Top 9 Countries with Affordable Education for Indian Students in 2024

With more than two million Indian students projected to enroll at foreign universities by 2025, most wonder if they can pursue their education abroad for free. 

In 2024, there are several countries with free education for international students. While some associated costs like living expenses, insurance, and administrative fees may still apply, the absence of tuition fees significantly reduces the financial burden on international students. 

The availability of free education attracts a wide array of talented students, making quality higher education more accessible and promoting international understanding and cooperation.

Therefore, we bring you a list of 9 countries with affordable education in 2024.

Countries Offering Reasonable Tuition Costs to International Students

Finland

Finland is a global academic hub. Though doctoral studies are free for international students, bachelor’s and master’s courses require you to pay an annual fee of €5,000 to €18,000 (INR4,55,233–INR16,38,841).  Moreover, paying tuition fees also makes you eligible for scholarships.

Student Visa Requirements:

Acceptance letter, proof of financial support, a valid passport, and health insurance.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• The University of Helsinki Master's Scholarships includes an annual award of €5,000-€10,000 (INR4,55,233–INR9,10,467). 
• Aalto University scholarships are awarded as tuition fee waivers ranging from 
  50 % or 100 % of the tuition fee.

Denmark

Denmark has universities offering free higher education to those from the EU (European Union), Denmark, and Switzerland. Those part of student exchange programs do not have to pay tuition fees as well. International students outside these categories will have to pay tuition fees in the country. 

However, the cost is comparatively lower at DKK 45,000-120,000 (INR5,49,230–INR14,64,615) per year.

Student Visa Requirements:

Passport, a valid residence permit, documentation of financial support, and health insurance.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• International Student Scholarships at Aarhus University provide partial tuition fee waivers for meritorious students. 
• Danish state scholarships for non-EU/EEA students entail a full or partial tuition waiver. In some cases, the tuition waiver includes a monthly grant towards living expenses.

Sweden

Sweden houses several highly-ranked European institutions with high standards of education. Education is affordable for international students in the country, with yearly fees as low as SEK80,000(INR6,29,167)

Student Visa Requirements:

Passport, a valid residence permit, documentation of financial support, and health insurance. 

Scholarship Opportunities:

• Uppsala University Scholarships for International Students that include tuition fee waivers.
• Lund University Global Scholarship Program grants may cover partial or full tuition fees.

Austria

Austria has nominal charges of EUR1,453 (INR1,32,237) for each semester for non-EEA (European Economic Area) or EU students. It is reasonable, considering Austria’s standard of education.

Student Visa Requirements:

Passport, proof of admission, proof of financial resources, and health insurance.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• OeAD Ernst Mach Grant provides a monthly stipend of €1,030(INR93,740)
• The University of Vienna Scholarships include full/partial tuition fee waivers.

France

The French government subsidizes education in the country, making France one of the most affordable countries in Europe. There are only a few public universities that charge nominal tuition fees. The bachelor’s courses come for just €2,770 (INR 2,37,632) per year. 

Student Visa Requirements:

Passport, a valid residence permit, proof of financial support, and health insurance.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program provides a full tuition fee waiver with a monthly allowance ranging from €1,181–€1,800(INR1,07,482–INR1,63,817)
• The PSL University Scholarships and grants for graduate students provide three types of financial aid designed for different study projects and students from low-income families.

Read More: Fully Funded Scholarships in France for International Students

Important Scholarships to Study Abroad:

 State Scholarship | Fulbright Scholarship | Vidya Lakshmi Portal | Narotam Sekhsaria

Belgium

Belgium charges a nominal tuition fee for international students. They can expect high-quality education, a beautiful multicultural environment, and many growth opportunities. For international students, the fee for full-time degree courses is EUR950-EUR7,000(INR86459–INR6,37,068).

Student Visa Requirements:

Passport, a valid residence permit, proof of financial support, and health insurance.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• The Flemish Government Scholarships for Master's Studies in Flanders and Brussels provide a monthly allowance of €300-€750(INR27,302–INR68,257). 
• Flemish University Development Cooperation (VLIR-UOS) provides full scholarships for MS programs.

Greece

Greece is one of the world’s most famous countries and offers near-free education for international aspirants. The costs of living are also reasonable here. Considering the quality of life and plethora of historical attractions, Greece does make for a cheap and excellent proposition.

On average, international students can expect to pay around EUR1,000–EUR8,000(INR91,009–INR7,28,078) annually. 

Student Visa Requirements:

Passport, a valid residence permit, proof of financial support, and health insurance.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• IKY Fellowships for Postgraduate Studies in Greece provide full or partial tuition fee waivers with a living allowance.
• Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation provides the Foreigners Fellowship Programme to support research activities.

Spain

International students from other countries only have to pay a nominal charge for their higher studies in Spain. Cost of living is also on the lower side here. The average tuition fee is €1,000 (INR 85,789) per year at public universities. International applicants may benefit from learning Spanish too. 

Student Visa Requirements:

Passport, a valid residence permit, proof of financial support, and health insurance.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• The Spanish Government Scholarships for International Students include tuition fee waivers and a monthly stipend.
• The UIC University International Excellence Scholarships for International students ​​​ cover 20 % of the tuition fees across all years.

Read More: Fully Funded Scholarships in Spain for International Students

Italy

Italy also offers reasonable tuition fees to international students starting from approximately €1,800 (INR 1,54,423) per year. Students avail cutting-edge facilities, innovative curricula, and excellent faculty. 

Student Visa Requirements:

Passport, a valid residence permit, proof of financial support, and health insurance.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• Excellence Scholarships for International Students at Politecnico di Milano that provides partial tuition fee waivers
• The University of Pisa allocates 17 Merit scholarships, one for each degree program held in English.

Read More: Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy for International Students

Other Countries Offering Affordable Education for Indian Students

Pursuing higher education abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but the costs can be a significant concern. 

Here are some other options where Indian students can receive excellent education without breaking the bank:

Top Universities Offering Free Education for International Students

Here's a table summarizing the universities that offer almost free education abroad for Indian students, or international students in general, along with their QS World University Rankings 2025.

Admission Criteria: Countries Offering Free Education to International Students

The following table provides a general overview of admission criteria for studying in some of the countries with free education for international students:

Conclusion

In conclusion, the existence of countries offering free education to international students in 2024 exemplifies a progressive approach to global higher learning, breaking down financial barriers and fostering educational equity.

For students around the world, these opportunities represent a gateway to broaden their academic horizons, immerse themselves in new cultures, and contribute to a global community of learners, making the dream of affordable, world-class education a tangible reality.