Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2024



Are looking for the cheapest country to study for Indian students? If you are, then this is an article you want to read and bookmark!

Studying abroad can be an enriching experience, but the costs can be high for many. This is why, it’s good to know which are the cheapest countries to study in. Living expenses, tuition fees, travel expenses, health insurance, and accommodation – all these add up to a bog amount.  And, although scholarships and financial aid are viable options, not all students get them.

This is why it’s important to do the math and target countries according to your budget. There are many countries that offer high-quality education to students who are on a budget. Here’s a list of the cheapest countries to study for Indian students –  you can have it all in one place and make a decision on what’s the best option for you.


What we will cover today


What are the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian Students?


Indian students prefer studying abroad for a variety of reasons including the quality of education, high standards of living, access to more global opportunities, cultural diversity, and others. When it comes to studying abroad, countries such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA are preferred the most due to the large number of reputable universities across these countries. You need to do your research to know what’s the right fit for you – what’s the difference, for instance, between higher education in UK and Canada? Or what could be better for you from a work and destination perspective, say studying in Australia or the UK, or any other destination?

However, what my be of great interest to you is what are the cheaper countries to study at? Studying in some destinations can prove to be expensive for students from India. The good news is that there are countries in the world that offer high-quality affordable education which ensures that everyone has equal opportunities. The question is – which are those countries? Today we list out the top 10 cheapest countries in the world for higher education. We hope that this list helps you to fulfill your global ed aspirations.


1. Germany


Germany is well-known for its reputable institutions of higher education and relatively lower cost of studying compared to other European countries. Moreover, Germany embraces international students and has set up numerous policies to ensure that their stay in the country is pleasant. in fact, Berlin has some great universities for international students. 

Universities in Germany offer a wide variety of courses in English for those who do not know the German language. However, learning the language will be an added advantage to those looking for job opportunities in the country.

How much does it cost to study in Germany?

Most public universities in Germany offer free education to students, irrespective of their nationalities, making it one of the cheapest European countries to study. However, students are expected to pay an application fee and processing charges if any apply. Students who are looking to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany without having completed their undergraduate from the country will have to pay tuition fees.

The cost of living in Germany usually ranges anywhere from USD 10,000 to USD 12,000 (INR 7,97,430 – 9,56,916). The average cost of living in Germany excluding tuition fees includes,

  • Food – USD 200 (INR 15,950)
  • Transportation – USD 110 (INR 8,772)
  • Clothes – USD 50 (INR 4,000)
  • Internet and other related services – USD 40 (INR 3,200)
  • Study materials – USD 25 (INR 2,000)
  • Others – USD 75 (INR 6,000)

Government-funded and private scholarships are available for international students looking to study in Germany. These include:

  • DAAD scholarship
  • Erasmus+
  • Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship

Top Subjects to study in Germany

German universities offer programs across a wide range of fields including Engineering, Medicine, Finance, and also MBAs,  as well as Humanities (Germany also has some great business schools).

The best subjects offered in German universities include:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Business Management
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Medicine

Top German Universities

Germany is renowned for its world-class education system and the large number of universities that offer a range of programs across different subjects.

Some of the top German universities include:

  • Technical University of Munich
  • Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
  • Heidelberg University
  • RWTH Aachen University
  • Freie Universität Berlin
  • Humboldt University of Berlin

2. France


France is one of the most popular study destinations in Europe, thanks to its affordable universities and high standards of living. Although it is considered to be an expensive country in general, it is popular among international students due to the comparatively lower tuition fees. Cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Grenoble, Montpellier, and Nice are popular among students. In fact, Paris has been consistently ranked as one of the best student cities in the world!

How much does it cost to study in France?

France is an affordable country when it comes to education. The standard of living is very high compared to other European countries. It also provides financial support to international students in the form of scholarships and other grants.

The average tuition fees at public universities for international students range from EUR 2,500 to EUR 4,000 (INR 2,03,875 to INR 3,26,200) a year. However, autonomous universities have the ability to set tuition fees of their choice. In private universities, the tuition fees could range from EUR 3,000 to EUR 10,000 (INR 2,44,764 to INR 8,15,880) annually.

Depending on the city in France that one chooses to study, the cost of living varies. In Paris, the cost of living could range from EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,800 (INR 97,889 – INR 1,46,834) a month while in Lyon, it could be between EUR 800 – EUR1,000 (INR 65,259- INR 81,574) a month.

