Top 10 Affordable Countries to Study for Indian Students

One of the most significant expenses when studying abroad is tuition fees. These costs can vary greatly depending on the country, university, and program level. However, there are several countries where international students, including Indians, can access affordable education. Here are the top 10 cheapest countries for Indian students to study abroad, covering both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, based on average tuition fees.

Top 10 Cheapest Countries for Indian Students to Study Abroad

Studying abroad opens up a world of opportunities, offering students the chance to experience new cultures while obtaining a global education. For Indian students, cost is often a primary concern when choosing a destination for higher studies. Thankfully, many countries around the world provide high-quality education at budget-friendly rates, allowing students to pursue their dreams without financial strain. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 cheapest countries for Indian students to study abroad, highlighting their average tuition fees and other important factors like cost of living and job opportunities.

Whether you’re seeking affordable undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programs, this guide features cheap foreign universities for Indian students that offer quality education at lower costs.

Want to Study Abroad: Check These Countries

Study in UK	Study in USA
Study in Netherlands	Study in New Zealand

Average Tuition Fees for Bachelor’s Degree

Here are the average tuition fees for bachelor’s programs in the top 10 cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students, offering quality education at pocket-friendly rates.

Country	Average Tuition Fees for Bachelors (per year)
Malaysia	INR 1.5L – 4L
France	INR 2.5L – 8.5L
Denmark	INR 5.5L – 14L
Norway	INR 6.3L – 9.1L
Ireland	INR 6.3L –  10L
Canada	INR 6.5L – 16.5L
Sweden	INR 7.2L – 13.5L
New Zealand	INR 7.8L – 9.3L
Australia	INR 9.5L – 23L
Germany	INR 20L – 23L

Average Tuition Fees for Masters Degree

Postgraduate degrees often come with higher tuition costs, but these top 10 cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students provide excellent opportunities for Master’s programs.

Country	Average Tuition Fees for Masters (per year)
Malaysia	INR 4L – INR 9L
France	INR 9L – 15L
Norway	INR 9.1L –  17L
Denmark	INR 9.5L – 20L
Ireland	INR 12L – 25L
New Zealand	INR 11L –  15L
Canada	INR 10L – 30L
Sweden	INR 12L – 24L
Australia	INR 13L – 25L
Germany	INR 35L – 37L

Average Tuition Fees for Doctorate Degree

Doctoral programs are typically more expensive, but these cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students offer competitive tuition fees for international PhD students. Germany offers low or no tuition fees in public universities, whereas private institutions charge tuition fees, making it an attractive option for affordable doctoral studies abroad.

Country	Average Tuition Fees for Doctorate (per year)
Germany	INR 8,900 – 28,930
France	INR 36,004.89
Australia	INR 1.80L – 117L
Malaysia	INR 3L – 6L
Ireland	INR 3L – 5L
Denmark	INR 6L – 7L
Norway	INR 6L – 17L
New Zealand	INR 3L – INR 46.72L
Canada	INR 18L – INR 30L

List of Top 10 Cheapest Countries for Study-Abroad Dreams

Studying abroad can be costly, but several countries offer affordable tuition and quality education. Here’s a list of some of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students, each providing unique growth opportunities.

Study in Malaysia

Malaysia is a top study destination, hosting over 2 lakh international students annually. It is one of the cheapest countries for Indian students to study abroad, with numerous international universities offering English-taught programs.

Read On: Your Handy Guide to Malaysia Student Visa

Top Cheapest Public Universities in Malaysia

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)	INR 2.18L-5.2L	INR 3.2L – 3.9L
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)	INR 3.97L – 4.6L	INR 1.5L – 7.25L

Top Cheapest Private Universities in Malaysia

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
Asia Pacific University of Technology (APU)	INR 3.95L – 6.24L	INR 7.56L
Taylor’s University	INR 6.66L – 16.99L	INR 6.63L – 14.38L

Cost of Living in Malaysia

Living costs in Malaysia are pretty affordable, with monthly expenses typically ranging from INR 36,000 to INR 64,000. This budget covers accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Malaysia

Malaysia offers several scholarships to Indian students, including:

• Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP)
• Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
• Khazanah Global Scholarship
• Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN), MOHE

Job Opportunities in Malaysia

Malaysia’s job market is vibrant, with strong demand in the Information Technology sector for roles like software developers and data analysts. Additionally, opportunities are growing in finance and healthcare, making it an attractive destination for job seekers.

