Our planet is constantly changing. Earth Science is the study of the many processes our planet goes through, both natural and caused by human interaction. It has 4 main branches: geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. It seeks to understand and document past and present phenomena as well as predict and prepare for future ones. The study also aims to develop ways for us humans to utilize our planet’s limited resources sustainably.
If you are interested in getting a degree in Earth Science, have a more in-depth understanding of the changes in our planet, and help come up with solutions to our increasing environmental concerns, here’s a list of countries and their universities that provide excellent programs in Earth Sciences.
Best Countries to Study Earth Sciences Abroad
1. China
- Reason: cutting-edge research and technology, affordable tuition, and low cost of living.
China is one of the leading countries in earth and environmental sciences research, second only to the United States. The Chinese government allocates a huge amount of funding to scientific research and development, and studying in the country would give you access to the most advanced technologies and a front-row seat in learning from the best scientists and researchers in the world.
Tuition and cost of living are also more affordable in China. Several universities offer full scholarships to local and international students, and you will also be allowed to work part-time while enrolled.
Some Chinese universities that offer Earth Sciences programs are the University of Science and Technology of China, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, China University of Geosciences Wuhan, Dalian University of Technology, and Zhejiang University.
2. Switzerland
- Reason: advanced technology and high-quality education for cheaper tuition rates.
Switzerland is an excellent country to study earth sciences. Tuition fees in Swiss universities are comparatively cheap, yet are known for providing high-quality education which is why recent research shows that international students make up about 25% of the entire student population.
Earth sciences programs in Switzerland are research-driven and train students with innovative techniques in understanding the various phenomena in our planet’s atmosphere as well as addressing its problems.
Here are some universities that offer Earth Sciences in their curriculum: the University of Zurich, University of Geneva, University of Bern, ETH Zurich, and the University of Lausanne.
3. Australia
- Reason: cultural diversity, laid-back lifestyle, advanced technology, and practical learning.
This multicultural country is known for the beautiful natural landscapes and laid-back lifestyle of its people. Australia is one of the places where you can enjoy study-life balance and get close to nature even if you’re living in the city. Aussie universities also have a global reputation for providing world-class education and their contributions to scientific and environmental research.
If you enroll for an Earth Science course in one of the universities in Australia, you will not just gain advanced knowledge on scientific principles and processes and have access to the most sophisticated equipment. You will also acquire tons of experience and practical skills through industry-based projects.
Some of Australia’s top universities for studying Earth Sciences are Curtin University, University of Canberra, Monash University, Flinders University, University of Newcastle, and Macquarie University.
4. South Korea
- Reason: high-quality and value-based education.
You may have encountered the term “Hallyu” or the “Korean Wave” because of the increasing popularity of South Korean culture, cuisine, and entertainment. But, the quality of education provided in South Korean universities should not be overlooked. Several of the prestigious universities in the country make it to the top 100 universities in the world. Also, its universities have very strong earth sciences programs, which makes South Korea one of the best countries to study earth sciences in.
Earth Sciences programs in Korea aim not only to impart knowledge about the processes our planet goes through but also to instill values to their students to make society better and for them to use their learnings to propose alternative solutions to global problems.
Here are some of the known universities in South Korea that offer Earth Sciences: Seoul National University, Kyung Hee University, Yonsei University, Korea University, and Yong-In University.
5. Canada
- Reason: a safe environment, cultural diversity, and advanced technology.
More and more international students choose to pursue a degree in Canada because it is one of the easiest countries to apply for a student visa. The country is also known for its safe and peaceful environment, diverse and inclusive culture, and universities that are known worldwide for academic excellence.
The Canadian government provides a huge amount of support to research in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Students in Earth Science programs will have access to cutting-edge equipment and infrastructure and will be highly trained by experts in understanding the planet’s natural processes and coming up with ways to achieve sustainable development.
Some of the top universities you can enroll in for Earth Sciences are Vancouver Island University, University of Winnipeg, Lakehead University, University of Windsor, and Trent University.
6. Singapore
- Reason: superior education system and availability of scholarships and part-time work.
The importance of education is deeply ingrained in Singapore’s culture, which is one of the reasons why the country’s education system is superior. Education plays a vital role in this nation’s development which is why the Singaporean government constantly evaluates and improves the quality of education provided to students at all levels. The National Institute of Education trains teachers and assesses their performance to ensure the standard of learning they provide.
Tuition and living costs are a little higher in Singapore than in its neighboring countries in Asia, but there are several scholarships that you can apply for and you will be allowed to have a part-time job while studying. Taking an Earth Science course in one of the country’s universities would provide you with a broad and in-depth understanding of earth and environmental sciences, develop your analytical and problem-solving skills, and prepare you for a wide range of careers. Thus, Singapore is an excellent country to study earth sciences.
A couple of universities that offer undergraduate degrees for Earth Sciences are Nanyang Technological University and Republic Polytechnic.
7. Malaysia
- Reason: a safe environment, low cost of living, and world-class education.
Malaysia is recognized as one of the safest countries in the world, and the cost of living is comparatively low. Several universities in Malaysia partner with prestigious universities in the UK, US, and Australia in delivering world-class education; if you study in a Malaysian university, you will be receiving the same quality of education you will be getting if you study in one of these partner countries by partners more affordable cost.
Malaysian universities aim to produce Earth Sciences graduates that are not only proficient in science and technology, but also able to discern societal and environmental needs and use their knowledge and skills to address them.
Here are some of the best universities in Malaysia to study Earth Sciences: Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, INTI International University and Colleges, and Taylor’s University.
We hope this article on the best countries to study earth sciences was informative and insightful. To know more information on studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
