Cheapest Country to Study Abroad for Indian Students

 Here are the top 10 countries that are affordable for Indian students: 

There are a few reasons why cheap countries for Indian students are an attractive option:

Government-Funded 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.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many countries actively support Indian and Asian students through scholarships and financial aid. For example:

• France: Offers the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and the Charpak Scholarship for Indian students.
• Italy: Features the "Invest Your Talent in Italy" program aimed at applicants from India and Asia.
• Malaysia: Provides the Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) for students from developing countries, including India.

 AffordableTuition Fees

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.

Dedicated Support for Indian and Asian Students

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 – 

• Cost-effective living expenses: From inexpensive food choices to reasonable housing, these nations aid students in saving money on their daily expenses.
• Low tuition fees: Several universities in these countries offer programs that cost considerably less than institutions in the UK or the US. 
• Travel and visa costs:
• Financial support and scholarships: Most affordable countries provide generous scholarship programs, particularly for international candidates. 
• Opportunities for internships and work experiences: Countries with developing economies are great places to find valuable internships and work experience. 
• Safety and Security: It’s crucial to stay in safe neighbourhoods so students can get through their study time without incidents. Staying close to campus is worth spending more and staying safe.
• Currency Exchange Rate: Picking countries with lower exchange rates can save a lot of money. 

Find below the top affordable countries for Indian students-

1. Norway

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:

1. University of Oslo - 113

2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) - 352

3. University of Bergen - 194 

Scholarships:

1. Erasmus+

2. NORAM Scholarships

2. Germany

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:

1. Technical University of Munich (TUM) - 49

2. Heidelberg University - 62

3. LMU Munich - 64

Scholarships:

1. DAAD Scholarships

2. Deutschlandstipendium

3. Erasmus+

3. Denmark

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:

1. University of Copenhagen - 82

2. Aarhus University - 161

3. Technical University of Denmark - 115  

Scholarships:

1. Danish Government Scholarship

2. Erasmus+

3. Nordplus Scholarships

‍

4. Mexico

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:

1. National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) - 93

2. Monterrey Institute of Technology - 170

3. Universidad Panamericana - 651-700   

Scholarships:

1. Mexican Government Scholarships

2. FUNED Scholarships

5. Malaysia

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:

1. Universiti Malaya - 65

2. Universiti Putra Malaysia - 143

3. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - 159  

Scholarships:

1. Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS)

2. Khazanah Global Scholarship

6. Italy

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:

1. Politecnico di Milano - 123

2. University of Bologna - 154

3. Sapienza University of Rome - 171       

Scholarships:

1. Italian Government Scholarships

2. Invest Your Talent in Italy

3. EDISU Piemonte Scholarships

7. Spain

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:

1. University of Barcelona - 178

2. Autonomous University of Madrid - 215

3. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona - 209 

Scholarships:

1. Spanish Government Scholarships

2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

3. UAB Barcelona Scholarships

8. Belgium

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:

1. KU Leuven - 42

2. Ghent University - 87

3. Université Catholique de Louvain - 212 

Scholarships:

1. VLIR-UOS Scholarships

2. Erasmus Mundus

3. Master Mind Scholarships

9. Czech Republic      

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:

1. Charles University - 248

2. Czech Technical University - 378

3. Masaryk University - 551-600    

Scholarships:

1. Visegrad Scholarship

2. Erasmus Mundus

3. Czech Government Scholarship

10. France

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:

1. Université PSL - 24

2. Sorbonne University - 59

3. Institut Polytechnique de Paris - 48       

Scholarships:

1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

2. Charpak Scholarship

3. Emile Boutmy Scholarship

Follow these tips on saving money while studying abroad - 

• Apply for scholarships: Do proper research and apply for partial or fully funded scholarships. Countries such as France, Germany, and Malaysia have scholarships designed specifically for international students. You can make use of one or more to save expenses.
• Select cheap accommodations: You can save money by seeking accommodation in university dorms or shared apartments, or homestays. Compare the costs of living in different neighbourhoods and prioritise locations with good access to public transport.  
• Cook at home: Cooking food by yourself can help you save a lot of money. Look for local grocery stores or farmers’ markets to buy fresh and affordable ingredients. Batch cooking or meal prepping can further cut costs.
• Use student discounts: Exploit student discounts on supplies, entertainment, and travel. Always carry your student ID card and look for special offers or deals for students. Apps and websites often list student-friendly discounts available in your area.
• Work part-time: Several nations permit foreign students to work while studying. This can be a great way to earn extra income for your daily expenses. 
• Use Public Transportation: Save money by using public transport instead of taxis or rideshares. In many countries, students can get discounted travel passes which makes commuting affordable.

Each nation has its own visa necessities. However, the basic procedure includes - 

1. Valid passport: You should have an updated and valid passport.
2. Offer letter from a university: This document helps you get admission to a reputed institution.
3. Proof of financial stability: You must showcase that you can bear your living and tuition expenses.
4. Health insurance: Get health insurance. It should be valid in your chosen country.
5. Language proficiency tests: Submit TOEFL/IELTS marks. 

Given below are some challenges that most students face while pursuing their studies abroad. Let’s understand how you can solve these issues - 

• Language Barriers: You can easily overcome this challenge by using translation apps. You can also learn the local language so that you can easily navigate your daily life in a foreign country. 
• Homesickness: Leaving the family and friends to shift to a new country is a difficult experience. But you can overcome this situation by staying engaged in your daily activities. Be positive about embracing new environments. 
• Financial Limitations: Plan your budget and stick to it. Try to use every possible student discount. It can be your entertainment, travel passes or anything else. This will help you save money.
• Cultural Adjustment: Get new experiences and try to learn about the local traditions of the country to simplify your transition.

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.

1. Which is the cheapest nation for Indian students to get higher education abroad?

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. 

2. Which nation provides free education for Indian students?

Countries like Sweden, Norway, Germany, and Austria provide free education to Indian students. 

3. Which European nation has the most Indian students?

Germany offers low-cost or free education to international and national students. This makes Germany a famous destination for most Indian students.

4. Which nations permit students to work while pursuing their studies?

Most nations permit their students to work part-time. However, specific rules and regulations may differ. 

5. Can Indian students receive work permits after graduation?

Many countries provide work permits to Indian graduates. They let Indian graduates gain work experience after study.

6. Which country is best for studies for poor students?

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.

7. How much money is needed to study abroad?

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. 

8. How to get a scholarship to study abroad?

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.