Study in France

France is a sought-after study destination in Europe, known for its affordable universities and high quality of life. Last year, approximately 10,000 Indian students chose to study there. While it has a reputation for being expensive, tuition fees are relatively low, making it popular among international students. 

Read On: MBA in France 2024

Also Explore: International students in France: Education Prospects

Top Cheapest Public Universities in France

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
University of Strasbourg	INR 2.5L	INR 3.85L – 4.2L
Ecole Polytechnique	INR 17.53L	INR 5.59L – 22.4L

Top Cheapest Private Universities in France

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
INSEEC Business School	INR 8.07L – 11.52L	INR 9L – 11.1L
NEOMA Business School	INR 11.75L	INR 14.92L – 22.85L

Cost of Living in France

The cost of living in France varies by city; in Paris, it ranges from INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000 per month, while in Lyon, it is between INR 70,000 and INR 90,000 per month.

Scholarships to Study in France 

France offers several scholarships to assist students financially, including:

• École Normale Supérieure Master’s Degree Scholarship
• Emile Boutmy Scholarship
• Eiffel Scholarship

For more details about scholarships in France, you can go through our article top 10 scholarships in France.

Job Opportunities in France

France offers diverse job opportunities in sectors such as fashion, film, and law, bolstered by numerous multinational companies. With robust university career support, graduates can easily transition into the workforce, enhancing their career prospects.

Study in Norway

Norway is renowned for its high quality of life and stunning natural beauty. Public universities in Norway offer education to international students at low tuition fees, while private universities charge higher tuition. Some programs at public universities may require a minimal cost, which is still lower than many Indian universities. 

Top Cheapest Public Universities in Norway

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
University of Oslo	INR 1.7L-2L	INR 7.98 L – 21.56 L
University of Bergen	INR 10L	INR 14.64 L – 29.17 L

Top Cheapest Private Universities in Norway

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
BI Norwegian Business School	INR 8.3L-9.23L	INR 10L-11L
Norwegian School of Life Science	INR 6L	INR 9.77L

Read On: Top 7 Universities in Norway

Don’t Miss This: Master’s Program in Norway for International Students

Cost of Living in Norway

The cost of living in Norway is relatively high, averaging between INR 80,000 to INR 90,000 per month. This includes expenses for rent, food, transportation, utilities, clothing, and other miscellaneous costs.

Scholarships to Study in Norway

Norway provides various scholarships to help students financially, including:

• NTNU Scholarship
• SCAR Fellowships in Antarctic Research
• BI Presidential Scholarship

Job Opportunities in Norway

Norway has a low unemployment rate, with a high demand for skilled workers in fishing, hydropower, and tourism. The focus on innovation and sustainability also creates emerging opportunities in renewable energy and environmental sciences.

Study in Denmark

Denmark is a favoured choice for Indian students seeking quality education in a safe and convivial environment. It is known for its innovative teaching methods and high standard of living.

Top Cheapest Public Universities in Denmark

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
Aarhus University	INR 11.66L	INR 7.46-14L
University of Copenhagen	INR 9L	INR 9.4 L – 15.66 L

Top Cheapest Private Universities in Denmark

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
Copenhagen Business Academy	INR 12.86L- INR 14L	INR 14.93 L – 45.95 L
International Business Academy (IBA)	INR 7L- INR 11L	INR 19L- 13L

Explore: Top Universities in Denmark in 2024

Also Read: Scholarships in Denmark for International Students in 2024

Read On: Denmark Student Visa

Cost of Living in Denmark

Students should budget around INR 70,000 to INR 1,00,000 per month for expenses, including housing, transportation, food, and study materials.

Scholarships in Denmark

Denmark offers several scholarships for international students

• Danish Government Scholarship
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholarship
• Danish State Education Grant. 

Job Opportunities in Denmark

Denmark has a thriving job market, particularly for skilled professionals in IT, engineering, healthcare, and renewable energy. With a supportive startup ecosystem and university partnerships with local industries, graduates find a wealth of career opportunities.

Study in Ireland

Ireland offers a safe & sound environment for international students and boasts top universities with an excellent education system and numerous opportunities. Tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs are affordable, and the cost of living is relatively low for foreign candidates. 

Top Cheapest Public Universities

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
Trinity College Dublin	INR 12L-51L	INR 5.6L-46L
University College Cork (UCC)	INR 15L-46L	INR 8.8L-23L

Top Cheapest Private Universities

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
Griffith College	INR 11.19L	INR 10L-35L
Dublin Business School	INR 5.6L-9.38L	INR 9.19L-13.53L

Also Read: 9 Reasons Why You Should Pursue a Postgraduate Degree from Ireland

Read On: Top 10 Universities to Pursue Masters in Ireland 

Cost of Living in Ireland

The average cost of living in Ireland is around INR 76,000 monthly, including accommodation, food, and other expenses.

