Most Affordable Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students

Are you stressing about the budget for studying abroad? Though it is a major concern among students aspiring to study abroad, let us assure you that there are many affordable countries where you can study without breaking their bank accounts. These countries provide excellent and high-quality education which makes them attractive destinations for international students. 

If you wish to study abroad on a budget, then you will have to overlook popular countries that have high tuition fees and living expenses. Many countries are providing budget-friendly education to attract foreign populations. They provide accessible education at low costs. One such country is Germany which has gained popularity for its public universities charging no tuition fees. Some Scandinavian countries also have lower costs of education.  It is important to consider not only tuition fees but also living expenses while selecting affordable countries to study abroad. All these costs can be reduced with financial aid or scholarship and hence detailed research of all factors must be undertaken before finalising the most affordable country to study abroad. Keep reading the article to find out more about the top affordable countries to study abroad. 

Cost of Attendance in Affordable Countries

The total cost of attendance while studying abroad is the sum of education costs and living expenses. These can further be understood as academic and non-academic costs.

Academic Costs: These costs are directly related to study expenses that are payable to the university or college of study. These comprise tuition fees, student fees, administration costs, student fees, university costs, books and supplies, other study materials, project fees, etc.

Non-Academic Costs: These refer to the other expenses that apply to international students living in a foreign country. These include but are not limited to living expenses, food and travel costs, room and board costs, utilities, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Now that we know the differences between Academic and Non-academic cost of studying abroad for Indian students, the table below highlights a breakdown of average annual costs divided into 2 sections, viz. academic costs (education) and non-academic costs (living) for countries offering low-cost education through public universities to international students:

Note: The expenses outlined in the table refer to the cost of studying abroad for Indian students as of 2022 and are subject to change with progressive years.

Financial matters go way beyond tuition fees and accommodation while studying abroad and vary drastically as the country, state, or city changes. Stay tuned to learn the insider tips and tricks to manage money matters.

German Universities Offering Free Education

Germany is a popular study-abroad destination, especially for engineering students. One of the best parts about getting admission to one of the colleges in Germany is that there is no tuition fee at German public universities for international students. However, education is not completely free. At most public universities, you need to pay an amount in the form of a semester contribution that may cost around 150 to 350 Euros.

While the cost of studying abroad for Indian students in Germany can be lower if they are able to enrol in a public institution, those applying to private institutions will be subject to paying the respective tuition fees. Regardless, with numerous scholarships, fellowships and other financial aid opportunities in Germany, the overall financial commitment comes down.

Overall, average course fees and living costs per year for international students in Germany are as follows:

Most Affordable German Universities

The cost of studying abroad for Indian students in German universities has been outlined in the table below, exclusive of living costs:

The actual cost of studying abroad for Indian students at these German universities or any other universities will be determined based on the lifestyle that a candidate wishes to pursue. While the living costs can be slightly expensive in some cities in Germany, there are methods to reduce the overall costs.

French Universities at Affordable Prices

The government of France supports the education of international students in France. Students from around 33 countries, including India can apply at universities in France using the online CEF process provided by the government agency Campus France. It is a single online service for all procedures. Both at the government and university levels, the cost of studying abroad for Indian students comes down with the numerous scholarship and fellowship opportunities available each year.

Most Affordable Universities in France

The most affordable universities in France offer bachelor's and master's courses to international students at the following prices:

While the table above highlights the cost of studying abroad for Indian students at select French universities, there are hundreds of universities you can choose from. However, even these tuition fees are subject to change at the discretion of the university offering the course.

Study in Norway at Minimal Costs

Education in Norway is free not only for Norwegian students but also for international students. But there is a small amount that international students need to pay in the form of a semester fee for each semester for pursuing graduate courses. However, like any other country, there are other parameters attached to the cost of studying abroad for Indian students, as has been outlined below.

The application portal at Norway University opens in October and ends in December. Candidates wishing to study in Norway at almost no tuition fee must apply within the application timeline.

Most Affordable Universities in Norway

Studying as an international graduate or undergraduate student in the most affordable universities in Norway costs:

If you are interested in learning more about the cost of studying abroad for Indian students at Norwegian universities, then we recommend registering with us and consulting our team of experts.

Mexican Universities at Low Cost

Mexico, a country in the southern part of North America is another affordable country for higher education. The tuition at public universities in Mexico starts at just around USD 375 per year.

