Studying abroad has become a popular goal for many Indian students seeking quality education, global exposure, and enhanced career opportunities. Today, choosing the right university is not only about reputation but also about course quality, affordability, and future outcomes. Global university rankings help students understand which institutions consistently perform well across academics and research.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Imperial College London, Stanford University, the University of Oxford, and Harvard University continue to rank among the world's best. These universities are known for strong academics, advanced research facilities, and high graduate employability, making them top choices for Indian students.
This article covers the Top 20 Universities Abroad for Indian Students in 2026, along with country-wise university lists, popular courses, tuition fees in INR, eligibility requirements, and scholarship opportunities. Whether you plan to pursue undergraduate studies, a master’s degree, an MBA, or medical programs, this article will help you compare your options and plan your study abroad journey with confidence.
Based on the QS World University Rankings 2026, here are the shortlisted top 20 universities abroad that continue to stand out for academic excellence and global reputation.
| University Name | Country | QS World Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States | #1 |
| Imperial College London | United Kingdom | #2 |
| Stanford University | United States | #3 |
| University of Oxford | United Kingdom | #4 |
| Harvard University | United States | #5 |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | #6 |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | #7 |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore | #8 |
| University College London (UCL) | United Kingdom | #9 |
| California Institute of Technology | United States | #10 |
| The University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong | #11 |
| Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) | Singapore | #12 |
| University of Chicago | United States | #13 |
| Peking University | China | #14 |
| University of Pennsylvania | United States | #15 |
| Cornell University | United States | #16 |
| Tsinghua University | China | #17 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | United States | #17 |
| The University of Melbourne | Australia | #19 |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | Australia | #20 |
Students can read the Study Guide for Students to Study Abroad
As per QS World Rankings 2026, the table lists the top universities in the United Kingdom with their popular course, fees, duration, and other details:
| University Name | Popular Course | Course Duration | Fees in GBP | Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial College London | MSc Finance | 1 year | £51,000 | 62.4 L |
| University of Oxford | MSc Advanced Computer Science | 1 year | £43,730 | 53.5 L |
| University of Cambridge | PhD Computer Science | 3 years | £41,304 | 50.5 L |
| University College London (UCL) | Master of Architecture | 2 years | £35,400 | 53.2 L |
| King's College London | LLM Master of Laws | 1 year | £38,300 | 46.8 L |
Below are some of the most well-known universities in the USA, along with their popular courses, course duration, and fee details.
| University Name | Popular Courses | Course Duration | Fees in USD | Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Master of Finance | 18 months | $93,834 | 85.4 L |
| Stanford University | MSc Computer Science Artificial Intelligence | 18 months | $45,120 | 41.0 L |
| Harvard University | LLM Master of Laws | 1 year | $80,760 | 73.5 L |
| California Institute of Technology | MS Civil Engineering | 2 years | $65,622 | 59.7 L |
| University of Chicago | MS Financial Mathematics | 15 months | $75,600 | 68.8 L |
Indian Students can also explore more courses & Universities in the USA
Here is a list of famous universities in Canada, including their popular courses, tuition fees, and program duration.
| University Name | Popular Courses | Course Duration | Fees in CAD$ | Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGill University | MS Computer Science | 2 years | $31,269 | 20.5 L |
| University of Toronto | MS Computer Science | 2 years | $36,650 | 24.0 L |
| University of British Columbia | MS Computer Science | 2 years | $9,883 | 6.49 L |
| University of Alberta | MS Computing Science | 2 years | $10,518 | 6.90 L |
| University of Waterloo | MS Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 16 months | $37,260 | 24.4 L |
Explore more courses & Universities in Canada for more options
Explore some of the top universities in Australia, including their popular courses, tuition fees, and course duration.
| University Name | Popular Courses | Course Duration | Fees in AUD | Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Melbourne | MS Data Science | 2 years | $60,883 | 37.3 L |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | Master of Information Technology [MIT] | 2 years | $59,000 | 36.1 L |
| The University of Sydney | MS Data Science | 18 Months | $57,900 | 35.4 L |
| Australian National University (ANU) | MS Applied Data Analytics | 18 months | $53,700 | 32.9 L |
| Monash University | Master Business Analytics | 2 years | $59,900 | 36.7 L |
Also check: Explore more courses & Universities in Australia
According to QS World Rankings 2026, the following are the popular universities in Germany with their famous programs, fee structure, and course duration:
| University Name | Popular Courses | Course Duration | Fees in EUR | Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | MSc Computational Science and Engineering | 2 years | €12,000 | 12.7 L |
| Ludwig Maximilian University | Master Computer Science | 2 years | €600 | 63.7 L |
| Heidelberg University | MS Applied Computer Science | 2 years | €3000 | 3.18 L |
| Free University of Berlin | BS Computer Science | 3 years | €8,200 | 8.70 L |
| KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | MS Computer Science | 2 years | €3000 | 3.18 L |
Also check: Explore more courses & Universities in Germany
Explore some of the best universities abroad for MBA programs, along with details on course duration and tuition fees.
