비영어권 국가 영어유학 트렌드: 2025 학비부터 취업, 생활비까지 한눈에

Complete Analysis of English Study Abroad Trends in Non-English Speaking Countries in 2025

In addition to English-speaking countries, many non-English-speaking countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Finland, are rapidly expanding their degree programs taught in English, making them attractive study abroad destinations for students from all over the world. In addition to traditional English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, these non-English-speaking countries are now changing the landscape of the global study abroad market by offering high-quality education, reasonable costs, and international job opportunities after graduation.

In particular, unlike traditional study abroad destinations with high tuition and living expenses, non-English speaking countries offer quality education at relatively low costs and implement various support policies to help international students make wise choices with employment and immigration opportunities in mind after graduation. Students do not simply look for a school with a high reputation, but also seek out a real return on their investment.(Return on Investment, ROI)The trend of strategic study abroad that thoroughly examines costs, living environment, employment possibilities, visa policies, etc. is spreading.

Due to the complex interaction of various factors such as global economic uncertainty, changes in government policies to support overseas study, and the popularization of non-face-to-face classes and online learning following the COVID-19 pandemic, the phenomenon of low-cost, high-efficiency, non-English speaking English study abroad destinations rapidly emerging is expected to continue. In future study abroad preparation and planning, it has become more important than ever to go beyond simply choosing a school and find a country and program that are optimized for your long-term career and life plan.

In this article, we will carefully analyze the tuition, living expenses, educational environment, employment, and visa policies of representative non-English speaking English study abroad destinations to help you make wiser decisions about studying abroad.

index

1. Why is studying English abroad in non-native English speaking countries gaining attention?
2. Major non-English speaking countries offering English classes
3. Factors to consider when choosing a country
4. Comparison with English-speaking countries
5. Conclusion and Strategy Proposals

1. Why is studying English abroad in non-native English speaking countries gaining attention?

Previously, when it came to studying abroad in English, traditional English-speaking countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia were the main destinations. However, due to rising tuition, visa restrictions, and high living expenses, alternative study abroad destinations are emerging. The alternative is “Study abroad to pursue a degree in English in a non-English speaking country”no see.

Most of these countries have the following advantages:

Expanding Bachelor's and Master's Programs Offered in English
Easy international career expansion based in Europe or Asia
Tuition and living expenses are 30~70% cheaper than English-speaking countries
Flexibility in employment and residence visa policies for international students

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2. Major non-English speaking countries offering English classes

germany

Germany offers English-taught courses in a variety of fields, especially master’s degrees. Engineering, data science, and business have a high percentage of international students. Most public universities offer free or very low tuition fees, and students are given an 18-month residency and work permit after graduation.

school expenses: Most public universities offer free tuition, with only some administrative fees.
Cost of living: Around €850 per month on average, but costs can be higher in larger cities.
merit:
- World-class education and research environment
- A variety of English language lecture programs
- 18 months of work visa after graduation
disadvantage:
- German may be needed in everyday life
- Housing costs can be high in popular cities

Netherlands

The Netherlands has the highest percentage of English-speaking courses among non-English speaking countries in Europe. It offers a one-year job-seeking visa after studying abroad, and can then be converted to a work visa. English is widely used throughout society, so there are no inconveniences in living.

school expenses: Non-EU students: around €6,000 to €15,000 per year.
Cost of living: Average monthly salary: €1,000 to €1,500.
merit:
- A variety of degree programs offered in English
- International environment and culture
- Provides one year of employment exploration visa after graduation
disadvantage:
- In some cities, housing costs are high and it is difficult to find accommodation.
- Cost of living may be relatively high

Sweden

Sweden specializes in creative and practical majors such as sustainability, ICT, and design. Most master's programs are offered in English, and students have one year to look for a job after graduation. The employment rate is also high due to active industry-academia collaboration with global companies.

school expenses: Annually for non-EU students $9,000~$17,000 (Master's program focused, varies by school and major)
Cost of living: month $900~$1,200 (Based on major cities such as Stockholm)

merit:

Most Master's programs are offered in English
A strong country in practical and innovative fields such as sustainability, ICT, and design
Global company (Ericsson, H&M, IKEA, etc.) and active industry-academia cooperation → many employment opportunities after graduation
After graduation, the maximum 1 year job seeking visa possible
Progressive socio-cultural environment and high quality of life

disadvantage:

Tuition and living expenses are high in Europe
Aside from the competitive scholarships, there is a huge financial burden.
There are climate factors that are difficult to adapt to, such as lack of sunlight in winter.

