Many Indian students dream of studying abroad. And one of the biggest problems: how to manage the cost: tuition fee, as well as living expenses. The best news? There are a number of countries that give quality education that does not leave your bank account empty. With the appropriate destination selection, you may experience top quality education, multicultural experiences, great job opportunities and save on cost.
In this guide, we are going to look at the best cheapest countries to study in aggregate, their advantages, cost information and some hints to ensure that your international learning experience is easy.
1. Why is Affordability Important to Indian Students
Though studying abroad can be life changing, the cost is the extent that students can scare them to not do so. Affordability means:
- Lowered Tuition Fee- Families do not get overwhelmed.
- Low Cost of living- housing, food and transport accessible pocket costs.
- Sonder ROI- On investment in good education and global career.
- Part-time Work CTs- Getting experience as you go to school.
2. Matters to be considered when selecting a Study Destination with Low Pricing
- Tuition Fees- There are those countries that have cheaper education or even free education.
- Cost of Living - Rent, food and transportation depend on cities and nations.
- Scholarship Opportunities – Bursaries can help to save a fortune.
- Post-Study Work Options- Probability of post-study work in order to achieve a better ROI.
- Educational Material Education quality is a factor- accreditation, ranking, education quality expertise and faculty expertise.
3. Top Affordable Countries for Indian Students in 2025
Here’s our curated list of budget-friendly study abroad destinations that combine quality education with affordability.
1. Germany – World-Class Education, Zero Tuition Fees
Germany is famous for offering tuition-free education at public universities, even for international students. You only pay a minimal semester contribution of around €250–€350.
Average Costs
Tuition Fees: €0 (Public Universities)
Living Costs: €850–€1,000/month
Top Universities: University of Munich, Heidelberg University, Technical University of Berlin
Scholarships:
Extra Perks:
- Strong engineering, science, and business programs
- 18-month post-study work visa
2. Canada- PR And Budget Education
Canada has affordable tuition fees when compared to the USA; there are great opportunities for post-graduate employment as well as permanent residence.
Average Costs
Tuition Fees: 13.000 CAD to 20.000 CAD/per annum
The cost of living: CAD 800-CAD 1,200/ month
Top Universities: The University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and McGill University were ranked among the best colleges.
Scholarships:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Les Obolonca Bertram Noel Pearson International Scholarships
Extra Perks:
- Multicultural environment
- Rights to work part time in studies.
3. France - A Low Cost of Fees, high style of living
French public Universities have extremely low fees even to Indian students. The cost of living in lesser cities is affordable and France is a centre of culture in art, business and fashion.
Average Costs
Tuition Fee: 2,770 EUR / year (Bachelor Degree), 3,770 EUR/ year (Master Degree)
Living Costs: 700-1000euros/mth
Best Universities: Sorbonne University, Sciences Po, University of Paris
Scholarships:
Extra Perks:
- Study French in the process
- An ability to access all the EU countries during vacation time
4. New Zealand- An affordable high quality.
With a safe environment and high standards of education, New Zealand has various affordable courses in the field of hospitality, IT, agriculture, and management.
Average Costs
Tuition Fee: USD 12,500- NZD 15 000 /year
Cost of Living: NZD 1,200 - 1,600 /mo.
The best universities: University of Auckland, University of Otago
Scholarships:
- NZ International Scholarships scheme
- New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships
Extra Perks:
- There is a 3 year after-study working visa
- Body culture, physical sport Excursion
5. Poland, Europe on a Budget
Education is of good quality and extremely cheap in Poland. The living expenses are very cheap within the region and most universities in the region offer programs taught in English.
Average Costs
Tuition Fees: 2.000 euro-5.000 euro/year
Living: 400-700 euro monthly
Best Universities : University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University
Scholarships:
Extra Perks:
Extensive ancient culture
Travel in Europe at a low cost
6. Croatia -Well-kept Secret of Indian Studying
The education system in the country of Croatia is gaining popularity over time. It has willing fees and living expenses, attractive seaside cities.
Average Costs
Tuition Fee: 1,500-3,500euro / year
living costs: 400-800 euro/month
Top Universities: University Zagreb, University Split.
Scholarships:
The Croatian Government scholarships
4. Study Abroad Advice to Reduce Cost
- Identify some scholarships and apply as early as possible.
- Smaller cities and a lower Living Cost.
- Think of part time employment permitted on student visas.
- Pick common grounds, college living circles.
- Prepare yourself some food and avid street/restaurant food all the time.
5. FAQs
Q1: What is the lowest cost country to study overseas that a student can be an Indian?
A: First is Germany, and it is tuition free in their state University.
Q2: How do I study abroad for free?
A: Germany and Norway have tuition-free positions but that does not imply that you should not worry about catering to living expenses.
Q3: Which is the best country for Indian students with scholarships?
A: Canada, Germany and France provide huge offers of scholarships to foreign students.
Q4: Which one is cheaper to pursue studies, Europe or USA?
A: Yeah European nations, such as Poland, France, Germany are traditionally cheaper than the USA.
Q5: What are the countries in which the Indian students have the opportunity to work during studying?
A: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and most of the countries in Europe allow part time work.
Q6: What are the cheapest English-speaking countries for study?
A: Canada, New Zealand and some regions of the USA provide relatively cheap English taught programs.