Are your dreams of learning overseas on hold due to finances as an Indian student? This guide contains all the information you need to know about the 30 cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students.
Every year, thousands of Indian students like you troop to the websites of universities in popular student destinations, aspiring to further their studies in these countries. However, not every one of those students gets the opportunity to actualise this dream due to factors like high cost of living and tuition fees.
Most of those countries that attract students although they offer high quality education are quite expensive to live in and depending on the budget you already set aside for studies, they can also take a toll on your pocket.
But, if you really want to go to school outside India and are willing to put in work towards that, our article has listed out several cheap countries to study for Indian students which might help you speed up this process.
Also see: 40 Cheapest Universities In The World For International Students 2024.
Along with some tips:
-
6 reasons why you should study abroad as an Indian student
-
Table showing the 30 cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students.
-
30 cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students
-
Germany
-
Norway
-
Mexico
-
Taiwan
-
France
-
South Africa
-
Poland
-
Denmark
-
Finland
-
Austria
-
Belgium
-
Spain
-
Singapore
-
Canada
-
USA
-
Australia
-
New Zealand
-
Sweden
-
Ireland
-
Netherlands
-
Argentina
-
Ukraine
-
Italy
-
Malaysia
-
Russia
-
Lithuania
-
Philippines
-
Vietnam
-
Thailand
-
Switzerland
-
Conclusion
6 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad As An Indian student
Besides being one of the best decisions you can make for yourself both academic and career-wise, here are are 5 other reasons why you should study abroad as an Indian student:
1. New Experiences
One of the primary reasons why people study abroad is mostly for the new experiences that come with this move. When you are an Indian student overseas, you will be getting the chance to explore new countries and foods, learn about different cultures and histories, and pick up a new language.
Additionally, a move to another country might just be the change you have been needing in your life for a while, as you will be adopting a new lifestyle from the one you are used to living in India. And while it might be challenging at first, it would also contribute to growing your confidence and independence.
2. Different People
Another good reason to study abroad is that you will meet different people from diverse backgrounds in school or at work, and will have the privilege of calling most of them classmates, friends, colleagues, and business associates. Interacting with people from different countries will shape your perspective of the world and understanding of their countries as well.
3. Good Language Skills
Most of the countries we have mentioned on our list, are among those places regarded globally as having good English speaking skills and studying in them can improve your vocabulary and conversational skills on an academic and professional level.
On the other hand, depending on which of our countries you end up going to, you could also learn a new language other than English or your local dialect.
Don't forget to check out: 12 Best Countries to Study Abroad 2024.
4. Higher quality of education
Studying abroad broadens your options, widening it up to a large pool of universities and undergraduate or postgraduate programs from choice countries in the world, which means you are no longer restricted to only schools in your country.
Furthemore, overseas study employs several techniques to ensure you get a high quality of education which can help you in your chosen career path or business field. For one, you will test out your knowledge in a friendly competition with students from all over the world, learn from the best mentors, use world-class facilities and equipment and apply a research and practical study approach.
5. Better Career Options
Most of the cheap countries to study abroad on our list are known to have attractive job options and an equally attractive pay, you will be getting the best careers in an international job market and making enough to have a quality lifestyle.
And should you decide to apply for a work visa after your studies, you can use the inter-personal skills you gained from studying abroad like speaking multiple languages, to find work back home or in other countries.
6. Furthering Your Studies
If you have studied overseas before, this experience can help boost your application and act as a testimonial to prove that you are capable of doing an international study in your chosen discipline, should you want to do a higher degree in future.
Your international connections and academic background will be appealing to universities looking for master’s and PhD candidates with unique research ideas and knowledge about their study programs, which hold weight on an international level.