| QS World Rankings 2026 | University Name | Course | Course Duration | Annual Fees | Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Penn (Wharton) | MBA | 2 years | $87,970 | 80 L |
| #2 | Harvard Business School | MBA | 2 years | $78,700 | 71.6 L |
| #3 | MIT (Sloan) | MBA | 2 years | $89,000 | 81 L |
| #4 | Stanford Graduate School of Business | MBA | 2 years | $85,755 | 78 L |
| #5 | HEC Paris | MBA | 16 months | €102,000 | 1 CR |
| #6 | London Business School | MBA | 21 months | £22,507 | 27.5 L |
| #7 | Cambridge (Judge) | MBA | 1 year | £92,428 | 1.13 CR |
| #8 | INSEAD | MBA | 10 months | $84,311 | 76.7 L |
| #9 | Northwestern (Kellogg) | MBA | 1 year | $86,370 | 78.6 L |
| #10 | Columbia Business School | MBA | 20 months | $91,172 | 82.9 L |
A Medical degree from top universities abroad has a course duration of 1 to 6 years. Here are the best universities abroad with their top medical programs, course duration, and fees:
| QS World Rankings 2026 | University Name | Course Name | Course Duration | Annual Fees | Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Harvard University | MD Doctor of Medicine | 4 years | £73,847 | 67.6 L |
| #2 | University of Oxford | MBBS | 6 years | £49,400 | 60.4 L |
| #3 | Stanford University | Master's in Epidemiology & Clinical Research | 2 years | $61,308 | 30.2 L |
| #4 | Johns Hopkins University | Master of Science in Nursing | 2 years | $70,428 | 64.0 L |
| #5 | University of Cambridge | MBBS | 6 years | £70,554 | 86.3 L |
| #6 | University of California, San Francisco | Doctor of Dental Surgery | 4 years | $33,238 | 30.2 L |
| #7 | Imperial College London | MSc Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology | 1 year | £38,600 | 47.2 L |
| #8 | UCL | BS Medicine MBBS | 6 years | £73,300 | 89.7 L |
Also check: Student Visa Requirements to Study Abroad
Check out the popular PG courses of the best universities abroad, with the course duration of 18 months to 2 years, and their fees:
| University Name | Course name | Course Duration | Annual Fees | Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | MS Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | 2 years | $83,405 | 75.9 L |
| Imperial College London | MS Finance | 1 year | £47,500 | 58.1 L |
| Stanford University | MSc Computer Science | 18 months | $65,820 | 59.9 L |
| University of Oxford | MSc Advanced Computer Science | 1 year | £43,730 | 53.5 L |
| Harvard University | MS Data Science | 2 years | $65,536 | 59.6 L |
| University of Cambridge | Master of Finance | 1 year | £57,850 | 70.8 L |
| ETH Zurich | MS Computer Science | 2 years | CHF1,812 | 2.7 L |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | MSc Data Science and Machine Learning | 2 years | S$51,000 | 36.1 L |
The table below highlights leading universities abroad offering undergraduate programs, with details on popular courses, course duration, and fees.
| University Name | Course name | Course Duration | Annual Fees | Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | BS Computer Science and Engineering | 4 years | $64,310 | 58.5 L |
| Imperial College London | BS Physics | 3 years | £41,650 | 51 L |
| Stanford University | BA Psychology | 4 years | $62,484 | 56.8 L |
| University of Oxford | BA English Language and Literature | 3 years | £43,600 | 53.4 L |
| Harvard University | BS Psychology | 4 years | $59,320 | 53.9 L |
| University of Cambridge | BA Mathematics | 3 years | £30,144 | 36.9 L |
| ETH Zurich | BS Computer Science | 3 years | CHF 1,812 | 2 L |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | BBA | 3 years | S$21,550 | 24.7 L |
Students must check out: How to Write a Statement of Purpose.
Fulfilling a dream of studying at top universities abroad requires meeting specific academic and application standards. Every program has its own criteria; applicants need to maintain a strong academic performance, relevant experience, and a good score on the English proficiency test.
