Top Affordable Countries for Indian Students to Study Abroad in 2025

Studying abroad doesn’t have to be expensive! There are several affordable countries where you can get a high-quality education without breaking the bank. For instance, Germany offers excellent engineering programmes with little to no tuition fees at public universities. Canada provides quality education at reasonable prices, especially in provinces like Quebec, where living costs are lower. France has many affordable universities and programmes in English, particularly in business and art. Sweden is known for its low living costs and good universities, making it a great choice for Indian students. Lastly, Spain offers a range of programmes in English and has a lower cost of living compared to other Western European countries. These options make it easier for Indian students to find affordable places to study abroad!

What points should international students consider when studying abroad?

• Cost of Living
• Tuition Fees
• Scholarship Opportunities
• Quality of Education
• Cultural Differences
• Visa Regulations
• Support Services
• Job Opportunities
• Healthcare and Insurance
• Networking Opportunities

List of Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad For Indian Students

Affordable Tuition Fees: Top 10 Budget-Friendly Countries for Study Abroad

Where can Indian students find the cheapest options for studying abroad?

You don’t need to rob a bank to study abroad! Choosing an affordable country is a fantastic option for Indian students wanting international experience without breaking the bank.

Check out this list of some of the most budget-friendly countries for Indian students looking to study overseas.

France

France, which is home to highly regarded colleges, has cheaper tuition costs than many other English-speaking nations for international students. Additionally, a variety of grants and scholarships are available to students. Despite being expensive, Paris is a globally popular educational and cultural centre. Therefore, when compared to European countries, you can think of this as one of the least expensive places to study. Additionally, France has reasonably priced cities, which makes it the most affordable country for Indian students to study abroad.

Living Expenses in France

In France, the cost of living varies depending on the city chosen. The monthly income in Lyon could range between INR 70,000 to INR 90,000, while in Paris it could be between INR 1,00,000 and INR 1,50,000.

Opportunities for Indian students in France

For students who are interested in studying art, fashion, or cuisine, France provides fantastic opportunities. Popular subjects to study are business studies. Indian students can apply for a number of scholarships.

Top Universities in France

Europe is well-known for its  universities and educational systems, with the French top universities standing out. Here’s a list of them.

• ENS Lyon
• PSL Research University
• Pantheon-Sorbonne University
• Université Grenoble Alpes
• University of Paris-Saclay
• Paris University

Top Courses in France

• International Business
• Fashion Designing
• Luxury Brand Management
• BFA Film & TV
• Masters in Management
• Finance and Accounting
• Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Pastry Diploma

Denmark

Indian students frequently study in Denmark because they want a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and top-notch instruction. The country is well known for its top-notch educational system, and research-based approach. Denmark is a peaceful, safe country with a high standard of living and an advanced healthcare system. For Indian students, this makes it the most affordable country in which to study abroad.

Living Expenses in Denmark

For housing, transportation, food, utilities, study materials, and other miscellaneous expenses, students usually need between INR 70,000 and INR 1,00,000 per month.

Job Opportunities for Indian Students in Denmark

Proficiency in renewable energy, engineering, information technology, and healthcare is highly sought after in Denmark. A two-year post-study work visa can be obtained that will allow you to work part-time while you study and help you get a job after graduation.

Top Universities in Denmark

Denmark’s universities are well known for their excellent research and creative approaches to teaching. A list of some of Denmark’s top universities can be found below:

• Copenhagen University
• University of Aarhus
• Danish Technical University
• Copenhagen Business School
• Southern Denmark University
• Roskilde University

Top Courses in Denmark

Denmark is an excellent spot to start your search for top-notch bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. You can discover something that fits your goals and interests with various alternatives. These are only a handful of the top-notch courses you can choose from.

• Engineering
• Social Sciences
• Architecture
• Information Technology
• Business Administration
• Journalism
• Environmental Studies
• Law
• Medicine

Norway

Tuition fees at public universities in Norway are dismissed for all students, regardless of nationality. The excellent quality of life and amazing natural beauty are extra incentives. The cost of living is high and students may work part-time to help with expenses. As a result, it is the least costly country for Indian students to live in and pay their tuition.

Living Expenses in Norway

Even though education is free, living costs in Norway are quite high. The typical monthly cost of living in Norway ranges from INR 80,000 to INR 90,000. This includes electric and water bills, clothes, food, rent, and other sporadic expenses. It makes it possible for Indian students to study in relatively inexpensive countries.

Job Opportunities for Indian students in Norway

Norway’s higher education system is known for its high academic standards and innovative teaching methods. The country also offers a post-study work visa, allowing students to work in Norway after graduation.

