Cheapest Country to Study Abroad for Indian Students 2023: Best Countries & Universities

Studying abroad poses many advantages to Indian students looking to pursue a specialised master’s. You might opt to study abroad either for the quality of education, career prospects, or even to increase your standard of living.

However, despite its many benefits, choosing to study abroad comes with one big drawback. The cost of studying abroad, especially in the top countries, is usually affordable for certain students and families. 

But there are ways students on a budget can study abroad while ensuring they don’t break the bank. One way is to pick a good yet cheapest country to study abroad for Indian students. Another way is educational loans, funds, scholarships, bursaries, and fee waivers. We will talk about them later. 

Cheapest Country to Study Abroad for Indian Students: Parameters

When researching to shortlist affordable study-abroad destinations, make sure to consider the following parameters.

Cost of living

The cost of living is directly related to how affordable a country is. Make sure you get a clear idea about the cost of food, housing, transportation and any other expenses you foresee. 

Tuition fees

The average tuition cost is one of the most crucial factors since that’s where most of your expenses come from. Be sure to look for destinations that offer programs with a tuition fee range you can afford. 

Scholarships and financial aid

In your research, look up any scholarships and financial aid you might be eligible for. These scholarships are a great way to reduce your tuition costs.

Job opportunities

One way to reduce the crunch of paying high fees is to make money that can help cover expenses. Get a fair idea about the rules for international students regarding working while studying and any part-time opportunities.

Safety

Safety always comes first. Ensure the destination country and city you’re considering is safe for students and everyone else.

Availability of resources

Expenses can come in any form. Check if the countries you’re researching provide healthcare for international students and have ample student services and extracurricular activities.

12 Countries Cheaper than India

Are you looking for the cheapest country to study abroad for Indian students in 2023? Well, look no further as we have mentioned below the top 12 cheapest countries in the world.

Canada

When it comes to cheapest country to study, Canada will definitely cross your mind.

• Average cost of living: C$ 1,234.3- C$1,628.11 per month
• Average tuition: C$7,000 to C$22,000 annually, for international students
• Top affordable universities: Memorial University, University of Manitoba, McGill University, Dominican University, University of Alberta
• Safety ranking: 62 (Numbeo Country Safety Index 2023 Rankings)
• Post-study work visa: Available

Taiwan

When it comes to cheapest country to study for Indian students, Taiwan top the list.

• Average cost of living: TWD 20,000 to TWD 40,000 per month
• Average tuition: TWD 100,000 to TWD 200,000 per year
• Top affordable universities: National Taiwan University, National Tsing Hua University, and National Chiao Tung University
• Safety ranking: 3 (Numbeo Country Safety Index 2023 Rankings)
• Post-study work visa: Available

Norway

Norway hold a good position in the cheapest countries in the word chart for international students.

• Average cost of living: NOK 15,000 to NOK 30,000 per month
• Average tuition: Free for EU/EEA students, NOK 50,000 to NOK 150,000 for international students
• Top affordable universities: University of Oslo, University of Bergen, and Norwegian University of Science and Technology
• Safety ranking: 38 (Numbeo Country Safety Index 2023 Rankings)
• Post-study work visa: Available

Germany

Germany has a good foothold when it comes to countries cheaper than India for international students.

• Average cost of living: EUR 800 to EUR 1,200 per month
• Average tuition: Free for EU/EEA students, EUR 1,500 to EUR 10,000 per year for international students
• Top affordable universities: Humboldt University of Berlin, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and Free University of Berlin
• Safety ranking: 43 (Numbeo Country Safety Index 2023 Rankings)
• Post-study work visa: Available

France

France is considered cheapest country to study by many international students.

• Average cost of living: EUR 700 to EUR 1,500 per month 
• Average tuition: Free for EU/EEA students, EUR 2,000 to EUR 10,000 per year for international students
• Top affordable universities: Sorbonne University, Pierre and Marie Curie University, and Aix-Marseille University
• Safety ranking: 107 (Numbeo Country Safety Index 2023 Rankings)
• Post-study work visa: Available

Mexico: 

When it comes to cheapest country to study, Mexico should definitely be in your list.

• Average cost of living: MXN 8,000 to MXN 15,000 per month
• Average tuition: MXN 70,000 to MXN 120,000 per year
• Top affordable universities: National Autonomous University of Mexico, Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, and Autonomous University of Nuevo León
• Safety ranking: 103 (Numbeo Country Safety Index 2023 Rankings)
• Post-study work visa: Available

Argentina

Argentina falls in the list of countries cheaper than India and is a good study abroad option.

