Top 10 Safest Countries for Women to Study Abroad 2026 (Updated GPI Rankings)

The safest countries in the world for women are based on multiple factors and rankings. International women students applying for universities abroad are sceptical about their safety and security. One solution is to shortlist the safest countries for study by checking country reviews, laws and rankings based on Global Peace rankings 2026.

International applicants planning to study abroad, especially women, are usually cautious about their safety and security in a new country. One reliable way to shortlist the safest countries for women to study abroad is to look at country reviews, local laws, and global rankings such as the Global Peace Index (GPI).

The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) released the Global Peace Index 2026 in June 2026, its 20th edition, ranking 163 countries and territories on their overall peacefulness. We have also used the latest GPI 2026 findings to help female students identify top study abroad destinations that are consistently ranked as safe, stable, and welcoming for international women students.

There are many top countries to study abroad but safety parameters for female students are basic. The security of female students is 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. 

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 of peacefulness which are also 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. Most of the GPI-ranked countries are home to the best student cities as per QS. 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 themselves 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 2026 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 2026

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 2026.

Iceland - #1

Iceland retains its long-standing position as the world's most peaceful country, a rank it has now held for 19 consecutive years. The country is known for its strong gender equality laws, first passed in 2000 and revamped in 2008, along with very low crime rates and minimal ongoing conflict. This consistency makes Iceland one of the most dependable choices for women applying to study abroad.

New Zealand - #2

New Zealand climbed to the second position in GPI 2026 and remains the most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region. The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 prohibits discrimination based on gender, and the country is known for low violent crime. Plus its a welcoming country for international students. Over 2 lakh female students enrol across New Zealand universities each year.

Switzerland - #3

Switzerland remains a regular fixture in the global top three, supported by its long-standing political neutrality, low crime rates, and high quality of life. Home to Geneva, often referred to as a global "peace capital", Switzerland ranks strongly across the conflict and societal safety domains, making it a safe option for female students pursuing higher education.

Slovenia - #4

Slovenia has steadily climbed the GPI rankings and now sits at #4 in 2026 from #9 in 2025. Known for very low crime rates and a stable political environment, Slovenia is often considered a hidden gem in Europe. It is an increasingly popular, safe option for international female students looking beyond the more well-known European destinations.

Ireland - #5

Ireland continues to hold a place in the global top five, supported by low levels of militarisation and a stable political environment. Universities such as University College Dublin attract thousands of female students each year, and Ireland's consistent GPI ranking reinforces its reputation as a safe country for women to study and live in.

Austria - #6

Austria has remained among the most peaceful countries since the GPI began in 2008. Vienna, its capital and home to institutions like the University of Vienna, has previously been ranked one of the world's most liveable cities. Political stability and strong relations with neighbouring countries keep Austria firmly in the global top 10.

Portugal - #7

Portugal continues to record some of the lowest crime rates in Europe. With 20+ ranking Portuguese universities and a rising reputation among international students and expats alike, Portugal's GPI 2026 rank of #7 further confirms it as a safe country for women to live and study in.

Singapore - #8

Singapore remains the only city-state on the list and continues to be one of the safest destinations in the world, backed by strict laws and exceptionally low crime rates. It ranks in the top 10 globally for both societal safety and ongoing conflict domains, making it a strong choice for women pursuing education at Singaporean universities.

Finland - #9

Finland enters this year's top 10 update on the strength of high levels of trust, strong governance, and a robust social welfare system. It ranks second globally on the societal safety and security domain of the GPI, and is consistently rated one of the happiest countries in the world. This is an added advantage for international women students planning to study in Finland.

Japan - #10

Japan is new to the global top 10 in GPI 2026, climbing three places from the previous year. Low crime rates, strong political stability, and minimal domestic conflict make studying in Japan the safest. Japan is not just Asia's safest study destination for women, but also boasts a high standard of living and life expectancy.

Most of the countries considered safest for women continue to be concentrated in Western Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting a consistent pattern in the GPI over the years. These destinations combine strong safety records with well-established international student communities, making them dependable choices for women planning to study abroad.

Other Safe Countries for Women to Study Abroad

Apart from the above-given countries ranked as per the Global Peace Index 2026 rankings, there are a couple of other safest countries for women, and they are as follows:

• Denmark - #11
• Malaysia - #12
• Czechia - #13
• Canada - #14
• Hungary - #15
• Bhutan - #16
• Netherlands - #17
• Mauritius - #18
• Latvia - #19
• Australia - #20

Canada, ranked the most peaceful country in North and Central America. Also studying in Australia, a long-standing favourite for Indian students, both remain within the top 20 safest countries globally. Malaysia stands out in Asia for its strict laws against harassment and violence towards women, along with dedicated safety frameworks in its education sector.

Safety Tips for Women Planning to Study Abroad in 2026

A high GPI ranking is a strong starting point, but a few practical habits can further help women stay safe while studying and living abroad:

• Research your city, not just your country: National rankings are useful, but safety can vary between cities and even neighbourhoods. Check university-specific safety resources and student reviews for the exact city you're moving to. Aim for the safest cities in the world for studying abroad.
• Use official university support services: Most universities in top-ranked countries have dedicated international student offices, campus security, and 24/7 helplines. Register with these as soon as you arrive.
• Choose housing carefully: Prefer university-managed or verified accommodation close to campus, and confirm the safety record of the neighbourhood before signing a lease.
• Keep local emergency numbers handy: Save the local police, ambulance, and campus security numbers, along with your country's embassy or consulate contact details.
• Stay connected: Share your address and routine with a trusted contact back home, and consider location-sharing apps with close family or friends.
• Understand local laws and customs: Being aware of local laws around harassment, self-defence, and personal rights helps you know what protections are available if needed. Know safety tips to study abroad as international students.
• Buy comprehensive health and safety insurance: Many student visas require this, but it's worth checking that your policy also covers emergency evacuation and mental health support.

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.

Top 10 Safest Countries to Study for Women FAQs