Top 10 Safest Countries for Women to Study Abroad

The safest countries in the world for women are based on multiple factors and rankings. International applicants applying for universities abroad, especially women, are usually sceptical about their safety and security. One solution is to find the safest countries for women to study abroad by checking out the country reviews, laws and rankings based on Global Peace rankings. 

A common conclusion can be drawn by female students willing to study abroad in the safest countries by considering several factors. The security of female students is very important for mental and emotional health, thus, they should always vouch for those countries where they are treated right. This article will highlight the safest countries for women to study abroad and also help applicants understand why these countries are safest for women to study and live in. 

Read: Top 10 Safest Cities in the World for Students in 2025-26

What is the Global Peace Index (GPI)? 

GPI is an index measuring the peacefulness of a given country based on 23 qualitative and quantitative measures. These include terrorism, crime, UN peacekeeping funding, political funding, army and police personnel, heavy weaponry, and other areas. Apart from these, there are three domains also of peacefulness which are considered and they are as follows:

• Ongoing domestic and international conflict
• Societal safety and security
• Militarisation 

These parameters help us understand how a given country ranks as the safest country for women, for living or studying. Since most female candidates also apply abroad, these parameters can be essential in choosing the right country for studying. 

How is GPI important for the safety of women studying abroad?

The Global Peace Index is an important factor to be considered by women aiming to study abroad because of the following reasons:

• To understand if violence is a prominent factor in the country of study abroad.
• The measures available for women’s safety are based on the availability of help promptly.
• If the environment is overall safe for studying and living abroad. 
• Also, if the country has a good safety and security system and strict laws, it can help women sustain in a peaceful environment. 

So, which is the safest country for women to study abroad? Let us look at the top 10 ranking universities based on the Global Peace Index for the year 2024 and discuss them in detail. Also understand why they rank among the safest country in the world for women to study abroad.

Top 10 Safest Countries for Women as per GPI 2024

So which is the safest country for women to study and live in? The following is a list of the top 10 safest countries in the world for women to study abroad based on GPI 2024.

Iceland - #1 (GPI 2024)

Ranked #1 based on GPI, Iceland is the safest country for women to study abroad. Iceland is known for its gender equality law, which was passed in the year 2000 and was again revamped in the year 2008. Iceland is one of the safest countries for women to study abroad. Thus, Iceland has maintained its #1 position for the past two years and is the safest country for women to study abroad. 

Ireland - #2 (GPI 2024)

Since Ireland is one of the most beautiful places to visit for tourism and master's courses at the University of Dublin, female students are set to find a safe haven. Each year thousands of female students are admitted to study across universities in Ireland, thus, it can be concluded that since Ireland ranks #2 based on GPI, it is safe for women students to study and live in Ireland. 

Austria - #3 (GPI 2024)

One of the top 5 ranking countries as per GPI rankings of 2024, Austria is known for its scenic beauty and tourism. Along with this, there are top-ranking universities like the University of Vienna where thousands of female students are admitted to study. Since Austria has ranked #3 as per GPI 2024 rankings, it can be concluded that it is a safe country for women to study and live in. International female students can consider studying in Austria because it is the safest country for women. 

New Zealand - #4 (GPI 2024)

Why is New Zealand one of the best countries in the world for women it ranks #4 based on the Global Peace Index. Secondly, the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 states that no individual can be discriminated against based on gender. Over 2.10 lakh female students annually enrol across New Zealand universities. Thus, it can be concluded that New Zealand is one of the safest countries for women to study abroad. 

Singapore - #5 (GPI 2024)

In a country like Singapore, there are quite stringent rules and laws, thus making it the safest country in the world for women to study. As per the Global Peace Index, Singapore ranks at #5, pointing to the fact that women international students are equally comfortable applying for admissions across Singaporean universities. Thus, Singapore is among the best countries for women to study based on its safety and security laws. Hence, Singapore also makes it into the safest country for women to study abroad. 

Switzerland - #6 (GPI 2024)

Switzerland also accounts for lower crime rates, stringent rules and good safety measures, which is the safest country in the world for women and also a peaceful country. This is why Switzerland ranks #6 on the Global Peace Index rankings of 2024, from #10th in 2023. One of the major tourism attractions and home to some leading universities, Switzerland welcomes various female students and travellers each year. Those considering studying across universities here for higher education can advance because it is also the safest country for women to study. 

Portugal - #7 (GPI 2024)

With the lowest crime rates, Portugal ranks at the top for its lowest crime rates in comparison to other European countries. Home to 20+ ranking universities, Portugal is one of the leading countries which are safest for women to study abroad. Based on GPI, Portugal ranks at #7, which further asserts the fact that Portugal is a safe country for women to live and study in. 

Denmark - #8 (GPI 2024)

Denmark is #8th on the Global Peace Index ranking of 2024, thus another set of safest countries for women to study abroad. Copenhagen the famous city of Denmark which also has the University of Copenhagen in its heart is said to have the lowest crime rates. Also, the employment sector has the highest rate of women employees. Thus, making Denmark one of the best countries for women to study and work in.

Slovenia - #9 (GPI 2024)

Another European country on the list of safe countries for women to study abroad is Slovenia. This country is known for its lowest crime rates in the world, which also gets this country on the list of GPI rankings for 2024. Thus, Slovenia can also be considered one of the safest countries abroad for studying, especially for women, because it ranks #9 per GPI 2024.

Malaysia - #10 (GPI 2024)

Malaysia enforces strict laws against sexual harassment and violence towards women, with government backing for women's rights across education, health, and welfare. A Safe School Concept ensures a secure environment, supported by guidelines for teachers and students. Generally peaceful, Malaysia is perceived as safe and fosters a welcoming atmosphere for diverse races and religions. Universities such as Monash University Malaysia prioritize safety and a positive learning environment, ensuring health and security.

Most countries that are considered the safest for women are European countries like Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, and Slovenia, which have been ranked as peaceful based on GPI. Hence, they are regarded as some of the safest countries in the world for women to receive an education abroad.

Other Safe Countries for Women to Study Abroad

Apart from the above-given countries ranked as per Global Peace Index 2023 rankings, there are a couple more safest country for women, and they are as follows: 

• Canada - #11 (GPI 2024)
• Czechia - #12 (GPI 2024) 
• Finland - #13 (GPI 2024)
• Hungary - #14 (GPI 2024)
• Croatia - #15 (GPI 2024)
• Belgium - #16 (GPI 2024)
• Japan - - #17 (GPI 2024)
• Netherlands - #18 (GPI 2024)
• Australia - #19 (GPI 2024)
• Germany - #20 (GPI 2024)

Thus, these are some of the safest countries for women in the world, which, with their strict laws and policies, have proved that they are safe for both studying and living. The safest country for women is an essential factor when applying to study abroad. Thus, if international female students are convinced that the destination they are choosing to study ranks as the safest country in the world for women, then they must go ahead with their decision to apply. 

Applicants who plan to apply abroad can consider the above-given countries as well for being safe for study for women. For admission-related queries, sign up for Shiksha Abroad Counselling. You can also write to us in the comments below.