Alternatives to studying in USA, a list of countries

[chinasun]

As of 2025, there are roughly 28,000–30,000 Pakistani students in China, making Pakistan the third-largest source country for international students in China .

Breakdown by level:
- Doctoral: ≈ 6,156
- Master’s: ≈ 3,600
- Bachelor’s: ≈ 11,100
- Short-term exchanges: ≈ 3,000

Top fields of study
1. Medicine (clinical medicine, dentistry, pharmacy)
2. Engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical, materials)
3. Computer science & artificial intelligence
4. Business administration / economics / finance
5. Chinese language & international Chinese education
6. Agricultural sciences (including CPEC-specific training)
7. International law, journalism, chemistry, architecture, etc.

 

[Muji.Iqbal]

Top 10 Reasons to Study in China – Quick English Summary

1. Bargain-basement daily life

Eating out can cost less than cooking at home; subway rides and fashion finds are unbelievably cheap.

2. World-class degrees taught 100 % in English

Tsinghua, PKU, Fudan and other top-100 universities offer bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes in engineering, medicine, business and the humanities with no Chinese-language requirement.

3. Low tuition & generous scholarships

Tuition is one-third (or less) of U.S./U.K. rates; government, provincial and university scholarships can cover full fees, housing plus a monthly stipend.

4. 5 000 years of culture next door

The Great Wall, Terracotta Army, Spring-Festival temple fairs and Yunnan ethnic villages become your weekend routine instead of Netflix documentaries.

5. Fast-track Mandarin & career boost

Daily immersion can take you to HSK 5-6 in one year; mastering the world’s most spoken language is a premium asset in finance, tech, trade and diplomacy.

6. Career springboard inside the world’s No. 2 economy

Huawei, Alibaba, ByteDance, BYD and scores of multinationals recruit on campus; “China-savvy” international graduates are in high demand.

7. New X-visa perks

Apply online, multiple-entry; PhD students get up to 5 years; part-time work on campus and internships off campus are now allowed; residence-permit renewals are faster and paper-light.

8. Safe, smart campus life

24/7 security, facial-recognition dorms, high-speed rail/metro at the gate, cash-free campus, airport pick-up, buddy programmes and 24-hour English hotlines.

9. Weekend travel that feels like switching countries

350 km/h trains and ¥200 flights let you ski in Harbin on Friday and be back for Monday classes—after a quick detour to the Forbidden City.

10. Global classmates & alumni network

490 000 international students from 180+ countries each year give you an instant worldwide contact list the day you graduate.

Yes I have many Pakistani classmates studying in Urumqi International Medical Schools.

They say it is a great experience. They say you have to find Halal food however.

 

[chinasun]

Yes I have many Pakistani classmates studying in Urumqi International Medical Schools.

They say it is a great experience. They say you have to find Halal food however.

In Urumqi, Muslims make up roughly half the population, so halal food is everywhere. In other Chinese cities you’re usually within three kilometres of a Lanzhou lamian stall, and a certified halal restaurant is never far from campus. At Xinjiang’s Urumqi Medical University, students can even charter a bus back to Pakistan every year.

 

[Watandar]

Lots of Pakistani students have been studying in China the last 15 years. The results are mixed as China does not allow you to work afterwards and gain residency, you have to go back.

The education standards in China are also a mixed bag. Some returning Pakistani students are very good in their jobs, others receive diplomas from Chinese diploma mills or substandard institutions and basically wasted their money and time.

The best place to study these days , if you can afford it, is Australia. Not only do you get a degree but Australia has been giving out permanent residency liberally to foreign graduates of its universities, so that it can build up a labor force.

 

[Dalit]

Somebody asked me in Canada if there are alternatives to studying in USA.
I said yes there is.

1) Canada
2) UK
3) Australia
4) China
5) Japan
6) South Korea
7) Taiwan
8) France
9) Germany
10) Italy
11) Austria
12) Hungary
13) Ireland
14) South Africa
15) Brazil
16) Spain
17) Russia
18) Norway
19) Sweden
20) Finland
21) Romania
22) Turkey
23) Malaysia
24) Czechia / Czech Republic

The Netherlands also has highly ranked universities.

 

[Muji.Iqbal]

The Netherlands also has highly ranked universities.

Thanks for mentioning that.

Yes Netherlands as well.

 

[Michael]

Lots of Pakistani students have been studying in China the last 15 years. The results are mixed as China does not allow you to work afterwards and gain residency, you have to go back.

You've probably heard that China is the most difficult country in the world to immigrate to. Even obtaining Chinese residency is an extremely difficult process. Unless you are among the rare talents covered by China's national policies.

But, working in China shouldn't be a problem. China has now opened up many job opportunities for foreigners and also provides convenient work visa options. But you need to understand more about Chinese culture first. Our working methods are very different from those in Western countries.

The education standards in China are also a mixed bag. Some returning Pakistani students are very good in their jobs, others receive diplomas from Chinese diploma mills or substandard institutions and basically wasted their money and time.