Table Showing The 30 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students
|
SN |
Country |
Average cost of living |
|
1. |
Germany |
EUR 870 per month |
|
2. |
Norway |
NOK 12,352 per month |
|
3. |
Mexico |
MXN 41,423 per month |
|
4. |
Taiwan |
TWD 38,937 per month |
|
5. |
France |
EUR 1,800 per month |
|
6. |
South Africa |
ZAR 125 per month |
|
7. |
Poland |
PLN 1,500 |
|
8. |
Denmark |
DKK 8,924 per month |
|
9. |
Finland |
EUR 1,100 per month |
|
10. |
Austria |
EUR 950 per month |
|
11. |
Belgium |
EUR 1,000 per month |
|
12. |
Spain |
EUR 900 per month |
|
13. |
Singapore |
SGD 900 per month |
|
14. |
Canada |
CAD 2000 per month |
|
15. |
USA |
USD 1,500 per month |
|
16. |
Australia |
AUD 2,500 per month |
|
17. |
New Zealand |
NZD 25,000 per month |
|
18. |
Sweden |
SEK 12,000 per month |
|
19. |
Ireland |
EUR 12,000 per year |
|
20. |
Netherlands |
*Varies by cities* |
|
21. |
Argentina |
APS 5,000 per year |
|
22. |
Ukraine |
UH 26,513 per month |
|
23. |
Italy |
EUR 1300 per month |
|
24. |
Malaysia |
MYR 1,500 per month |
|
25. |
Russia |
RUB 35,000 per month |
|
26. |
Lithuania |
EUR 900 per month |
|
27. |
Philippines |
PHP 28,200 per month |
|
28. |
Vietnam |
VND 28,819,269 per month |
|
29. |
Thailand |
Baht 25,000 per month |
|
30. |
Switzerland |
CHF 3,500 per month |
Note: this table shows the 30 cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students and the average cost of living per month for each country. The prices are displayed in the country’s national currency and may require you to change it to Indian Rupees to get the exact estimate.
30 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students
These cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students we have listed out, contain key information like the average cost of living, cheapest universities to attend and best programs to study in each country to aid you in making a decision faster.
*Please note, costs vary in different countries and might be affected by currency and exchange rates*.
1. Germany
Germany is the cheapest country to study for Indian students and also ranks as one of the best countries to study abroad for international students. Studying in Germany has many advantages like a low cost of living, wide career scope, attractive salaries, reputable universities, quality education, and affordable tuition fees.
German private universities have low cost school fees, and you can attend the country’s public universities for free, except if you are studying in Baden-Württemberg then you have to pay tuition.
In addition, the institutions follow a research and practical approach to teaching which means you are sure to do well in your chosen field.
Average of cost of living in Germany for students- EUR 870
Top Universities in Germany
Best Courses to Study in Germany
-
Medicine and dentistry
-
Law
-
Engineering
-
Computer science
-
Business and economics
-
Natural sciences
See Scholarship Opportunities in Germany for International Students
2. Norway
Norway is the cheapest country to study for Indian students. Its distinctive educational system that allows international students to attend public universities for free alongside citizens is what makes it the perfect place for you to further your education.
One thing to note about Norway however, is that it has more postgraduate degree program options than it does for undergraduate degrees, and although the Norwegian language is spoken in this country, there are more than 200 programs taught in English.
Average cost of living in Norway for students - NOK 12,352 per month.
Top Universities In Norway
Best Courses to Study in Norway
-
Business
-
Medicine
-
Nursing
-
Social sciences
-
Mathematics
-
Theology
See Scholarship Opportunities in Norway for International Students
3. Mexico
Mexico is one of the most visited Latin America countries, and also among the cheap countries to study for Indian students. Besides having a rich culture and modest cost of living, this place is home to some highly ranked universities that apply learning methodology and educational infrastructure to academics and is a good place for you to study and work as well.
Although Spanish is the primary language spoken in Mexico, there are still many English courses you can opt for in certain Mexican institutions. Keep in mind that tuition cost in Mexico is dependent on the type of university, with private universities charging more.
Average cost of living in Mexico for students - MXN 41,423 per month.
Top Universities in Mexico
Best courses to study in Mexico
-
Agricultural science
-
Biology
-
Plant and animal science
-
Clinical medicine
-
Geosciences
-
Arts and Humanities
4. Taiwan
Taiwan, for Indian students, is one of the easiest countries to study abroad within the Asian continent. This country has a spectacular list of universities which are affordable, like the National Taiwan University which also happens to have an impressive Global MBA Program, making it the cheapest country to study MBA for Indian students.
