Education can help students carve out a better future for themselves, but studying abroad can sometimes come with a high price tag.

HSBC's latest research reveals that Australia is the most expensive destination for overseas students. The average total cost of university fees and living expenses in Australia can reach US$38,516 per year for international students.

The United States ranks second on the list, with an average annual cost of more than US$35,000, followed by the United Kingdom, with annual costs exceeding US$30,000.

Several Asian countries and regions are also featured on the list. The average expenditure of overseas students in China's Hong Kong is about US$22,000 per year, ranking 7th, next only to Singapore's US$24,248. Japan, the Chinese mainland and China's Taiwan rank 8th, 10th and 11th respectively.

The research analyzed publicly available data on higher education across 13 countries. The average tuition cost for international students is based on the top 10 largest institutions in each relevant country.

The following are the top 10 most expensive destinations for studying abroad [Company Registration].

Top 1: Australia

Annual tuition fees: US$25,375

Annual cost of living: US$13,140

Annual total: US$38,516

Top 2: United States

Annual tuition fees: US$25,226

Annual cost of living: US$10,479

Annual total: US$35,705

Top 3: United Kingdom

Annual tuition fees: US$19,291

Annual cost of living: US$11,034

Annual total: US$30,325

Top 4: United Arab Emirates

Annual tuition fees: US$21,371

Annual cost of living: US$6,004

Annual total: US$27,375

Top 5: Canada

Annual tuition fees: US$18,474

Annual cost of living: US$7,537

Annual total: US$26,011

Top 6: Singapore

Annual tuition fees: US$14,885

Annual cost of living: US$9,363

Annual total: US$24,248

Top 7: Hong Kong, China

Annual tuition fees: US$13,182

Annual cost of living: US$9,261

Annual total: US$22,443

Top 8: Japan

Annual tuition fees: US$6,522

Annual cost of living: US$12,642

Annual total: US$19,164

Top 9: Russia

Annual tuition fees: US$3,131

Annual cost of living: US$6,310

Annual total: US$9,441

Top 10: Chinese mainland

Annual tuition fees: US$3,983

Annual cost of living: US$4,783

Annual total: US$8,766