Many students across the globe decide to study abroad, which can be a life-changing experience, but most of them drop their plans due to high education costs, financial debt, high ROI of education loans, and much more. Fortunately, there are countries where study abroad for Indian students conveniently offers high-quality education without bearing massive amounts of student loans. Studying abroad is no longer just a dream for millions of students as many affordable countries are coming forward to offer study abroad programs, and Indian students are aiming to find a balance between quality education and cost-effectiveness, along with numerous other opportunities. Multiple overseas countries have been offering low-cost tuition fees, and have the best globally ranked universities. The study abroad for Indian students includes many popular destinations like Poland, Germany, Georgia, Malaysia, Italy, Norway, France, Taiwan, and many more.
Why Do Indian Students Prefer Studying Abroad at Foreign Universities?
Pursuing higher education and living in a foreign country is a dream of many students as it provides access to high-quality educational services and exposes students to diverse cultures, new languages, and much more. Multiple reasons offered to study abroad for Indian students include academic excellence, practical training, global perspective, networking opportunities, and more.
One of the significant reasons for being granted access to a world-class education that is undeniably high when compared to Indian educational institutions is the study in abroad for Indian students at low cost. Multiple foreign universities are recognised for their academic excellence and offer various degrees across various disciplines, with support services designed to help international students feel at ease financially, economically, and academically.
Top 5 Affordable Countries for Study Abroad for Indian Students
There are many countries all around the globe offering affordable education to students worldwide, and choosing the best suitable destination is very crucial for the candidate. Even though numerous foreign universities offer great infrastructure, knowledgeable and experienced faculty members and relevant industrial exposure, many people still hesitate to apply to the best country to study for Indian students because of their hefty fee structure.
These top affordable countries offer high-quality education, research facilities, and globally recognised higher-education degree certificates. Over the years, study abroad has become a trend and has gained popularity among Indian students. These are the best countries to study in, which have plenty of scholarships and educational loans to offer candidates and manage their cost of living. Indian students can also apply for various study-abroad education loans to manage their course requirements and personal expenses. Let's look at some of the best countries for study abroad programs for Indian students.
Study in Germany
Germany is the most affordable country in Central Europe with more than 426 universities. The government has become a desired study hub for many Indian and international candidates. German universities offer excellent high-tech educational facilities, and a wide range of all UG, PG, Diploma, and PhD courses with no or very low tuition fees and an affordable cost of living. Germany offering education at no cost in the best college for study in Germany for Indian Students has become even more popular in recent years due to an increase in the usage of innovative technology and establishing them as the finest professionals in the world.
Top Universities in Germany
Let’s have a look at some of the best universities for study in Germany.
EUR 2,000 to EUR 6,000 (INR 1,78,288 to INR 5,34,864)
Average Tuition Fees for Bachelors in Germany
Different Currencies
Average Tuition Fees for Bachelor’s
In Rupees (INR)
INR 9,00,000 – INR 14,00,000
In Dollar (US$)
US$ 10,627 - US$ 16,533
In Euro (€)
€ 10,105 - € 15,719
Average Tuition Fees for Masters in Germany
Different Currencies
Average Tuition Fees for Master’s
In Rupees (INR)
INR 10,00,000 – INR 40,00,000
In Dollar (US$)
US$ 11,810 - US$ 47,240
In Euro (€)
€ 11,223 - € 44,893
Cost of Living in Germany
Different Currencies
Cost of Living
In Rupees (INR)
INR 88,000 – INR 1,30,000 per month
In Dollar (US$)
US$ 1,039 - US$ 1,535
In Euro (€)
€ 987 - € 1,459
Study in Georgia
Georgia also offers affordable educational facilities to students worldwide, as it is part of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Higher education in Georgia also offers a unique opportunity. It combines academic success with cultural exposure provided to students, supporting an excellent educational system, reasonably affordable tuition fees, research facilities, and hands-on learning opportunities. The study in Georgia for Indian students offers a rewarding experience combining academic exposure and personal development with cultural exploration.
Top Universities in Georgia
Here are the top-ranking universities offering study abroad for Indian students in Georgia.
Malaysia is one of the top preferred and affordable countries offering study abroad programs to interested Southeast Asian candidates. The local universities in Malaysia are rapidly improving, and higher education costs much lower than in other international destinations. The multicultural environment offered to study in Malaysia for Indian students is perfect for learning and growth. Students can also work up to 20 hours per week while completing their studies, which helps them support themselves while studying.
Top Universities in Malaysia
Here are some of the top-ranking universities to study in Malaysia for Indian student fees being quite affordable.