Most Affordable Universities in Mexico

The most affordable universities in Mexico charge the following tuition fees for international bachelor's and master's aspirants:

Note: Be sure to check the tuition fees before sending in your applications to learn of any tuition fee hikes that the university reserves the right to make.

Study in Argentina at Nominal Prices

Argentina, the second-largest country in South America is home to more than 90,000 international students. There is no tuition fee for undergraduate degree programmes in public universities in Argentina for international students. However, private universities' tuition fees cost around USD 3,000 to USD 20,000 per undergraduate programme and around USD 2,000 to USD 27,000 per year for postgraduate programmes.

Most Affordable Universities in Argentina

Studying any level of programme, whether bachelor's, master's, or research courses, at the most affordable universities in Argentina, may lead to the following cost of studying abroad for Indian students.

The cost of studying abroad for Indian students in Argentina,  as outlined in the table above is subject to change at the discretion of the universities offering the course and other parameters.

Polish Education at Economic Costs

The cost of studying abroad for Indian students like in Poland, a country located in Central Europe can be considered an affordable choice for higher studies. The country offers free education to international students if they choose to study in the Polish language. The courses that are offered in English have a tuition fee of around USD 4,180 per year at public universities.

Most Affordable Universities in Poland

The most affordable universities in Poland offer graduate and undergraduate degrees to international students at the following costs:

The cost of studying abroad for Indian students, especially at the above-mentioned universities is also affected by the lifestyle choices of the students. Therefore, it is important for students to earmark their finances for different needs and requirements.

Malaysian Universities at Feasible Prices

If higher studies at an affordable cost of studying abroad for Indian students is a crucial aspect, then Malaysia can be the right choice. The tuition fee for international students in Malaysia is quite low. For a bachelors programme, the annual fee ranges from MYR 7,000 to MYR 8000. The tuition fee for a masters programme may range between MYR 11,000 and MYR 12,000 per year.

Most Affordable Universities in Malaysia

The tuition fees that international students might incur for joining a bachelors or a masters degree in the most affordable universities of Malaysia are:

Factors to Consider While Choosing Affordable Countries to Study Abroad

While choosing countries which are affordable to study abroad, consider several important factors and costs involved besides academic considerations, work opportunities and quality of education. Here are the factors to consider:

• Tuition Fees: Look for countries that offer affordable tuition fees for international students. Tuition fees can vary significantly between countries and universities, so it is crucial to check the cost of studying. Make a thorough comparison before finalising the country. Consider applying to public universities that offer education at a low cost or no tuition fee. One can also consider countries that provide scholarships or financial aid to international students.

• Cost of Living: The cost of living greatly influences expenses besides tuition fees while studying in a foreign country. Accommodation, transportation, food, utilities and other daily miscellaneous expenses are examples of costs one has to incur. Countries with low costs of living allow you to manage your budget efficiently. 

• Currency Exchange Rate: The exchange rate between the currency of your country and the currency of the foreign country can have an impact on overall costs. A favourable exchange rate makes studying abroad cheap and affordable. Remember that the exchange rate fluctuates and can potentially impact your expenditure.

• Scholarships and Financial Aid: Research the scholarships, grants and financial aid that are offered by governments, universities or other private organisations in your chosen. They drastically reduce costs and make studying abroad a more affordable affair. 

• Medical Costs: The healthcare and associated medical costs in the country are to be seriously considered. International students can access free or affordable healthcare in some countries. Almost all countries mandate them to buy health insurance to prevent them from unprecedented medical emergencies. 

• Student Visa Fees: The visa and immigration fees of your chosen country abroad are important factors to be considered. Some countries have lower visa fees while others visa in other countries are expensive.

• Transportation Costs: The cost of travelling from your country to the study abroad country and the local transport expenses within the foreign country must be taken into account. Look for cheap flight tickets and book them in advance. Rent accommodation near the institution and research student transport discounts.

Studying abroad is not a luxury that only the wealthy can afford. The affordable countries providing low-cost education are breaking several barriers in foreign education and making it accessible to a diverse population. By considering countries which have lower tuition fees and living expenditures and by exploring scholarships and part-time work options, you can pursue your dream of studying abroad and keep your finances in check at the same time.

Even in the most affordable study-abroad destinations, the application process is not simple. Write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com to gather more information on funding your studies or the admission process at foreign universities.