Cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students

Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but the cost of studying abroad for Indian students can often be daunting. However, there are several affordable countries to study for Indian students that offer quality education at significantly lower costs. In this article, we explore the top 10 cheapest countries to study abroad, along with the tuition fees, living expenses, and benefits each country offers.

1. Germany

Germany is widely recognized for offering quality education at a low cost, especially in public universities where many bachelor’s programs have no tuition fees. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to save on tuition without sacrificing educational standards.

• Estimated Cost: Bachelor’s tuition fees can range from INR 20L to INR 23L, and master’s fees from INR 35L to INR 37L, though public institutions often offer bachelor’s degrees with minimal fees.
  
  
• Cost of Living: Monthly living costs are approximately INR 60,000 to INR 80,000, with affordable student dorms and an efficient public transit system.
  
  
• Scholarships Available: Scholarships through DAAD and individual universities are available for international students.
  
  
• Job Prospects: With a strong industrial base, Germany offers excellent job opportunities in engineering, technology, and research. Students can work 20 hours per week and have good post-graduation work prospects.
  
  
• Best Suited For: Engineering, Automotive, and Research Programs
  
  
• Key Highlights: Tuition-free programs, strong industry connections, and a high standard of living.

2. Malaysia

Malaysia’s combination of low tuition fees and a low cost of living makes it very attractive to Indian students. With world-class programs in fields like business and hospitality, Malaysia also offers a multicultural experience.

• Estimated Cost: Bachelor’s fees range from INR 1.5L to INR 4L, with master’s fees around INR 4L to INR 9L annually.
  
  
• Cost of Living: Monthly expenses typically amount to INR 20,000 to INR 30,000.
  
  
• Scholarships Available: Malaysian Government Scholarships and university-specific grants are available.
  
  
• Job Prospects: Growing opportunities in finance, hospitality, and IT. Part-time work is allowed, with strong job prospects post-graduation.
  
  
• Best Suited For: Business and Hospitality Programs
  
  
• Key Highlights: Low cost of living, high-quality programs, and proximity to India.

3. France

France combines affordable education with cultural vibrancy. Many public universities charge low tuition fees, and students enjoy subsidized services like transportation and meals.

• Estimated Cost: Bachelor’s fees range from INR 2.5L to INR 8.5L, and master’s from INR 9L to INR 15L.
  
  
• Cost of Living: Living costs range from INR 60,000 to INR 90,000, though costs in smaller cities are lower.
  
  
• Scholarships Available: Scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence and Charpak Scholarship are popular with Indian students.
  
  
• Job Prospects: France is known for opportunities in business, arts, and fashion. Students can work part-time and pursue EU-based careers post-graduation.
  
  
• Best Suited For: Arts, Business, and Culinary Studies
  
  
• Key Highlights: Affordable education, rich cultural exposure, and strategic EU location.

4. Denmark

Denmark is known for its progressive education system and is a preferred choice for students in fields like environmental studies and engineering.

• Estimated Cost: Bachelor’s fees range from INR 5.5L to INR 14L, while master’s programs cost INR 9.5L to INR 20L.
  
  
• Cost of Living: Living expenses are around INR 80,000 to INR 1.2L monthly.
  
  
• Scholarships Available: The Danish Government Scholarship is available to select international students.
  
  
• Job Prospects: Strong job opportunities in sustainability, biotech, and engineering, with students allowed to work part-time.
  
  
• Best Suited For: Environmental Studies, Engineering, and Technology
  
  
• Key Highlights: Excellent quality of life, sustainability-focused programs, and EU access.

5. Norway

Norwegian public universities offer free education, making it one of the most affordable options. English is commonly used in academic settings, especially for master's programs.

• Estimated Cost: Bachelor’s tuition is generally low, around INR 6.3L to INR 9.1L, with master’s fees between INR 9.1L and INR 17L.
  
  
• Cost of Living: Higher monthly costs, estimated between INR 1L and INR 1.3L.
  
  
• Scholarships Available: Limited scholarships but affordable for eligible students.
  
  
• Job Prospects: Norway’s energy and engineering sectors offer good employment prospects.
  
  
• Best Suited For: Engineering, Environmental Science, and Natural Sciences
  
  
• Key Highlights: Free education in public universities and high-quality research opportunities.

6. Ireland

Ireland’s education system, particularly in IT and life sciences, is renowned globally, and many universities are research-oriented.

• Estimated Cost: Bachelor’s fees range from INR 6.3L to INR 10L, and master’s from INR 12L to INR 25L.
  
  
• Cost of Living: Monthly living expenses are approximately INR 80,000.
  
