Published: January 27, 2024 | Reading Time: 5 minutes
Many aspirants dream about pursuing their higher studies abroad, but living expenses and high tuition fees can make it seem unachievable. Fortunately, there are many nations where you can get a quality education without putting a burden on your finances. Selecting the cheapest country to study abroad for Indian students can open doors to world-class opportunities and keep expenses manageable.
Here are the top 10 countries that are affordable for Indian students:
| Country | Average Fees (UG) in INR | Average Fees (Masters) in INR | Average Cost of Living (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | ₹30,000–₹70,000 | ₹2,00,000–₹4,00,000 | ₹8,00,000–₹12,00,000 |
| Malaysia | ₹6,50,000–₹9,00,000 | ₹6,50,000–₹10,00,000 | ₹5,00,000–₹9,00,000 |
| Czech Republic | ₹3,50,000–₹8,50,000 | ₹6,50,000–₹10,50,000 | ₹3,00,000–₹6,00,000 |
| Spain | ₹1,00,000–₹2,00,000 | ₹1,50,000–₹3,50,000 | ₹7,00,000–₹14,00,000 |
| Italy | ₹1,00,000–₹3,00,000 | ₹1,50,000–₹3,50,000 | ₹7,50,000–₹11,50,000 |
| France | ₹2,50,000–₹3,50,000 | ₹2,00,000–₹4,00,000 | ₹6,00,000–₹12,00,000 |
| Germany | ₹10,000–₹50,000 | ₹2,50,000–₹15,00,000 | ₹6,00,000–₹12,00,000 |
| Belgium | ₹3,50,000–₹5,00,000 | ₹6,00,000–₹8,00,000 | ₹7,00,000–₹15,00,000 |
| Denmark | ₹6,50,000–₹15,00,000 | ₹15,50,000–₹22,00,000 | ₹3,00,000–₹5,00,000 |
| Norway | ₹0 (Public Universities) | ₹0 (Public Universities) | ₹10,00,000–₹15,00,000 |
There are several reasons why these countries are attractive options for Indian students seeking affordable education:
In countries like Germany and Norway, public universities are funded by the government. Therefore they are able to offer tuition-free education for both local and international students. Similarly, the Czech Republic provides affordable programs, especially for courses taught in Czech.
Many countries actively support Indian and Asian students through scholarships and financial aid. For example:
Countries like Spain and Mexico charge nominal fees for their public universities. These affordable fees are designed to attract international students who are also looking for quality education.
To make it easy to apply for universities and for the transition process, many of these affordable countries have specific programs and offices that cater to Indian and Asian students. Germany's DAAD India office and Campus France India offer assistance with scholarships, visas, and university applications. Therefore, it is easier for Indian students to study abroad.
Picking the cheapest country to study abroad for Indian students is a life-changing decision. Studies abroad offer:
Find below the top affordable countries for Indian students:
Norway is identified as one of the cheapest universities abroad for Indian students who want to study abroad. This nation is recognized for its wide array of English language-based programs accessible across Norwegian universities, cultural diversity, and high quality of life.
Average Education Fees: ₹0 (Public Universities)
Top Universities with QS Rank:
Scholarships:
Germany is also the most sought-after country for Indian students due to their study-abroad destination. Germany offers free education to its international students and residents who want to study there.
Average Education Fees: ₹0–₹8,00,000
Top Universities with QS Rank:
Scholarships:
Besides its small population, Denmark is considered one of the most promising education destinations in the world for students. This is mainly because of the nation's strong emphasis on development and research, which makes it affordable to study in Denmark. Students can anticipate gaining exposure and practical knowledge by learning from industry leaders.
Average Education Fees: ₹8,00,000–₹15,00,000
Top Universities with QS Rank:
Scholarships:
The structure of higher studies in Mexico is equivalent to that of the US and Europe's universities. Mexico accommodates several of the best universities offering the cheapest MBA abroad for Indian students.
