It is a common belief that studying abroad is an expensive dream. However, if you combine the right destination with an appropriate course, your dream does not have to be costly. For example, Germany, Spain and France are well-known as some of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students. 

Read this blog to get an idea about the estimated tuition fees, living expenses and eligibility criteria of the most affordable countries for Indian students. 

What are the 5 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students?

According to a Ministry of External Affairs data published in the Times of India, in 2025, more than 1.2 million Indian students enrolled for overseas studies. 

Apart from the Big Four study destinations that include Canada, the USA, the UK and Australia, Germany attracted approximately 60% Indian students. Countries like France, Spain, New Zealand, and Ireland have also been mentioned. 

Let us look at the 5 most affordable countries for Indian Students:

1. Germany

If you are looking for a low-cost master's abroad, universities located in Cologne, Munich, Dortmund, and Hamburg are some of the best options for Indian students.

Besides exceptionally low tuition fees and affordable living expenses, Indian students are eligible for international scholarships such as  DAAD, Erasmus, Heinrich Böll or Friedrich Ebert. 

• Tuition Fees: No or low tuition fees. Some universities charge a semester fee between €11,700 – €19,500 annually (₹12.79 – ₹21.31 Lakhs) annually.
• Living Expenses:  €11,830 annually (₹12.69 Lakhs annually including food, transport, and room rent.  
• Eligibility: Depending on the course, eligibility varies. German (B2/C1) for German-taught courses or English (IELTS 6.5+) for English-taught ones. APS certification is mandatory for Indian students. 
• Top Fields of study: Business administration, finance management, engineering and data science.

Wondering how to give wings to your dream of studying abroad? Contact Amity Online Study Abroad today! We offer proper counselling so students can choose the right path. 

2. France

In 2025, NDTV Education reported that the number of Indian students enrolled in French institutions was 7,344. This was predicted to rise by 200% by the year 2030, up to 30,000 students.

Undoubtedly, France is one of the most affordable countries for Indian students due to a healthy partnership between the French and Indian Governments. 

Furthermore, meritorious students can apply for the France Excellence Charpak, Eiffel Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus, YUDAP, MOPGA, etc for full-time programs.

• Tuition Fees: €2,895 – €3,941 annually for Masters (₹12.79 – ₹21.31 lakh)
• Living Expenses: €9,690 – €11,777 annually (₹10.66 – ₹12.79 Lakhs annually approx.)
• Eligibility: Certain courses may require TOEFL and IELTS Language Proficiency certificates.
• Top Fields of Study: Nursing, Journalism, Luxury management, Culinary Arts, Fashion, Hospitality.

3. Spain

Spain offers a high quality of life and is the best country to study abroad for Indian students interested in business and architecture. It is one of the few European countries where you can pursue a study abroad under 15 lakhs. 

Indian students can apply for Erasmus Mundus, La Caixa Foundation and other Spanish Government-sponsored scholarships too. Students can work up to 30 hours per week while studying.

• Tuition Fees: Bachelor’s Program €700 - €1,700, for Masters program yearly,  €1,000 - €5,000 (₹72,000 - ₹3.2L) 
• Living Expenses: €700 - €900 in Madrid and Barcelona (₹75,000 - ₹97,000) (Depending on which part of Spain you stay in).
• Eligibility: Relevant academic records, English language proficiency, and either IELTS or TOEFL. 
• Top Fields of Study: Hospitality, Business, Architecture.

4. New Zealand

Known for its breathtaking landscapes and world-class safety, New Zealand is a premium yet affordable study abroad destination in India. The PhD programs in this country are heavily subsidised. As of 2026, most universities in New Zealand have QS World University Rankings. 

Indian students can work 20-25 hours per week, helping cover nearly 60% of living costs. Once their academic course is finished, they are eligible to get a 1 to 3-year work visa.

• Tuition Fees: NZ$35,000 - NZ$55,000 (₹19L - ₹30L) for Bachelor’s degree 
• Living Expenses: NZ$1,250 - NZ$1,700 (₹68,000 - ₹92,000) 
• Eligibility: Relevant academic records, English proficiency (IELTS marks 5.5 to 6.5),  Proof of sufficient financial funds for non-scholarship holders, and valid travel or medical insurance.
• Top Fields of Study: IT, Healthcare, engineering, architecture, law, and Biotechnology. 

5. Ireland

Although without a scholarship, studying in Ireland might seem expensive, the high-quality education and potential of employability in companies such as Google, Meta and Pfizer make it a popular choice among Indians. 

Ireland, the "Silicon Valley of Europe," is a top-tier choice for a low-cost master's abroad in technology. Indian students can apply for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES), which offers a full tuition waiver plus a €10,000 stipend. 

• Tuition Fees: €10,000 - €25,000 (Since the courses in Ireland are completed within 9 months, even the higher tuition fees do not become a barrier).
• Living Expenses: €1,110 - €2,200 per month (₹1.7L - ₹2.38L) 
• Eligibility: English proficiency test (IELTS or TOEFL) certificate and proof of funds. 
• Top Fields of Study: Software development, Pharma, FinTech.

Why Choose These 5 Countries for a Budget Study Abroad in 2026?

While choosing the cheapest country to study abroad for Indian students, factors like academic quality, career prospects, and personal comfort matter, as well. 

Here is why you can consider choosing Germany, France, Spain, New Zealand and Ireland as your study destination in 2026: 

• These countries offer scholarship opportunities.
• Public universities are less expensive compared to universities in the US, UK or Australia. 
• International students can choose English as the language of instruction. 
• Courses have long-term career benefits.
• Students can opt for post-study and part-time working opportunities.
• These countries prioritise safety and security for international students.

Bottom Line

Each year, millions of Indian students choose overseas education to gain global exposure. However, without a scholarship, studying overseas might cause a financial strain. This is why learning the names of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students makes perfect sense. Education experts recommend, besides affordability, choosing the country based on safety and future career aspects is important.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your future career with Amity Online Study Abroad to move one step further on your long-cherished dream! 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to check if there are any scholarships available for Indian students in France?

For higher studies and scholarship-related information in France, you need to visit the Campus France website, which operates under the French Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Or you can contact Amity Online Study Abroad, who can guide you every step of the way. 

2. How can I study abroad under 15 lakhs as an Indian?

To study abroad for under ₹15 Lakh, you can choose public universities in countries such as Germany, France, and Spain. In these countries, the tuition fee is lower, and the living costs are affordable.   

3. What are the best countries to study abroad for Indian students?

As of 2026, Germany and France are the best countries to study abroad for Indian students. Not only are the living expenses in these countries lower, ranging between €800 and €1000, but the tuition fees are also exceptionally low compared to other countries.