Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students

Posted by

Are you looking for the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students? Are you confused about what country you should pick? If you are, then this is an article you should read and bookmark!

Studying abroad can be an enriching experience for a young Indian, but the costs can be high for many. This is why, it’s good to know which are the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students.

Many countries offer high-quality education to Indian students who are on a budget.

Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students

Below is a list of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students:

Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students

Now let’s go into the details, shall we?

1. Germany

The top of our list of cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students is Germany. Germany is well-known for its reputable institutions of higher education and has a relatively lower cost of studying compared to other European countries.

Moreover, Germany embraces international students and has set up numerous policies to ensure that their stay in the country is pleasant. Berlin has some great universities for international students. Universities in Germany offer a wide variety of courses in English for those who do not know the German language.

However, students need to learn the language as this will be an added advantage to those looking for job opportunities in the country.

What is the cost of studying in Germany?

Most public universities in Germany offer free education to students, irrespective of their nationalities, making it one of the cheapest European countries to study.

However, the students are expected to pay an application fee and processing charges if any apply. Also, students who are looking to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany without having completed their undergraduate from the country will have to pay tuition fees.

The cost of living in Germany typically ranges from $10,000 to $12,000 (INR 797,430 – 956,916). The average cost of living in Germany excluding tuition fees includes the following;

  • Food – $200 (INR 15,950)
  • Transportation – $110 (INR 8,772)
  • Clothes – $50 (INR 4,000)
  • Internet and other related services – $40 (INR 3,200)
  • Study materials – $25 (INR 2,000)
  • Others – $75 (INR 6,000)

Top German Universities

Do you know that Germany is renowned for its world-class education system? There are a large number of universities that offer a range of programs across different subjects.

Some of the top universities in Germany include:

2. France

France is among the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students. It is also one of the most popular study destinations in Europe, this is because of its affordable universities and high standards of living.

Although France is considered to be an expensive country in general, it is popular among international students thanks to the comparatively lower tuition fees.

Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Grenoble, Montpellier, and Nice are popular cities among students. Paris has been consistently ranked as one of the best student cities in the world!

What is the cost of studying in France?

France is an affordable country when it comes to education but the standard of living is very high compared to other European countries. To cope with this, France provides financial support to international students in the form of scholarships and grants.

The average tuition fees at public universities for international students range from €2,500 to €4,000 (INR 2,03,875 to INR 3,26,200) a year.

However, there are autonomous universities that can set tuition fees of their choice. In private universities, the tuition fees differ as they could range from €3,000 to €10,000 (INR 2,44,764 to INR 8,15,880) annually.

The Cost of living varies depending on the city in France that you choose to study. In Paris, the cost of living could range from €1,200 to €1,800 (INR 97,889 – INR 1,46,834) a month while in Lyon, it could be between €800 – €1,000 (INR 65,259- INR 81,574) a month.

Top French Universities

France’s education system is constantly ranked as one of the best in Europe. French universities have high scores and feature regularly in the list of top universities in the world.

There are a lot of bachelor’s and master’s programs hosted by France’s universities and the English-language-based medium of instruction ensures that international students do not face communication challenges.

Some of the top universities in France are:

3. Mexico

The next country on our list of cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students is Mexico. Mexico is a unique country and its education system is widely popular due to its world-class quality that is easily affordable by those looking forward to studying abroad.

It is also one of the easiest countries to migrate to for international students.

Although Mexico is principally a Spanish-speaking country, English is also widely spoken, making it easy for international students to get around without difficulties.

Mexico does not only offer the best education, but it also offers cultural diversity.

What is the cost of studying in Mexico?

Mexico has the second-largest economy in Latin America, thus offering a high quality of life at considerably lower costs compared to its cash-rich northern counterpart.

Tuition fees at the public universities of Mexico begin at a moderate $400 annually. Additionally, students may require around $300 – $400 (INR 23,928 – INR 31,904) a month for their living expenses.

However, private universities fix their tuition fees, which could range from $3,000 – $6,000 (INR 239,283 – INR 478,566) a semester.

Below is the average living cost for students in Mexico:

  • Rent – $100 to $200 (INR 7,975 – INR 15,950)
  • Transportation – $50 (INR 4,000)
  • Utilities – $80 (INR 6,380)
  • Food – $150 to $200 (INR 11,962 – 15,950)
  • Other expenses – $250 (INR 19,938)

Top Mexican Universities

Several private and public universities in Mexico offer various programs across different fields. Universities in Mexico are also well known for their quality infrastructure and advanced technology that is made available to students.

There are over 14 Mexican universities featured on the QS rankings’ top universities list in 2019.

Some of the best universities in Mexico include the following:

4. Norway

Norway is among the cheapest universities to study abroad for Indian students.

