Most Affordable Countries to Study Abroad
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Most Affordable Countries to Study Abroad

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Nov 27, 2024 18:15 IST

Cheapest countries to study abroad: While planning to study abroad, it is necessary to check the finances. The cheapest countries to study abroad are the preferred choice among international students. So many countries offer programs at affordable tuition fees. In this article, we will cover all the aspects of the cheapest country to study for Indian students.

Cheapest countries to study abroad

There are some popular countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc. have some world-ranked universities declared by prestigious ranking sources like Times Higher Education, US News, and QS World University Rankings, among others. Affordability is based on the tuition fee and the living cost in the country. So many top-ranked universities abroad located in popular countries offer high-quality education to international students at reduced costs. Continue with this article to get complete information about the tuition fee of the program and the living cost of some world’s most popular countries.

Must Reads

List of 10 Affordable Countries to Study Abroad

  1. Germany
  2. UAE
  3. Sweden
  4. UK
  5. Canada
  6. Ireland
  7. New Zealand
  8. Singapore
  9. Australia
  10. USA

Country Wise Studying & Living Cost Analysis

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On average, students are required to spend approx. $10,000-$12,000 yearly on living expenses. The living cost depends on the location that students select to study abroad. The cost of living is a big concern for so many students. If a student decides to reside in a metropolitan city, he would be spending more than a student who opts for a hostel or suburban accommodation. The living expenses generally include the accommodation costs, hostel, food, travel, study material, clothing, and entertainment expenses as well. Keeping these factors in mind we have mentioned below the average cost of living for students wanting to travel abroad.

Countries Abroad

Avg Tuition Fee to Study Abroad

Avg Cost of Living Abroad

USA

INR 23.76 Lakhs

INR 10.5 Lakhs

New Zealand

INR 17.5 Lakhs

INR 8.5 Lakhs

UK

INR 15.5 Lakhs

INR 10 Lakhs

Australia 

INR 21.40 Lakhs

INR 11.5 lakhs

Canada 

INR 15.5 Lakhs

INR 12.5 Lakhs

Singapore 

INR 20.5 Lakhs

INR 12.5 Lakhs

Ireland 

INR 15.5 Lakhs

INR 9.5 Lakhs

UAE

INR 10.5 Lakhs

INR 4.5 Lakhs

Sweden 

INR 11.5 Lakhs

INR 8 lacs 

Germany 

INR 13.5 K

INR 11.5 Lakhs

(Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)

Know all about 11 most affordable countries to study abroad in the video below:

Countries to Study Abroad








We have below provided the list of popular countries with their top-ranked universities and other information. These countries are popular among Indian students who are travelling abroad for higher education.

1) United States of America







The United States of America is the home world’s top-ranked universities. These universities are known for offering the best education in undergraduate, postgraduate, and other degree programs. Most of the best colleges in the country are situated in cities like Boston, New York, Cambridge, Old Saybrook, New Haven, etc. B.Tech., B.Sc, BBA, MBA, MS, MFA, MBBS, etc. are some popular programs for international students to study in the USA.

University

QS Ranking 2025 (World)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT

1

Harvard University

4

Stanford University

5

University of California, Berkeley

10

University of Chicago

11

University of Pennsylvania

12

Cornell University

13

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

15

Yale University

16

Princeton University

17

(Source: QS)

2) Canada

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Is this recommendation relevant?

The Great North is a little bit expensive to live in, but the low tuition fee, post-study work VISA, quality of life, etc. attract foreign students to study in Canada. Canadian universities offer the best education in the world and the immigration process is far simpler than in the US, UK, and most European countries.

University

QS Ranking 2025 (World)

The University of Toronto

21

McGill University

30

The University of British Columbia

34

University of Alberta

111

University of Waterloo

112

Western University

114

University of Montreal

141

University of Calgary

182

McMaster University

189

University of Ottawa

203

(Source: QS)

3) United Kingdom

Top universities in the UK offer excellent education to foreign students. The tuition fees of the programs are affordable and can easily be managed by the students. Top-ranked universities, better education, low tuition fees, affordable living, etc. are the reason to select the UK for study abroad. Students get scholarships in the UK during their studies, which makes it easier for foreign students to complete their degrees in the country.

University

QS Ranking 2025 (World)

University of Cambridge

2

University of Oxford

3

Imperial College London

6

University College London

9

University of Edinburgh

22

University of Manchester

32

King’s College London

40

London School of Economics

45

University of Bristol

55

University of Warwick

67

(Source: QS)

4) Australia

The area of New South Wales on the east coast of Australia is the centre of all its renowned academic institutes. Most of the best colleges in the country are situated in cities like Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth. Accounting, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Health Care, Information Technology, and Hotel Management are the popular courses that Indian students pursue in Australia.

