The world is undergoing major changes because of climate change. Melting glaciers and ice sheets, rising sea levels, and increasing climate-related risks show that warming is putting ecosystems and communities at risk.
Studying environmental science can help us understand how humanity and nature can coexist more sustainably. If you are ready to create, research, and innovate in the name of sustainability, this article is for you. Below, we list some of the best countries to study environmental science.
Top Countries to Study Environmental Science
1. Denmark
Denmark remains one of Europe’s strongest destinations for environmental studies. Although it is no longer ranked number 1 in the latest Environmental Performance Index, it still ranks highly and is widely associated with green urban planning, renewable energy, and sustainable design. Denmark also remains one of the happiest countries in the world, making it an appealing destination for international students who want both academic quality and a strong living environment.
Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is recognized internationally as a leading university in the technical and natural sciences. DTU offers environmental engineering-related study options, including a two-year MSc in Environmental Engineering worth 120 ECTS credits. The program focuses on developing sustainable solutions to complex environmental issues while considering legal, social, financial, and resource-related factors. Paying non-EU/EEA students at DTU currently pay tuition of €7,500 per semester.
DTU is located near Copenhagen, a city known for ambitious climate planning. Copenhagen’s earlier 2025 carbon-neutrality goal is no longer the current target; the city now presents a climate strategy looking toward 2035.
2. Sweden
Sweden offers compelling opportunities for international students. A chance to see the Northern Lights in real life is one reason to go, but the bigger academic draw is Sweden’s long-standing focus on sustainability and environmental policy. Sweden is among the top-ranking countries in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index, and its universities give students opportunities to study environmental issues through science, policy, and interdisciplinary research.
Stockholm University and University of Gothenburg are among Sweden’s strong options for environmental studies. Stockholm University has a Department of Environmental Science whose work includes collaboration with public agencies and private organizations. The University of Gothenburg offers a two-year, full-time, English-taught MSc in Environmental Sciences. Tuition varies by program and student status; for example, the University of Gothenburg lists the full education cost for its 2026 Environmental Sciences master’s program at SEK 290,000 for students who are required to pay tuition.
3. South Africa
South Africa attracts international students with universities that have strong regional and global recognition. It also offers rich natural surroundings and a diverse society. South Africa now has 12 official languages, including South African Sign Language, giving students a chance to experience one of the world’s most multilingual academic environments.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is widely recognized as one of Africa’s leading universities and remains the highest-ranked African university in the QS World University Rankings 2027. UCT is also the oldest university in South Africa. Students interested in environmental and sustainability-related fields can explore programs across science, engineering, geography, and the built environment.
The University of the Witwatersrand is another strong option. Its Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies examines the relationship between people and the environment and uses case studies from South Africa and beyond to explore contemporary environmental problems, climate change, resource management, environmental justice, and sustainability.
4. Norway
Norway is an excellent destination for students who want to study the connections between energy, nature, and sustainability. It is an energy-rich country with abundant hydropower and a major oil and gas sector, which makes it a useful place to study both renewable energy development and the challenges of moving toward a low-emissions society. Students can also enjoy Norway’s mountains, fjords, forests, and high quality of life.
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is known for science and technology education and research. Its current strategic research areas include energy, health and life sciences, ocean and coast, societal security, and community. NTNU offers related programs such as Sustainable Energy and Sustainable Architecture, while the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) offers programs such as the two-year MSc in International Environmental Studies, which focuses on relationships between society and nature and environmental challenges at global, national, and local levels.
5. Spain
Spain is a culturally rich destination with a sunny climate, historic cities, and a large public university system. International students can benefit from relatively affordable tuition at public universities and can study in an environment where Spanish, Catalan, and other regional languages are part of daily life. Students should note that tuition is not generally free; public university fees vary by region, degree level, and student status.
The University of Barcelona and the University of Granada are among Spain’s well-known public universities. The University of Barcelona’s Faculty of Earth Sciences offers study options related to geology and geological and environmental engineering, and its master’s offerings include Science and Integrated Management of Water. The University of Granada offers an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science that uses an interdisciplinary approach to environmental problem-solving. Public university tuition in Spain is usually lower than in many other study destinations, with bachelor’s degrees commonly listed in the range of about €700 to €1,700 per academic year and master’s programs around €1,000 to €3,500, although non-EU students and some programs may pay higher rates.
6. Singapore
Singapore is often described as one of the world’s cleanest and greenest cities. It is a strong destination for environmentally conscious students because of its urban planning, high standard of living, and globally recognized universities. For students interested in sustainability in dense urban environments, Singapore offers a distinctive setting.
Singapore is fast-paced and technologically advanced. The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has strong research activity in science, engineering, and sustainability. In 2024, NTU and Alibaba Group launched the Alibaba-NTU Global e-Sustainability CorpLab to advance green digital technologies. Students will also appreciate NTU’s Asian School of the Environment, which focuses on geosciences, ecology, society, and Earth systems. The school offers programs such as Environmental Earth Systems Science and Environmental Earth Systems Science with Public Policy and Global Affairs. Students can build knowledge from natural sciences, social sciences, and policy to address sustainability and environmental problems.
The National University of Singapore also offers a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, a cross-disciplinary program designed to prepare students to work on complex environmental issues such as climate change, habitat and species conservation, alternative energy, water use, and livable high-density cities.
7. Brazil
Last on our list, but not least in what it offers, is Brazil. International students may be drawn to the country’s beaches, festivals, biodiversity, and public universities. Brazil can be especially appealing for students who want to study environmental issues in a country connected to the Amazon, tropical ecosystems, urban sustainability, and conservation.
What makes Brazil especially relevant for environmental science is the diversity of its geography. Brazil contains about 60% of the Amazon rainforest, and the wider Amazon region is home to hundreds of Indigenous and ethnic groups. This makes Brazil an important place to study biodiversity, conservation, climate, forests, and the relationship between communities and natural resources.
The University of São Paulo is one of Brazil’s best-known public universities. It is a public institution and does not charge enrollment fees or tuition. USP offers undergraduate courses in all areas of knowledge, and its undergraduate courses are free of charge and usually last from four to six years. Students should note that most USP activities are carried out in Portuguese, so language preparation is important for many programs.
We hope this article on the best countries to study environmental science was informative and insightful. If you are interested, make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
