Safest Countries in Europe to Study Abroad
Studying abroad can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially when it comes to choosing the safest destination. Europe is often regarded as one of the most secure regions for international students. Countries like Austria, Ireland, and Germany are particularly renowned for their safety, buoyed by low crime rates and high levels of political stability. These countries also benefit from excellent academic institutions, offering high-quality teaching and opportunities for personal growth alongside secure environments.
Safety isn’t the only factor that makes Europe attractive to students from around the world. Nations like Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom combine top-notch education systems with a high quality of life. These countries frequently rank well on the Global Peace Index, further enhancing their appeal for study-abroad programs. This makes Europe not only a haven for academic excellence but also a region where personal and social interests can thrive in secure conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Europe is one of the safest regions for international students.
- Countries like Austria, Ireland, and Germany offer high-quality education and political stability.
- Safety and quality of life make Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom popular study-abroad destinations.
The Safest Countries to Study Abroad in Europe in 2025
When considering studying abroad, safety is a top priority for students and their families. Europe is home to some of the safest countries in the world, making it an attractive destination for international students. Here’s an updated look at the safest countries in Europe to study in 2024, based on recent data and reports.
1. Iceland
Global Peace Index Score: 1.107
Iceland consistently ranks as the safest country in the world. With a low crime rate, high standard of living, and strong social cohesion, it provides a peaceful environment for students. The country has no military and its police officers are unarmed, emphasizing its commitment to safety and tranquility.
2. Denmark
Global Peace Index Score: 1.296
Denmark is known for its low crime rates, high quality of life, and strong social welfare system. Its capital, Copenhagen, is often ranked among the safest cities globally. Denmark’s focus on equality and community welfare contributes significantly to its high safety standards.
3. Ireland
Global Peace Index Score: 1.312
Ireland is not only famous for its breathtaking landscapes and friendly locals but also for its safety. The country has a very low crime rate, reliable public transportation, and minimal risk of natural disasters. Dublin, its capital, offers a vibrant cultural scene and safe environment for students.
4. Austria
Global Peace Index Score: 1.316
Austria’s commitment to neutrality and low involvement in international conflicts make it a very safe place to live and study. The country’s low crime rate and political stability are significant draws for international students. Austrian cities like Vienna are known for their high quality of life and safe urban environments.
5. Portugal
Global Peace Index Score: 1.333
Portugal ranks highly for its safety and is known for its welcoming attitude towards foreigners. The country boasts a low crime rate and political stability. Lisbon and Porto are popular, fun, and beautiful student destinations, offering rich cultural experiences and a safe living environment.
6. Slovenia
Global Peace Index Score: 1.334
Slovenia is a hidden gem in Europe, known for its natural beauty and medieval architecture. The country maintains a low crime rate and high safety standards, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a serene and secure study environment.
7. Switzerland
Global Peace Index Score: 1.339
Switzerland’s low crime rates and political neutrality contribute to its reputation as one of the safest countries in Europe. The country is also known for its high standard of living and exceptional educational institutions, making it an attractive destination for students.
8. Czech Republic
Global Peace Index Score: 1.379
The Czech Republic offers a safe and affordable study destination with a rich cultural heritage. Prague, the capital, is a major draw for students, providing a vibrant urban environment with low crime rates and a high standard of safety.
9. Finland
Global Peace Index Score: 1.399
Finland is renowned for its education system and quality of life. The country has low crime rates and is known for its safe cities and reliable public services. Helsinki, the capital, is frequently listed as one of the safest cities globally
10. Croatia
Global Peace Index Score: 1.450
Croatia offers stunning landscapes and a safe environment for students. The country has low violence rates and strict gun laws, ensuring a secure atmosphere. Its rich history and beautiful coastal cities provide an excellent backdrop for academic pursuits
often get questions from parents about whether it is safe to send their kids to college in Europe. Granted, this question usually comes from parents who probably won’t send their kids overseas anyway, but safety is certainly something that is on most of our minds these days. My answer is always that I believe college students are just as safe in Europe as they are in the US, if not more so.
Let’s look at US college campuses.
Let’s look at what is happening on US college campuses today. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that every year about 1,825 people die from unintentional alcohol-related injuries and also every year 97,000 students report they experienced alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape. Binge drinking simply isn’t the problem in Europe that it is in the US.
Mass shootings in America.