Nordic countries, in general, are recognized for their quality of education which is easily accessible to those who are on a budget. However, Norway takes the credit since it offers free education to all, including international students, at its public universities!

Do you know that Norway is renowned for its high quality of life and its cultural diversity? Students from around the world come together to this country for that sole purpose.

With the high number of English language-based programs offered across Norwegian universities, the country has become a hotspot for global education.

What is the cost of studying in Norway?

Quality education in Norway is provided free of cost but the cost of living in Norway is really expensive. The cost of living in Norway could be between $12,000 to $17,000 (INR 956,826 to INR 1,355,503) annually.

Top Norwegian universities

Norwegian institutions have always been ranked amongst the top universities across the world. To be exact, four universities in Norway have been ranked among the top 500 global universities by QS rankings. Here are some of the most sought-after Norwegian universities,

5. Poland

The country Poland is most famous worldwide for its natural beauty. Some of the most beautiful places in the world include Krakow, Warsaw, the High Tatra Mountains, Poznan, and Kazimierz Dolny which are located in the country.

In general terms, Poland is a nature lover’s paradise. But natural beauty is not the only reason Poland is famous today! It brags of several world-class universities that offer the best programs for students globally.

What’s more? Poland offers a quality education at remarkably affordable prices making it one of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students as well as other students from other nationalities.

What is the cost of studying in Poland?

Poland is highly affordable for students, compared to other European Western countries. It is well-known for being an academic haven for international students.

This is because of its low cost of living, high quality of life, academic progress, stable economy, cultural opportunities, and cleanliness.

On average, international students who apply to undergraduate and postgraduate programs at public universities in Poland will spend between €2,000 to €6,000 (INR 1,63,162 to INR 4,89,358) on tuition fees. Meanwhile, the cost of living includes,

Student dormitories are available for as low as €100 (INR 8,158) a month.

Other facilities such as transportation, health insurance, internet, groceries, and miscellaneous expenses could range between €300 to €400 (INR 24,471 – INR 32,629) per month.

Top Polish universities

Poland has over 500 universities, of which the majority are private universities. These institutions are known for providing specialized technical education. Moreover, Poland ranks among the top universities in the world for computer science and medicine.

Some of the top universities in Poland include:

6. Denmark

The next country on our list of cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students is Denmark. Denmark is a very popular global education destination in the world, thanks to its high quality of education that is affordable.

There are several reasons international students choose Denmark, one of them is because of the large number of programs that are taught in the English language.

Denmark is renowned for its economic and gender equality, along with a very highly developed welfare system that is focused on taking care of all citizens.

It also has one of the highest GDPs and the lowest crime rates in the world. This is something that international students should consider when choosing a country for higher education.

What is the cost of studying in Denmark?

This country offers free education to those who are citizens, or are from the European Union, or if a non-EU parent is working in Denmark. However, international students can expect to pay a reduced fee between €6,000 to €16,000 (INR 4,87,167 – INR 12,99,112) annually, based on the program they chose.

Apart from the tuition fees, students will also have to pay for living expenses during their stay in Denmark.

This includes:

  • Accommodation – €250 to €500 (INR 20,291 – INR 40,583)
  • Food – €200 (INR 16,229)
  • Transportation – €30 to €40 (INR 2,434 – INR 3,245)
  • Additional expenses – €30 to €65 (INR 2,434 – INR 5,274)

Top Danish universities

Denmark has some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, with five of its universities featured in the top 500 global universities list that has been curated by QS rankings.

Universities in Denmark are well-known for providing ample opportunities for students to undertake research-related activities.

7. Argentina

The second-largest country in South America is Argentina. Argentina is quite popular as one of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students and other international students. The country has the pleasure of having a unique culture that is a blend of Italian and Spanish heritages.

What is the cost of studying in Argentina?

Argentina is a budget-friendly option for Indian students who are looking to study at prestigious international universities. The country also offers several scholarships for international students.

Tuition fees are cheap compared to other countries and what makes things better is that the country does not charge extra tuition fees for international students.

The cost of living for international students in Argentina ranges from $2,000 to $4,500 (INR 159,555 – INR 358,998).

This includes:

  • Accommodation – $300 to $450 (INR 23,934 – INR 35,901)
  • Transportation – $50 (INR 4,000)
  • Healthcare in Argentina is offered at no cost to its citizens and residents

Tuition fees in public universities range from $5,000 to $7,000 (INR 3,98,900 – INR 5,58,460). While in private universities, the tuition fees range from $5,000 to $15,000 (INR 3,98,900 – INR 11,96,700) annually.

Top Argentinian universities

Argentina has 39 public universities and a lot of private institutions that international students can choose to study from.