In Taiwan, the cost of living is low and studying in this country presents the perfect opportunity to learn languages like Mandarin, thereby enhancing your language skills. You can also choose over 120 courses offered in English from more than 40 universities Taiwanese universities.
Learning here, you will meet and interact with various talents from all over the world, and experts in their chosen industries.
Average cost of living in Taiwan for students - TWD 38,937 per month.
Top Universities in Taiwan
Best Courses to Study in Taiwan
-
Innovative Living Design
-
Business Innovation and Management
-
Multimedia and Game Design
-
Tourism and Hospitality
-
International Financial Management
5. France
France is one of the cheapest country for Indian students to further their studies abroad, and in this country, tuition fees are almost the same amount for both domestic and foreign students.
For cost of living in France, its capital Paris has the highest cost of living, but it has ranked as the number one student city for four consecutive years and fifth student city in the world. If you are not fluent in speaking French, you can learn how to speak the language, while still learning in English with the English speaking teachers in the country.
Average cost of living in France for students - EUR 1,800 per month.
Top Universities in France
Best Courses to Study in France
-
Management
-
Engineering
-
Pure Science
-
Linguistics
-
Philosophy
6. South Africa
If you have searched for cheap foreign universities for Indian students, then it is no surprise that South Africa should pop up on your search results. South African universities have some of the cheapest accommodations as well as the cheapest programs abroad in the world.
And unless you are planning to live in the top South African cities, then the cost of living and cost of studying should be affordable for you.
Average cost of living in South Africa for students- ZAR 125 per month.
Top Universities in South Africa
Best Courses to study in South Africa
-
Architecture
-
Journalism
-
Accounting
-
Medicine and Surgery
-
Law
-
Marketing
7. Poland
Poland is one of the cheap countries for Indian students to learn, no matter the size of their academic budget. Known as an inexpensive European republic, Poland houses some of the world’s oldest universities, and has the finest university degrees offered in English for students who can’t speak Polish.
Average cost of living in Poland for students - PLN 1,500 per month.
Top Universities in Poland
8. Denmark
Besides having one of the most prominent education systems in the world and boasting the largest number of Nobel Laureates, Denmark happens to be another place where you can acquire the cheapest MBA abroad for Indian students.
Denmark has contemporary and vibrant cities, situated in beautiful surroundings. As a country that has made notable investments in its schools, deciding to get an education in this country means that you will enjoy quality education for affordable rates if we might add.
Average cost of living in Denmark students - DKK 8,924 per month.
Top Universities in Denmark
Best Courses to Study in Denmark
-
Business administration
-
Economics
-
Environmental science
-
Political sciences
-
Arts and humanities
-
Design
-
Civil engineering
-
Nursing
9. Finland
The fact that in Finland, exchange students from other countries and PhD students are provided with the option to study in the country for free and it has some of the cheapest universities abroad for Indian students, plus its low cost of living is what places it amongst the list of affordable countries.
Average cost of living in Finland for students - EUR 1,100 per month.
Top Universities in Finland
Best Courses to study in Finland
-
Engineering & Technology
-
Business & Management
-
Computer Science & IT
-
Natural Sciences & Mathematics
-
Education & Training
10. Austria
Austria’s universities have some of the most affordable tuition fees in the world for international students, thereby making them the cheapest universities abroad for Indian students. The universities in Austria offer standard education, and the country itself has a low cost of living.
Average cost of living in Austria for students - EUR 950 per month.
Top Universities in Austria
Best Courses to Study in Austria
-
Law
-
Pedagogy
-
Medicine
-
Tourism and Leisure Management
-
Architecture
-
Informatics
See Scholarships in Austria for international students.
11. Belgium
Belgium which is regarded as the ‘heart of Western Europe’ is one the cheapest places to study abroad for Indian students.
Apart from its low tuition fee, medieval towns, and Renaissance architecture, other qualities that make Belgium a perfect fit for you, is that it houses the headquarters of the European Union (EU) and that of the Organisation of the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) which qualifies it as a diplomatic center.
Furthemore, Belgium is the best place to get jobs overseas as it is close to Paris, London, and Amsterdam, plus you can also learn how to speak languages like French, Dutch, and German.