University

QS Ranking 2025 (World)

University of Melbourne

14

University of New South Wales

19

University of Sydney

19

Australian National University

34

Monash University

42

University of Queensland

43

University of Western Australia

72

University of Adelaide

89

University of Technology Sydney

90

Macquarie University

130

(Source: QS)

5) New Zealand

New Zealand is undoubtedly the safest destination to study abroad. With globally ranked universities and an excellent education system, this country offers better opportunities and environments to Indian students. Most of the best colleges in the country are situated in cities like Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Napier-Hastings, etc. Auckland is the hub of all the popular higher education institutions in the country. 

University

QS Ranking 2025 (World)

University of Auckland

68

University of Otago

206

Massey University

239

Victoria University of Wellington

241

University of Waikato

250

University of Canterbury

256

Lincoln University

362

Auckland University of Technology

407

(Source: QS)

6) Singapore

Singapore becoming the global of higher education in a safe and secure environment. Every year, many foreign students apply to study in Singapore to learn the best academic program at an affordable tuition fee. Top-ranked universities in the world and an excellent education system are the reasons to select Singapore for studying abroad.

University

QS Ranking 2025 (World)

National University of Singapore

8

Nanyang Technological University

26

Singapore University of Technology & Design

429

Singapore Management University

545

(Source: QS)

7) Germany

Known as the ‘land of ideas’, Germany is continually gaining popularity among international students. It has world-reputed universities like Heidelberg University, Technical University of Munich, Free University of Berlin, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and the Humboldt University of Berlin. The tuition fees vary from INR 34,000 to INR 13.14 lakh for 1st-year. The average living cost for foreign students is around INR 3.77 lakh and it may vary depending on your living standard and location.

University

QS Ranking 2025 (World)

Technical University of München

37

University of München

54

University of Heidelberg

87

Free University of Berlin

98

RWTH Aachen University

106

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

119

Humboldt University of Berlin

120

Technical University of Berlin

154

University of Freiburg

192

University of Hamburg

205

(Source: QS)

8) France

The Tuition fees for undergraduate, postgraduate, and other degree program is around INR 11,820 to INR 20.95 lakh for 1st-year. Students can apply for admission to study at top universities in France like Ecole Normale Superieure, Ecole Polytechnique, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University, etc. Courbevoie, Grenoble, Lille, Lyon, Nantes, Paris, Rennes, etc. are the popular locations to study in France.

University

QS Ranking 2025 (World)

PSL Research University Paris

24

Institut Polytechnique de Paris

38

Sorbonne University

59

Université Paris-Saclay

71

Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon

184

Ecole des Ponts ParisTech

192

Paris Cité University

236

Grenoble Alpes University

294

Sciences Po, Paris

319

University Panthéon-Sorbonne

328

(Source: QS)

9) Netherlands

Netherlands has an affordable living cost of INR 4.39 for international students. Most of the best colleges in the country are situated in cities like Wageningen‎, Groningen, Leiden, Maastricht, and Nijmegen. Space and Aviation teaching, Engineering, Business Studies, Art, History, Tourism, and Hotel Management are the popular courses Indian students pursue in the Netherlands.

University

QS Ranking 2025 (World)

Delft University of Technology

47

University of Amsterdam

53

Utrecht University

107

Eindhoven University of Technology

124

University of Leiden

126

University of Groningen

139

Wageningen University & Research Center

151

Erasmus University Rotterdam

176

VU University Amsterdam

207

University of Twente

210

(Source: QS)

10) Ireland

Ireland provides the safest environment for foreign students who come to study in the country. The top universities in Ireland follow an excellent education system and provide better opportunities to students. The tuition fee for undergraduate, postgraduate, and other degree programs is affordable. The living cost in Ireland is also low for foreign candidates.

University

QS Ranking 2025 (World)

Trinity College Dublin

81

University College Dublin

171

National University of Ireland, Galway

289

University College Cork

292

University of Limerick

426

Dublin City University

436

National University of Ireland, Maynooth

801-850

Technological University Dublin

851-900

(Source: QS)

11) Sweden

Sweden is the home of world-ranked universities that offer the best academic programs to students. Foreign students can easily apply for admission by following the easy process mentioned by the Swedish universities. Most of the best colleges in the country are situated in cities like Dublin, Limerick, and Galway. Language and Literature, Business Studies, Medical courses, Nursing, and Social sciences are the popular courses Indian students pursue in Ireland.