Check out the general eligibility requirements for Master’s, MBA, and Undergraduate programs at the top global universities abroad.
| Requirements | Master’s Programs | MBA Programs | Undergraduate programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic requirements(course-specific) | 60 to 90% in 3-4 years of a bachelor’s degree | 90% in 3-4 years of a bachelor's degree | 85 to 95% in Senior Secondary Education |
| Application requirements(course-specific) | Resume | Portfolio | Letter of Recommendation | 2 years of work experience | SOP | Interview | Copy of passport | Essay | Resume | Interview | Personal statement | Online assessment | passport | LOR | GMAT/GRE | LOR | Portfolio | Essay | Interview | Financial records | Personal statements | Passport copy |
| English language/test scores (course-specific) | IELTS: 6.5 to 7.0 | TOEFL: 90 to 100 | IELTS: 7.0 to 7.5 |TOEFL: 90 to 110 | IELTS: 6.5 to 7.0 |TOEFL: 90 to 115 |
Note: GMAT/GRE scores are not mandatory at every University Abroad. Therefore, candidates are advised to check the official websites of the universities to stay updated about the application requirements.
Also, check How to Write a Letter of Recommendation to strengthen your application.
The well-known universities abroad from the developed countries like the US, UK, Germany, Australia, and Canada offer a wide range of Scholarships to international students and 100% financial aid as well.
Check out the valuable scholarships provided by the top institutions with their eligibility criteria and award amount:
| Country Name | University Name | Scholarship Name | Course | Eligibility Criteria | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Need-based financial aid program | For UG & PG students | International Student CSS Profile and parental income verification through IDOC. | 100% financial aid |
| US | Stanford university | Knight Knessey Scholarship Program | Graduates | For the students applying to a full-time PG course | Financial support for 3 years |
| UK | Oxford University | Clarendon Fund scholarships | Graduates | Strong academic records | Covers full cost fees & cost of living |
| UK | Cambridge University | Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Graduates | Candidates must be non-UK residents | Cover a full course load |
| Germany | Alexender von Humboldt Foundation | German Chancellor Fellowship | Postgraduates | Must be an Indian with a Bachelor’s degree, leadership experience in Politics, Business, and Culture | 2,246 to 143.75 USD |
| Germany | German Academic Exchange Service | DAAD Scholarships | Postgraduates and Doctoral students | Minimum 85% in Bachelor’s, IELTS: 6.5, 2 years working experience, SOP | 934 to 2,400 USD |
| Australia | DEFAT | Australia Award Scholarships | Postgraduates & Graduates | Must be a citizen of the participating country, and fulfill Visa requirements | 34,500 USD |
| Australia | The Australian Government | Endeavour PG Scholarship Awards | Postgradutes | Must be a citizen of the participating country, have a UG degree, and have academic transcripts | 272,500 USD |
| Canada | University of Toronto | Ontario Graduate Scholarships | Postgradutes | Merit based | 15,000 USD a year |
Also check: External Scholarships to Study Abroad
Choosing a top university to pursue your dream of studying abroad opens a door for good education, better career opportunities, and global exposure. Universities such as Oxford, Stanford, and MIT are identified as the globally ranked universities as per the data of QS World and THE rankings 2026. Studying abroad can be a bit expensive, but students can avail fully funded scholarships to complete their studies abroad. With the help of strong academic scores, an excellent approach, and an outstanding application, Indian students can easily fulfil their dream of studying abroad.
Also check: How to study abroad for free?
Ques: Which University is considered the best to study abroad?
Ans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, being ranked #1 in the QS World Rankings 2026, is considered the top university to study abroad.
Ques: What is the acceptance rate of the top universities in Australia?
Ans: The popular universities in Australia have different acceptance rates. However, the estimated acceptance rate varies from being highly competitive 30% to a moderate 70%.
Ques: Can I take admission in the top universities abroad even with lower academic marks?
Ans: Yes, you can get a chance to study in the top universities abroad by showing your strong test results, like GMAT or SAT, work experience, and a strong personal statement.
