15 Cheapest Countries to Study for Indian Students in 2024

Have you already decided to drop your study abroad plans due to budget constraints? What if I tell you that you can get an international degree without breaking the bank?

Indian students aiming to balance quality education with cost-effectiveness will find numerous opportunities. From Germany’s tuition-free universities to Poland’s budget-friendly living expenses, these 15 countries offer exceptional academic environments at affordable costs. Embark on your educational journey without the financial strain.

Scroll down to discover the cheapest countries to study in 2024!

1. Norway

Norway, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, boasts excellent colleges and universities offering high-quality education. Notably, the country does not charge tuition fees for international students, making it a dream destination for Indian students and a top choice worldwide. Students aspiring to Study in Norway can experience an enriching academic journey surrounded by stunning landscapes.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living for a single person is NOK 12,842.8 (INR 1,00,000) per month.

Cost of Studying

In Norway, the average cost for Master’s programs may range from NOK 1,70,000 (INR 13,00,000) to NOK 2,40,000 (INR 19,00,000) per year.

Top Universities

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

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Norway

Top Scholarships

Some of the most popular scholarships in Norway for international students are::-

• Wilhelmsen Foundation Scholarship Programme
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship
• BI Presidential Scholarship
• Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship

Also Read:- How to Study in Norway for Free

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduates in Norway is approximately NOK 564,000 (INR 44,00,000).

2. Germany

Second on our list is Germany. This great nation is renowned for its world-class universities and surprisingly ranks among the most affordable countries for Indian students to pursue higher education, considering the quality it offers. Study in Germany at public universities offer tuition-free undergraduate and postgraduate programs for both domestic and international students. However international students pursuing a master’s program in a different field than their undergraduate studies may be required to pay tuition fees.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living for a single person in Germany is €979.7 per month (INR 89,000).

Cost of Studying

The average cost of studying in Germany can reach €26,000/year (INR 23,50,000) for Bachelor’s programs and €40,000/year (INR 36,00,000) for Master’s programs.

Know More:- How Much does it Cost to Study in Germany

Top Universities

According to QS World University Ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in Germany:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Germany

Top Scholarships

Some of the most popular scholarships in Germany for international students are:-

• Government and Organization-Funded Scholarships
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
• Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships
• StipendiumPlus
• Bayer Foundation Fellowships
• Erasmus Scholarship Programs
• DAAD Scholarship Programs
• Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
• DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship Program

Scholarships Offered by German Universities

• Humboldt Research Fellowship
• University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships
• Heidelberg University HAUS Scholarships
• TUM Linde / MDSI Master Scholarship
• Berlin International University of Applied Sciences Christian Wulff Scholarship

Also Read:- How to Get Free Education in Germany

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduate trainees in Germany is approximately €58,300/year (INR 53,00,000).

3. Switzerland

Switzerland is home to 12 universities and several research-specific institutes in science. Four of these universities are ranked in the QS World University Rankings, with ETH Zurich shining brightest at the seventh position. Known for its fairytale landscapes, peaceful mountains, and crystal-clear lakes, studying in Switzerland is also surprisingly one of the cheapest places to study abroad.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living for a single person is CHF 1,478.5 per month (INR 1,40,000).

Learn More:- Cost of living in Switzerland: All You Need to Know

Cost of Studying

In Switzerland, the average cost of studying for Bachelor’s programs and Master’s programs ranges from CHF 388/year to CHF 3590/year (INR 36,000 to INR 3,30,000).

Top Universities

According to QS world ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in Switzerland:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Switzerland

Top Scholarships

Some popular scholarships in Switzerland for international students are:-

• ETH Excellence Scholarship 
• EPFL Excellence Fellowships
• Graduate Institute Financial Aid and Special Aid
• University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships
• University of Lausanne Master’s Grants in Switzerland for Foreign Students
• University of St. Gallen Starr International Foundation Scholarship Fund
• Hirschmann grant for master’s degree students attending Swiss universities of applied sciences and arts
• IMD MBA Scholarships: Jim Ellert MBA Scholarship / IMD Emerging Markets Scholarships / MBA Future Leaders Scholarships
• IO-MBA Program Scholarships at the University of Geneva
• Nestle MBA Scholarships for Women from Developing Countries

Also Read: Scholarships in Switzerland - Requirements & Amount

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduates in Switzerland is approximately CHF 76,211/year (INR 70,86,854).

