5 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad in 2025, Check Now
Studying abroad is the dream of almost all Indian students, but it may be costly in terms of studies as well as standards of living. Nevertheless, there are many countries where they can get quality education at affordable rates. Actually, the statistics of Indian students going abroad for education have been growing at a phenomenal rate, with over 900,000 students going abroad in the year 2024. If the trend continues, the majority of people are seeking low-cost solutions for their education. This blog reveals the most affordable countries for Indian students to study abroad in 2025, helping you make a well-informed decision about studying in Europe or other regions.
Top 5 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025
Following is a comparison table of cheapest countries to study abroad for indian students cost and key highlights to easily compare and determine which are most affordable and best for Indian students:
Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students | Cost of Living (INR/month) | Cost of Studying (INR/year) | Key Highlights |
Norway | 1,00,000 | 13,00,000 - 19,00,000 | High-quality education, tuition introduced in 2023, scholarships available, great ROI |
Germany | 89,000 |
| Public universities are tuition-free, 90% visa success rate, many scholarships like Erasmus & StipendiumPlus |
Switzerland | 1,40,000 | 36,000 - 3,30,000 | Low tuition, high living cost, top global universities, job opportunities post-study are limited |
Denmark | 1,00,000 | 6,60,000 -17,50,000 | High-quality education, scholarships available, English widely spoken, high salaries |
Belgium | 83,670 | 85,000 - 6,00,000 | Affordable tuition, high living standards, strong international job prospects, especially in Brussels |
Let’s look at the list of top 5 cheapest countries to study abroad for indian students in 2025 in detail:
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1.Norway
Norway is a great choice for studying abroad because many public universities don’t charge tuition fees, especially for some courses. Even though there are some fees for non-EU students now, they are still much lower than in countries like the US or UK. The cost of living is reasonable, and there are scholarships to help students. Norway also offers a high quality of life, making it one of the best countries to study abroad.The cost of living is affordable, and there are scholarships to support students. Norway also has a high standard of living, thus it is one of the top countries to study abroad.
Category | Details |
Popular Student Cities | Oslo (ranked by QS), Bergen, Drammen |
Total Universities | 31 (Public & Private) |
Top Universities | NTNU, University of Oslo, BI Norwegian Business School |
Popular Courses | Psychology, Medicine, Law, Business, Engineering, Architecture, Theology, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine |
Language | Norwegian (primary), 88% population speaks English |
Tuition Fees (Public Universities) | Free (for some programs); introduced tuition for non-EU students in 2023; still more affordable than US/UK |
Cost of Living | NOK 12,537/month |
Student Visa Cost | NOK 5,400 |
Part-Time Work During Studies | 20 hours/week |
Post-Study Work Permit | 1-2 years (extendable) |
Education System | Bologna Process; ECTS system |
Degree Duration |
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Grading System | A (highest) to F (fail); E is the minimum passing grade |
Admission Requirements | SOP, LORs, transcripts, resume (if applicable), IELTS/TOEFL/C1, GMAT/GRE for PG |
Visa Documents | Passport, photo, admission letter, financial proof, accommodation proof, transcripts, filled application form |
Scholarships Available |
|
Job Opportunities | Excellent work-life balance; English proficiency helps; must apply for temporary work permit and then full-time job after study |
Safety & Lifestyle | Ranked #17 safest globally; work limit capped at 13 hrs/day including overtime; high quality of life |
Indian Student Numbers (2024) | ~484 students; projected 10% growth |
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2.Germany
Germany is one of the cheapest countries to study abroad in Europe, with most public universities offering tuition-free education. Students only pay a small administrative fee (€300-€500 per semester). The cost of living is affordable, and part-time work opportunities allow students to earn extra. With scholarships like DAAD and a post-study visa for job searching, Germany also offers pathways to permanent residency after two years of work, making it one of the cheapest countries to study abroad in Europe and also one of the best countries to study abroad.