I am very sorry to hear this news.

In many countries, including China, university education is largely a commercial endeavor. Since it's a commercial endeavor, the problems you mentioned will inevitably exist.

If you're considering studying in China, you can refer to the internal system, such as the "Project 985" or "Project 211." Universities on these lists are considered top-tier universities in China. At these schools, you can acquire genuine knowledge.

For Chinese universities outside these lists, you need to have some discernment. Some universities do indeed have many problems. However, some universities have exceptionally strong programs in certain disciplines, their capabilities even ranking among the top globally. For example, the Southwest University of Science and Technology near my home; almost all their disciplines are weak, but they have one extremely strong program: "Nuclear Weapons Maintenance"......

 

[ST1976]

As ever, it comes down to which course you want to study and the quality of the university in that country for the degree and how much you can afford, and of course, immigration ease.

QS World University Rankings 2027: World's Best Universities

Find top-ranked universities with QS methodology focused on research, employability, learning experience, and sustainability performance.

www.topuniversities.com

Some people may argue "for, or against" the rankings of universities, but there is not really a practical way of working out which they can/should go to.

We also see local institutions doing good, while being having same syllabus and collaboration with foreign universities.

Going to Western countries by loan from Indian Bank, and then do "Blue Collar Jobs" to return the bank loan.....
But We do see them getting "White Collar Jobs" also, if they have proper education from back home

 

[ST1976]

Top Indian business schools, particularly IIMs, have among the highest average GMAT scores globally, often exceeding 700+ for elite programs. According to QS Global 200 Business Schools reports, IIM Bangalore students have averaged 780, while IIM Ahmedabad has seen averages of "767". Generally, a GMAT score of 650-"700+" is needed for top-tier Indian MBA programs.

The Times of India
+2
Key GMAT Scores for Indian Business Schools (QS Top Programs)
IIM Bangalore: ~720 - 780+
IIM Ahmedabad: ~700 - 767+
IIM Calcutta: ~697+
IIM Lucknow: ~"710+"
ISB (Indian School of Business): Usually 700+ (for1-year programs).
The Times of India
+1
Context and Trends

High Academic Standing: Indian MBA applicants often present higher-than-average GMAT scores due to intense competition.
GMAT Focus Edition: The GMAC indicates 645 on the Focus Edition is equivalent to a 700 on the Classic GMAT.
Validity: Scores are valid for 5 years.

Other Factors: Beyond GMAT, schools look for strong work experience, essays, and interviews, especially if the GMAT score is in the 600–650 range.
Broader Range: While top schools demand high scores, many reputable GMAT-accepting schools in India accept a wider range (600–680), particularly for students with diverse profiles

Google Search

 

[Fatman17]

Somebody asked me in Canada if there are alternatives to studying in USA.
I said yes there is.

1) Canada
2) UK
3) Australia
4) China
5) Japan
6) South Korea
7) Taiwan
8) France
9) Germany
10) Italy
11) Austria
12) Hungary
13) Ireland
14) South Africa
15) Brazil
16) Spain
17) Russia
18) Norway
19) Sweden
20) Finland
21) Romania
22) Turkey
23) Malaysia
24) Czechia / Czech Republic

U are a certified genius

 

[ST1976]

We also see local institutions doing good, while being having same syllabus and collaboration with foreign universities.

Going to Western countries by loan from Indian Bank, and then do "Blue Collar Jobs" to return the bank loan.....
But We do see them getting "White Collar Jobs" also, if they have proper education from back home

Fading American dream? 5 destinations where students ...

26 May 2025 — Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, France, and Singapore are emerging as popular choices, attracting students with strong academic reputations.

Fading American dream? 5 destinations where students can thrive as Trump closes doors to the US - Times of India

News News: Facing stricter visa rules and a less welcoming environment in the US, international students are increasingly looking at alternative destinations for

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

 

[ST1976]

India Rankings 2024: University

MoE, National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF)

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[ST1976]

Somebody asked me in Canada if there are alternatives to studying in USA.
I said yes there is.

1) Canada
2) UK
3) Australia
4) China
5) Japan
6) South Korea
7) Taiwan
8) France
9) Germany
10) Italy
11) Austria
12) Hungary
13) Ireland
14) South Africa
15) Brazil
16) Spain
17) Russia
18) Norway
19) Sweden
20) Finland
21) Romania
22) Turkey
23) Malaysia
24) Czechia / Czech Republic

We now see non-Western institutes getting more foreign applications for higher education.

 

[Fatman17]

Somebody asked me in Canada if there are alternatives to studying in USA.
I said yes there is.

1) Canada
2) UK
3) Australia
4) China
5) Japan
6) South Korea
7) Taiwan
8) France
9) Germany
10) Italy
11) Austria
12) Hungary
13) Ireland
14) South Africa
15) Brazil
16) Spain
17) Russia
18) Norway
19) Sweden
20) Finland
21) Romania
22) Turkey
23) Malaysia
24) Czechia / Czech Republic

You're a born genius