4. Denmark 

Despite its small population, Denmark is ranked as one of the world’s most promising education destinations for international students. This is primarily due to the country’s strong emphasis on research and development, making study in Denmark highly attractive. You can expect to gain excellent practical knowledge and exposure by learning from industry professionals.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living for a single person in Denmark is Kr. 8,070.4 per month (INR 100,000).

Cost of Studying

The average cost of studying in Denmark can reach Kr. 120,000/year (INR 14,00,000) for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.

Top Universities

According to QS World University Ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in Denmark:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Denmark

Top Scholarships

Some of the most popular scholarships in Denmark for international students are:-

• Danish State Educational Support
• Erasmus Mundus/ Joint Master Degree
• Danish government scholarships for highly qualified non- EU/EEA students

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduates in Denmark starts at around Kr. 294,743/year (INR 36,00,000).

Also Read:- Job Opportunities in Denmark for International Students

5. Belgium 

Belgium, the heart of Western Europe and the official headquarters of the EU and NATO, offers a unique cultural experience and multilingual study opportunities in French, Dutch, German, and English. Graduating from a Belgian university enhances your chances of securing international job opportunities.

Known for its natural beauty and rich culture, Belgium's central location allows students to easily explore Europe, with Paris, London, and Amsterdam just two hours away. While most courses are taught in Dutch or French, study in Belgium also offers many master's programs in English, making it an excellent choice for international students.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living in Belgium for a single person is €926.4 per month (INR 83,670).

Cost of Studying

In Belgium, the average cost of studying for Bachelor’s programs and Master’s programs ranges from €950/year to €7,000/year (INR 85,000 to INR 6,00,000).

Top Universities

According to QS World University Ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in Belgium:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Belgium

Top Scholarships

Some popular scholarships in Belgium for international students are:-

• KU Leuven Scholarship
• ARES Scholarships
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships
• Government of Flanders Master Mind Scholarships
• Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduates in Belgium is approximately €43,185/year (INR 39,00,000).

6. Italy 

With its countryside beauty, cultural legacy, rich heritage, and magnificent cuisine, Italy is a dream destination for students studying abroad. Additionally, Study in Italy offers world-class yet affordable education to international students. Besides being a top holiday spot and the epicenter of global fashion, Italy is home to the world’s oldest running university, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088, and boasts many universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living in Italy for a single person in Italy is €856.2 per month (INR 77,000).

Cost of Studying

The average cost of studying in Italy can reach €5,000/year (INR 4,50,000) for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.

Top Universities

According to QS World University Ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in Italy:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Italy

Top Scholarships

Some of the most popular scholarships in Italy for international students are:-

• Grants for foreign and Italian citizens living abroad awarded by the Italian government
• Bocconi Merit and International Awards
• Padua International Excellence Scholarship Program
• The University of Bologna Study Grants
• Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships
• Italian Cultural Institutes Scholarships

Learn More:- Top Scholarships for Italy for Indian Students

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduates in Italy is approximately €29,409/year (INR 27,00,000).

7. Spain 

Spain welcomes thousands of international students each year because of it’s high-quality education at comparatively low cost. Studying in Spain benefits students from some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe, Spain is one of the most affordable places to study abroad.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living for a single person is €703.3 per month (INR 64,000).

Also Read:- Cost of Living in Spain: All You Need to Know

Cost of Studying

In Spain, the average cost of studying may go up to €6,000/year (INR 5,40,000) for Bachelor's programs and €2,700/year (INR 2,40,000) for Master's programs.

Top Universities

According to QS world ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in Spain:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Spain

Top Scholarships

Some popular scholarships in Spain for international students are:-

• EADA Scholarship
• Barcelona School of Economics Grant Program
• Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for International Students

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduates in Spain is approximately €26,324/year (INR 23,77,523).

