Which countries let an Indian student finish a masters under 20 lakh all in?
Yes, you can finish a masters abroad under Rs. 20 lakh all in, but you must look outside the USA, UK and Australia. Germany, France, Italy, Malaysia and Poland offer full one to two year masters programmes, tuition and living costs included, through low or zero tuition public universities.
You have real options under Rs. 20 lakh all in, as long as you shift your search away from the traditional Anglosphere destinations, since several European and Asian countries combine low or zero tuition with a manageable cost of living for the full duration of your masters.
Countries That Fit Under Rs. 20 Lakh
| Country | Total Cost For Programme | Programme Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh | 2 years |
| France | Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 18 lakh | 2 years |
| Italy | Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 16 lakh | 2 years |
| Malaysia | Rs. 11 lakh to Rs. 17 lakh | 1 to 2 years |
| Poland | Rs. 13.5 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh | 1.5 to 2 years |
Three Rules To Stay Under Rs. 20 Lakh
- Stick strictly to public universities, since private institutes charge far higher international rates
- Use your 20 hour a week part time work rights to cover most day to day living expenses
- Start learning basic German or French before you leave if you plan to work locally alongside your studies
My Advice
Shortlist Germany or Italy first if your field allows it, since their DSU style scholarships and zero tuition public systems give you the best odds of finishing comfortably under Rs. 20 lakh even after unexpected costs come up.
Got a budget of 40 to 50 lakhs? See what fits.
Full tuition and living breakdown, plus universities that fit your number.
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