Philosophy is a discipline that seeks to answer fundamental questions. It explores reality, knowledge, existence, the mind, values, reasoning, and language.
If you’re looking to study philosophy, studying abroad can give you access to different intellectual traditions, languages, and university systems. Here are some of the top countries to consider for philosophy abroad, along with universities that are well known for the subject.
Top Countries to Study Philosophy
1. Germany
Germany is associated with many prominent philosophers, including Immanuel Kant, Karl Marx, and Friedrich Nietzsche, to name a few. If you’re looking to study the works of these thinkers or explore German intellectual traditions more broadly, Germany is a strong country to consider for philosophy.
As the home of influential philosophers, it’s not surprising that Germany has several well-ranked philosophy schools. These include the QS-ranked Humboldt University, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, and Goethe University Frankfurt, to name a few.
Take the case of Humboldt University, home to the Department of Philosophy. Students can study areas such as logic, theoretical philosophy, practical philosophy, the history of philosophy, ethics, political philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, ancient philosophy, and German idealism.
Even if you do not enroll in a full degree there, you may still be able to take philosophy courses through exchange opportunities. Humboldt’s Department of Philosophy provides Erasmus+ information for incoming students, and exchange students should check the university’s current guidance before applying.
2. United Kingdom
The UK remains one of the best-established destinations for philosophy, with several universities that rank highly in the subject. International students can consider institutions such as the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the University of St. Andrews.
Take the case of Oxford, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK. Its Faculty of Philosophy offers joint undergraduate courses in areas such as Classics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Physics, Psychology, Linguistics, Theology, and Politics and Economics. Oxford students can study subjects such as early modern philosophy, ethics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, philosophy of religion, philosophy of logic and language, philosophy of mathematics, philosophical logic, and practical ethics.
Many UK universities also list scholarship options for international students. Students can explore opportunities at UCL, the University of York, or even Oxford.
3. France
France is another European country with a strong philosophical history. From medieval scholastic thinker Peter Abelard to René Descartes, France has shaped several branches of philosophy.
These influences make France a strong study destination for many aspiring philosophers. French universities with philosophy offerings include Sorbonne University, Paris Sciences et Lettres University, and the University of Strasbourg, to name a few.
The best thing about studying in many French public university programs is the comparatively low tuition. For example, PSL’s Master’s degree in Philosophy lists 2025/2026 tuition at €254 per year, plus a €105 Student Life and Campus Fee, which is about $295 and $122 respectively using the European Central Bank’s May 22, 2026 euro-dollar reference rate.
4. China
If you’re looking to specialize in Chinese philosophy or Asian philosophy, China should be on your study list. It is home to major Chinese philosophical traditions, including Confucian, Daoist, Mohist, Legalist, and related schools of thought.
China is home to many reputable philosophy schools, including Fudan University, Peking University, and Renmin University of China.
At Peking, students can study philosophy, logic, philosophy of science, philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, and related fields. The university’s curriculum includes courses that connect philosophy with logic, science, mathematics, computer science, religion, and other areas.
Chinese tuition can be comparatively affordable at some universities. For example, Peking University lists humanities tuition for full-time international students at RMB 26,000 per year for undergraduate programs and RMB 29,000 per year for master’s programs, which is about $3,825 and $4,270 respectively based on late-May 2026 exchange rates. This helps make China an appealing option for students who want strong philosophy training at a lower cost than many other destinations.
5. United States of America
The United States is one of the favorite destinations for international students. It is home to several of the world’s highest-ranked universities for philosophy.
According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Philosophy, several of the globe’s leading philosophy departments are in the US. These include New York University (NYU), Rutgers University, and the University of Pittsburgh, to name a few.
At NYU, the Philosophy BA is a substantial program requiring at least 11 philosophy courses, or 44 credits. Students may also explore the interdisciplinary Language and Mind major, which draws from linguistics, psychology, and philosophy.
NYU also features a distinguished philosophy faculty, including David Chalmers.
Many scholarships are available in schools such as Colorado State University, Arizona State University, and the University of Utah.
6. Greece
Greece is widely known as the birthplace of philosophy, making it a meaningful destination for students interested in the roots of Western philosophical thought.
Here, students may choose from reputable Greek universities with philosophy-related offerings, such as the University of Crete and the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens. The University of Athens entered the QS 2026 subject rankings for Philosophy in the 201-225 band, and Greece’s leading universities also include Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUT), named after the famed Greek philosopher Aristotle.
AUT is home to the School of Philosophy & Education, which offers an undergraduate degree in Philosophy & Education, with a specialization in either area. It also offers MA programs and the possibility of doctoral study in philosophy or education.
7. Australia
Australia is another destination you should consider if you want to major in philosophy. Several Australian universities are recognized in philosophy rankings, including the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Sydney, while universities such as Macquarie University also offer philosophy-related study options.
Leading the charge is the ANU School of Philosophy, whose areas of strength include philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, moral and political philosophy, epistemology, logic and metaphysics, and Asian philosophy.
Apart from philosophy programs, ANU offers the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, a three-year, 144-unit undergraduate degree.
We hope this article on the best countries to study philosophy was informative and insightful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