| Ranking | College Info | Top Courses | Fees & Cost of Living | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() #1/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() University of Oxford, OxfordEngland, UK | MBA Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: TOEFL110 | Tuition: (£43,309/Yr)$58.5K/Yr Living: (£13,680/Yr)$18.5K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #2/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() Massachusetts Institute of Technology, CambridgeMassachusetts, USA4.52%Acceptance Rate | MS Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL100 | Tuition: $69.2K/Yr Living: $21.3K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #3/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() University of Cambridge, CambridgeEngland, UK21%Acceptance Rate | MBA Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: TOEFL100 | Tuition: (£40,840/Yr)$55.1K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #3/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() Princeton University, PrincetonNew Jersey, USA5%Acceptance Rate | MFin Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: Duolingo125TOEFL108 | Tuition: $66.3K/Yr Living: $21.2K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Partner Colleges
Best In Social Life
Stanford University
Stanford, California
$85.8K
1st Year Fees
MBA
Apply Now
Said Business School
Oxford, England
$119.9K
1st Year Fees
MBA
Apply Now
Best In Faculty
Columbia University
New York City, New York
$64.8K
1st Year Fees
MS Data Science
Apply Now
Best In Infrastructure
The University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia
$7.2K
1st Year Fees
MS Computer Science
Apply Now
Best In Academic
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
$15.6K
1st Year Fees
MS Computer Science
Apply Now
Best In Infrastructure
Technical University Munich
Munich, Bavaria
$14.2K
1st Year Fees
MSc Computational Science and Engineering
Apply Now
Middlesex University Dubai
Dubai, Dubai
$20.1K
1st Year Fees
MS Engineering Management
Apply Now
Best In Academic
University of Oxford
Oxford, England
$119.9K
1st Year Fees
MBA
Apply Now
Best In Infrastructure
King's College London
London, England
$51.7K
1st Year Fees
LLM
Apply Now
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Stanford, California
$85.8K
1st Year Fees
MBA
Apply Now
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #5/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() Harvard University, CambridgeMassachusetts, USA3%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo125TOEFL100PTE70 | Tuition: $58.1K/Yr Living: $13.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #5/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() Stanford University, StanfordCalifornia, USA4%Acceptance Rate | MBA Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: GMAT738TOEFL5.5PTE68 | Tuition: $64.1K/Yr Living: $34.3K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #7/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() California Institute of Technology, PasadenaCalifornia, USA3%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo120TOEFL100 | Tuition: $63.9K/Yr Living: $21K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #8/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() Imperial College London, LondonEngland, UK15%Acceptance Rate | MSc Statistics Data Science Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo125TOEFL100PTE69 | Tuition: (£43,205/Yr)$58.3K/Yr Living: (£3,686/Yr)$5K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #9/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() UC-Berkeley, BerkeleyCalifornia, USA11.7%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS7 | Tuition: $20.6K/Yr Living: $7.8K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #10/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() Yale University, New HavenConnecticut, USA4.6%Acceptance Rate | MBA Course duration: 2 years | Tuition: $65.7K/Yr Living: $19.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #11/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() ETH Zurich, ZurichZurich, Switzerland27%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL100 | Tuition: (CHf1,934/Yr)$2.5K/Yr Living: (CHf2,085/Yr)$2.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #14/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() University of Pennsylvania, PhiladelphiaPennsylvania, USA5%Acceptance Rate | MBA Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: Duolingo130TOEFL100 | Tuition: $53.4K/Yr Living: $19K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #15/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() University of Chicago, ChicagoIllinois, USA | MS Financial Mathematics Course duration: 15 months Exams Accepted: TOEFL90 | Tuition: $69.7K/Yr Living: $29K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #16/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() Johns Hopkins University, BaltimoreMaryland, USA6%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo130TOEFL100PTE68 | Tuition: $67.2K/Yr Living: $15.4K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #17/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() National University of Singapore, SingaporeSingapore, Singapore10%Acceptance Rate | MBA Course duration: 17 months Exams Accepted: GMAT670TOEFL100 | Tuition: (S$38,946/Yr)$30.4K/Yr Living: (S$8,000/Yr)$6.2K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #18/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() Cornell University, IthacaNew York, USA8%Acceptance Rate | MBA Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: Duolingo120IELTS7.0 | Tuition: $50.9K/Yr Living: $18.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #18/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() UC-Los Angeles, Los AngelesCalifornia, USA9%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: GMAT703IELTS7 | Tuition: $37K/Yr Living: $27.4K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #20/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() Columbia University, New York CityNew York, USA4%Acceptance Rate | MS Data Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: Duolingo135TOEFL100 | Tuition: $72.3K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #21/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() University of Toronto, TorontoOntario, Canada43%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL93 | Tuition: (CA$56,025/Yr)$40.9K/Yr Living: (CA$13,491/Yr)$9.8K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #22/3118 THE Ranking 2026 | ![]() University College London, LondonEngland, UK25%Acceptance Rate | MArch Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL4.5PTE76 | Tuition: (£37,181/Yr)$50.2K/Yr Living: (£20,058/Yr)$27.1K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||