Czechia

Some of the public universities in the heart of Prague offer a wide range of courses in English, including medicine, engineering, and business. The low tuition fees and high mobility within the European Union (EU) region are also a big advantage.

school expenses: Bachelor's and Master's degrees taught in English cost approximately €3,000 to €10,000 per year.
Cost of living: At an average of €500 to €800 per month, it is relatively inexpensive within Europe.
merit:
- Active international student community centered around Prague
- As a Schengen country, travel freely in Europe
- Low cost public health care and public transportation
disadvantage:
- English programs are limited and some professors have varying levels of English teaching skills.
- You don't need to know Czech, but it's necessary in real life.

Finland

Finland is a country of educational innovation, with a variety of English-language programs centered on master's degrees. A two-year work visa is available after graduation, and family members are often allowed to accompany students. However, there is a need to adapt to the cold climate typical of Northern Europe.

school expenses: Non-EU students: €4,000+ per year.
Cost of living: Average monthly salary: €700 to €1,200.
merit:
- Innovative education system
- Nature friendly environment
- Provides a two-year employment exploration visa after graduation
disadvantage:
- Long and dark winter weather
- English may be limited in some areas

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malaysia

Malaysia is one of the countries in Southeast Asia with the largest number of English-language universities. Branches of British, Australian, and Irish universities are operated, and the quality of the classes is also high. The cost of living and tuition fees are very low, making it a study abroad destination with little financial burden.

school expenses: Approximately $4,000 to $6,000 per year for an English bachelor's degree program.
Cost of living: It is very cheap, averaging around $400 to $700 per month.
merit:
- Most universities offer classes in English.
- Partnership with prestigious universities in the UK and Australia (twinning program, campus operation)
- Multicultural environment and warm climate
disadvantage:
- Some universities rank low in QS rankings
- Educational facilities and infrastructure vary by region.

thailand

Emerging as a low-cost English study abroad destination. Offering English classes centered on international studies. Warm climate and multicultural environment are its advantages.

school expenses: Approximately $3,000 to $6,000 per year for English courses.
Cost of living: Very cheap, at around $300~$600 per month.
merit:
- There are many international universities, and some American/Australian universities operate overseas campuses.
- Warm climate and low cost of living
- Expanding international departments teaching in English
disadvantage:
- The quality of English language lectures varies greatly from university to university.
- Finding a local job after graduation is not easy

Hong Kong

English is the official language. Strength in finance and management. There are many global universities, and there are many internship opportunities, but the cost of living is high.

school expenses: Annually $10,000~$18,000, which is high in Asia.
Cost of living: Monthly salary of $800 to $1,500 (including housing costs).
merit:
- World-renowned universities (Hong Kong University, Chinese University, etc.)
- English is used at the common language level
- Abundant internship opportunities in finance and trade
disadvantage:
- High cost structure, especially housing costs
- Recent political issues have led to a slight decline in the preference for international students.

Singapore

Singapore is an educational hub in Asia where English is the official language, and has strong connections to world-class universities and employment prospects.
High living costs and restrictions on residency after graduation are drawbacks, but it is an attractive option for students looking to expand their global careers.
NUS, NTU The academic standards of top universities are high and they offer the rare opportunity to study in English in a multicultural environment.

school expenses: Annual $10,000~$25,000
(National universities are cheaper when government subsidies are included, but private universities or foreign university branch campuses are more expensive)
Cost of living: month $800~$1,500 (Including accommodation, meals, and transportation, may vary depending on individual style)

merit:

English is the official languageInterest class language → Best place to study English among non-English speaking countries
NUS, NTU, SMU The world's top 100 universities are concentrated here.
As Asia’s finance, IT, and bio hub Lots of job and internship opportunities
Global corporate headquarters are concentrated, so career expansion is high after graduation
comparative Stable visa policyand excellent public security and high quality of life

disadvantage:

In the case of private universities and foreign university branch campuses Sometimes the ROI is low compared to the tuition fee.
Cost of living and housing are higher than the Asian average
Issuance of residence visas after graduation is limitedand need a job offer
Competition is fierce and academic intensity is high

china

Expanding English language programs for international students. Plenty of internship and training opportunities in economic hubs. Abundant scholarships.

school expenses: Annual tuition fee is $3,000~$8,000 for English courses.
Cost of living: There are differences by city, but it is around $400 to $800 per month.
merit:
- A growing number of international degree programs offered in English
- Government Scholarship(Chinese Government Scholarship) various
- Plenty of internship opportunities in economic hubs (Shanghai, Beijing, etc.)
disadvantage:
- The quality of English classes varies.
- Limited employment and residence permits after graduation

Philippines

PhilippinesIt is one of the countries that uses English as a second official language, and is in the English study abroad market. Affordable and practical short-term intensive English courseIt is very famous. However, it is not well known as a place to study for regular degree programs compared to other countries.