France also offers several scholarships to students including,

  • École Normale Supérieure Master’s degree scholarship
  • Grenoble INP Master’s degree scholarship
  • Sciences Po Bachelor’s and Master’s degree scholarships
  • INSEAD MBA scholarships
  • ENS de Lyon Master’s degree scholarship
  • Université Paris-Saclay Master’s degree scholarship

Top Subjects to study in France

Universities in France offer many programs across different fields. They also provide ample research opportunities to those who are interested. Although programs are generally taught in French, there are over 1500 programs that are offered in the English language.

The top subjects to study in French universities include,

Top French Universities

France’s education system is consistently ranked as one of the best in Europe. Scores of French universities feature regularly in the list of top universities.

France’s universities host a wide array of bachelor’s and master’s programs. The English-language-based medium of instruction ensures that international students do not face communication challenges.

Some of the top universities in France are,

  • Université PSL
  • Ecole des Ponts ParisTech
  • Université Paris-Saclay
  • École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
  • Sorbonne University
  • Institut Polytechnique de Paris

3. Mexico


Mexico is unique in every way imaginable. Be it the ancient Mayan pyramids, or the uber cool beaches that are apt for surfing, one can find it all in the country. For international students, It is one of the easiest countries to migrate to. Mexico’s education system is widely popular due to its world-class quality that is easily affordable by those looking forward to studying abroad.

Although Mexico is predominantly a Spanish-speaking country, English is also widely spoken, making it easy for international students to get around without hassles. With a host of student cities including Puebla, Mexico City, and Cancun, Mexico offers the best education and cultural diversity.

How much does it cost to study in Mexico?

The second-largest economy in Latin America, Mexico offers a high quality of life at considerably lower costs compared to its cash-rich northern counterpart.

Tuition fees at the public universities of Mexico begin at a modest USD 400 annually. Additionally, students may require around USD 300 – USD 400 (INR 23,928 – INR 31,904) a month for their living expenses. However, private universities set their own tuition fees, which could range anywhere from USD 3,000 – USD 6,000 (INR 2,39,283 – INR 4,78,566) a semester. The average living cost for students in Mexico includes

  • Rent – USD 100 to USD 200 (INR 7,975 – INR 15,950)
  • Transportation – USD 50 (INR 4,000)
  • Utilities – USD 80 (INR 6,380)
  • Food – USD 150 to USD 200 (INR 11,962 – 15,950)
  • Other expenses – USD 250 (INR 19,938)

Top Subjects to study in Mexico

Mexico is one of the best Latin American countries for quality education. It offers some of the best programs in Engineering, and Business Management.

Some of the top subjects to study in Mexican universities include,

  • Arts and Humanities
    • Art and Design
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
  • Computer Science
  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Natural Sciences
    • Biological Sciences
    • Mathematics
    • Physics and Astronomy
  • Social Sciences and Management

Top Mexican Universities

There are several private and public universities in Mexico that offer programs across different fields. Mexican universities are also well known for their quality infrastructure and advanced technology that is made available to students.

Over 14 Mexican universities were featured on the QS rankings’ top universities list in 2019. Some of the best universities in Mexico include,

  • Tecnológico de Monterrey
  • El Colegio de México, A.C.
  • Universidad Anáhuac México
  • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
  • Universidad Panamericana (UP)

4. Norway


Norway is easily the most affordable country in the world for international students who are looking to study abroad. Nordic countries, in general, are known for their quality of education that is easily accessible to those who are on a budget. However, Norway takes the cake since it offers free education to all, including international students, at its public universities!

Norway is renowned for its high quality of life and its cultural diversity where students from all over the world come together. With the high number of English language-based programs that are offered across Norwegian universities, the country has become a hotspot for global education.

How much does it cost in Norway?

Norway has always been associated with a quality education that is provided free of cost. Till 2022, its public universities did not charge international students any fee. However, that is changing from 2023. It will now charge fee for them as well.

However, the cost of living in Norway is a bit expensive. The cost of living in Norway could be anywhere between USD 12,000 to USD 17,000 (INR 9,56,826 to INR 13,55,503) annually.

Top Subjects to study in Norway

Although the number of undergraduate programs offered by Norwegian universities is limited, there are more than 200+ programs that are offered in the English language to choose from for graduate studies. Nonetheless, Norway offers a wide range of programs across different subjects including,

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Biotechnology
  • Computer Science
  • Dental Science
  • Digital Media, Animation, and Visual Arts
  • Energy and Sustainability
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Life Sciences and Medicine
  • Natural Sciences

Top Norwegian universities

Norwegian institutions have been ranked amongst the top universities across the world. In fact, four universities in Norway have been ranked among the top 500 global universities by QS rankings. Some of the most sought-after Norwegian universities include,

  • University of Oslo
  • University of Bergen
  • University of Tromsø The Arctic University of Norway
  • Norwegian University of Science And Technology
  • University of Stavanger

5. Poland


Poland is most famous worldwide for its natural beauty. With some of the most beautiful places in the world including Krakow, Warsaw, High Tatra Mountains, Poznan, and Kazimierz Dolny located in the country, Poland is a nature lover’s paradise. But that’s not the only reason Poland is famous today! It boasts of several world-class universities that offer the best programs for students from all over the globe.

