Top 10 Affordable Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students

When planning to study in another country, checking finances becomes essential. International students often opt for the most affordable countries to study abroad. Indeed, many countries offer programmes with relatively affordable tuition fees. In this article, every aspect of the most affordable countries for Indian students to study in will be discussed. Some well-known countries, such as the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, have world-class universities recognised by esteemed ranking authorities like Times Higher Education, US News, and QS World University Rankings.

The measure of affordability is typically based on the ratio between the annual tuition fees and the cost of living in the country. Many top-ranking universities are found in countries known for providing education to international students at relatively lower costs. Continue reading this article to learn more about the tuition fees and living expenses in some of the world’s most popular study destinations.

Which is the Cheapest Country to Study Abroad

Students are advised to explore the most cheapest countries for Indian students to study, as mentioned below:

Norway

Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and is home to some of the best colleges and universities. Most importantly, the country does not charge tuition fees for international students, making it an ideal destination for Indian students and students globally.
Prospective students wishing to study in Norway can immerse themselves in an academic environment surrounded by breathtaking views. The estimated monthly living cost for one person is NOK 12,842.8 (INR 1,00,000). The average annual fees for Master’s programmes in Norway range from NOK 1,70,000 to NOK 2,40,000 (INR 13,00,000 to INR 19,00,000).

Germany

Second on the list is Germany, one of the cheapest countries to study in Europe. This nation boasts some of the world’s finest universities and, surprisingly, is one of the most affordable destinations for Indian students to pursue postgraduate programmes, given the high standard of education. Tuition-free undergraduate and doctoral programmes are available to both domestic and international students who wish to study at public universities in Germany. However, international students enrolling in a master’s programme in a different field from their first degree may be required to pay tuition fees.

The estimated living expenses for a single person in Germany are around €979 per month. The main costs for studying in Germany range from €26,000 (INR 2,350,000) for bachelor’s degree programmes to €40,000 (INR 3,600,000) for master’s degree programmes.

Switzerland

Switzerland has 12 universities and several research-focused institutions in the sciences. Of these, only ETH Zurich is ranked in the QS World University Rankings, occupying 7th place. Renowned for its fairytale landscapes, tranquil mountains, and clear lakes, Switzerland is also an affordable option among international study destinations.

The average monthly living cost for one individual is 1,478 Swiss Francs, which is indeed a cheapest option. The average tuition fees in Switzerland vary between CHF 388 and CHF 3,590 per year.

Denmark

Denmark is also one of the preferred study-abroad destinations for students from India pursuing an excellent educational experience in a thriving environment. It consists of quality education, school learning techniques, moral educational practices, and research-oriented institutions and universities. As for the living conditions in Denmark, it should be mentioned that the country is safe and has meager crime rates. This place has a very high standard of living, and the quality of the healthcare system is also very high there.

Belgium

Belgium carries the appeal of being at the center of Western Europe; it is home to the official headquarters of both EU and NATO; the country provides a cultural trip and instruction in French, Dutch, German, and English. To sum up, one can mention that graduating from a Belgian university increases your chances of finding an international job.

Rich in natural beauty and diverse culture, Belgium is strategically located so that all parts of Europe are accessible, especially since Paris, London, and Amsterdam are just two hours away. Although many of the courses are taught in Dutch or French, studying in Belgium is also translated into numerous master’s programs in English, which makes it a perfect option for international students.

Canada

The cost of living in the Great North is high, but the low tuition fees, post-study work visa opportunities, and quality of life make Canada an attractive option for international students. Canadian universities offer some of the best education worldwide, and the immigration process is much easier than in the US, UK, and most European countries.

Australia

New South Wales, on the east coast of Australia, is home to many of the country’s most renowned colleges and universities. Most top-tier institutions are located in cities such as Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth. The most common fields of study for Indian students in Australia include Accounting, MBA, Healthcare, Information Technology, and Hotel Management.

France

France is one of the most popular countries in Europe for studying abroad. Many universities offer affordable tuition, and the country boasts a high standard of living. Last year, around 10,000 Indian students chose to pursue higher education in France. Surprisingly, despite its high living costs, France remains a preferred destination for international students.

While living expenses can be high, tuition fees are relatively cheaper than those in other countries, making France an attractive option. Popular cities for students include Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Grenoble, Montpellier, and others. Paris has consistently been ranked as one of the best student cities in the world.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has a relatively affordable cost of living, approximately INR 4.39. Most of the top universities in the country are located in cities such as Wageningen, Groningen, Leiden, Maastricht, and Nijmegen. In addition to Space and Aviation, popular courses for Indian students in the Netherlands include Engineering, Business Studies, Art, History, Tourism, and Hotel Management.

Ireland

Ireland is one of the safest and most affordable countries in Europe for international students. Its top universities offer a high-quality education and excellent opportunities for students. Tuition fees for various degree programmes—whether undergraduate, postgraduate, or Master’s—are relatively low. Additionally, the cost of living in Ireland is also quite reasonable for international students.

Conclusion

Thus, selecting a study destination, university, and programme should align with your values, aspirations, and dreams. However, the budget should also be a critical factor. The UK, for instance, offers one-year Master’s degrees, which can help save money, while studying in the USA provides good employment opportunities and high wages. Furthermore, securing scholarships can make even these countries more affordable.

Germany, Taiwan, France, and Norway are among the more affordable options for Indian students. Scholarships can also help alleviate financial concerns. Therefore, it is important to consider factors such as safety, language, and employment opportunities before making a decision.