Scholarships in Ireland

Ireland offers various scholarships, including:

• Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES)
• Ireland-Africa Fellowship Programme
• Trinity College Dublin Scholarship Programme
• Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme

Job Opportunities in Ireland

With a diverse job market in sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare, Ireland offers numerous employment opportunities. The government has implemented initiatives to attract skilled workers, creating a favourable environment for job seekers.

Study in New Zealand

New Zealand is known for being one of the safest and most affordable study destinations for Indian students. With top universities in cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, it offers a high-quality education system and a supportive environment.

Top Cheapest Public Universities in New Zealand

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
University of Otago	INR 13.9L-22L	INR 18L-59L
University of Auckland	INR 18.43L-42L	INR 20L-41L

Top Cheapest Private Universities in New Zealand

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
Auckland Institute of Studies	INR 10.24L	INR 16.38L
Lincoln University	INR 8.72L – 18.17L	INR 7.71L – 26.53L

Also Read: Top 5 Universities in New Zealand

Cost of Living in New Zealand

Living expenses typically range from INR 60,000 to INR 90,000 per month.

Scholarships in New Zealand

• New Zealand International Scholarships
• University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

Read On: Top 6 Scholarships in New Zealand for International Students

Job Opportunities

New Zealand has a strong demand for graduates in engineering, healthcare, and agriculture. The government actively encourages skilled migrants, creating a favorable job market for international students seeking to start their careers.

Also Explore: Top 15 Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand

Study in Canada

Canada remains a popular choice for Indian students, with 183,310 studying there last year. Despite higher living costs, the low tuition fees, post-study work visa opportunities, and high quality of life make it appealing. Canadian universities provide excellent education, and the immigration process is easier compared to the US, UK, and many European countries.

Top Cheapest Public Universities in Canada

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
University of Toronto	INR 24L-40L	INR 15L-73L
University of British Columbia (UBC)	INR 4.84L-66L	INR 5L-46L

Top Cheapest Private Universities in Canada

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
Yorkville University	INR 17L	INR 8L-11L
Trinity Western University	INR 13L-16L	INR 6L-15L

Cost of Living in Canada

Monthly living expenses range from INR 70,000 to INR 1,00,000, covering rent, food, transportation, and healthcare.

Scholarships in Canada

• Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS)
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship

Read On: Scholarships in Canada for International Students in 2024

Job Opportunities in Canada

Canada is renowned for its inclusive job market, particularly in technology, healthcare, and engineering. With favorable immigration policies allowing international students to work after graduation, job prospects are robust and diverse.

Study in Sweden

Sweden is home to globally recognized universities that provide excellent academic programs and a straightforward application process for international students. Indian students often gravitate toward popular fields such as Language and Literature, Business Studies, Medical courses, Nursing, and Social Sciences.

Top Cheapest Public Universities in Sweden

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
Lund University	INR 27L-28L	INR 8L-40L
Stockholm University	INR 6.5L	INR 6L-22L

Top Cheapest Private Universities in Sweden

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
Jönköping University	INR 8L	INR 10L
Stockholm School of Economics (SSE)	INR 8.5L	INR 42L

Read On: Top 5 Universities in Sweden

Explore More: Top Courses in Sweden

Sweden: Cost of Living

Living expenses in Sweden are higher than in neighboring countries, ranging from INR 63,000 to INR 1,08,000 per month for rent, transportation, food, and utilities.

Study in Sweden: Scholarships

Indian students can access various scholarships in Sweden, such as:

• Swedish Institute Study Scholarships
• Karolinska Institutet Global Master’s Scholarships
• Chalmers IPOET Scholarships
• KTH Scholarship

Job Opportunities in Sweden

Sweden’s robust economy values foreign talent and has a demand for graduates. It offers a skill-intensive job market, especially in technology, engineering, and healthcare. The country is known for its innovation and sustainability efforts, providing numerous opportunities for graduates in dynamic and forward-thinking industries.

Read On: Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Sweden

Study in Australia

Australia continues to be a top destination for Indian students due to its excellent education system and job opportunities. Over 100,000 Indian students study in Australia.