school expenses

Language training: $500~$1,000 per month
Regular university degree program: $2,000~$5,000 per year (varies by university/major)

Cost of living

$300~$600 per month
In most cases, meals and accommodations are included in the tuition, making it easy to predict costs.

merit

English intensive education centered on one-on-one classes: Improve your conversation skills quickly
Low total cost of study abroad: Tuition and living expenses are both the lowest in Southeast Asia
Simple visa issuance and stay procedures: Local extension possible after tourist visa
Close proximity to Korea: Easy to return home and respond to emergencies
TESDA Vocational training programs are also popular.

disadvantage

Low global recognition of regular universities: Few universities entered QS World University Rankings
Weak global employment connectivity after graduation: Lack of immigration links
Security concerns exist in some areas: Special attention is needed in the southern region
Differences in living environment: Sanitation, transportation, and infrastructure levels may be lower than in Western countries.

3. Factors to consider when choosing a country

When considering studying abroad in a non-English speaking country, you should check the following factors:

item	Checkpoint
Degree Course Language	Whether or not there is an official English program (stated on the university website)
Allowing employment after graduation	Post-study work visa, extension of stay conditions
Tuition and living expenses	Scholarships, affordable public universities
Visa Policy	Whether you can work, whether you can bring your family
International recognition of degrees	Validity of degree when seeking employment in another country after graduation

4. Comparison with English-speaking countries

The key differences between studying abroad in English-speaking countries (such as the US, UK, and Canada) and non-English-speaking countries are as follows:

Cost side: Tuition and living expenses average 30~60% cheaper
Visa Flexibility: The scope of employment after graduation varies, but the downside is that there are differences by country.
Language environment: English available on campus, but local language required in daily life
Expand your career: Easy entry for multinational companies based in Europe/Asia

5. Conclusion and Strategy Proposals

Studying English abroad in a non-English speaking country is not just a “cheap alternative.” It is a strategic option that can help you design a global employment and flexible career path. It also fits well with the trend of valuing actual results over the name of a prestigious university, especially in an era where ROI (return on investment) is emphasized.

How to approach strategically?

Choose a country and university that fits your major and career goals
Check the post-graduation employment visa policy
Also check the conditions for admission without IELTS/TOEFL
Actively research whether scholarship support is available

Beyond simply “studying abroad in English,” we have reached a point where we can design an international career. After 2025, more students will lead the new era of studying abroad in English in non-English speaking countries.

Which country is right for you?

ranking	nation	Tuition (USD/year)	Living expenses (monthly)	English class quality	Employment after graduation	Visa Flexibility	Overall Review
1	Netherlands	7,000~15,000	1,200	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	Good ROI and excellent study abroad + employment linkage
2	germany	0~500	900	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	Best for highly educated people, low tuition
3	Finland	4,500~10,000	1,000	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	Recommended for those with a preference for natural environment and technology
4	Sweden	3,000~6,000	800~1,000	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	Innovative major, good job opportunities after graduation
5	Hong Kong	10,000~18,000	1,200	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	Strengths in finance and business
6	Singapore	10,000~20,000	1,200	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	Central Asia, many multinational companies
7	Czechia	3,000~7,000	600	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	Low-cost study abroad in Europe, great cultural experience
8	malaysia	4,000~6,000	500	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆	Low cost of living, increasing English education
9	thailand	3,000~6,000	400	★★☆☆☆	★☆☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆	Suitable for low-cost, short-term language training
10	china	3,000~8,000	700	★★☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆	Lots of scholarships but few English classes
11	Philippines	2,000~5,000	300~600	★★★★☆	★☆☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	Low cost, best English intensive training

Final Summary

Not only English-speaking countries, but also non-English-speaking countries are becoming increasingly popular as English study abroad destinations. Each country has different tuition fees, living expenses, quality of English classes, employment possibilities after graduation, and visa policies, so it is important to choose a country that suits the students' circumstances and goals.

The Netherlands and Germany are great for highly educated students and those who value ROI (return on investment) because of their low tuition fees and stable employment and immigration support. Finland and Sweden are gaining attention for their environment where you can experience both nature and technology, and their creative majors. Hong Kong and Singapore are business hubs in Asia, offering international networks and job opportunities.

Czech Republic, Malaysia, Thailand, China and the Philippines are good alternatives for students looking for study abroad destinations that focus on practical learning through relatively low-cost English language courses. The Philippines is particularly popular for its English intensive courses and low cost of living.

Ultimately, choosing a study abroad destination should be decided by comprehensively considering one’s budget, major, employment goals, and long-term immigration plans. Keep in mind that gathering sufficient information and setting realistic goals are the keys to a successful study abroad and planning a future career.