Know More:- Job Opportunities in Spain - Best-Paying Job in Spain

8. Poland 

Poland is home to some of the oldest universities in the world, offering courses in both English and Polish. Study in Poland and experience this beautiful nation, which boasts a rich culture and friendly people, making it an attractive destination for international students. Additionally, the reasonable cost of living makes it an ideal choice for Indian students planning their higher education abroad.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living in Poland for a single person in Poland is zł 2,888.5 per month (INR 60,000).

Cost of Studying

The average cost of studying in Poland is about zł 8,686/year (INR 1,80,000) for Bachelor's degrees and zł 13,030/year (INR 2,70,000) for Master's degrees.

Top Universities

According to QS world ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in Poland:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Poland

Top Scholarships

Some of the most popular scholarships in Poland for international students are:-

• Government Scholarships
• Erasmus+ Scholarships
• University-Specific Scholarships
• Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) Scholarships

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduate trainees in Poland is approximately zł 35000 (INR 728744.03 ) to zł 37000 (INR 770386.54) per year.

9. France

France is renowned for its prestigious universities and research institutions, offering a wide range of academic programs across disciplines such as engineering, humanities, and business. Students benefit from a rigorous academic environment, numerous internship opportunities, and access to a diverse international student community. For those seeking to study in France, the country offers an exceptional educational experience.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living in France for a single person in France is €954.5 per month (INR 86,000).

Cost of Studying

The average cost of studying in France is €2,770/year (INR 2,50,000) for Bachelor's degrees and €3,770/year (INR 3,40,000) for Master's degrees.

Top Universities

According to QS World University Ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in France:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for France

Top Scholarships

Some of the most popular scholarships in France for international students are:-

• Walter Jensen Scholarship
• ISA Diversity Scholarship for American Students
• Campus France Scholarship
• Fulbright Scholarship
• Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduates in France is approximately €45,000/year (INR 40,00,000).

Also Read:- France vs Ireland: Which is Better to Study Abroad

10. Malaysia

Malaysia provides a cost-effective yet high-quality education system, with universities recognized for their academic standards. Students can pursue programs in fields such as medicine, engineering, and business, often with opportunities for international certifications and collaborations with global institutions. Studying in Malaysia offers students a diverse and enriching educational experience.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living in Malaysia for a single person in Malaysia is RM 2,276 per month (INR 40,000).

Cost of Studying

The average cost of studying in Malaysia ranges from RM 10,226 to RM 23,010/year (INR 1,80,000 to INR 4,10,000) for Bachelor's degrees and RM 2,556 to RM 20,452/year (INR 45,000 to INR 3,60,000) for Master's degrees.

Top Universities

According to QS World University Ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in Malaysia:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Malaysia

Top Scholarships

Some of the most popular scholarships in Malaysia for international students are:-

• Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
• Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship
• University of Technology Malaysia International Doctoral Fellowship (IDF)
• Malaysian Commonwealth and Scholarship Plan
• Universiti Putra Malaysia-International Graduate Student Scholarship (IGSS)

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduates in Malaysia is approximately RM 2,902/month (INR 51,000).

Also Read:- Jobs in Malaysia: Top Recruiters and Average Salary

11. Ireland

Ireland's universities are esteemed for their research facilities and innovative teaching methods, offering a compelling opportunity for students interested in studying in Ireland. Students can expect a strong emphasis on practical learning and industry connections, particularly in areas such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living in Ireland for a single person in Ireland is €982.4 per month (INR 88,000).

Cost of Studying

The average cost of studying in Ireland is about €12,000/year (INR 11,00,000) for a Bachelor's degree and €9,000 to €25,000/year (INR 8,00,000 to INR 22,00,000) for a Master's degree.

Top Universities

According to QS World University Ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in Ireland:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Ireland

Top Scholarships

Some of the most popular scholarships in Ireland for international students are:-

• Trinity College Dublin (TCD): Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship
• University College Dublin (UCD) Global Excellence Scholarships
• University of Limerick (UL) Scholarships
• Dublin City University (DCU) Scholarships

Know More:- Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland for International Students

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduates in Ireland is approximately €31,752/year (INR 28,00,000).