Poland is also well-known for its rich history and tolerance toward people from different cultures. What’s more, Poland offers a quality education at remarkably affordable prices!

How much does it cost to study in Poland?

Compared to Europe’s western countries, Poland is highly affordable for students. It is well-known for being an academic haven for international students thanks to its low cost of living, high quality of life, academic progress, stable economy, cultural opportunities, cleanliness, and being highly secular.

On average, students who apply to undergraduate and postgraduate programs at public universities in Poland may have to spend between EUR 2000 to EUR 6000 (INR 1,63,162 to INR 4,89,358) on tuition fees. Cost of living includes,

Student dormitories are available for as low as EUR 100 (INR 8,158) a month.

Other facilities such as transportation, health insurance, internet, groceries, and miscellaneous expenses could range between EUR 300 to EUR 400 (INR 24,471 – INR 32,629) a month.

Top subjects to study in Poland

Poland is famous for its universities that offer technical education. In fact, the country offers some of the best-specialized programs in medicine, engineering, and computer science.

The top subjects to study in Polish universities include

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Power Engineering
  • Management
  • Medicine(you might be interested in learning more about top universities in the world to pursue medicine)
  • Natural Sciences
  • Geology
  • Physics and astronomy

Top Polish universities

Poland has a rich history when it comes to education, with some universities having been established over 800 years ago. Polish institutions are well-known for providing specialized technical education. Moreover, Poland ranks among the top universities in the world for computer science and medicine.

Poland has over 500 universities, of which the majority are private universities. These are funded by tuition fees or by foundations that promote academic excellence and research.

Some of the top universities in Poland include

  • University of Warsaw
  • Jagiellonian University
  • Poznan University of Life Sciences
  • Warsaw University of Technology
  • Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań
  • Lodz University of Technology
  • Gdańsk University of Technology
  • Cracow University of Economics

6. Denmark


Denmark is a popular global education destination in the world, thanks to its high quality of education that is affordable. One of the reasons why Danish universities are some of the most preferred by international students is because of the large number of programs that are taught in the English language.

Denmark is renowned for its economic and gender equality, along with a very highly developed welfare system that is focussed on taking care of all citizens. It has one of the highest GDPs and the lowest crime rates in the world, something that international students might consider when choosing a country for higher education.

How much does it cost to study in Denmark?

Denmark offers free education to those who are citizens of Denmark, are from the European Union, or if a non-EU parent is working in Denmark. However, international students can expect to pay anywhere between EUR 6,000 to EUR 16,000 (INR 4,87,167 – INR 12,99,112) annually, based on the program.

Apart from the tuition fees, students will also have to bear the living expenses during their stay in Denmark. This includes,

  • Accommodation – EUR 250 to EUR 500 (INR 20,291 – INR 40,583)
  • Food – EUR 200 (INR 16,229)
  • Transportation – EUR 30 to EUR 40 (INR 2,434 – INR 3,245)
  • Additional expenses – EUR 30 to EUR 65 (INR 2,434 – INR 5,274)

Denmark offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid to those students who need it. Some of the most popular scholarships include,

  • Erasmus+
  • Nordplus
  • State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme

Top subjects to study in Denmark

Lectures in Danish universities are held in small groups instead of large classrooms or halls that are packed with students. This enables a more personal connection between students and teachers and also sets a foundation for quality research through hands-on learning.

  • Accounting
  • Biotechnology
  • Business Administration
  • Civil Engineering
  • Design
  • Economics
  • Environmental Science
  • Medicine
  • Social Science and Management

Top Danish universities

Denmark has some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Five Danish universities are featured in the top 500 global universities list that has been curated by QS rankings.

Danish universities consider students to be part of the natural resources of the country, thereby providing the best facilities available to improve their experience. Universities in Denmark are known for providing ample opportunities for students to undertake research-related activities.

  • Aalborg University
  • Aarhus University
  • Technical University of Denmark
  • University of Copenhagen
  • University of Southern Denmark (SDU)

7. Argentina


The second-largest country in South America, Argentina has beautiful and diverse landscapes including the Andes mountains, Salinas Grandes, Quebrada de Humahuaca, bustling cities such as Buenos Aires and Cordoba, and the vineyards of Mendoza. Argentina is generally associated with football (or soccer, as it is known in the US).