University

QS Ranking 2025 (World)

KTH - Royal Institute of Technology

73

Lund University

85

Uppsala University

105

Stockholm University

118

Chalmers University of Technology

129

Göteborg University

187

Linkoping University

268

Umea University

465

(Source: QS)

Read More: Most Expensive Cities in The World for Study Abroad

Q:   How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?

A:

The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses: 

The Undergraduate Application Process:  

Step 1:  You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.

Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.

Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.

Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements. 

Check out:  tips to improve your SOP

Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS. 

Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.

Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.

The Postgraduate application process: 

Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\

Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.

Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.

Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course. 

To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application. 

Step 5:  If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester. 

Q:   Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?

A:

The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.

Q:   What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?

A:

The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:

Ranking Body Ranking
The Guardian University Guide 2024 #101
The Complete University Guide 2024#117

Q:   Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?

A:

Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students

Q:   How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?

A:

Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.

  • Know the exam pattern
  • Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
  • Solve previous year question papers
  • Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
  • Revise regularly
  • Figure out weaker areas and learn them well

With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.

Q:   What are the job opportunities after doing MIM from Aberystwyth University, UK?

A:

Graduates who complete Aberystwyth University's Master's in International Management (MIM) programme have a broad spectrum of job prospects across diverse sectors and industries.

They can step into roles like:

  • Business Development Manager: In this capacity, MIM graduates are responsible for spotting and pursuing fresh business opportunities, forging partnerships, and expanding the company's clientele.

  • International Marketing Manager: Those with an MIM can take on the role of devising and executing marketing strategies on a global scale, conducting market research, and overseeing international marketing campaigns to promote products or services.

  • Supply Chain Manager: Armed with an MIM, graduates can excel as supply chain managers, overseeing the movement of goods and services from suppliers to customers. They focus on optimizing logistical processes and managing international supply chain operations.

 

Q:   How to download UK Board 12th date sheet 2024?

A:

Following are the steps to download the UK 12th date sheet 2024. 

  • Open the Uttarakhand Board's official website at ubse.uk.gov.in
  • Click on 'Examination Scheme' available on the homepage
  • A new window will appear on the screen containing a link of the UK Board 12th date sheet 2024
  • Click the link and download the Uttarakhand 12th date sheet 2024

Q:   How good is the University of Chester (UK)?

A:

 University of Chester is surely a good option for international students mainly beacuse of a diverse range of excellent academic programs.Below are some reasons why University of Chester is good:

Academics:  The University of Chester offers over 200 undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degree programs to international students. The University of Chester University offers undergraduate major and minor courses. Students can also pursue master’s or doctoral programs at the University of Chester University.

Location of the university - The University of  is in a location where arts & culture, technology industry and entertainment industry providing endless internship. International Students have access to beaches, outdoor activities, live music/performances and attractions which makes their make campus life more enjoyable. The location gives University of Chester students an additional mark to study at University of Chester. 

Ranking: Many global ranking sources like THE (Times Higher Education), etc., have ranked University of Chester among the top universities in the world since 2021. These bodies consistently rank it among the top universities in UK. 

Fees: : The cost of attending University of Chester for Indian students can vary depending on several factors. Tuition fees for international students at University of Chester are typically higher than for Uk citizens. However, it is important that the tuition fee can change over time, and it is recommended to visit the official website to recheck the fees and accommodation. Indian students should also consider other costs such as housing, health insurance, meals and transportation attending University of Chester. 

Above are some of the major countries in the world where students get an affordable education. Students can access the entire list of universities with their tuition fees and apply for admission easily without any problem. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.

About the Author
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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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Comments

(120)

S

Sai Pakala

6 months ago

Is there any university for MS for indian students in 20L total fee plzzz tell me sir/mam

Reply to Sai Pakala

Pls is there any University that gives scholarship for Masters in Nursing, am from Nigeria.

Reply to Oyebamide Afusat Ayodele

Hello am from Nigeria, looking for scholarship to study Master in nursing in Ireland, pls can you refer me to the link.

Reply to Oyebamide Afusat Ayodele

A

Ahz Associates

a year ago

Studying abroad can be an enriching experience, but it's essential to consider the financial aspect when choosing your destination. The affordability of a country is a significant factor, and for Indian students, there are some fantastic options to explore. While countries like the USA, UK, Canada,

...more

Reply to Ahz Associates

W

Winnie

a year ago

Looking for scholarship for my son who wants to study IT in Canada

Reply to Winnie