Average Education Fees: ₹1,00,000–₹3,00,000
Top Universities with QS Rank:
Scholarships:
A lot of Indian students prefer Malaysia to study abroad due to its reasonable cost of living. With a diverse culture, modern technology, and beautiful scenery, Malaysia provides a brilliant atmosphere in which to pursue higher education.
Average Education Fees: ₹6,50,000–₹9,50,000
Top Universities with QS Rank:
Scholarships:
Italy is also a dream destination for many students. This is due to its marvellous cuisine, rich heritage, cultural legacy, and countryside beauty. Also, it is the best destination for the cheapest MBA abroad for Indian students. Education in Italy provides affordable and world-class education to students around the world. Besides being the epicentre of international fashion and a famous holiday spot, Italy also accommodates the world's oldest functioning university, the University of Bologna.
Average Education Fees: ₹1,00,000–₹3,00,000
Top Universities with QS Rank:
Scholarships:
Spain receives thousands of foreign aspirants every year due to its top-notch education at a relatively low cost. Education in Spain profits students from some of the cheapest tuition fees in Europe. Also, Spain is one of the most reasonable destinations for studying abroad.
Average Education Fees: ₹1,00,000–₹3,00,000
Top Universities with QS Rank:
Scholarships:
Belgium is the official headquarters of the NATO and the EU. It is also the centre of Western Europe. It provides an exceptional cultural experience plus multilingual study prospects in languages like English, German, Dutch, and French. It is considered one of the best countries with cheap education for Indian students. A degree from a decent Belgian university will improve your chances of getting international job opportunities.
Average Education Fees: ₹4,00,000–₹7,00,000
Top Universities with QS Rank:
Scholarships:
The Czech Republic offers affordable education with high-quality programs for international students, especially in fields like engineering and medicine. It also has a low cost of living and a friendly atmosphere where international students can feel comfortable. The strong economy and growing job opportunities, especially in tech and manufacturing, provide excellent career prospects for all students.
Average Education Fees: ₹4,50,000–₹7,50,000
Top Universities with QS Rank:
Scholarships:
France is known for its world-class education system and numerous affordable public universities and prestigious institutions. It's also a main place in Europe for tech and manufacturing. The cost of living is manageable, especially outside Paris. France's strong economy, especially in industries like technology, business, and arts, offers students ample career opportunities after graduation.
Average Education Fees: ₹1,50,000–₹4,00,000
Top Universities with QS Rank:
Scholarships:
Follow these tips on saving money while studying abroad:
Each nation has its own visa necessities. However, the basic procedure includes:
Given below are some challenges that most students face while pursuing their studies abroad. Let's understand how you can solve these issues:
Selecting the right country is important for Indian students who want to study abroad without facing financial challenges. Countries like Norway, Malaysia, and Germany offer brilliant educational opportunities at an affordable cost compared to famous destinations like the UK or the USA. By doing thorough research, and knowing the costs involved, you can find many cheapest countries to study for Indian students and make informed decisions.
Norway is one of the cheapest countries for Indian students to study abroad. There are no tuition fees charged in public universities in Norway. This implies that you can get a quality education without spending a lot.
Countries like Sweden, Norway, Germany, and Austria provide free education to Indian students.
Germany offers low-cost or free education to international and national students. This makes Germany a famous destination for most Indian students.
Most nations permit their students to work part-time. However, specific rules and regulations may differ.
Many countries provide work permits to Indian graduates. They let Indian graduates gain work experience after study.
Countries like Germany, Norway, and Mexico are great for students with limited budgets. Germany and Norway offer free or low-cost education at public universities, even to international students. Mexico also provides affordable tuition and a low cost of living, making it a great option.
The amount of money needed to study abroad varies based on the country, university, and lifestyle. On average, students can expect to spend anywhere between ₹8 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs per year, including tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
To get a scholarship, you need to have strong academic scores and credentials. Then, start by researching available scholarships for your chosen country and program. Check university websites, government portals, and international organisations for funding options.
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