Norway offers students many work options with its thriving economy and abundant natural resources. Talent from all over the world is drawn to the nation by its strong businesses, which include fishing, hydropower, mining, oil and gas, paper products, shipping, and tourism, as well as its low 3.3% unemployment rate.

For students wishing to work in Norway, major corporations such as BNP Paribas, Equinor, Joh Johannson Handel, and Norges Gruppen provide bright job opportunities.

Top Universities in Norway

Among Norway’s most esteemed establishments are:

• The Oslo University
• Bergen University
• Institution of Troms
• The Norwegian Arctic University
• The Norwegian University of Technology and Science
• The University of Stavanger

Top Courses in Norway

In Norway, there are many reputable universities offering a wide range of graduate and undergraduate courses. If you wish to study in Norway, you have a lot of options. Popular choices for courses include:

• Humanities and Arts
• Biotechnology
• Dental Research
• Animation in Digital Media Visual Science
• Natural Science
• Power and Ecological Balance
• Engineering in Industry
• Medical Sciences Life Sciences

Ireland

Among Indian students, Ireland is one of the most sought-after locations for higher education.In 2022, there were about 5,000 Indian students enrolled in Irish universities.

One of Ireland’s main benefits is its affordability. For Indian students searching to study abroad, the Republic of Ireland is one of the most affordable destinations. Tuition for undergraduate and graduate degrees is less expensive than in popular destinations such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

Furthermore, a lot of colleges and universities offer scholarships and other forms of assistance to help international students in managing their finances.

Living Expenses in Ireland

In Ireland, the cost of living for international students is roughly INR 75,000. This includes housing, meals, health care, utilities, and other unforeseen expenses.

Job Opportunities for Indian students in Ireland

Ireland provides jobs in a number of sectors, including science and technology, banking, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and hospitality.

Numerous international corporations call the country home, creating career opportunities for qualified individuals, particularly in the financial and software development sectors. The Irish government has implemented tax breaks and visa opportunities policies to attract skilled workers. Ireland has a diverse job market and a strong economy, making it a popular destination for job seekers worldwide.

Top Universities in Ireland

The top universities in Ireland are as follows:

• Dublin Trinity College
• Dublin’s University College
• Galway’s National University of Ireland (NUIG)
• University College Cork
• University of Limerick
• Dublin City University
• Maynooth University

Top Courses in Ireland

For international students studying in Ireland, some of the most popular courses are:

• Management and Business
• Engineering in Computer Science and Information Technology
• Biological Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Humanities and Arts
• Law Education
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Clinical Psychology

Poland

Poland is a good option for overseas students who want to study in Europe for less money. According to the MEA report ‘Estimated Data of Indian Students Studying Abroad’, approximately 5,000 Indian students were studying in Poland in 2022. In 2022, there were 105,000 foreign students enrolled in Polish universities, according to Statista. Since 2018, the number of foreign students enrolled in Polish universities has grown by 20%.

Living Expenses in Poland for Indian Students

Living expenses for Indian students in Poland typically range from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. Expenses include Food, accommodation, transportation, and utilities.

Job Opportunities for Indian students in Poland

You can work part-time if you are an international student studying at a Polish university or language school.You can work up to 20 hours per week; during official holidays, you can work full-time.

Top Universities in Poland

• Wroclaw Medical University
• University of Warsaw
• Jagiellonian University

Top Courses in Poland

Here are some of the top courses to study in Poland:

• Computer Science
• Business Management
• Law
• Medicine
• Architecture
• BBA in Poland
• Data Scientist
• Courses
• Civil Engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Humanities
• Social Sciences

Malta

Malta is regarded as one of Europe’s best countries, with many Indian students choosing to pursue their higher education there. Every year, nearly 500 students from India travel to Malta. Candidates also choose to study in Malta because they can easily communicate with the people there, as approximately 80% of the population speaks English.

Furthermore, the country provides numerous job opportunities in a variety of industries. According to a recent update, business management courses are in high demand in Malta. Candidates may also be eligible for scholarships that offer free or low-cost education. That is why many Indian students choose to study in Malta.

Living Expenses in Malta

Students can expect between 300 EUR and 400 EUR per month.

Job Opportunities in Malta

Top Courses in Malta

Here are some of the popular courses in Malta:

• Information Technology
• Business Administration
• Finance and Economics
• Health and Social Care

Dubai

The United Arab Emirates is currently one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From its excellent infrastructure to its numerous opportunities, the UAE has proven to be one of the best places to study. Universities in the UAE provide a quality education. Some well-known universities in the UAE are the University of Wollongong, BITS Pilani Dubai, and Heriot-Watt University.

Living Expenses in Dubai

Living expenses in the United Arab Emirates are contingent upon several factors, including but not limited to lodging, food, transportation, and clothing.