However, Argentina is quite popular among international students as one of the most affordable countries in the world for quality higher education. Argentina is a popular educational destination because of the high quality of university education that is provided at low costs to students irrespective of their nationality. The country boasts of having a unique culture that is a blend of Italian and Spanish heritages.

How much does it cost to study in Argentina?

Argentina is a budget-friendly option for Indian students who are looking to study at prestigious international universities. The country also offers several scholarships for international students. Tuition fees are cheap compared to other countries and what makes things better is that the country does not charge extra tuition fees for international students.

The cost of living for international students in Argentina could range from USD 2,000 to USD 4,500 (INR 1,59,555 – INR 3,58,998). This includes,

  • Accommodation – USD 300 to USD 450 (INR 23,934 – INR 35,901)
  • Transportation – USD 50 (INR 4,000)
  • Healthcare in Argentina is offered free of charge to its citizens and residents

Tuition fees in public universities could range from USD 5,000 to USD 7,000 (INR 3,98,900 – INR 5,58,460). In private universities, the tuition fees could range from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000 (INR 3,98,900 – INR 11,96,700) annually.

Top Subjects to study in Argentina

The top universities of Argentina provide a wide range of programs across different fields. Argentinian universities provide some of the best programs in the world for subjects including

  • Arts and Humanities
    • Art and Design
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
  • Business Studies
  • Economics
  • Medicine
  • Natural Sciences
    • Chemistry
    • Physics and Astronomy
  • Social Sciences and Management

Top Argentinian universities

Argentina has 39 public universities and several private institutions that foreign students can choose to study from. Five Argentinian universities have been featured among the top 500 universities list that has been curated by QS rankings. Some of the most popular universities in Argentina include

  • Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina
  • Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)
  • Universidad de Palermo (UP)
  • Universidad Austral
  • Universidad de Belgrano
  • Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP)
  • Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNICEN)
  • Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires (ITBA)

8. Malaysia


Malaysia is one of the most popular global education destinations in the world. Part of southeast Asia, Malaysia is famous for its forests, beaches, and technologically advanced cities. Due to the rapid technological and business development of late, Malaysia is home to thousands of immigrants from diverse backgrounds.

The economically stable and culturally diverse country of Malaysia has a robust education system that has been designed to cater to the needs of students from all walks of life. The country attracts a large number of international students due to the high quality of education, relative simplicity when it comes to applying for visas, easy immigration procedures, and affordable tuition.

How much does it cost to study in Malaysia?

Malaysia is one of the most affordable countries for students due to its low living costs and high standards of living.

Tuition fees in the public universities of Malaysia range between EUR 2000 to EUR 4500 (INR 1,61,944 – INR 3,64,374) a year. In private universities, the tuition fees can range from EUR 1,500 to EUR 9,500 (INR 1,21,458 – INR 7,69,234) annually.

The cost of living for students generally ranges between EUR 450 to EUR 800 (INR 36,437 – INR 64,777) a month. This includes,

  • Accommodation – EUR 65 to EUR 600 (INR 5,200 – INR 48,586) (depending on whether one chooses a student dorm or a flat)
  • Food – EUR 200 to EUR 350 (INR 16,195 – INR 28,342)
  • Transportation – EUR 20 (INR 1,619)
  • Insurance – EUR 70 to EUR 180 (INR 5,668 – INR 14,575)
  • Other expenses – EUR 30 to EUR 70 (INR 2,429 – INR 5,668)

Top Subjects to study in Malaysia

Malaysia’s universities are rapidly growing and are almost on par with the universities in Singapore and Hong Kong. They offer a wide range of courses from several disciplines including Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Medicine.

Some of the most popular subjects to study in Malaysia include,

  • Data Science
  • Digital Art and Visual Design
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Product Design

Top Malaysian Universities

9 Malaysian universities feature among the top 500 universities’ list curated by QS rankings in 2022. Moreover, Malaysia is known for its international partnerships where many foreign universities including Monash University, and the University of Nottingham have their offshore branches within the country.

Some of the best Malaysian universities include,

  • Universiti Malaya (UM)
  • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
  • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
  • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
  • Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
  • Taylor’s University
  • UCSI University

9. Taiwan


Taiwan is a very popular global education destination in Asia. Known for its multicultural nature, Taiwan is one of the cheapest countries in the world for students who wish to study abroad. Although Taiwan is relatively cheap for students, it has an impressive array of world-class universities. Taiwan has a rich and diverse population with extensive academic programs and research facilities.

