8 Cheapest Countries to Study for Indian Students in 2024

Are you planning to study overseas but wondering about the expenses and tuition fees? Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience. This blog will help you find those countries providing quality education that is financially easy to attain for Indians and the benefits they offer.

Studying abroad opens up many opportunities and puts you at the top of your game when you wish to look for a job in the field of your choice. Countries such as the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada offer expensive courses, and getting a scholarship or a bank loan becomes quite difficult for many aspiring students in India. There are several options for students looking at more feasible alternatives when considering the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students. Here are the eight cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students:

Read More: Best countries to study abroad for Indian students

1. Norway

A stunning nation with breathtaking natural beauty, Norway has a reputation for great colleges and universities providing high-quality education. It is excellent to note that this country does not charge tuition fees for international students. This makes it a dream destination for Indian students and puts it on the top of the list.

According to QS World University Ranking, here is the list of top universities in Norway.

Cost of Studying in Norway:

Students must note that the tuition fee is free in Norway, but they may have to pay a nominal fee ( approximately NOK 625 per semester) depending on the college/university they choose to study. Paying this semester fee grants you access to libraries and sports associations and issues you a student card, which you may use to avail yourself of discounted travel options and entries into museums and art galleries.

2. Germany

Second on our list is Germany. This great nation is known for its world-class universities and, surprisingly, is one of the cheapest countries to study for Indian students compared to the quality of education it offers. The public universities in the country provide free courses for undergraduate and postgraduate programs for its citizens and international students alike. However, a student has to pay if they pursue a master’s program in a subject different from the one they studied at the undergraduate level.  

According to QS World University Ranking 2022, here is the list of top universities in Germany

Cost of Studying in Germany

Although the tuition fee at public universities is zero, average tuition fees at private  universities range from €247.64 to € 3717. The average cost of living in Germany is approximately €8668.43 annually. Here too, a student is granted a student card that can be used to avail of various discounts and access to public places and transportation.

Read More: All about Germany study visa

3. Switzerland

Switzerland is home to 12 universities and a small number of research-specific institutes in science. Four of these 12 universities are ranked in the QS World University Rankings, with ETH Zurich shining brightest at the ninth position. A country with fairytale-like landscapes, peaceful mountains, and crystal-clear lakes is also surprisingly one of the cheapest places to study abroad.

According to QS world ranking 2022, here is the list of top universities in Switzerland

Cost of Studying in Switzerland 

Although the study costs are low in Switzerland, they could be anywhere between CHF 2472.22- CHF 4942.69 a year. You must keep in mind the high cost of living. A yearly living expense can cost up to CHF 12356.73- CHF 14828.08

Read More: Study Abroad with great affordability and efficiently

4. Denmark 

Despite being a small nation in terms of its population, Denmark is ranked as one of the world’s most promising education destinations for international students. This is mainly because of the country’s emphasis on research and development. You can expect to gain excellent practical knowledge and exposure from learning from industry professionals.

According to QS World University Ranking 2022, here is the list of top universities in Denmark

Cost of Studying in Denmark 

For International Students, tuition fees vary from 6,000 to 16,000 EUR/year. However,  more specialized study programs can cost as much as 35,000 EUR/year. Students must note that private universities charge higher tuition fees to EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA citizens.

Read More: Reduce cost of master’s degree abroad by 20 lakhs 

5. Belgium 

Belgium is famous for being the European Union’s official headquarters (EU), and Belgium has always been regarded as the heart of Western Europe. Being the political hub, it is home to the EU and NATO. Here, you will have plenty of opportunities to learn about a wide range of cultures and study in different languages such as French, Dutch, German besides English. Graduating from a university in Belgium will elevate your chances of securing international job opportunities.

This country has the best natural beauty and rich culture. Being a student in Belgium allows you to explore Europe, with Paris, London, and Amsterdam all being about two hours away from you.

Aspiring students must consider that most courses in the country are taught in Dutch or French, although you will find plenty at the master’s level conducted in English. This makes Belgium an excellent choice for international students.According to QS World University Ranking 2022, here is the list of top universities in Belgium

Cost of Studying in Belgium

Tuition fees at these universities are relatively cheap at around €874.21-€3,747.63 a year. At the same time, the living expenses vary between Rs. 7 lakh and Rs. 11 lakh. Because you will find many post-graduate courses taught in English, Belgium is easily one of the cheapest countries to study for a master’s degree program.

6. Italy 

With countryside beauty, cultural legacy, rice heritage, and magnificent cuisine, Italy is truly a dream destination for students looking to study abroad. Besides being one of the most sought-after holiday destinations and considered the epicentre of global fashion, Italy also offers world-class yet affordable education to international students.

Read More: Study Abroad for free

The country is home to the world’s oldest university still running, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088 and proudly owned by many universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings. According to QS World University Ranking 2022, here is the list of top universities in Italy.

Cost of Studying in Italy 

Italy is an attractive choice for Indian students because of its pocket-friendly tuition fees and living expenses. You can expect to pay about € 936.91– €4,996.84 a year in prices and an average of €9,993.68 yearly in specialized courses.

There are plenty of funding and scholarship opportunities offered by the Italian government and other organizations that can help you achieve your goals of studying in the country.

Read More: Study abroad after 12th or graduation

7. Spain 

Spain welcomes thousands of international students each year because of the high-quality education it offers at a comparatively low cost. With one of the lowest tuition fees in Europe, Spain is one of the cheapest places to study abroad.

Key highlights of studying in Spain:

Listed below are the best universities in Spain

QS World University Ranking 2023

8. Poland 

It is a lesser-known fact that Poland is home to some of the oldest universities in the world. This beautiful small nation stands proud with numerous educational institutes offering courses in English and Polish. The country has a beautiful culture and friendly people, which make it an attractive destination for international students. The reasonable cost of living makes it easy for Indian students to plan their higher education there. According to QS world ranking 2022, here is the list of top universities in Poland

The tuition fees in  Poland universities range from zł 11967.35- zł 23935.21 and you could be spending about Rs. 3 – 5 Lakh a year on your living expenses, which is owed to a pretty stable economy that the country has.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the quest for affordable yet quality education takes Indian students across the globe, and the year 2024 presents a diverse array of options in the form of the 8 cheapest countries to study. These destinations, offer a balance of low tuition fees, reasonable living costs, and high-quality education. This opportunity not only opens doors to global exposure and international networking but also allows students to experience different cultures and educational systems without imposing a heavy financial burden. For Indian students looking to maximize their educational investment in 2024, these countries represent ideal choices, providing pathways to academic excellence, career advancement, and personal growth in a cost-effective manner. As the world becomes more interconnected, studying abroad in these affordable destinations can be a transformative step towards achieving one’s academic and professional goals.

MBA in Germany with upGrad Abroad

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