Category | Details |
Indian Student Population | 42,997 (Winter Semester 2023-24) - 15.1% growth; India = largest source of international students |
Total Universities | 140+ (Majority are public and tuition-free) |
Popular Courses | Engineering, Computer Science & IT, MIM, MS, MBA, BBA, Social Sciences, Humanities |
Medium of Instruction | German & English; “International Programs” taught in English |
Tuition Fees (Public Univ.) | €300-€500 per semester (admin fee only); tuition-free |
Tuition Fees (Private Univ.) | €12,000-€15,000/year |
Blocked Account (Living Expense) | €11,904/year or €992/month |
Minimum Wage (2025) | €12.82/hour (as of Jan 2025) |
Part-Time Work | 20 hrs/week (max 140 full days or 280 half days/year) |
Post-Study Work Visa | 18 months (Job Seeking Visa) |
PR Option (EU Blue Card) | Eligible after 2 years with a minimum annual salary: €53,000 (general) or €41,808 (tech/medical fields) |
Study Visa Cost | €75 (~₹6,987) |
Admission Requirements - UG | 90% in Class 12, 1 year UG in India or IIT-JEE/Fa exam, IELTS 6.0+, or TOEFL 100+ |
Admission Requirements - PG | 70-75% in UG, IELTS 6.5+, GRE 300+ (if required) |
Scholarships | DAAD, university-specific merit-based scholarships |
German Language | Needed for German-taught courses; clear TestDaF via Max Mueller Bhavan (Goethe-Institut) in India |
Semesters & Intake |
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Education System | Public (free), Private (fee-based), Vocational (often employer-funded); strong emphasis on innovation & research |
Permanent Settlement | Apply for PR (EU Blue Card) after 2 years of work; eligible to move/work across EU with valid salary & employment offer |
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3.Switzerland
Switzerland ranks as one of the lowest-priced foreign study destinations for Indian students despite having a high cost of living compared to other countries. Charges for state-run universities are relatively low, yet the rate varies from CHF 500 to CHF 2000 per semester. Scholarships such as Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships also lower students' expenses. Apart from its cost of living of CHF 2500-4000/month, it's also one of the most sought-after study-abroad destinations due to part-time job opportunities and 6-month post-study work visa.
Category | Details |
Popular Courses | MIM (International Business), MS in Computer Science, MIM (Sales & Marketing), BBA, MS in Chemistry |
Top Fields of Study | Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Law, Medicine |
Languages of Instruction | German, French, Italian, Romansh, English (in select programs) |
Location Advantage | Borders France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein; Schengen zone member; neutral country since 1505 |
Public University Fees | CHF 500 - 2000 per semester |
Cost of Living | CHF 2500 - 4000/month (approx. ₹2-3.5 lakh/month) |
Total Estimated Study Cost (INR) | ₹15 - ₹20 lakhs (includes tuition, exams, visa, and living expenses) |
Visa Type | Switzerland Study Visa (Visa D - Studies) |
Visa Fee | Free (exceptions like post-docs: EUR 80) |
Work Rights (Non-EU/EFTA Students) | Up to 15 hours/week during studies |
Work Rights (EU/EFTA Students) | No restriction on working hours |
Post-Study Work Visa | 6 months to find a job |
Admission Intake | Rolling (varies by university) |
Scholarships | University-level scholarships and Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships |
Admission Requirements | Passport, Photos (4), Visa Forms (3), SOP, Resume, Acceptance Letter, Academic Transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL, Financial Proof, Sponsor Letter |
Visa Language Requirement | IELTS or TOEFL mandatory (IELTS more commonly accepted) |
Visa Document Notes | Must be in specific order, no handwritten passports, no photocopied/scanned photos, financial docs with bank stamp/signature |
Einstein’s Connection | Studied at ETH Zurich (1896-1900), earned degree in Mathematics and Natural Sciences |
Study in English? | Yes, certain programs are offered entirely in English (verify with university) |
Eligibility for Americans/EU Students | EU: No visa required; USA: Visa D required |
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4.Denmark
Denmark is an affordable destination for international students with good quality education at relatively lower prices compared to the rest of the European countries. The fees range from ₹5L to ₹12L annually depending on the university. The country also provides various scholarships and financial aid options. With living costs between ₹80K-₹1.2L per month, Denmark’s vibrant culture, excellent work-study opportunities (up to 20 hours/week), and a 3-year post-study work permit make it one of the best countries to study abroad.
