Last Updated on September 12, 2024
Undoubtedly, the best country to study finance is the United States, as it has the best universities like Stanford, Harvard, and MIT. A bachelor’s or a master’s degree in finance from an international University is highly rewarding as it opens up many career opportunities with great potential for growth. There are various Ms and PhD finance courses offered in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. In this blog, we will dig deeper to find out the top countries to study finance that could meet and suit your needs:
Why Top Countries to Study Finance Abroad?
Firstly, it is no secret that we are expanding it into a globalized economy. Economic borders are being broken down by technology as tech and businesses are spreading internationally. Nevertheless, studying abroad is essential to understand your degree on an international level. Study finance abroad programs give you the opportunity to dip your toes into the global economy. Secondly, learning how other parts of the world do business and broaden your perspective in finance to help you furthermore increase your exposure. Infact, the abroad program will help you make international connections and give you valuable experience to keep you and land you a job post-graduation.
7 Top Countries to Study Finance Abroad
Certainly to complete a degree in finance does not have to be all about numbers. It can be about adventure, too. In fact, top countries to study finance abroad may be an answer to making it an ever-increasingly competitive global market. There are numerous top countries to study finance abroad that are the best and we have listed a few of them below to help students select their final destination-
United States of America
As of 2024, the United States of America has accounted for about 55% of global stock market capitalization, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Statistics show a growth of 5 to 9% in finance jobs between 2021 and 2031 as the demand for finance graduates is very high. Students pursue a master of finance program in the USA. Jobs like financial examiners and financial analysts get an average salary of around $81,000 per year. New York is an important financial capital of the world. Many investment groups in large banks have their headquarters in the US. Chicago is hot for trading, and Boston is well known for its asset management market. The USA is the best country to study finance abroad as it is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. The average annual salary for a finance degree here is $1,15,586.
| Name of the university | QS World University Rankings 2024: Finance | THE World University Rankings 2024: Finance |
| Harvard University | 1 | 4 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 2 | 1 |
| Stanford university | 2 | 2 |
| University of Chicago | 5 | 5 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 8 | 13 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 9 | 19 |
| New York University (NYU) | 10 | 18 |
United Kingdom
According to the HESA graduate outcome survey 2020, 88.2% of UK postgraduates in finance-related disciplines find employment within 15 months of graduation. The UK is among the top countries to study finance abroad as its universities offer practical courses that help students get a job within three months. Specifically,London is a famous global financial hub with a diverse community and strong financial organizations. UK universities are known for helping students develop industry-specific skills, and students can choose to specialize in institutions that focus on finance-related degrees. The average salary of a finance degree holder here is £31,656 every year.
| Name of the university | QS World University Rankings 2024: Finance | THE World University Rankings 2024: Finance |
| University of Oxford | 4 | 3 |
| University of Cambridge | 6 | 6 |
| The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 7 | 10 |
| London Business School | 12 | 12 |
| Imperial College London | 19 | 19 |
| University of Manchester | 19 | 36 |
| University of Warwick | 38 | 24 |
Canada
Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto are prominent financial centers in Canada. Here, you will find the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto. They offer affordable quality education with post-graduation work and good placement opportunities. MBA in finance, BCom honors in finance, BSE honors in economics and finance, master of management and finance, and master of financial economics are popular finance courses in Canada, skilled for jobs in investment banking, corporate finance, risk management, and financial planning. The average salary in Canada is $65,292 per year. However, it depends upon the student’s student’s post and experience.
| Name of the university | QS World University Rankings 2024: Finance | THE World University Rankings 2024: Finance |
| University of Toronto | 15 | 25 |
| University of British Columbia | 29 | 38 |
| McGill University | 55 | 73 |
| Universitè de Montreal | 97 | 77 |
| University of Alberta | 98 | >101 |
| Queen’s University | >100 | >101 |
| University of Waterloo | >100 | >101 |
Australia
Universities in Australia have achieved excellence in the fields of economics and business. These universities offer Master of Commerce and Finance, Master of Finance, Master of International Economics and Finance courses, and Master of Applied Finance courses. These programs are 1.5 to 2 years long and provide students with a well-rounded education that combines practical learning with theory. The average salary could be expected to be around $72,500 per annum.
| Name of the university | QS World University Rankings 2024: Finance | THE World University Rankings 2024: Finance |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | 21 | 72 |
| The University of Melbourne | 23 | 35 |
| The University of Sydney | 35 | 88 |
| Monash University | 36 | 39 |
| Australian National University (ANU) | 44 | 55 |
| University of Queensland | 59 | 51 |
| University of Technology Sydney | 87 | >126 |
United Arab Emirates
UAE is a good country for pursuing courses such as a Master’s in accounting and finance and an MS in financial management. Multinational companies offer a range of opportunities for finance professionals. Companies like Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Emirates NBD have a high demand for finance graduates. Ajman University, Abu Dhabi University, and Heriot-Watt University mainly in Dubai is a great option for finance students. Dubai, the financial capital of UAE, has ambitious plans for economic growth with the presence of global organizations studying at the top universities in UAE, which provide international exposure to the students enrolled in its programs. The median salary for a finance analyst year is AED 102266 per annum.