RM 50,341 to RM 69,049 (INR 9,56,573 to INR 13,11,868)
Average Tuition Fees for Bachelors in Malaysia
Different Currencies
Average Tuition Fees for Bachelor’s
In Rupees (INR)
INR 8,13,740 – INR 19,01,085
In Dollar (US$)
US$ 9,673 - US$ 22,366
In Ringgit (RM)
RM 43,000 - RM 100,000
Average Tuition Fees for Masters in Malaysia
Different Currencies
Average Tuition Fees for Master’s
In Rupees (INR)
INR 5,12,865 – INR 6,82,157
In Dollar (US$)
US$ 6,049 - US$ 8,051
In Ringgit (RM)
RM 27,000 - RM 35,678
Cost of Living in Malaysia
Different Currencies
Cost of Living
In Rupees (INR)
INR 47,803 per month
In Dollar (US$)
US$ 564 per month
In Ringgit (RM)
RM 2,500 per month
Study in Poland
Poland is a central European country where students get to experience an inexpensive and top-notch higher educational facility, along with a successful student community and diverse cultural activities to experience. Study in Poland for Indian students is available in universities that are well-known for their high academic standards and excellent teaching standards, in all the UG, PG, diploma and PhD programs and different educational domains.
Top Universities in Poland
Here are some of the top-ranking universities to study in Poland for Indian student fees being quite affordable.
EUR 2,000 to EUR 4,000 (INR 1,78,288 to INR 3,56,625)
5
AGH University of Science and Technology
Public
EUR 1,615 (INR 1,44,000)
Average Tuition Fees for Bachelors in Poland
Different Currencies
Average Tuition Fees for Bachelor’s
In Rupees (INR)
INR 1,33,871– INR 4,46,150
In Dollar (US$)
US$ 1,579 - US$ 5,266
In Euro (€)
€1,500 - €5,000
Average Tuition Fees for Masters in Poland
Different Currencies
Average Tuition Fees for Master’s
In Rupees (INR)
INR 1,78,532 – INR 5,35,484
In Dollar (US$)
US$ 2,107 - US$ 6,320
In Euro (€)
€2,000–€6,000
Cost of Living in Poland
Different Currencies
Cost of Living
In Rupees (INR)
INR 29,460 per month
In Dollar (US$)
US$ 347 per month
In Euro (€)
€ 330 per month
Study in Italy
Italy is one of the top European countries offering affordable education to students worldwide. Italy is the ideal destination for students wanting to pursue higher education and seek widely recognized degrees and extensive academic facilities. Italy has a well-established higher education system known to offer the best academic excellence along with a diverse cultural heritage. Study in Italy for Indian students and international ones provides an rich cultural experience, high-quality education, and numerous opportunities required for both personal and professional career growth.
Top Universities in Italy
Here are some of the top-ranking universities to study in Italy for Indian student fees being quite affordable.
How to Apply for Study Abroad: Step-by-Step Process
When students plan to study overseas, they must consider many things like the suitable university, the program of interest, the popular destination, the visa application process and approval rate, scholarship and education loan facility, and more. When everything is decided, students can move further to the next step by filling up the selected university's application process. In some cases, there is a two-step application process in some universities for international students, which means the students need to submit two applications: one for a place at the university and one for a place on the course itself, which will be clearly stated on the university's official website. Let's have a look at the step-by-step process to study in abroad for Indian students.
Pick a Program
Candidates must select the program that matches their interests and where they wish to build their career.
Check the Admission Requirements
Before filling in the application form, candidates must ensure they qualify for the program they choose. Candidates can also find helpful advice on the selected country's official government websites to confirm that their nationality is accepted.
Gather All Necessary Documents
Once all the doubts are clear the candidates can now gather all their paperwork together and they may also be required to have their documents translated into a different language (if required) from what they'll be studying. Some of the commonly required documents needed to study abroad are Transcripts, Passport & ID, Recommendation letters, Motivation letters, and Exams.
Register for an Entrance Exam
Candidates have to ensure that the program they have applied for has an entrance exam. After that, the applicants can immediately register through the university's official website. If the university requires an entrance examination, candidates must also prepare for that. In general, there are two types of study abroad entrance exams:
Aptitude Tests: SAT, GMAT, GRE
English Proficiency Tests: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE
Book an Interview
An admission interview is common for selecting university programs like the University of Oxford. The applicants can prepare and practice for the interview beforehand, and being confident is the best way to nail it successfully. Questions like Why do you want to study there? What is your background? What are your plans? Etc. can be expected in the interview.
Book a Visa Appointment
After the candidates have successfully submitted the filled-in application form and passed the interview, they can book the visa appointment. This process is relatively straightforward, and the candidates can book the appointment after they get a letter of acceptance from the university. Documents like the Application form, your passport, Medical and background information, Receipt of payment for your university, tuition fee, and Bank statements will be required during the visa application process.
Create a Budget
Finally, ensure enough funds to study abroad and complete the program without any hindrance. If any scholarships are available for applicants, they can also apply for those. If not, they need to decide if they can use up the savings and apply for student loans, fellowships, grants, or other ways to pay for the program.
Scholarship Opportunities for Indian Students Pursuing Study Abroad
Whenever students plan to study abroad, fees come as a significant issue. Even if the students find an affordable country, they can still apply for a student scholarship program. Multiple universities, institutes, and government bodies offer scholarships for Indian students pursuing study abroad programs. These scholarships are often merit-based, need-based, subject-specific, or focused towards minority groups, offering success. The Indian Central Government offers Indian students multiple scholarship benefits for higher education abroad. Let's look at some of the most preferred scholarship opportunities for Indian students studying abroad.
