11 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025-26

Lakshmi

9 min read

Updated On Aug 27, 2025

11 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025-26

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Top 11 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad
Which Country is the Right Fit for Your Study Abroad? Decode it with GetGIS Assistance!

For students seeking quality education without the hefty price tag, exploring the cheapest countries to study abroad can be a game-changer. Germany stands out with its public universities offering tuition-free education to international students, requiring only a nominal semester fee of €200 - €500. Similarly, Norway provides free education at public universities for all students, regardless of nationality, though living expenses are high.

Latin American countries also present budget-friendly options. Argentina offers free tuition at public universities and monthly living expenses of around $500–$800. In Eastern Europe, Poland's tuition fees are approximately PLN 2,000 - 3,000 per year, and living costs are around PLN 1,800 monthly. These destinations not only provide economic education but also enrich students with diverse cultural experiences. Let's explore these opportunities further.

Top 11 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad

Several countries offer low-cost or tuition-free education for international students without compromising academic quality. Nations like Germany, Norway, and Mexico combine affordable fees with reasonable living costs. Here are the top 11 cheapest countries to study abroad based on tuition and living expenses.

1. Germany

Germany is a top choice among the cheapest countries to study for Indian students, known for its free education. Both residents and international students get this benefit at government-funded universities, with a reasonable semester fee of 150 to 250 euros.

Beyond the cost, Germany's diverse population and strong safety measures make it a comfortable fit for Indian students. You can rest easy here, as the country is generally safe, thanks to a sizable international student community attending German universities every year.

Particulars	Details
Cost of Living	EUR 900–1,500/month (minimum required: EUR 992/month or EUR 11,904/year)
Tuition Fee	No tuition fee at public universities only semester fee of EUR 100–350 applies
Top 5 Scholarships	DAAD, Erasmus+, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Heinrich Böll, Bayer Foundation
Top Programs	Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Science & IT, Medicine & Dentistry, Law, Mathematics & Natural Sciences

Also Read: Cost of Studying in Germany: All You Need to Know

2. France

France is not just famous for its prestigious colleges; it also boasts a wide array of higher education courses to suit every aspiration. Campus France, the national body promoting French higher education globally, presents a staggering 1,360 courses taught in English.

When it comes to tuition fees, the French government chips in generously, covering two-thirds of the educational costs. Students are only required to pay a modest registration fee.

Safety is another feather in France's cap. The government has an array of resources in place to ensure students' security, and the country enjoys a low crime rate. With numerous institutions and colleges offering safety programs, students can rest easy in France.

Particulars	Details
Cost of Living	EUR 800 – 1,400/month (this can vary depending on city and lifestyle)
Tuition Fee	Public universities: EUR 170 (Bachelor), EUR 243 (Master), and EUR 601 (PhD) annually for most programmes; for non-EU students: EUR 2,770 (Bachelor) and EUR 3,770 (Master) at most institutions. Some top public universities (e.g. Paris-Saclay, many grandes écoles) charge domestic fees for international students due to widespread fee exemptions.
Top 5 Scholarships	Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Charpak Scholarship, Amba Dalmia Scholarship, Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship, Franco-Indian Education Trust Scholarship
Top Programs	Business Administration, Philosophy, Linguistics, Medicine, International Relations

Quick Read: Top 10 Universities in France for International Students

3. Mexico

Mexico is also the cheapest country for Indian students. Higher education mirrors the European and American university structure, with bachelor's degrees taking four years, master's programs lasting two years, and doctoral studies spanning three years. Notably, Mexico boasts some of Latin America's finest universities.

Now, let's address a couple of concerns: safety and natural disasters. While you might come across unsettling reports and statistics, rest assured, the risks to students are minimal. Crime is a prevailing issue, but it need not overshadow your experience.

Particulars	Details
Cost of Living	Approximately MXN 18,000 – 28,000 per month (varies based on city and lifestyle)
Tuition Fee	Ranges from MXN 1,600 to MXN 34,000 per semester/year depending on institution and program (public universities generally lower, private higher)
Top 5 Scholarships	Mexican Government Scholarship Program for International Students (AMEXCID), CONACYT OAS AMEXCID Scholarship, UDEM Excellence Scholarship, Brotherhood Ricardo Guajardo Award, Amba Dalmia Scholarship
Top Programs	Agricultural Sciences, Biology & Biochemistry, Chemistry, Clinical Medicine, Computer Science

Explore: Best Universities for Indian Students Abroad (2025): List of Top 100

4. Norway

In Norway, education is a right for all (the best country to study abroad for Indian students), regardless of your background. Imagine studying in a country with breathtaking fjords and the mesmerising Northern Lights.

This remarkable country isn't just known for its natural beauty; it's also one of the world's wealthiest, healthiest, and safest places. Norway excels in education and healthcare, offering a high quality of life. It's the perfect place to expand your horizons.

