A degree in criminal justice can be useful in any society today. With it, you can learn about law enforcement, fair justice systems, and corrections. Besides pursuing a career in these fields, you can also contribute positively to society. You can help support justice and transform lives for the better.
Becoming an international student can also teach you valuable skills and life experiences relevant to this field. So, make sure to check out the best countries to study criminal justice abroad.
Top Countries to Study Criminal Justice
1. Japan
Japan is known for public safety and strong rule-of-law performance. In the 2025 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Japan ranked 15th overall out of 143 countries and 7th globally for criminal justice. Considering these factors, you may want to learn how the country implements its laws, public safety policies, and justice practices. As such, it makes sense to choose Japan as one of the best countries to study criminal justice.
There are several universities here that provide quality education for aspiring professionals in law, legal studies, criminology, and related fields. Some of these are University of Tokyo, Keio University, University of Tsukuba, Kyushu University, and Waseda University.
Japan is also known for its quality of life and longevity. Recent World Bank data lists Japan’s life expectancy at birth at 84 years. Students can benefit from efficient transportation, healthcare access, and generally safe cities, although living costs vary by city and lifestyle. Students should check current university and living-cost estimates before applying.
Of course, the Japanese language and culture are two other reasons why Japan is a favorite destination among international students. Although there are courses here taught in English, English is less widely used outside international programs and major urban settings, so learning basic Japanese can make daily life and study easier. That should also help you get more out of Japan’s culture.
2. Norway
Norway is another excellent country if you wish to study criminal justice. You can learn about a justice system in a country that performs strongly in international rule-of-law measures. In the 2025 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Norway ranked 2nd out of 143 countries, behind Denmark.
Studying in Norway also means experiencing a student-centered academic culture. Norwegian higher education is known for high academic standards, innovative teaching methods, and close, informal relations between students and lecturers. This environment can support discussion-based learning in criminal justice, law, and related social science fields.
Some of the top universities in Norway are University of Oslo, University of Bergen, and University of Stavanger.
Beyond the academic reasons, you’ll find that Norway is also a great place to stay. You can explore its natural spots and witness stunning sights, such as fjords, the northern lights, and the midnight sun.
3. Mexico
Mexico underwent important constitutional reforms in 2008 that moved its criminal procedure toward an adversarial, accusatory model. The transition period ended in June 2016. Studying criminal justice here means you can examine how large-scale reforms affect courts, prosecution, policing, victim protections, and defendants’ rights. This is a unique opportunity for those looking to delve into research work and interdisciplinary studies.
On a more practical side, studying in Mexico can be highly affordable for international students. Average higher education costs are often around US$5,000 per year, but public undergraduate tuition can be much lower and private university tuition can be much higher. In other words, US$5,000 may cover tuition at some institutions, but students should budget separately for living costs and check each university’s current fees.
Despite that, the lower cost does not put your education at stake. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Law and Legal Studies, two Mexican universities were ranked:
With Mexico’s budget-friendly lifestyle, you can also explore the country and let your eyes feast on its world heritage sites. UNESCO lists 36 World Heritage inscriptions in Mexico, including Chichén Itzá, an ancient Maya city, and Teotihuacan, a pre-Columbian city northeast of Mexico City.
4. China
China makes it to the list of the best countries to study criminal justice. There are many universities here that can expose students to different legal traditions, governance contexts, and rule-of-law debates. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Law and Legal Studies, Peking University ranked 28th and Tsinghua University ranked 29th, with several other mainland Chinese universities also appearing in the ranking.
Besides the globally competitive top universities in China, you’ll also get to immerse yourself in its culture, starting with authentic Chinese cuisine. The “eight great cuisines” tradition commonly includes Cantonese, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Hunan, Anhui, and Shandong cuisines. Even picky eaters can find something to satisfy their palates.
Studying here can feel like a vacation as you enjoy Chinese food and visit beautiful sights. Academic calendars vary by university, but Chinese universities commonly have summer and winter breaks, including a winter break around Chinese New Year. This can give you time to travel and experience Chinese holidays, such as the Dragon Boat Festival and Chinese New Year.
5. Denmark
Denmark is another excellent choice when it comes to studying criminal justice. The academic system here focuses not only on classroom instruction but also on research. Danish universities offer research-based Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and strong options to explore include University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and Roskilde University.
Another reason to choose Denmark for your criminal justice degree is its justice system. When it comes to upholding the rule of law, the country placed first in the 2025 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index.
One of the strengths of Denmark’s justice system is its low level of corruption. In the 2025 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Denmark ranked first globally for absence of corruption and first for criminal justice. It makes sense that international students would want to learn from that system.
As you stay in Denmark, you’ll find that students can enjoy an active social life. Danish universities often have campus spaces such as cafes, libraries, meeting places, and social activities. Student associations, clubs, campus events, and informal gatherings can help international and local students mingle in a less formal setting.
We hope this article on the best countries to study criminal justice was informative and insightful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