Top Courses in Dubai

Some of the top courses in Dubai are:

• Business Administration.
• Hospitality and Tourism Management.
• Architecture and Urban Planning.
• IT and Computer Science.
• Media and Communication.
• Medicine and Healthcare.

Job Opportunities in Dubai

Here are some of the top career opportunities for Indian students:

• Accounting & Finance
• Social Media
• Legal Sector
• HR
• Engineering

Singapore

According to the Bureau of Immigration, Singapore ranks among the top 10 countries in which Indians have travelled abroad for post-secondary education over the past five years. Singapore came in at number seven on the Global Residence Index’s 2024 Safety Index. This island nation’s low crime rate can be attributed to its strict enforcement of the law. There’s no denying that this draws Indian students to Singapore to study.

According to Times Higher Education’s Global University Employability Ranking 2023–34, Nanyang Technological University is ranked 35 and the National University of Singapore (NUS) is ranked 9.

In addition, many MNCs like Facebook, Twitter,  and Tencent have established their regional headquarters in Singapore.

Living Expenses in Singapore for Indian Students

For an individual living alone in Singapore, the monthly cost of living is 1,483.2 SGD, or  INR 95,810.8.

Popular/Top Courses in Singapore

• Information Technology (IT)
• Healthcare.
• Computer Science.
• Hospitality and Tourism.

Career Opportunities in Singapore

• Regional Operations Manager
• Product Marketing Intern.
• Marketing/Category Management.
• Customer Success Executive
• Director of Marketing Communications.
• Sales Development Representative.

Sweden

Hundreds of thousands of students travel to Europe each year to pursue higher education. Sweden is quickly rising to the top of the list of popular destinations for international students pursuing higher education among the major European nations. Sweden provides top-notch research facilities, professional training programs, and high-quality educational resources. Eight Swedish universities are among the top 200 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings for 2025. KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Lund University were placed 74th and 75th in the world, respectively, in the QS rankings for 2025.

Top Courses in Sweden

• BSc Information and Communication Technology
• BSc Mathematics
• MSc Economics
• MSc Computer Science
• MSc Data Science
• MBA
• LLM

Career Opportunities in Sweden

• Technology & IT
• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Green Energy
• Finance & Fintech
• Education
• Manufacturing
• Research & Development
• Creative Industries
• Tourism & Hospitality

Wrapping Up

To wrap up, studying abroad can be affordable without compromising on quality. Countries like Germany, Canada, France, Malaysia, and Spain offer excellent educational opportunities at reasonable costs. For Indian students, various factors such as living expenses, tuition fees, and available scholarships play an important role in making decisions. Additionally, nations like Denmark, Norway, Ireland, Poland, Malta, Dubai, Singapore, and Sweden present viable options for affordable yet high-quality education. By exploring these options, students can gain valuable international experience while managing their financial resources effectively.

FAQs:

1.    Which countries offer the lowest tuition fees for Indian students?

Several countries are renowned for their affordable education systems. Germany is notable for its public universities, which often charge little to no tuition fees. Norway also provides free education at public institutions, irrespective of nationality. Denmark offers moderate tuition fees, while France and Ireland present reasonably priced options compared to many English-speaking countries. In France, many universities have low tuition fees, especially for EU citizens, while Ireland’s tuition is generally lower than that of the USA and the UK.

2.    What is the cost of living like in these affordable study destinations?

Living costs can vary significantly. For example:

1. Poland: Monthly living expenses can range from INR 25,000 to INR 50,000, depending on the city and lifestyle.
2. Denmark: Students should budget between INR 70,000 and INR 1,00,000 for housing, food, transportation, and other expenses.
3. Germany: Students might need around INR 60,000 to INR 80,000 per month.
4. France: Living costs vary; in cities like Lyon, monthly expenses can be around INR 70,000 to INR 90,000, while in Paris, they could reach INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000.

3.    Are there scholarship opportunities available for Indian students studying abroad?

Yes, many countries offer scholarships specifically aimed at international students. In Norway, various scholarships are provided by the government and universities, including NTNU Scholarships and the BI Presidential Scholarship. France has numerous grants available for Indian students, while Germany offers DAAD scholarships for a range of disciplines. Ireland also supports international students through financial aid and scholarship opportunities, making education more accessible.

4.    What are some popular courses Indian students can pursue in these countries?

Students can explore a variety of courses depending on the country:

• In Germany, popular fields include Engineering, Computer Science, and Business Administration.
• France is known for its strong programs in Fashion Design, International Business, and Culinary Arts.
• Denmark offers top-notch courses in Social Sciences, Engineering, and Environmental Studies.
• In Norway, students can pursue studies in Humanities, Engineering, and Medicine.
• Poland is gaining traction for its programs in Computer Science, Medicine, and Business Management.