Particulars	Details
Cost of Living	NOK 11,500 – NOK 14,000 per month (approx. NOK 137,907 per year required for visa proof)
Tuition Fee	No tuition fee at public universities; a small semester fee of NOK 300–600 applies
Top 5 Scholarships	Norwegian Quota Scholarship Scheme, UiT Marie Sklodowska Curie Individual Fellowship, International Summer School Scholarships (University of Oslo), High North Fellowship Program, Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund
Top Programs	Petroleum Engineering, Digital Media, Performing Arts, Data Science, Environmental Science

Check Out: Best Universities in Norway: Requirements, Cost of Studying & More

5. Poland

Poland, a fantastic study destination and the cheapest country to study in Europe, offering a multitude of academic choices to suit your goals. If you're an Indian student, keep in mind that tuition fees apply because India isn't an EU member.

As for safety, most travellers have smooth experiences, but like any place, Poland isn't immune to occasional incidents. While serious crimes against foreigners are rare, petty theft can happen, so it's wise to stay vigilant.

Particulars	Details
Cost of Living	Approximately PLN 1,500–2,000 per month (~EUR 330–430), depending on city and lifestyle
Tuition Fee	PLN 2,000 – 3,000 per semester/year, varying by program and university
Top 5 Scholarships	Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees (EMJMDs), Ignacy Lukasiewicz Scholarship Programme, Visegrad Scholarship Programme, The Kosciuszko Foundation Tuition Scholarship
Top Programs	Engineering, Computer Science, Business Management and Economics, Energy and Environmental Science, Medicine

Suggested Reading: Top 10 Reasons Why Indian Students Go Abroad To Study

6. Denmark

Denmark, a land of warm coziness and innovative education, is a global hotspot and one of the cheapest countries to study for Indian students. Safety is a hallmark here, with low crime rates making it one of the safest places to study. In Denmark, equality reigns, and it's among the world's happiest and safest havens. For Indian immigrants, it offers a top-notch standard of living in a secure and welcoming environment.

Particulars	Details
Cost of Living	EUR 800 – EUR 1,200 per month (covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.)
Tuition Fee	EUR 6,000 – EUR 16,000 per academic year for non-EU/EEA students, depending on the program and institution. EU/EEA students generally study for free.
Top 5 Scholarships	Danish Government Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees (EMJMDs), Technical University of Denmark Scholarships, Danish State Scholarships at Aarhus University, Danish State Tuition Fee Waivers and Scholarships at Roskilde University
Top Programs	Computer Science, Medicine, Civil Engineering, Environmental Sustainability, Business Management and Economics

Quick Read: Top 15 Countries with Free Education For Indian Students 2025

7. Argentina

Argentina shines as a top choice for students in Latin America, boasting a rapidly expanding university landscape. The nation's remarkable economic growth in the early 21st century catapulted these universities to excellence, making them some of the finest on the continent.

Particulars	Details
Cost of Living	Approximately USD 700–1,000 per month, varying by city and lifestyle. Buenos Aires is on the higher side.
Tuition Fee	Public universities generally offer free tuition or very low administrative fees (around USD 50–300/year). Private universities range broadly from USD 2,000 to USD 24,000 per year depending on the programme and institution. Postgraduate fees are generally higher.
Top 5 Scholarships	Mente Argentina Scholarship Program, University of Buenos Aires International Scholarships, International Studies Abroad (ISA) Scholarships, Coca-Cola Scholarships, Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships
Top Programs	Engineering, Medicine, Law, Environmental Sciences, Business and Economics

Also Read: 7 Best Countries To Study Abroad for Indian Students

8. Malaysia

Malaysia offers the best of both worlds: affordable tuition, a cost-effective lifestyle, and top-notch security, making it the cheapest place to study abroad. Thanks to English-taught programs, language won't be a hurdle in Malaysian universities.

In this diverse and welcoming nation, safety is a highlight. Despite the mix of ethnicities and religions, Malaysia stands out as one of the safest and most peaceful spots for international students.

Particulars	Details
Cost of Living	MYR 4,500 – MYR 7,000 per month (varies by city and lifestyle; Kuala Lumpur tends to be on the higher side)
Tuition Fee	MYR 5,000 – MYR 23,000 per year depending on institution and program (private universities generally higher; public universities may charge less)
Top 5 Scholarships	Malaysia Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, Education Future International Scholarship, Malaysian International Scholarship, University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarships, Monash University Malaysia Scholarships
Top Programs	Engineering, Medicine, Environmental Sustainability, Business Management and Economics, Social Sciences

Explore: Best Government Funded Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025

9. Belgium

Belgium is your academic and financial aid haven. If you are searching for which country is best for Indian students, then you would be elated to note that with Dutch, French, and German as languages, it's a language-learning paradise. Here, you'll discover fantastic networking and educational opportunities in a secure and vibrant environment, all while enjoying a high standard of living.