  
• Scholarships Available: Ireland offers scholarships like the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship.
  
  
• Job Prospects: Booming technology and pharmaceutical industries offer great post-study work opportunities.
  
  
• Best Suited For: IT, Pharmaceutical, and Business Programs
  
  
• Key Highlights: Excellent research institutions and strong tech sector.

7. Canada

Canada’s top-notch education, welcoming environment, and ample job opportunities make it one of the most popular choices for Indian students.

• Estimated Cost: Bachelor’s fees range from INR 6.5L to INR 16.5L, with master’s fees from INR 10L to INR 30L.
  
  
• Cost of Living: Living costs range from INR 70,000 to INR 1L per month.
  
  
• Scholarships Available: Scholarships include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and university-specific awards.
  
  
• Job Prospects: Strong job prospects in IT, healthcare, and business with a post-graduation work permit.
  
  
• Best Suited For: Technology, Business, and Healthcare Programs
  
  
• Key Highlights: Strong post-study work options and multicultural society.

8. Sweden

Sweden offers affordable education with a focus on research and innovation, ideal for students pursuing technical or environmental fields.

• Estimated Cost: Bachelor’s fees are about INR 7.2L to INR 13.5L, while master’s programs cost around INR 12L to INR 24L.
  
  
• Cost of Living: Monthly living costs are roughly INR 80,000.
  
  
• Scholarships Available: The Swedish Institute Scholarship and university scholarships are available for international students.
  
  
• Job Prospects: Sweden’s tech and green energy sectors provide good job opportunities.
  
  
• Best Suited For: Engineering, Technology, and Environmental Studies
  
  
• Key Highlights: Research-focused programs and innovative education.

9. New Zealand

New Zealand is known for its friendly environment and quality education, particularly strong in agriculture, business, and healthcare.

• Estimated Cost: Bachelor’s fees range from INR 7.8L to INR 9.3L, with master’s from INR 11L to INR 15L.
  
  
• Cost of Living: Monthly expenses are about INR 80,000 to INR 1L.
  
  
• Scholarships Available: New Zealand Excellence Awards and university scholarships are available.
  
  
• Job Prospects: High demand in healthcare, agriculture, and engineering fields.
  
  
• Best Suited For: Agriculture, Healthcare, and Business Programs
  
  
• Key Highlights: Scenic environment, research opportunities, and a welcoming society.

10. Australia

Australia offers a variety of courses, strong post-study work options, and a high quality of life, especially in larger cities with a significant Indian student community.

• Estimated Cost: Bachelor’s fees range from INR 9.5L to INR 23L, with master’s from INR 13L to INR 25L.
  
  
• Cost of Living: Average monthly expenses are around INR 1L.
  
  
• Scholarships Available: Scholarships include the Australia Awards and university-based aid.
  
  
• Job Prospects: High demand in IT, healthcare, and engineering, with students eligible for post-study work permits.
  
  
• Best Suited For: Healthcare, Engineering, and IT Programs
  
  
• Key Highlights: Strong job market, multicultural community, and top-ranked universities.

Here is a table that helps you to find budget-friendly options for studying abroad while highlighting each country's typical tuition range for undergraduate and graduate programs. These countries represent some of the most affordable destinations, with well-regarded universities in Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Affordable Country

1. Tuition Fees and Scholarships: Look for universities offering scholarships or financial aid to international students. Platforms like Shiksha and Leap Scholar provide comprehensive information on this.
   
   
2. Cost of Living: Living expenses vary widely; for instance, Germany and Norway may have low tuition but higher living costs, while countries like Malaysia and Argentina are affordable overall.
   
   
3. Work Opportunities: Countries like Germany, Malaysia, and Poland allow part-time work for international students, which can help in managing expenses.
   
   
4. Quality of Education and Recognition: Choose countries that offer globally recognized degrees, especially if you’re looking at fields like medicine, engineering, or business.

Conclusion

For Indian students, pursuing studies abroad is achievable even on a budget. By choosing affordable countries to study for Indian students like Germany, Poland, Ukraine, and Malaysia, students can attain quality education without a heavy financial burden. Many countries offer low-cost study options abroad with work opportunities, scholarships, and the chance to gain international exposure. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest country for MBBS for Indian students or an affordable MBA abroad for Indian students, researching each option thoroughly will help you make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

A. Popular courses include engineering (mechanical, automotive, electrical), computer science, business and management, natural sciences, and architecture.

A. Indian students often choose IT and data science, pharmaceutical sciences, business, finance, and hospitality in Ireland.

A. Top cities include Berlin (Germany), Dublin (Ireland), Melbourne (Australia), Toronto (Canada), and Auckland (New Zealand).