands is no longer just one of the alternative study destinations abroad and offers an enriching educational experience with flexible study options and global career opportunities.
| Top Universities | University | QS World University Rankings 2026(New Zealand-Specific) | THE World University Rankings 2026(New Zealand-Specific) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delft University of Technology | 1 | 1 | |
| University of Amsterdam | 2 | 2 | |
| Utrecht University | 3 | - | |
| Leiden University | 4 | 4 | |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | 5 | 11 | |
| Popular Courses | Engineering and Technology Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Business and Management Agriculture and Life Sciences Environmental Science and Sustainability |
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| Why Study in the Netherlands | Progressive education system. Vibrant, multicultural environment. Research-focused, high-quality education, and innovative teaching methods. Cutting-edge technology and focus on practical learning. Gain real-world experience through internship programmes. |
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6. The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates is well on its way to becoming a global education hub with its cultural diversity, world-class universities, and dynamic economy.
| Top Universities | University | QS World University Rankings 2026(New Zealand-Specific) | THE World University Rankings 2026(New Zealand-Specific) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khalifa University | 1 | 2 | |
| United Arab Emirates University | 2 | 3 | |
| American University of Sharjah | 3 | 8 | |
| University of Sharjah | 4 | 4 | |
| Abu Dhabi University | 5 | 1 | |
| Popular Courses | Civil Engineering Construction Management Aerospace Engineering Tourism and Hospitality Management Architecture |
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| Why Study in the UAE | World-class, top-ranked universities. Practical learning and academic excellence. Rich cultural diversity. Booming economy and strategic location for internship and career opportunities. Advanced technology, modern infrastructure, and cutting-edge research facilities. |
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How to Choose the Right Study Destination?
- Identify the course based on your interests, strengths, and academic and career goals.
- Consider your budget and the involved costs, including living costs, travel, health insurance, etc. Look for countries that will allow you to work part-time while you study.
- While most universities offer English-taught courses, learning a local language, like Swedish, Dutch, or German, gives you an advantage in job applications.
- Look for post-study work visas and check their eligibility and suitability.
- Put in due research to understand the demand for your chosen field.
- Look into the curriculum structure, research opportunities, internships, and alumni reviews of the universities.
Selecting the right study destination is key to academic success, as is choosing the right education loan for study abroad programmes to finance your dream. Student loans by Avanse Financial Services are designed for students aspiring to pursue their higher education overseas. We offer customised financing solutions that come with multiple benefits, flexible repayment options, and up to 100% financing. If you want to know more about education loans, education loan interest rate, or your academic journey, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
1. Are offbeat study destinations safe for students?
Yes. Offbeat study destinations can be very safe for students. As safety depends heavily on the specific destination, adherence to local laws and taking standard precautions is always recommended.
2. Which offbeat countries offer affordable education?
Germany, South Korea, Ireland, and the Netherlands are top offbeat countries that offer affordable education.
3. Do offbeat study destinations offer good jobs after study?
Yes. Many offbeat study destinations abroad have booming economies and emerging industries, which provide promising job opportunities for graduates.