Average cost of living in Belgium for students - EUR 1,000 per month.
Top Universities in Belgium
Best Courses to Study in Belgium
-
Public Health
-
Medicine
-
Nursing
12. Spain
For a country that is recognised as the cheapest country for Indian students to study overseas, Spain does have a global reputation of offering top-notch education at fair tuition prices. It has an affordable cost of living that won’t dig into your pocket, and is considered to be one of the lowest in Europe.
Average cost of living in Spain for students - EUR 900 per month.
Top Universities in Spain
Best Courses to Study in Spain
-
Law
-
Arts and Humanities
-
Science
-
Marketing and Finance
-
Hospitality Management
-
Business Management and Enterprise
-
Communication and Public Relations
-
Cyber Security
-
Sports Management
13. Singapore
Located in Asia, Singapore is one of the affordable countries for Indian students to further their education and is good for you, if you don’t really want to stray too far from the Asian continent.
In addition to its low cost tuition fee, to its international students, Singapore offers an outstanding transportation structure, good standard of living, good healthcare and other facilities, it has a low crime rate and delicious cuisines you can enjoy at your leisure.
Average cost of living in Singapore for students -- SGD 900 per month.
Top Universities in Singapore
Best Courses to Study in Singapore For Indian Students
-
Information Technology
-
Management
-
Finance and Accounting
-
Engineering
-
Tourism and Hotel Management
-
Engineering and Science
-
Creative Arts
14. Canada
Canada is easily part of the most affordable countries for Indian students to further their education, as the two countries already have a long standing study relationship. Students from India can enjoy several educational policies that favour them, and have access to the best universities in Canada.
If you have never been to Canada before for studies, might we suggest that you consider it? Not just because it is cheap for you, but for other reasons like its bilingual environment where you can learn to speak English and French, its high-quality education and globally recognised degrees, and guaranteed safety of international students.
Average cost of living in Canada for students - CAD 2000 per month.
Top Universities in Canada
Best Courses to Study in Canada For Indian Students
-
Project Management
-
Computer Programming
-
Psychology
-
Filmmaking
-
Mechanical Engineering
-
Sports Business Management
15. USA
Gracing our list as one the cheapest country to study MBA abroad for Indian students, the United States of America has the most superior educational system in the world and is home to the most respected and most recommended universities in the world.
To international students, the USA offers a stable economy, culture, endless opportunities and possibilities, world-class academics with numerous degrees and disciplines, impressive career opportunities, and attractive salaries that will motivate you to work harder.
Average cost of living in America for students - $1,500 per month.
Top Universities in the USA
Best Courses to Study in USA
-
Engineering
-
Business Administration
-
MBBS
-
Liberal Arts
-
Applied Sciences
16. Australia
Australia is the cheapest country to study abroad for Indian students, and going by its set up, it might also be the easiest one to get into. It has relaxed visa requirements, lively cities, flexible policies for students, and internationally recognised degrees from reputable universities.
Studying in Australia gives you access to the best jobs, a wide community of international students, culturally diverse society, low living costs, scholarships, and a safe living environment thanks to the Australian government’s zero tolerance for xenophobia.
Average cost of living in Australia for students - AUD 2,500 per month.
Top Universities in Australia
Best Courses to Study in Australia
-
Accounting
-
Business Management
-
Agricultural Science
-
Architecture
-
Computer Science
-
Psychology
See Scholarships in Australia for International Students.
17. New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the cheapest country to study MBA for Indian students, as students like you are known to flock to this country for degrees in the Business discipline. Other courses you can study here include Engineering, IT and Computing, Tourism, Hotel Management, and Visual Communications.
Studying at New Zealand cities like Auckland, Hamiliton, Christchurch, Napier-Hastings, and Wellington, gives you access to top universities in the country.
Average cost of living in New Zealand for students- NZD 25,000 per month.
Top Universities in New Zealand
Best Courses to Study in New Zealand
-
Business Studies
-
Engineering
-
IT and Computing
-
Tourism
-
Hotel Management
-
Visual Communications.