12. Sweden

Sweden offers a progressive educational environment characterized by innovation and sustainability. Universities in Sweden are known for their research-oriented programs in fields such as science, technology, and social sciences, making it a great choice for students looking to study in Sweden. These institutions provide students with hands-on experience and opportunities for interdisciplinary studies.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living in Sweden for a single person in Sweden is kr 10,195.7 per month (INR 80,000).

Cost of Studying

The average cost of studying in Sweden is about SEK 129,000/year (INR 10,00,000) for Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

Top Universities

According to QS World University Ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in Sweden:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Sweden

Top Scholarships

Some of the most popular scholarships in Sweden for international students are:-

• Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
• Karolinska Institutet Global Master's Scholarships
• Uppsala University Global Scholarships
• Chalmers IPOET Scholarships
• University of Gothenburg Study Scholarship

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduates in Sweden is approximately SEK 31,000/year (INR 2,46,356).

13. Japan

Japan's universities are globally recognized for their academic excellence, particularly in fields such as robotics, engineering, and healthcare. Students who decide to study in Japan benefit from advanced research facilities, mentorship from leading experts, and a structured approach to academic and professional development.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living in Japan for a single person in Japan is ¥129,474.6 per month (INR 70,000).

Cost of Studying

The average cost of studying in Japan ranges from ¥820,000 to ¥3,200,000/year (INR 4,40,000 to INR 17,00,000) for Bachelor's degrees and ¥820,000 to ¥1,100,000/year (INR 4,00,000 to INR 5,90,000) for Master's degrees.

Top Universities

According to QS World University Ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in Japan:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Japan

Top Scholarships

Some of the most popular scholarships in Japan for international students are:-

• MEXT Scholarships in Japan
• Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
• Yokohama National University Scholarship Program for International Students
• Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship Program
• APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduates in Japan is approximately ¥156,137/month (INR 83,000).

14. Taiwan

Taiwan's higher education system is renowned for its academic rigor and focus on research. Students who choose to study in Taiwan can pursue programs in areas such as technology, biotechnology, and humanities, with opportunities for international collaboration and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living for a single person in Taiwan is NT$ 24,500.4 per month (INR 63,000).

Cost of Studying

The average cost of studying in Taiwan ranges from NT$ 100,920 to NT$ 158,240/year (INR 2,60,000 to INR 4,10,000) for Bachelor's degrees and NT$ 50,880 to NT$ 156,000/year (INR 1,30,000 to INR 4,00,000) for Master's degrees.

Top Universities

According to QS World University Ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in Taiwan:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Taiwan

Top Scholarships

Some of the most popular scholarships in Taiwan for international students are:-

• MOE Taiwan Scholarship
• MOFA Taiwan Scholarship
• Academia Sinica Taiwan International Graduate Program
• TaiwanICDF International Higher Education Scholarship
• Elite Study in Taiwan

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduates in Taiwan is approximately NT$ 677,000/year (INR 17,44,000). 

15. Austria

Austria's universities offer a conducive environment for academic excellence and research. They are known for disciplines such as music, arts, and humanities. Studying in Austria benefits you from small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and a rich cultural backdrop that enhances their learning experience.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living for a single person in Austria is €1,055.7 per month (INR 95,000).

Cost of Studying

The average cost of studying in Austria ranges from €3,000 to €23,000/year (INR 2,70,000 to INR 20,70,000) for Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

Top Universities

According to QS World University Ranking 2025, here is the list of top universities in Austria:-

Data Source: QS World University Rankings 2025 for Austria

Top Scholarships

Some of the most popular scholarships in Austria for international students are:-

• MODUL University Vienna PhD Scholarship
• BioToP International PhD Scholarships in Austria
• Fellowship Programme For Drop Tower Experiment Series (DropTES)
• EMBL Fellowships
• Go Styria Scholarship programme

Average Pay for Graduates

The average salary for graduates in Austria is approximately €44,000/year (INR 40,00,000).

Conclusion

The year 2024 presents Indian students with 15 affordable countries for quality education. These destinations balance low tuition fees, reasonable living costs, and high academic standards. Studying abroad in these countries offers global exposure, international networking, and cultural experiences without heavy financial strains.

For Indian students seeking cost-effective education, these countries provide pathways to academic excellence, career advancement, and personal growth.