Five of these Argentinian universities have been featured among the top 500 universities list that has been curated by QS rankings.

Here are some of the most popular universities in Argentina;

8. Malaysia

Malaysia as a country is one of the most popular global education destinations in the world. Due to the rapid technological and business development of late, Malaysia is home to many immigrants from different backgrounds.

The economically stable and culturally diverse country of Malaysia has a robust education system that has been designed to cater to the needs of students from any nationality.

International students are attracted to the high quality of education, relative simplicity when it comes to applying for visas, easy immigration procedures, and of course affordable tuition.

This made it among the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students.

What is the cost of studying in Malaysia?

Malaysia is an affordable country for students due to its low living costs and high standards of living. Tuition fees in public universities range between €2000 to €4,500 (INR 161,944 – INR 364,374) a year. In private universities, the tuition fees can range from €1,500 to €9,500 (INR 121,458 – INR 769,234) per annum.

The cost of living for students on average ranges between €450 to €800 (INR 36,437 – INR 64,777) a month.

This includes:

  • Accommodation – €65 to €600 (INR 5,200 – INR 48,586) (this depends on whether the student chooses a student dorm or a flat)
  • Food – €200 to €350 (INR 16,195 – INR 28,342)
  • Transportation – €20 (INR 1,619)
  • Insurance – €70 to €180 (INR 5,668 – INR 14,575)
  • Other expenses – €30 to €70 (INR 2,429 – INR 5,668)

Top Malaysian Universities

9 Malaysian universities feature among the top 500 universities’ list that was curated by QS rankings in 2022. Additionally, Malaysia is known for its international partnerships where many foreign universities including Monash University, and the University of Nottingham have their offshore branches within the country.

Some of the best Malaysian universities include;

9. Taiwan

Taiwan is a very popular global destination for education in the Asian continent. Known for its multicultural nature, Taiwan is one of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students.

Although Taiwan is relatively affordable for students, it has an impressive array of world-class universities. This country has a rich and diverse population with extensive academic programs and research facilities.

Taiwan has a large number of places that students can visit. An efficient transportation system makes it easy for anyone to access different places.

Moreover, Taiwan’s foreigner-friendly approach encourages students across the world to choose this country for higher education.

What is the cost of studying in Taiwan?

Studying in Taiwan is economical, especially for an Indian student, due to the low cost of living.

The average tuition fees in private Taiwanese universities range between €1,400 to €4,120 (INR 1,27,647 – INR 3,59,000) per semester. The average tuition fees for public universities in Taiwan are between €670 to €12,000 (INR 54,142 – INR 9,69,708) per year.

A student might require about €700 (INR 48,485) for living expenses every month.

This includes:

  • Accommodation – €80 to €400 (INR 6,500 – INR 32,000) a month
  • Transportation – €2 to €20 (INR 160 – INR 1,600) a day
  • Food – €12 (INR 960) a day
  • Other expenses – €90 (INR 7,200) a month

Top Taiwanese Universities

Taiwan boasts over 40 universities that offer a wide variety of programs. 10 Taiwanese universities have been featured in the top 50 universities’ list curated by QS rankings.

Some of the most popular universities in Taiwan include:

10. Belgium

Belgium is the heart of western Europe. Brussels, which is the capital of Belgium, is considered to be the capital of the European Union.

As the diplomatic center of the European Union, Belgium is home to some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world and one of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students, especially in Europe.

Belgium is well-connected with the rest of Europe by rail, road, and air travel.

Due to its proximity to other European countries including France, the UK, and the Netherlands, international opportunities are easily available to every student studying at any Belgian university.

What is the cost of studying in Belgium?

The tuition fees in Belgium are relatively lower compared to that of countries like Germany, France, and the UK.

Students can expect to pay anywhere between €800 to €10,000 (INR 64,668 – INR 80,835) depending on the program and university that they have chosen.

  • The living costs in Belgium are usually between €700 to €950 (INR 56596 – INR 76809) a month. This generally includes,
  • Accommodation – €200 to €700 (INR 16,170 – INR 56,600) a month
  • Transportation – €50 to €75 (INR 4,000 – INR 6,000) a month
  • Food – €300 (INR 24,250) a month
  • Other expenses – €100 (8,100) a month

Top Belgian Universities

Belgian universities are world-renowned for their quality and their research-oriented structure. 7 Belgian universities have been featured in the top 500 universities’ list that has been curated by QS rankings. Some of the top Belgian universities include,

11. Switzerland

An escape into everything, studying in Switzerland will provide you with a magical experience. The country is famous for its research work, such as the CERN, Paul Scherrer Institute, Geneva International Peace Research Institute, etc. Consequently, 4 Swiss universities are also represented in the top 100 charts.

What is the cost of studying in Switzerland?