| Name of the university | QS World University Rankings 2024: Finance | THE World University Rankings 2024: Finance |
| American University of Sharjah | >151 | >300 |
| United Arab Emirates University | >251 | >200 |
| Zayed University | >300 | >300 |
Germany
Germany has world-class business rules that offer excellent finance programs. Also, the cost of living and tuition fees are affordable when compared to other countries such as the UK and the US. Germany is also a great place for Indian students to settle down. After completing their MBA in finance, it has a thriving economy that provides finance jobs, international companies like Deutsche Bank and Allianz higher graduates for their finance-related positions, and German public universities of bachelor and master degrees for free to international students. You might require around 700 to 1000 EUR per month to cover your cost of living and a hundred to 350 EUR for the first semester for the administration fee.
| Name of the university | QS World University Rankings 2024: Finance | THE World University Rankings 2024: Finance |
| Universität Mannheim | 80 | 41 |
| Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main | >101 | >401 |
| Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | >101 | >101 |
| WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management | >101 | >101 |
| Technical University of Munich | >151 | 33 |
| Freie Universitaet Berlin | >201 | >151 |
| University of Cologne | >201 | >201 |
France
France is emerging as Europe’s new financial Centre, with excellent job opportunities. The country’s simplified Visa application process and availability of scholarships make it an attractive option for further studies. Public universities in France offer tuition fees of under 1000 EUR per year for international students at all study finance levels. The living cost in Paris is 1500 to 1800 EUR per month. In other cities, it is less than a thousand EUR studying financing. France also helps maintain easier access to job interviews with European banks.
| Name of the university | QS World University Rankings 2024: Finance | THE World University Rankings 2024: Finance |
| HEC Paris School of Management | 18 | – |
| INSEAD | 31 | – |
| ESSEC Business School | 62 | – |
| Université PSL | 62 | >151 |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 91 | – |
| EDHEC Business School | >101 | – |
| Emlyon Business School | >151 | – |
Eligibility Criteria to get into the top countries to study finance abroad
There are fixed requirements to get into a university in any country offering a course in finance. However, some of the general eligibility requirements for the top countries to study finance abroad are listed below-
- A higher school education Art a bachelor’s degree in the related field
- English Language Proficiency Scores like IELTS or TOEFL scorecards
- GMAT or GRE scores, if required
- Work experience, if applicable
- A valid passport
- Student visa
- Statement of purpose
- Application forms
- Letters of recommendation
Application Process to Top Countries to Study Finance Abroad
Firstly, you need to select from the top countries to study finance abroad and the university, then check out the university-specific eligibility criteria, fill out the application form, and submit all the required documents. After receiving a letter of acceptance from the university, find out the kind of visa you will need to apply for to study finance at your preferred destination. Apply for it a minimum of three months before the course commences.
Conclusion
In short, pursuing a degree in finance domain from an international university can be a smart career decision. Consequently, endless career opportunities and high growth potential make a master of finance program one of the most popular degrees to study finance abroad, so if you want to know the top countries to study finance abroad and other interesting information, we hope that this helped you reach a conclusion on which country you would like to pursue your course in finance.
FAQs
Why do students prefer top countries to study finance abroad?
Students look up top countries to study finance abroad as it will provide a wide range of courses, a broad spectrum of knowledge and experience, and excellent career opportunities. Another reason is that an international degree often gives a great return on investments. Students now choose to study at these destinations at relatively lower costs incurred and more varied experiences.
What are the popular finance programs in the top countries to study finance?
Specifically, popular finance programs include a BSC or MBA in finance in the United States and the United Kingdom. B.Com MCom in finance in Australia. BBA or MBA in finance in Canada, Germany, and Singapore, as well as Switzerland, Hong Kong, France, and the Netherlands.
Which country pays the most among the top countries to study finance abroad?
The United Kingdom, Canada, and Switzerland offer high-paying salaries to finance degree holders and are among the top countries to study finance abroad.
What are the highest-paying jobs in finance in the top countries to study finance?
The job titles of chief financial officer, chief compliance officer, economist portfolio manager, insurance advisor, financial analyst, tax, accountant, investment, banker, et cetera have the highest salary annually in the top countries to study finance.
Which is the best financial degree in the top countries to study finance abroad?
Accounting is the best degree to major in finance. Accounting is mandatory in all financial rules. So, a degree in accounting is helpful for getting a high-paying job in any company in the top countries to study finance.
Linette Shoji is a seasoned content writer specializing in guiding students through the complexities of applying to universities abroad. Her well-researched, clear, and practical articles break down intricate information into easy-to-understand advice. Linette’s work empowers students to make informed decisions, ensuring a smooth and successful journey to higher education.