Particulars	Details
Cost of Living	EUR 873 – EUR 1,370 per month depending on city and lifestyle. This includes accommodation (€340–600), food, transportation, health insurance, study materials, and leisure. Cities like Brussels and Antwerp are comparatively expensive, while smaller cities like Liège are more affordable.
Tuition Fee	EUR 900 – EUR 5,000 per year, varying by university and programme. Public universities generally charge lower fees, especially for EU students, with non-EU fees sometimes higher but still affordable compared to other private European countries.
Top 5 Scholarships	Education Future International Scholarship, VLIR-UOS Training and Master's Scholarships, Master Mind Scholarships, Liege Heritage Foundation Scholarships for International Students, Belgian Government Scholarships for International Students
Top Programs	Medicine, Political Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Visual Arts, Geography

Check Out: How To Get Scholarship To Study Abroad After 12th

10. Austria

Austria, right in the heart of Europe, offers top-notch education. Plus, tuition costs here are kinder to international students' wallets than in many other places.

This charming country, with its welcoming locals, boasts some of the world's lowest crime rates. Austria's green and clean cities are safe havens for international students. And don't forget the perks of being in Europe – it's a breeze to explore other parts of the continent.

Particulars	Details
Cost of Living	EUR 900 – EUR 1,300 per month. This typically covers accommodation (€450 approx.), food (€350), public transport (€30), and personal/study expenses (€400). Vienna is known for a high quality of life with moderate living costs for students.
Tuition Fee	EUR 700 – EUR 750 per semester (approximately EUR 1,400 – 1,500 per year) at many universities. Tuition fees vary by institution and programme, but this range is typical for international students in public universities or certain private institutions.
Top 5 Scholarships	Helmut Veith Stipend for Females in Computer Science, Marcus Oldham College Scholarship, Webster Vienna Private University Scholarships, Vienna International Postdoctoral Program, Abertay University Scholarships
Top Programs	Marketing, Journalism, Music, Culture, Science, Humanities

Also Read: Education System in Austria: Balancing Quality Education at a Low Cost

11. Sweden

Sweden offers high-quality education with over 1,000 English-taught programs, making it accessible to international students. Many universities offer scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition. The average monthly cost of living in Sweden is around SEK 8,000 - 12,000. Its strong focus on innovation and sustainability makes it a top value destination.

Particulars	Details
Cost of Living	SEK 9,000 – SEK 12,000 per month, depending on city and lifestyle. Additional info.: Minimum proof of funds required for visa is about SEK 10,584/month. Housing (SEK 3,500–7,500), food (SEK 2,500–3,500), transport, utilities, and personal expenses contribute to this total.
Tuition Fee	Around SEK 75,000 per year for most international students in bachelor's and master's programmes at public universities. For example: SEK 75,116 approximates typical tuition fees. Some variation exists by university and program.
Top 5 Scholarships	Education Future International Scholarship, Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals, Karlstad University Global Scholarship Programme, Stockholm University Scholarship Scheme, Uppsala University Global Scholarships
Top Programs	Medicine, Finance, Game Design, Architecture / Civil Engineering, Healthcare Support

Quick Read: 10 Important Things to Know Before Moving to Sweden

Which Country is the Right Fit for Your Study Abroad? Decode it with GetGIS Assistance!

The search for the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students is a world of options. Whether you opt for Germany's educational haven, France's cultural tapestry, Malaysia's cost-effective brilliance, Belgium's rich opportunities, or Austria's European charm, your academic journey will be a blend of economy, culture, and knowledge.

So, pack your bags, step into the global classroom, and let the world enrich your education. The world awaits Indian students with open arms and open minds. In search of a detailed description further regards to the affordable best country for study for Indian students! GetGIS study abroad assistance is all you need.

Book Your Free Consultation

Useful Articles: For Further Reading

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which European country offers the most budget-friendly study options for Indian students?

Among the cost-effective choices in Europe, Poland, Austria, Germany, Norway, and Sweden stand out as some of the most affordable destinations for Indian students.

Which countries provide free education opportunities for Indian students?

Several countries, including Germany, Finland (for courses taught in Swedish or Finnish), and Norway, offer tuition-free education to students from India.

Can I work part-time while studying in cost-effective countries?

Yes, in many countries, international students are allowed to work part-time alongside their studies. It's a good idea to research the specific work regulations and job prospects in advance.

Is quality education available in budget-friendly countries?

Yes, the quality of education depends on the university's reputation and programs, not just the cost. Countries like Germany, Poland, and Malaysia, known for affordability, host reputable institutions that provide top-notch education.

How can I pursue education without funds?

If you lack the financial means for higher studies, consider scholarships and grants. Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and can cover tuition costs. You can find a plethora of scholarship opportunities online and through your school's financial aid office.

Which is the cheapest country for Indian students to study abroad?

For Indian students wanting to study abroad on a budget, it includes Germany and Malaysia, which stand out as the most affordable options. Germany offers free tuition at public universities and relatively low living costs, while Malaysia has affordable tuition fee options and a lower cost of living overall.

Where is the best place to study abroad in 2025?

The best places to study abroad in 2025 are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany, as they are consistently preferred top destinations for international students. However, a top country to study abroad in depends on personal preference.