Can you give me suggestions for backup countries with low tuition fees since I have no other ideas in Germany/France for a Master's?
Yes, strong low cost alternatives to Germany and France include Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, and Spain. Italy uses income based ISEE fees that can drop tuition near zero, Austria charges around €726 per semester for EU students, and Poland's English taught degrees start near €2,000 a year.
If Germany and France feel closed off right now, you have several genuinely affordable backups in Europe rather than a forced jump to an expensive destination. Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, and Spain all combine low tuition with quality English taught programs and manageable monthly living costs.
Backup Country Costs at a Glance
| Country | Tuition (Non-EU/EU) | Monthly Living Cost | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | €500-€4,000/year, scaled to income | €600-€1,000 | Income based ISEE fees plus regional DSU scholarships |
| Austria | ~€730-€1,500/semester | €900-€1,300 | Close to the German system with many English taught programs |
| Czech Republic | €2,000-€5,000/year (English tracks) | €500-€800 | Extremely budget friendly living in a central hub |
| Poland | €2,000-€6,000/year | €400-€700 | Growing tech and business hub with low daily costs |
| Spain | €1,500-€3,500/year (public) | €650-€1,100 | Southern regions like Andalusia are remarkably cheap |
How Each Country's Fees Actually Work
- Italy calculates tuition through an ISEE index based on your family's income and assets abroad, and DSU or regional scholarships can cover tuition plus housing and a living stipend entirely.
- Czech Republic charges nothing for Czech taught programs and modest fees for English tracks, especially in Brno and Prague.
- Poland keeps rent, groceries, and transport among the cheapest in the EU, so your full annual budget can stay under €8,000 to €9,000.
My Advice
Filter Mastersportal by English taught programs first, then check each university's specific application window, since these backup countries often run on different intake calendars than Germany. Apply to Italy's income based scholarships even if you think your family earns too much, because the ISEE calculation is often more generous than expected.
Got a budget of 40 to 50 lakhs? See what France costs.
Full tuition and living breakdown, plus universities that fit your number.
More Cost & living questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- How much monthly rent should I expect to pay for accommodation in Austria as an international student?
- If I get an education loan, can I proceed with the application after the loan amount is clear?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- How do I get an education loan for an MBA abroad as an Indian student?
More France questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Why is the dMAT subject module called Battery Science and Technology in Engineering?
- Can I target Germany, Italy, or the Netherlands for a master's in computer science without a computer science background?
- Is it possible to get a fully funded scholarship if he scores seven or above (seventy percent) in the third year in Germany?
- Does my 12th grade percentage affect my master's application in Germany/France for a Bachelor's?
- Would you suggest me to give IELTS first before starting the application process in Germany/Italy for a Master's?