• Average cost of living: ARS 20,000 to ARS 35,000 per month
• Average tuition: ARS 50,000 to ARS 100,000 per year
• Top affordable universities: University of Buenos Aires, National University of La Plata, and National University of Cordoba
• Safety ranking: 125 (Numbeo Country Safety Index 2023 Rankings)
• Post-study work visa: Your student visa will expire once you have completed your studies. A work visa is required to perform any paid or unpaid work in Argentina. International students must obtain a job contract so their employer can sponsor their stay in the country.

UK

Although the UK isn’t cheap, yet its brilliant universities, courses and scholarship and financial aid options make it a top study abroad destination.

• Average cost of living: £700- £909 per month
• Average tuition: £9,000- £26,200 annually, for international students
• Top affordable universities: Leeds Beckett University, Teesside University, University of Cumbria, University of Chester, Staffordshire University
• Safety ranking: 78 (Numbeo Country Safety Index 2023 Rankings)
• Post-study work visa: Available

Poland

Poland’s low cost of living and tuition fees makes it the cheapest country to study for Indian students.

• Average cost of living: PLN 2,000 to PLN 5,000 per month
• Average tuition: Free for EU/EEA students, PLN 10,000 to PLN 50,000 per year for international students
• Top affordable universities: University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and Adam Mickiewicz University; 
• Safety ranking: 27 (Numbeo Country Safety Index 2023 Rankings)
• Post-study work visa: Available.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a good study abroad option for students trying for countries cheaper than India.

• Average cost of living: MYR 800 to MYR 1,500 per month
• Average tuition: MYR 12,000 to MYR 18,000 per year
• Top most affordable universities: University of Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia
• Safety ranking: 98 (Numbeo Country Safety Index 2023 Rankings)
• Post-study work visa: No specific post-study work visa, but international graduates may be able to apply for a job in Malaysia through the Employment Pass or the Professional Visit Pass.

South Africa

South Africa is a good option for international students looking to study in the cheapest countries in the world.

• Average cost of living: ZAR 10,000 to ZAR 15,000 per month
• Average tuition: ZAR 40,000 to ZAR 60,000 per year
• Top most affordable universities: University of the Witwatersrand, University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg
• Safety ranking: 139 (Numbeo Country Safety Index 2023 Rankings)
• Post-study work visa: International students may be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa for up to 2 years after graduation.

USA

Although, the USA is not the cheapest country to study for Indian students, but its top universities, exceptional courses and curriculum and global job opportunities make it a top study abroad destination.

• Average cost of living: $1,028.0- $3087 per month
• Average tuition: $25,000-$55,000 annually for international students
• Top affordable universities: Pennsylvania State University, University of South Florida, University of Buffalo, Arizona State University, Purdue University
• Safety ranking: 88 (Numbeo Country Safety Index 2023 Rankings)
• Post-study work visa duration: Available

Do you know:

In the latest QS World University Rankings 2023, 27 US universities fall among the top 100 best universities worldwide. Hence, the US is one of the best countries for international students. But, due to its high cost of living, tuition fees and other factors, funding your expenses may seem like burning a hole in your pockets.

Worry not!

We will fund your desire to study abroad! Leap Finance provides collateral-free loans for US education at interest rates as low as 8.5%. Get funding for your tuition fees, transportation, and personal expenditures up to 100% within 10 minutes. Click here to begin the loan application process now.

Conclusion

Over the past three decades, India has seen millions of students opting to study abroad in countries like the US, UK, Australia, etc. Studying abroad ties back to a student’s personal and professional goals. As mentioned, it can provide the following:

• New and exciting career opportunities.
• An increase in the standard of living.
• Access to quality education.

However, it’s crucial to note that when choosing a country and university that is affordable and cheaper than the most popular destinations, you need to consider the outcomes.

Choosing a cheaper, unsatisfactory university and course just because it is in a different country is not wise. Make sure you’re choosing a destination, university and program because it fits your goals and ambitions and not just because it fits your budget. 

If you’d like to explore opportunities to study abroad, speaking to our experts can help immensely. LeapScholar is proud to have a highly qualified team of counsellors with 50+ years of combined experience in helping students study abroad. Ready to take the Leap? Book a free counselling session right now!

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