The average tuition fees at Swiss public universities cost €400 – €3500 (INR 36,383 – INR 318,352) per year. Private educational schools in Switzerland often demand higher tuition fees, which can reach as high as €43,000 (INR 3,911,186) annually in some situations, depending on the institution.

Depending on the college, students may be eligible for a reduction if they pay the complete tuition cost before beginning their study program.

  • The living costs in Switzerland are usually between €1,300 to €1,500  (INR 118,245 = INR 136,436) a month. This generally includes,
  • Accommodation – €600 to €700 (INR 54,574 – INR 63,670) a month
  • Transportation – €55 (INR 5,000) a month
  • Food – €400 (INR 36,383) a month
  • Other expenses – €250 to €330 (INR 22,739 – INR 30,000) a month

Top Swiss Universities

The top affordable universities in Switzerland are:

12. Italy

Italy is among the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students, not only for its stunning and picturesque locations but also due to the presence of a large number of high-quality academic institutions across the country that witness a competitive rush of students every academic year.

What is the cost of studying in Italy?

Your average fee per academic year is close to €2,000 (INR 181,915). And if you live in a student-friendly city, you might have to pay only €600 – €1,000 (INR 54,574 – INR 90,957) for monthly accommodations as accommodation costs in Italy vary widely depending on both the city you live in and the type of accommodation you opt for.

Top Italian Universities

The top affordable universities in this country are;

13. South Africa

If you have searched for the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students, then it is no surprise that South Africa should pop up in your search results.

South African universities have some of the cheapest accommodations as well as the cheapest programs in the world. And unless you plan on living in the top South African cities, then the cost of living and the cost of studying should be affordable for you.

What is the cost of studying in South Africa?

There are more than 20 public universities in South Africa, and tuition fees vary depending on their policy, the type and length of studies, the student’s nationality, and so on. Private universities in South Africa can be a little costly.

They calculate tuition fees differently: some have a certain amount for the entire study program, others use a ‘cost per credit’ system, and so on.

  • The living costs in South Africa are usually between ZAR 5,700 to ZAR 14,250  (INR 3,057 – INR 62,230) a month. This generally includes,
  • Accommodation – ZAR 2,850 to ZAR 4,750 (INR 12,447 – INR 20,745) a month
  • Transportation – ZAR 700 (INR 3,005) a month
  • Food – ZAR 2,850 (INR 12,447) a month
  • Other expenses – ZAR 1,330 (INR 5,800) a month

Top Universities in South Africa 

14. Spain

For a country that is recognized as being among the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students, Spain has a global reputation for offering top-notch education at fair tuition prices.

This Spanish country has an affordable cost of living that won’t dig into your pocket and is considered to be one of the lowest in Europe.

What is the cost of studying in Spain?

Tuition fees in Spain are among the lowest in Europe.

The tuition fees for the Bachelor program range from €750 to €2,500 (INR 68,135 – INR 227,119) per year, and tuition fees for the Master program are around €1,000 to €3,500 (INR 90,861 – INR 318,027) per year – making Spain a cheap destination for Indian students.

Private universities set their fees, which can be as high as €20,000 (INR 1,817,063) per year.

The cost of living in Spain varies by location, but in general, it is easy to live well in Spain on a student budget. Food is cheap and high quality and there are many affordable fashionable clothing shops.

However, it can be expensive to search for accommodation in large cities like Madrid and Barcelona but if you are on a very tight budget you can consider cheaper cities such as Valencia or Seville.

Public transport in Spain is efficient and cheap, so you will be able to experience everything the country has to offer no matter where you choose to base your studies.

Top Spanish Universities

15. New Zealand

New Zealand is among the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students, as students like you are known to migrate to this country for degrees in the Business discipline.

Other courses one can study here include Engineering, IT and Computing, Tourism, Hotel Management, and Visual Communications.

Studying at New Zealand cities like Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch, Napier-Hastings, and Wellington, gives you access to the top universities in the country.

What is the cost of studying in New Zealand?

  • The living costs in New Zealand are usually between €750 to €1,300  (INR 68,142 – INR 118,113) a month. This generally includes,
  • Accommodation – €500 to €1,200 (INR 12,447 – INR 20,745) a month
  • Transportation – €90 (INR 8,176) a month
  • Food –  €200 (INR 18,167) a month
  • Other expenses – ZAR 1,330 (INR 5,800) a month

Top Universities in New Zealand 

Conclusion

Studying in any part of the world does not need to be tasking financially as there are a lot of colleges that are affordable for international students.
All you need to do is select from any of the countries and the institution you feel has what you need in your career pursuit. Apply to the school of your choice and prepare the required documents for the process of your admission to be successful.
Share and Help us Reach out to Other Students

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *