When planning to study for an international degree, most prospective students immediately think of the US or the UK. However, a growing number of universities in Asia are investing heavily in English-taught degree programs, opening new academic doors for international students.
Academic institutions across Asia are attracting a global cohort of students, drawing talent from the Middle East, Russia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas to learn from faculty with extensive international education and research experience.
An increasing number of affordable, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs—including global MBAs, Masters of Science, and PhD research initiatives—now compete directly with the world's most prestigious universities in the West.
In 2015, as part of a global initiative to highlight the top 1,000 universities worldwide, Online Result compiled a ranking of the top five countries with the most English-taught courses, proving that the future of higher education is truly borderless.
Online Result integrated all English-taught programs from the institutions featured in the top 1,000 Webometrics university rankings to help students easily find and compare study abroad opportunities. Learn more about the study here.
Pursuing an English-taught degree in Asia is the perfect choice if you are dreaming of a world-class education combined with an unforgettable and unique cultural immersion.
Below is our curated list of countries and universities where you can earn a degree while discovering the diverse wonders of the Orient.
Discover the total number of English-taught degree courses available in each country, alongside the specific program offerings at the top-ranked universities in the region.
1. The People’s Republic of China
- 105 universities in top 1,000, offering 327 English-taught degrees, including 143 Bachelors and 184 Master’s programmes
Driven by China’s rapid economic growth, international firms are increasingly seeking graduates with exposure to the Chinese education system, particularly in business administration (MBA), technology, and scientific fields.
Popular study options in China:
2. Malaysia
- 6 universities in top 1,000, offering 239 English-taught degrees, including 142 Bachelors and 97 Master’s programmes
International students frequently choose Malaysia for its vibrant multicultural environment, rich cultural heritage, and relatively affordable cost of living and tuition fees.
3. Taiwan
- 31 universities in top 1,000, offering 216 English-taught degrees, including 51 Bachelors and 165 Master’s programmes
Universities in Taiwan are aggressively expanding their international outreach, supported by government-funded scholarships designed to attract top-tier global talent.
Popular study options in Taiwan:
4. Hong Kong (SAR)
- 6 universities in top 1,000, offering 196 English-taught degrees, including 108 Bachelors and 88 Master’s programmes
Universities in Hong Kong are renowned for fostering academic freedom and cross-border collaboration, resulting in a highly internationalized and competitive learning environment.
Popular study options in Hong Kong:
5. Japan
- 29 universities in top 1,000, offering 141 English-taught degrees, including 27 Bachelor's and 114 Master’s programmes
Japanese universities provide world-class expertise in scientific research, driving technological innovation and encouraging students to reach their full potential through creative, hands-on learning.
Popular study options in Japan:
Prepare for your academic journey by researching all available degree programs and study locations worldwide.
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