Category | Details |
Why Study in Denmark? | High-quality education, interdisciplinary approach, innovative teaching, safe and welcoming environment, vibrant culture |
Languages of Instruction | Primarily Danish, but many programs taught in English |
Top Fields of Study | Business, Engineering, IT, Social Sciences, Medicine, Architecture, Design |
Popular Master’s Programs | Business Administration, Engineering, IT, Social Sciences |
Learning Style | Emphasizes collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and research |
Top Universities | University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Aalborg University |
Tuition Fees (Approx., INR) | - University of Copenhagen: ₹5L-₹16L - DTU: ₹6L/semester - Aarhus University: ₹7L (UG), ₹8L (PG) - SDU: ₹5L/semester - Aalborg: ₹11-12L/year |
Scholarships & Aid | Available at university level; government-funded options for select students |
Application Process (Masters) | 1. Choose program & university 2. Check requirements 3. Submit documents 4. Pay fee 5. Await decision 6. Apply for visa |
Entry Requirements | Bachelor’s degree, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), SOP, LORs, CV, transcripts |
Student Visa Type | Residence Permit for Higher Education (via Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) |
Visa Requirements | Admission letter, financial proof, valid passport (6 months validity), health insurance, biometric data |
Visa Processing Time | Several weeks to a few months |
Post-Arrival Requirements | Register with local authorities, obtain residence permit |
Work While Studying | Up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time during holidays |
Post-Study Work Options | 3-year job search residence permit (after graduation) |
Living Cost (per month) | Approx. DKK 6,000-9,000 |
Top Cities for Students | Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg |
Best For | Students seeking affordable, high-quality education in a socially progressive and research-oriented environment |
Tip for Career | Learning Danish helps with job opportunities after studies |
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5.Belgium
Belgium is a cheap place for international students to study, and the fee for tuition ranges from €835 to €7,518 a year. The living cost is also modest at about €926 per month. Belgium is a quality education at an affordable price with more than 150 English-taught Master's programs. The students can even work up to 475 hours a year and receive an average salary of INR 1,000 an hour. Belgium's central European location has easy access to major cities, making it a leading destination for studying abroad.
Category | Details |
Top Universities | KU Leuven, Ghent University, UCL, University of Antwerp, ULB & VUB, University of Liège, University of Mons |
English-Taught Master's Programs | Over 150+ options across various fields |
Tuition Fees | €835 - €7,518 per year |
Cost of Living | Approx. €926 per month |
Intake Periods |
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Visa Types |
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English Proficiency |
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Post-Study Employment Rate | 72.1% (Reflects strong job market and graduate employability) |
Location Advantages |
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Degree Duration |
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5 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad in 2025
The world is full of opportunity, and you don't need a large budget to study abroad. Some of the most affordable countries to study abroad for Indian students in 2025 and also one of the best countries to study abroad are Germany, Sweden, New Zealand, Ireland, and France, which offer not just affordability but also excellence in academics. Whether you wish to pursue the lowest-cost countries to study in Europe or outside, your education aspiration can be realized if you plan in advance. Consider scholarships, living costs, and working chances as well as charges while deciding to make an optimal decision for your future.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Germany is one of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students in 2025 due to its tuition-free public universities and low living expenses.
Yes, countries like Germany, Denmark, and Belgium allow Indian students to work 15–20 hours per week while studying, helping them manage their living costs.
Absolutely. Scholarships like DAAD (Germany), Erasmus Mundus, NTNU (Norway), and university-specific grants are available to reduce tuition and living expenses.
Germany, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, and Switzerland are some of the most affordable European countries to study abroad for Indian students in 2025.
Public universities in Germany are mostly tuition-free. Indian students need about ₹89,000/month for living expenses and pay an admin fee of ₹26,000/year.
Some Norwegian public universities introduced tuition fees for non-EU students in 2023, but it still remains cheaper compared to the UK or USA, with scholarships available.
Countries like Germany (18 months), Norway (up to 2 years), Denmark (3 years), and Switzerland (6 months) offer post-study work permits to Indian graduates.