Choosing the right country after PhD is very important for building a strong research career. The following regions highlight the best options, based on funding, universities, fellowships, salaries, and lifestyle..
United States & Canada
- United States: The USA leads the world in research, spending around $800-900 billion in recent years (2021-2022). With top universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, and funding programs such as NSF, NIH, and Fulbright, it attracts the best talent globally. While salaries are high and opportunities vast, the cost of living in cities is equally demanding.. Early career researchers therefore may not need previous contracted research experience to prove themselves as viable academics.
- Canada: Canada offers a balanced research environment with leading universities such as the University of Toronto and McGill. Support comes from agencies like NSERC and CIHR, and the immigration policies make it easier for international researchers to settle. The country also provides strong collaborations with US institutions while maintaining lower living costs.
Europe
- Switzerland: Ranked #1 in the Global Innovation Index 2024, Switzerland is home to ETH Zurich and EPFL, which rank among the top worldwide. Researchers enjoy high salaries, advanced facilities, and strong funding support, though the cost of living is one of the highest in Europe.
- Germany: With R&D spending around $150-175 billion in recent years, Germany supports global researchers through Max Planck and Fraunhofer Institutes. Fellowships like Humboldt make it attractive, and living costs are moderate compared to Switzerland, offering both quality of life and research excellence.
- United Kingdom: Home to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and UCL, the UK remains a global hub for academic excellence. Researchers benefit from fellowships such as Newton and Royal Society, and access to European Union’s Horizon programs ensures funding opportunities, despite Brexit challenges.
- Sweden & Nordic Countries: Sweden ranks #2 in global innovation and leads in work–life balance. Nordic nations focus heavily on sustainability, healthcare, and technology research, providing supportive policies, international collaborations, and high respect for academic researchers.
- France & Netherlands: These countries provide strong EU-funded opportunities and are known for their growing international research communities. Top universities and government-backed projects make them attractive, while living standards are good with strong cultural diversity..
Asia
- China: As the second-largest R&D spender with around $650-800 billion in recent years (2021-2022), China is rapidly advancing in AI, biotech, and renewable energy. Universities like Tsinghua and Peking attract global researchers, though the language and policy environment can be a challenge for outsiders.
- Japan: With R&D funding around $175-200 billion in recent years, Japan focuses strongly on engineering, robotics, and life sciences. Leading institutions such as the University of Tokyo and RIKEN provide advanced infrastructure, though researchers may face cultural and language adjustments.
- South Korea: Ranked #6 in global innovation, South Korea is home to KAIST and POSTECH, which specialize in advanced technology and electronics. The country has one of the highest researcher-to-population ratios, but the workload culture can be highly demanding.
- Singapore: Ranked #4 in the Global Innovation Index, Singapore offers world-class institutes such as A*STAR and NUS. Researchers benefit from high salaries, strong government support, and a safe, modern lifestyle, making it one of the most attractive hubs in Asia.
- Israel: Israel invests heavily in R&D relative to its GDP, creating one of the most vibrant innovation ecosystems. Known for its startup culture and strong ties to technology research, it provides researchers with opportunities for both academic and industry-driven projects.
Australia & New Zealand
- Australia: With universities such as ANU, Sydney, and Melbourne, Australia is strong in science, health, and environmental research. The government supports projects through ARC and NHMRC grants, and researchers also enjoy a high standard of living with multicultural exposure.
- New Zealand: Though smaller in scale, New Zealand actively promotes global research collaboration, particularly in agriculture, sustainability, and environmental sciences. The country offers a relaxed lifestyle, making it appealing for researchers seeking both career growth and quality of life.
Conclusion
The USA and Canada lead with strong funding, top institutions, and global opportunities. Europe offers diverse fellowships and recognition, while Asia is rising with China, Japan, and Singapore driving innovation. Australia and New Zealand balance good research prospects with great lifestyle. The best choice depends on your research field, funding needs, and personal lifestyle goals.
Source:
NSF Science & Engineering Indicators 2024