If you’re a female student considering studying abroad, you’ve definitely thought about safety. Will you be able to walk alone at night? How are women’s rights there? Is crime something you’ll have to constantly watch out for?
In this article, we round up the safest countries in the world for women, based on criteria like peace, crime rates, equal opportunities, and student experiences. You’ll also find reputable sources to help you assess a country’s safety, along with tips to stay safe.
Key takeaways
- There’s no single “safest” country, but Iceland, Finland, and Norway consistently lead in safety and gender equality.
- Trusted sources like the Global Peace Index and Women, Peace & Security Index measure crime rates, rights, and inclusion.
- Other top study destinations for women include Switzerland, Netherlands, Canada, and Australia, each offering strong protections and quality of life.
- Safety also depends on city, neighbourhood, and personal habits — connect with local women’s networks for insider tips.
- Always combine research with first-hand accounts to choose a destination where you’ll feel secure and supported.
How can you understand if a country is safe for women?
When we talk about safety for female students, we’re considering factors like crime, legal protections, culture, and support. To get a broad picture, check out these reputable global rankings and data sources:
Ranking | Focus | What it measures |
Global Peace Index | Overall safety and conflict | Levels of peace, crime rates, political instability, and safety across countries |
Women, Peace & Security Index | Women’s rights and security | Women's inclusion in society, access to justice, and protection from violence |
World Population Review gender equality data | Gender equality | Gaps between men and women in education, employment, leadership, and public life |
Besides these rankings, it’s worth researching country-specific details, such as crime statistics (especially gender-based violence), laws on harassment and discrimination, cultural attitudes towards women, dress codes, access to healthcare and support services, and police responsiveness.
Safest study abroad destinations for women based on studies
So which destinations truly stand out when it comes to women’s safety? While no place is perfect, some countries consistently perform well across multiple trusted measures — from overall peace to gender equality and everyday safety in public spaces.
The table below combines findings from the Global Peace Index, the Women, Peace & Security Index, and crime data from Numbeo and OECD Better Life Index, along with information on transport safety, cultural attitudes, and student support services. Together, these give you a fuller picture of how safe each destination might feel for female students:
Country | Peace & stability (GPI) | Gender equality (WPS Index) | Crime & harassment rates (Numbeo) | Legal protections for women | Public transport safety | Cultural openness | Student support services |
Iceland | Excellent | Excellent | Very low | Strong | Excellent | Very open | Good |
Finland | Excellent | Excellent | Very low | Strong | Excellent | Reserved but safe | Good |
Norway | Excellent | Excellent | Very low | Strong | Excellent | Reserved but safe | Good |
Switzerland | Excellent | High | Very low | Strong | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
Netherlands | High | High | Low | Strong | Excellent | Very open | Good |
Canada | High | High | Low | Strong | High | Very open | Very good |
Australia | High | High | Low | Strong | High | Very open | Very good |
Data sources:
- Global Peace Index (2024) – peace and stability rankings.
- Women, Peace & Security Index (2023) – gender equality and women’s inclusion.
- Numbeo Crime Index (2024) – reported crime and harassment levels.
- OECD Better Life Index – safety, quality of life, and institutional trust indicators.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these countries to see what makes them stand out for women’s safety, and what you can expect as a student there.
Iceland
- Key highlight: World-leading gender equality and safety for women.
- Pros: Exceptional gender rights, very low crime rates, safe to walk alone day or night.
- Cons: High living costs and long, dark winters may be challenging.
Iceland has held the number one spot in the Global Gender Gap Report for years, thanks to its strong female representation in politics, leadership positions, and the workforce. Female students will enjoy the progressiveness of the country, combined with beautiful landscapes, Northern Lights in winter, and the midnight sun in summer.
Finland
- Key highlight: Top rankings in safety, education, and equality.
- Pros: Strong legal protections for women, high trust in institutions, safe public spaces.
- Cons: Expensive living and cold, dark winters can be difficult to adapt to.