18. Sweden
Sweden is one of the cheap countries to study for Indian students, and the perfect place for you to further your education. Learning here, helps you enhance your independent, critical, and creative thinking, as well as your technical and analytical skills.
Although Sweden has few universities, 8 of them currently rank among the top universities in the world and while Swedish is the country’s official language, international students like you, can take courses in English. Tuition cost in Sweden can be a bit more expensive than that of the other countries on our list, but the good thing is, you can use the Swedish Scholarships for International Student to fund your studies here.
Average cost of living in Sweden for students - SEK 12,000 per month.
Top Universities in Sweden
Best Courses to Study in Sweden
-
Business Administration
-
Management
-
Technology
-
Architecture
-
Tourism Management
19. Ireland
Ireland is the top student attraction to acquire a degree in Business Studies, making it the cheapest country to study MBA for Indian students. Other courses you can study in Ireland as an Indian include, Medicine, Nursing, Computing Science, and Social Sciences.
Average cost of living in Ireland for students - EUR 12,000 per year.
Top Universities in Ireland
Best Courses to Study in Ireland
- Business Management
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Computing Science
- Social Sciences
- Investment Banking and Finance
- Data Science
- Pharmacy
- Construction
20. Netherlands
Netherlands is one of the cheapest countries to study MBA for Indian students, and is home to cities like Amsterdam, Wageningen, Groningen, Leiden, Maastricht, and Nijmege, that are full of colleges teeming with students from India studying courses like Business Studies, Engineering, Art, History, Tourism and Hotel Management, and Space and Aviation teaching.
Average cost of living in the Netherlands for students - *varies by cities*.
Top Universities in Netherlands
Best Courses in The Netherlands for Indian Students
-
Business Studies
-
Engineering
-
Art
-
History
-
Tourism and Hotel Management
-
Space and Aviation
See Scholarships in the Netherlands for International Students.
21. Argentina
What makes Argentina the cheapest country to study for Indian students, is the fact that you as a foreigner can study free of charge at any government / community universities, while the private universities’ tuition fees are at affordable rates.
Furthermore, Argentina offers you a stunning natural environment and rich geography that will awaken the adventurer / explorer in you. In addition, it is the best country in the South American region and it is praised for its enchanting culture and vibrant identity.
Average cost of living for students in Argentina - APS 5,000 per year.
Top Universities in Argentina
Best Courses to Study in Argentina
-
Sports Management
-
International Relations
-
Finance
-
Agricultural Production
-
Psychopathology and Mental Health
-
Socio-economic Development
22. Ukraine
Ukraine is the cheapest country to study MBBS for Indian students, and over the years it has been known to provide this opportunity at a low price for students from your country.
In addition to this, Ukraine also has quality education and infrastructure, plus a government that supports international students with facilities to aid their studies and financial support for medical colleges.
Average cost of living in Ukraine for students - UH 26,513 per month.
Top Universities in Ukraine
-
Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology
-
Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
-
V.M. Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
-
N.N. Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Best Courses to Study in Ukraine For Indian Students
-
Medicine
-
Engineering
-
Management
-
Information Technology
-
Informatics and Computer Science
-
Cyber Security
-
Economics
23. Italy
Among the cheap countries to study for Indian students, Italy is a choice country to study for Indians, due to its cheap study options and low cost of living.
Two things Indians studying in Italy will enjoy are the country’s globally renowned heritage sites and its bubbling nightlife and entertainment scene, plus it has an amazing local cuisine which involves delicious pizzas, pasta, gelato, and Italian coffee.
Average cost of living in Italy for students - EUR 1300 per month.
Top Universities in Italy
Best Courses to Study in Italy
-
Arts
-
Design
-
Architecture
-
Humanities
24. Malaysia
Malaysia is one cheapest country for Indian students that is rapidly gaining fame amongst international students, which is no surprise as it houses the branch campuses of some of the world’s most renowned universities.
In Malaysia, you could attend these universities, get the same degree, at a lower cost than what you would have paid in the actual university.
Average cost of living in Malaysia - MYR 1,500 per month.