Inlaks Scholarships
Inlaks scholarships are offered to Indian students who wish to pursue full-time studies at top universities in the United States, Europe, or the United Kingdom. Top-renowned universities like The Royal College of Art (RCA), Imperial College London, the School of Oriental and African Studies London (SOAS), and Cambridge University have all collaborated with the organisation. This scholarship is open to candidates who want to study for their master's, M.Phil., or doctoral degree in any foreign country.
Expenses: Scholarships cover complete tuition costs, housing expenses, one-way travel allowance, and health allowance.
Amount of scholarships: up to USD 100,000 (INR 84,34,660) offered to eligible candidates.
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
This fellowship is offered to students pursuing their master’s degree program for one to two years, or, based on the program’s duration, selected at a US university. This is a merit-based and need-based fellowship program offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation.
Expenses covered: Eligible applicants' accident and sickness expenses are covered in this fellowship according to the US government requirements, and also the applicant's round-trip economy airfare.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Each year, the Aga Khan Foundation offers a limited number of postgraduate (master's) degree scholarships to meritorious students selected from developing countries with no other means of funding their education, to build effective scholars and leaders and prepare them for employment. This scholarship program is one of the most sought-after Indian government study-abroad programs for Indian students. Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, and Mozambique are among the nations accepting applications from the Foundation.
Expenses covered: Eligible students receive tuition fees, living expenses, and a 50% grant and a 50% loan.
National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students
This scholarship is provided by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), denotified nomadic & semi-nomadic tribes, landless agricultural labourers, and traditional artisan category students. Students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees at any prestigious foreign university may apply for this scholarship. There are 100 fellowships every year, and female students are eligible for 30% of the total number of National Overseas Scholarships available
Expenses Covered: This scholarship covers the attendance fees, medical insurance, travel expenses, and other additional charges of the applicant.
GREAT Education Scholarships
This scholarship allows applicants to finish their postgraduate program at any of the UK universities that participate. In the academic session 2022-2023, UK universities offered 20 doctoral scholarships to Indian students studying multiple topics. The scholarship is sponsored by the GREAT Britain Campaign of the UK government and the British Council, in collaboration with partnering UK higher education institutions, for one year
Expenses covered: Each scholarship covers a one-year postgraduate degree and is worth a minimum of £10,000 (INR 10,80,592) in tuition fees.
Tips for Indian Students to Choose the Right Country for Study Abroad
Choosing the correct country to complete the study abroad program is the most important and tedious task, and it is from this that the planning for study abroad programs begins. Selecting the most suitable and appropriate country to study is affected by multiple factors such as the cost, quality of education, cultural adaptability, and many more. Choosing the correct country opens up many possibilities, making it essential to do complete research before finalizing. Let's look at some of the most common yet helpful tips for choosing the correct country for a study abroad program.
Search for the right course and its futuristic scope.
After finding the right program, students can look at their scope abroad. Listing of programs should be based on the possibility of gaining practical exposure through internships or projects during the academic years.
Search the entry requirements.
While every institute has its admission criteria, some standard requirements that students should look into are previous qualification details, proof of language proficiency, standard entrance test scores, work details, justification of gap year (if any), and more.
Inquire about the educational structure.
Before choosing one, students should learn more about the teaching pedagogy followed in the institute, the flexibility offered in programs, the scope of participation in cultural and extra-curricular activities, etc.
Inquire about the scholarship options.
Every country offers scholarships or other financial aid options to deserving international students, which students can apply for and use to cover the expenses of their tuition fees, accommodation, etc.
Check the affordability of the chosen course.
Paying for tuition fees is just one part of the list of expenses, and students need to consider hidden costs, including health insurance, travel, accommodation, food, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Study Abroad For Indian Students: Frequently Asked Questions
Q.- Which is the best country for Indian students to study abroad?
A.- Many countries are best suited for Indian students pursuing study abroad programs like Australia, Canada, the USA, the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Ireland, New Zealand, and many more.
Q.- Which country's study degree is valid in India?
A.- Countries like the USA, Germany, Australia, Canada, the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, and more offer a study abroad program to students that is valid in India.
Q.- Why do Indian students prefer studying abroad?
A.- There are multiple reasons why Indian students wish to study abroad, and some of them include academic excellence, practical training, global perspective, networking opportunities, and many more.
Q.- What are the qualifications for studying abroad?
A.- To qualify for the study abroad program, students must complete their 12th class and possess a completion certificate of higher secondary education from any recognized school in India. Some foreign universities offering undergraduate programs may also require the students to appear for the standardised entrance tests and proof of English proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, and more.
Q.- Which intake is best for abroad studies?
A.- Major study abroad program intakes include Fall/September Intake and Spring/January Intake. Additionally, certain universities also provide courses for the Summer Intake. Students who wish to study abroad have the advantage of getting multiple study abroad intakes.
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