Finland ranks second in the Global Gender Gap Report, reflecting strong representation of women in politics, the workforce, education, and other sectors. On Reddit, several expats and travellers report feeling safe at night, no matter how late it is. Another highlight is Finland’s high-quality education system, known for its student-centred approach and flexibility.
Norway
- Key highlight: High trust in police and gender equality.
- Pros: Very low crime rates, safe transport, supportive social systems.
- Cons: High cost of living and reserved social culture.
Norway offers strong institutional trust, low crime rates, and gender equality. Its residents mention safety as a big plus, both in the countryside and in big cities like Oslo and Bergen. Like other Nordic countries, Norway is quite expensive, but as a student, you’ll get to benefit from several discounts.
Switzerland
- Key highlight: Safe, efficient public transport and low harassment rates.
- Pros: Low crime, political stability, high quality of life.
- Cons: Expensive housing and strict social rules.
Switzerland is a politically stable and well-organised country, which is a solid foundation for everyday safety. Public transport is very efficient and safe, so you can travel between cantons and back and forth to your campus. The country also ranks highly in healthcare access, personal freedom, and quality of life, with low crime rates and a strong respect for individual privacy.
Netherlands
- Key highlight: Safe, walkable, and cycle-friendly cities.
- Pros: Open-minded culture, strong protections for women, low violent crime rates.
- Cons: High housing costs and unpredictable weather.
If you want to cycle to school, live in walkable cities, and feel safe throughout, the Netherlands is a great place to study. Ranking high on the Women, Peace and Security Index, the country has low crime rates, an open-minded culture, and excellent infrastructure.
Canada
- Key highlight: Inclusive, multicultural society with strong protections for women.
- Pros: Low crime in most student cities, welcoming to international students, supportive services.
- Cons: Harsh winters and high tuition fees for international students.
Canada ranks highest on the Women, Peace and Security Index among all the North and South American countries. It’s known for its multicultural and inclusive culture, and welcomes thousands of international students every year. Just keep in mind that Canada is a very big country, and some cities may feel safer than others.
Australia
- Key highlight: High quality of life and women’s safety in major cities.
- Pros: Relaxed lifestyle, strong legal protections, safe public spaces.
- Cons: High cost of living and long distance from many other countries.
Combine a laid-back lifestyle, a sunny climate, and world-class universities, and you have Australia. Ranking highly on the Women, Peace and Security Index, Australia has some great student cities you can choose from, like the vibrant Melbourne or the cosmopolitan Sydney.
Safety tips for female students studying abroad
No matter how safe the country is, remember that you’ll always need common sense. That includes staying aware of your surroundings, securing your belongings, and following local advice. Here are some extra tips:
Know your rights and resources
Have some emergency phone numbers handy and learn how to report incidents. Many universities provide 24/7 helplines, campus security services, and emergency apps for students.
Trust your instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. Remove yourself from situations that don't feel right, whether it's a party, a date, or a meetup with friends.
Connect with other women
Look for international student groups or expat women groups on Facebook. You’ll pick up useful tips from those already living there, like which neighbourhoods feel safe and which ones to avoid at certain times.
Learn the basics of the local language
If you’re in a country where English isn’t the native language, learn basic phrases like “I need to find…,” “I need help,” and “Do you speak English?”
Final thoughts on choosing a safe study destination
Rankings help you get a clearer idea, but they don’t capture every personal experience. Safety can vary by city, neighbourhood, and even time of day. If you have some destinations in mind, do some research and try speaking with other female students who are already living there. You’ll also find lots of first-hand insights on subreddits, Facebook groups, and even YouTube videos.
Ready to explore your options? We have over 90,000 programmes listed on Mastersportal, including those listed as the safest places in this list.
FAQ
1. Which is the safest country in the world for women?
Iceland, Finland, and Norway consistently top safety and gender equality rankings.
2. Is Europe safe for female students?
Yes. Northern and Western European countries often top the safety rankings for women. Many other European countries also score above average in these rankings.
3. What should I consider as a woman choosing where to study abroad?
Look at crime rates, laws protecting women, university services, and student experiences from other women.
