Are there any lesser cost options for MS since my brother studied for 20 lakhs for the whole MS in Australia/Canada for a Master's?
Yes, Germany (zero tuition, approx. Rs. 21 lakhs total), Italy (Rs. 13 to 18 lakhs), Malaysia, Taiwan, and Poland all offer MS programs for under Rs. 25 lakhs. Australia and Canada now cost Rs. 35 to 50 lakhs realistically, making European and Asian alternatives far more attractive on budget.
Your brother studied in a very different cost environment. Australia and Canada have significantly raised their cost expectations since then, with mandatory financial requirements and higher living costs pushing realistic budgets to Rs. 35 to 50 lakhs. The good news is that several excellent countries now offer MS programmes for a fraction of that, delivered in English, with strong post-study work opportunities.
Low-Cost MS Country Comparison (2026/2027)
| Country | Annual Tuition (Approx.) | Annual Living Cost | Total 2-Year Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany (Public Universities) | Rs. 0 (zero tuition) | Rs. 10.5 Lakhs (blocked account) | Rs. 21 to 22 Lakhs |
| Italy | Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 2.5 Lakhs | Rs. 5.5 to Rs. 8 Lakhs | Rs. 13 to 18 Lakhs |
| Malaysia | Rs. 2 to Rs. 4 Lakhs | Rs. 4 to Rs. 5 Lakhs | Rs. 12 to 16 Lakhs |
| Taiwan | Rs. 2.5 Lakhs | Rs. 4 to Rs. 5 Lakhs | Rs. 13 to 15 Lakhs |
| Poland | Rs. 1.5 to Rs. 3 Lakhs | Rs. 4 to Rs. 5 Lakhs | Rs. 11 to 15 Lakhs |
Germany as the Strongest Low-Cost MS Option (2026)
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Zero at almost all public universities; semester fees of approximately Rs. 30,000 only |
| Blocked Account (Mandatory for Visa) | EUR 11,208 per year to be maintained in a German blocked account |
| Post-Study Work Visa | 18-month job seeker visa with access to Europe's largest job market |
| Language Requirements | Many English-taught MS programs available; German language helps for jobs |
My Advice
Germany should be your first serious look if budget is your primary concern and you are targeting an MS in STEM, Computer Science, or Engineering. The zero-tuition model is real and works, but you do need a strong academic profile with a minimum 7.0 GPA or equivalent and ideally a GRE score for competitive programs. Italy is worth exploring if you want a warmer climate and an even lower total budget, especially with government scholarship schemes that can bring costs close to zero.
Still have doubts?
Speak to a LeapScholar expert — free, no obligations.
More Cost & living questions
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- How do US universities evaluate Indian LLM applicants differently from UK or European law schools?
- What is the fee range for a one-year MBA course compared to a two-year course in UK?
- Does my 12th grade percentage affect my master's application in Germany/France for a Bachelor's?
- Is the USA the best country option for my AI or data science master's program, or should I consider other countries in UK/Canada?
- Is the MIM program suitable for someone with less than 3-4 years of work experience, or should I apply for an MBA?
More Australia questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- Can I apply for a master's program in Australia immediately after completing my bachelor's at age 25?
- What should I do to improve my chances of going to Canada as a teacher?
- What is the minimum budget required for studying abroad in Canada or Ireland for two years?
- What are the differences in career opportunities and PR options between Germany and Canada?
- How does the show money requirement work for Australia visa applications?
- What are the visa application chances and procedures for USA compared to Australia?
- Is the scholarship available for the next intake in USA for a Master's?