Deciding on where to pursue a master’s degree is a major choice that involves considering various factors, including the people, culture, career prospects, and how it would impact one’s overall happiness.
The World Happiness Report, released annually by the United Nations, is an analysis of data from the Gallup World Poll, which measures personal happiness using a ‘life evaluation’ score rated out of 10.
The report also takes into account the country’s GDP, social support, mental and physical health, individual autonomy, generosity, and corruption in government or business.
BusinessBecause conducted interviews with international master’s students to learn about their experiences studying in some of the world’s happiest countries, taking into account work-life balance, mental health support, and career opportunities.
- Finland:
- Ranked as the world’s happiest country for six consecutive years according to the World Happiness Report
- Renowned for its impressive education system that’s built on equality, with free education for Finnish, EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens
- Affordable fees for international students studying a master’s degree, such as Aalto University School of Business’ programs costing around $17k
- Thriving business landscape with a fast-growing startup ecosystem of over 4,000 businesses
- Denmark:
- Ranked second on the World Happiness Index
- High standard of living, with a strong social welfare system and excellent healthcare and education
- Affordable or free education for Danish, EU, or EEA citizens, and affordable fees for international students studying a master’s degree
- Many career opportunities in areas such as technology, engineering, and renewable energy
- Switzerland:
- Ranked third on the World Happiness Index
- High quality of life, with a strong economy, good healthcare, and excellent education system
- International students can expect to pay tuition fees, but the fees are still relatively affordable compared to other top study destinations
- Many career opportunities in areas such as banking and finance, hospitality, and technology
- Iceland:
- Ranked fourth on the World Happiness Index
- High quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and social welfare system
- Free education for Icelandic and EU/EEA citizens, and affordable fees for international students studying a master’s degree
- Many career opportunities in areas such as tourism, geothermal energy, and fisheries
- Netherlands:
- Ranked fifth on the World Happiness Index
- High quality of life, with a strong economy, excellent healthcare, and education system
- Affordable or free education for Dutch, EU, or EEA citizens, and relatively affordable fees for international students studying a master’s degree
- Many career opportunities in areas such as technology, finance, and logistics