Then, we have mass shootings occurring in places like Orlando, Charleston, and San Bernardino. Like the fire drills or civil defense drills many of us grew up with, today’s kids participate in lock down drills at school, practicing what to do if there were an “active shooter” on school grounds. Unfortunately, these drills seem necessary due to the incidence of shootings at schools across the country from elementary to college level in places like Sandy Hook, Columbine, and Virginia Tech.
None of this is to say that I feel unsafe in the US, nor am I suggesting that you aren’t safe. I would absolutely still go to any of the cities I named above. I don’t worry while my kids are in school each day. While I am saddened and horrified when shootings and murders go on around the country, I don’t personally feel unsafe while they are going on. Yet, I received worried phone calls when I was in Germany due to the bombings in Brussels. Of course, many of the calls originated from my mother and I had to explain to her that, just looking at the odds, I was safer in Germany than she is in Chicago. To put it in perspective, Germany had about 1,020 firearm deaths in 2022, while Chicago saw 120 gun killings in July 2022 alone.
Comparison with Europe.
So let’s compare. I think the abundance of violent crimes in our US cities and schools may lead some to generalize that cities and universities in unfamiliar places are just as bad, if not worse. In fact, the U.S. murder rate is higher than the rate of all the countries we have listed in Europe except for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (from United National Office on Drugs and Crime). Further, the rate of gun deaths is dramatically higher in the U.S. than in European countries and the US is home to nearly a third of the world’s mass shootings
Crime is still way lower in Europe.
Yes, some European countries have had horrible recent terrorist attacks. The 2015 Paris attacks that killed 130 people is nearly as many who die from gun homicides in all of France in a typical year. Even if France had this kind of mass shooting on a monthly basis, its annual rate of gun homicide deaths would be lower than that in the U.S.
I will also tell you that one of the students we helped, Jared D., was in Brussels visiting a school with his dad on March 22nd, 2016, the day of a significant terrorist attack. Despite that first-hand experience with terrorism, he still started at KU Leuven that fall, just as many students continued to apply for and attend Boston-area universities after the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013.
The safe cities index.
The Economist has an annual Safe Cities Index in which 50 major worldwide cities are compared across four categories. Stockholm (#4), Amsterdam (#9), Barcelona (#11), and Frankfurt (#16) all ranked higher in Personal Safety than the highest ranked U.S. city in the study (D.C. #17). Paris (#24) is ranked better in personal safety than Chicago (#25) and New York (#28). The bottom line is that crime exists in cities worldwide. If you would be comfortable sending your student off to New York University, the University of Chicago, UC San Francisco or Georgetown, you should feel equally comfortable with your student in most European cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which European countries are the safest for students to study abroad?
Europe is known for its safety, and many countries in the continent make excellent choices for international students. Among the top countries known for their safety are Austria, Iceland, and Denmark. These nations consistently rank high in global safety indexes.
How does the safety for international students compare among top European countries?
When comparing safety for students among top European countries, Austria, Iceland, and Denmark often appear at the top of the list. They are known for their low crime rates and strong public safety measures. For example, Austria is well-regarded for its peacefulness and robust security infrastructure.
What makes studying abroad in Europe safe?
Several factors contribute to the overall safety of students studying in Europe. These include:
- Low Crime Rates: Many European countries have lower crime rates compared to other parts of the world.
- Efficient Law Enforcement: European countries generally have well-trained and responsive police forces.
- Political Stability: Many European nations are politically stable, which directly impacts public safety.
- Quality Healthcare: Access to high-quality healthcare services ensures that students receive prompt medical attention when needed.
Which European country is the best choice for a secure study abroad experience?
Austria is often recommended for a secure study abroad experience due to its high safety standards and welcoming environment for students. The country’s universities are well-regarded, and the overall societal attitude towards international students is friendly.
Are there any European countries that students should avoid due to safety issues?
While Europe is largely safe, some countries might pose higher risks than others. It’s generally advisable to avoid areas experiencing political unrest or higher crime rates. For instance, parts of Eastern Europe may have issues with political instability that could impact safety.
How has the safety ranking for European countries changed for students in 2024?
In 2024, the safety rankings for European countries have shown some shifts. Countries like Austria and Iceland remain top choices, while other nations have improved due to enhanced safety measures and increased political stability. It’s important for students to stay updated with the latest safety reports and rankings.