Taiwan has a large number of places that students can visit. An efficient transportation system makes it easy for everyone to access different places. Moreover, Taiwan’s foreigner-friendly approach encourages students from all over the world to choose a country for higher education.

How much does it cost to study in Taiwan?

Studying in Taiwan is highly economical, especially for an Indian student, due to the low cost of living.

The average tuition fees in private Taiwanese universities range between USD 1600 to USD 4500 (INR 1,27,647 – INR 3,59,000) a semester. The average tuition fees for public universities in Taiwan are between EUR 670 to EUR 12,000 (INR 54,142 – INR 9,69,708) a year.

A student might require about EUR 700 (INR 48,485) for living expenses every month. This includes,

  • Accommodation – EUR 80 to EUR 400 (INR 6,500 – INR 32,000) a month
  • Transportation – EUR 2 to EUR 20 (INR 160 – INR 1,600) a day
  • Food – EUR 12 (INR 960) a day
  • Other expenses – EUR 90 (INR 7,200) a month

Top Subjects to study in Taiwan

Although Taiwan is known for its technological prowess and for producing the most employable tech graduates, Taiwanese universities also offer a wide range of programs across different subjects. Some of the most popular subjects to pursue in Taiwan include,

  • Art and Design
  • Business and Management
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Information Management
  • Mathematics
  • Multimedia and Game Design
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences

Top Taiwanese Universities

Taiwan boasts over 40 universities that offer a wide variety of programs. 10 Taiwanese universities have been featured in the top 50 universities’ list curated by QS rankings.

Some of the most popular universities in Taiwan include

  • National Taiwan University (NTU)
  • National Tsing Hua University
  • National Cheng Kung University (NCKU)
  • National Taiwan Normal University
  • Taipei Medical University (TMU)
  • National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
  • National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech)

10. Belgium


Belgium has been regarded as the heart of western Europe. In fact, Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is considered to be the capital of the European Union. The diplomatic center of the European Union, Belgium is also home to some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world and one of the cheapest European countries to study.

It is well-connected with the rest of Europe by rail, road, and air travel. Due to its proximity to other European countries including France, the UK, and the Netherlands, international opportunities are easily available to students studying at Belgian universities.

One can also learn a variety of languages including German, Dutch, and French due to the multicultural and multilingual nature of Belgium. Several Belgian cities such as Bruges, Brussels, Leuven, Liege, and Antwerp are student-friendly and host a large number of students, both residents as well as foreigners.

How much does it cost to study in Belgium?

The tuition fees in Belgium are relatively lower compared to that of countries like Germany, France, and the UK.

Students can expect to pay anywhere between EUR 800 to EUR 10,000 (INR 64,668 – INR 80,835) depending on the program and university that they have chosen.

  • The living costs in Belgium are usually between EUR 700 to EUR 950 (INR 56596 – INR 76809) a month. This generally includes,
  • Accommodation – EUR 200 to EUR 700 (INR 16,170 – INR 56,600) a month
  • Transportation – EUR 50 to 75 (INR 4,000 – INR 6,000) a month
  • Food – EUR 300 (INR 24,250) a month
  • Other expenses – EUR 100 (8,100) a month

Top Subjects to study in Belgium

Although most of the programs offered by Belgian universities are either taught in French or Dutch, international students can also find programs that are taught in English at the postgraduate level.

Some of the most popular subjects to study in Belgium include,

  • Architecture
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Computer Science
  • Medicine
  • Political Science
  • Public Health
  • Visual Arts

Top Belgian Universities

Belgian universities are world-renowned for their quality and their research-oriented structure. 7 Belgian universities have been featured in the top 500 universities’ list curated by QS rankings. Some of the top Belgian universities include,

  • KU Leuven
  • Ghent University
  • Université libre de Bruxelles
  • Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
  • University of Antwerp
  • Hasselt University
  • Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)

Also, while Canada is not mentioned in this list, it may be worthwhile checking out the best ways to study in Canada for free

Let’s get you into top universities with no stress


Applying for the best courses and universities in some of the cheapest countries to study for Indian students is literally a touch away with the T.C. Global web application or mobile app. Be it your choice of course, university, scholarships, immigration or ways to handle the cost of studying abroad for Indian students, TC Global is there to assist you every step of the way.

Explore courses and start your journey here.

Getting Started

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform! 🚀 Once you’re logged in to your platform, onboard with us by giving us some initial information! ✅

Once you’ve done this, visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships team closest to you and choose a slot that works well for you for an e-meet with our team. They will tell you more about the cheapest country to study for Indian students.

Let’s shape your future together 🌍😊

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Date added
18.07.2023

Filed under:

Global Ed

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