Easiest Countries to Get Into for International Students
A higher acceptance rate means a destination admits a larger share of applicants — useful if you want a realistic, lower-stress shortlist. But acceptance rate is a starting filter, not a verdict: it says nothing about whether a programme fits your field, budget or long-term plan. The table below ranks destinations by average acceptance rate straight from the Meridian dataset.
Ranked by acceptance rate
| # | Country | Acceptance rate | Monthly living cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 80% | €500–1000 |
| 2 | 🇵🇱 Poland | 80% | €500–1000 |
| 3 | 🇭🇺 Hungary | 78% | €500–1000 |
| 4 | 🇨🇿 Czechia | 75% | €600–1200 |
| 5 | 🇨🇦 Canada | 72% | €1200–2400 |
| 6 | 🇦🇷 Argentina | 70% | €300–700 |
| 7 | 🇱🇹 Lithuania | 70% | €450–800 |
| 8 | 🇲🇹 Malta | 70% | €600–1200 |
| 9 | 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 70% | €350–700 |
| 10 | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 70% | €1000–2000 |
| 11 | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 70% | €700–1400 |
| 12 | 🇷🇴 Romania | 70% | €400–800 |
See all 56 countries on Compare →
Sources: UK FCDO Travel Advice (GOV.UK), Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería, Frankfurter/ECB (USD/PLN), PL Immigration Authority, Frankfurter/ECB (USD/HUF), HU Immigration Authority, Frankfurter/ECB (USD/CZK), CZ Immigration Authority, Frankfurter/ECB (USD/CAD), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory + UK FCDO Travel Advice (GOV.UK), Dirección Nacional de Migraciones, Frankfurter/ECB (USD/EUR), LT Immigration Authority, MT Immigration Authority, MY Immigration Authority, Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), PT Immigration Authority, RO Immigration Authority.
Figures are indicative estimates from the Meridian dataset — not official guidance. Always confirm current requirements on the official source before you decide.
A high acceptance rate is a shortlist tool, not a goal
Admitting more applicants can reflect open capacity rather than low standards — and a selective destination may still be the better fit if it is strong in your field. Use acceptance rate to widen your options, then weigh each one on cost, work rights and programme quality.
Acceptance rate is an average across institutions, so individual programmes vary widely. Open each country page to see its full metrics and the sources behind them, and confirm course-level requirements on the official site.
Frequently asked questions
Which country is easiest to get into for international students?
On average acceptance rate, Costa Rica ranks highest among the pilot destinations. A higher rate widens your odds, but always check the requirements of the specific programme you want — averages hide a lot of variation.