Top Cheapest Public Universities in Australia

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
Australian National University (ANU)	INR 22L-30L	INR 8-33L
University of Sydney	INR 18L-34L	INR 10.55L-50L

Top Cheapest Private Universities in Australia

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
Bond University	INR 18L-36L	INR 5.91L-41L
Torrens University Australia	INR 12L-20L	INR 7L-21L

Cost of Living in Australia

Living expenses range from INR 85,000 to INR 1,20,000 monthly, covering accommodation, food, and travel.

Scholarships in Australia

• Australia Awards Scholarship
• Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship

Also Read: Top Australia Scholarships for Undergraduate & Graduate Programs in 2025

Job Opportunities in Australia

Australia has a diverse job market with high demand in sectors like healthcare, education, and technology. The country’s strong economy and favorable visa policies make it an attractive option for international graduates seeking employment opportunities.

Germany

Studying in Germany provides an idyllic combination of quality education, affordable living costs, and numerous scholarships for international students. Many of Germany’s leading universities are public research institutions ranked among the top 100 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Top Cheapest Public Universities

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
Humboldt University of Berlin	Semester fee: INR 29,006.50	INR 8.81L
Technical University of Munich (TUM)	INR 5L	INR 22L

Top Cheapest Private Universities

University	Bachelor’s Tuition Fees (per year)	Master’s Tuition Fees (per year)
University of Applied Sciences Europe	INR 11.29L-11.8L	INR 10L-13L
SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences	INR 7.27L-9L	INR 14.7L

Cost of Living in Germany

The monthly cost of living in Germany ranges between INR 70,000 and INR 80,000, covering expenses such as rent, food, transportation, and study materials.

Scholarships in Germany

• DAAD Scholarship
• Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
• Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Heinrich Boll Scholarship

Job Opportunities in Germany

Germany’s job market is characterized by strong demand for engineers, IT professionals, and healthcare workers. The country’s economy is driven by innovation and manufacturing, offering international students numerous opportunities to launch their careers.

By selecting these countries, Indian students can enjoy a high-quality education while effectively managing their budgets. These destinations stand out as some of the cheapest countries for international students to study in Europe, making them ideal choices for aspiring scholars.

Factors to Consider While Choosing the Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students

When selecting affordable study-abroad options, Indian students should consider the following factors:

1. Tuition Fees: Compare the tuition costs of different countries and universities to find budget-friendly options.
2. Cost of Living: Assess the overall living expenses in potential study destinations, including housing, food, and transportation.
3. Scholarship Opportunities: Research available scholarships and financial aid that can significantly reduce the overall cost of education.
4. Part-time Work Opportunities: Consider countries that allow international students to work part-time during their studies to help cover living expenses.
5. Currency Exchange Rates: Analyze currency values and fluctuations to better understand the financial impact of studying in a foreign country.
6. Program Duration: Evaluate the length of academic programs, as shorter programs can lead to lower overall costs for tuition and living.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can identify the cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students, ensuring a valuable and affordable educational experience.

Key Takeaways

• Indian students have numerous opportunities to pursue quality education at affordable tuition rates across various countries, making studying abroad financially feasible.
• When selecting a study destination, it’s crucial to consider not only tuition fees but also the cost of living and available scholarships. This holistic approach will help students find Cheap foreign universities for Indian students.
• Studying in these affordable countries not only delivers a quality education but also allows students to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and establish a global network. This makes them among the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students in Europe, offering significant long-term benefits for their careers.
• Ultimately, choosing from the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students can lead to a rewarding academic journey and a brighter future.

If you have any questions or need guidance about the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students, or want more details about these destinations, feel free to contact us or leave a comment!

You know we’d be very happy to help.

Happy shortlisting!

Liked this blog? Read: 7 visa-free countries for Indians who want to study abroad

FAQs

1. Which country is the easiest to get a study visa?

Answer: New Zealand is considered the easiest country to get a study visa. Its visa processing system is straightforward, and students staying for less than 3 months don’t even need a visa. Other countries with relatively simple student visa processes include Germany, Australia, France, Austria, and the Netherlands.

2. Which country is the easiest to migrate to?

Answer: Canada is generally regarded as the easiest country to migrate to due to its friendly immigration policies and multiple pathways like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs. Other countries with straightforward migration processes include New Zealand, Australia, and Germany.

3. Who gets a Golden Visa?

Answer: High school students who are national-level toppers with a minimum grade of 95% can receive a 5-year Golden Visa without a sponsor, upon submitting a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education. The visa can be extended if the student is enrolled in a major that requires more than five years of study.