Top Universities in Malaysia
Best Courses to Study in Malaysia
-
Engineering
-
Datascience
-
Geophysics
-
Business
-
Occupational Health and Safety
-
Actuarial Science
25. Russia
Russia has earned its place as another cheapest country to study MBBS for Indian students, thanks to its low cost of living and cheap tuition fee structure, which continues to beckon students from your country annually.
Furthermore, Russia’s medical universities are recognised globally by heavyweights in the medical industry like the Medical Council of India (MCI), World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Average cost of living in Russia for Indian students - RUB 35,000 per month.
Top Universities in Russia
Best Courses to Study in Russia For Indian Students
-
Medicine
-
Engineering
-
Social Sciences
-
Fundamental Informatics
-
Petroleum Chemistry and Refining
-
Media and Communications
26. Lithuania
Lithuania is another country where you can find cheap foreign universities for Indian students. Although this country is small, it has a high educational system and while Lithuanian is the official language, there are many English taught courses tailored for students like you.
Its low tuition fee and cost of living and residency permit that lets international students work are good reasons why you should consider putting Lithuania on the list of countries you might study in.
Average cost of living in Lithuania for students - EUR 900 per month.
Top Universities in Lithuania
27. Philippines
The Philippines is another cheapest country to study MBBS for Indian students and it offers an MD (Doctor of Medicine) which is the same as getting an MBBS degree programme in India.
To get admitted into this master’s programme, you will need an undergraduate degree, credits in Biology and other related disciplines, and the score for your National Medicine Admission Test (NMAT); international students are expected to have a higher cut-off mark than citizens.
Average cost of living in the Philippines for students - PHP 28,200 per month.
Top Universities in the Philippines For Indian Students (Studying Medicine)
Best Courses to Study in the Philippines For Indian Students
-
MBBS
-
Aviation, Aircraft/Aeronautics Operations or Engineering
-
Computer Programming
-
Economics
-
Commerce
-
Civil Engineering
See Scholarships in the Philippines for International Students.
28. Vietnam
As one of the cheap countries for Indian students, Vietnam has so much to offer you like affordable tuition fees, diverse culture, hospitable citizens, beautiful locations, and the option to take up part-time jobs while going to school.
Average cost of living in Vietnam for students - VND 28,819,269 per month.
Top Universities in Vietnam
Best Courses to Study in Vietnam
-
Design
-
Management
-
Environmental Management and Technology
-
Computer Science
-
Language
-
Marketing
-
Mechatronic Engineering
-
Banking and Finance
29. Thailand
The cheapest place to study abroad for Indian students that has a guaranteed opportunity for you to work and study, as long as you have been issued a work permit by the Royal Ministry of Labor.
Moreso, the lifestyle in Thailand is affordable, it has a nice cultural background, and an enhanced educational system,
Average cost of living in Thailand for students - Baht 25,000 per month.
Top Universities in Thailand
Best Courses to Study in Thailand
-
Administration Studies
-
Business
-
Design
-
Art Studies
-
Economics
-
Tourism and Hospitality
30. Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the affordable countries for Indian students, and it has a total of 12 high-ranking universities and few other higher education institutions of science and research.
Studying in Switzerland in a good way, opens you up to experience things like trustworthy banks, cheese, mouth-watering chocolates, breathtaking landscapes, and of course accurate watches. This country has one of the best education systems globally and is highly rated as being the place to develop vocational training and other forms of skills.
Average cost of living in Switzerland for students - CHF 3,500 per month.
Top Universities in Switzerland
Best Courses to Study in Switzerland
-
Artificial Intelligence
-
Hospitality
-
International Business
-
Leadership
-
Business Administration
-
Sports Coaching
Conclusion : Things to consider before studying abroad as an Indian student
As an Indian student who wishes to study abroad in any of these cheap countries we have mentioned, there are few things to consider before studying abroad as an Indian student. These things include:
-
The safety of the country towards international students.
-
If the cost of living suits your budget no matter how low or high it is.
-
The possibility of you working and studying at the same time.
-
If the degree you will receive in your chosen field is globally recognised and relevant in your country.
Related articles:
12 Best Countries to Study Abroad 2024
20 Cheapest Universities in the USA for International Students 2024
10 Cheapest Universities in London for International Students 2024