Cheapest Countries To Study Abroad

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of studying abroad?

Is it the prospects of a degree abroad or is it the stress of keeping your budget within your limits? What if we tell you that you can study in a college or university of your choice in a country overseas within a small budget.

This is possible because there are many cheapest countries to study abroad even if you come from a modest financial background. Besides that, most countries have plenty of international student scholarships and several funded options to help meritorious students access higher education. This blog will cover all those cheapest countries to study abroad. 

In the beginning of 2021, almost 70k students have made it to foreign countries from India. This is in marked contrast to 2020, when the pandemic was an impediment in many students’ dream to study abroad.

However, things have been gradually changing; in fact, a vast majority of students are moving ahead to pursue overseas education because of the numerous benefits of studying abroad. 

Studying abroad is a challenging task, but can be made easy if you have a plan. Some of the key factors that influence the decision to study abroad are cost of living, scholarships, part-time jobs, stay-back options, etc.

Most people who wish to study abroad from India worry about the cost of studying overseas and the burden of taking loans.

But, with some planning it’s possible to study abroad within a selected budget. Here we talk about the most affordable and cheapest countries to study abroad in 2023. We will tell you how to study within a chosen budget, and the other avenues to support yourself financially during your studies.

12 affordable countries to study abroad for Indian students 

Even though there are many best countries to study abroad, they all may not be economical.  However the following countries are giving you an option to study in the most affordable or cheapest way abroad.

These countries include Canada, Germany, Norway, Ireland and so on. We have made a list of 12 such countries based on the following criteria – tuition fees, affordable universities, cost of living, food costs, scholarships for international students, and part-time job options.

1. Canada 

Canada is famous for its world-class universities and colleges. You can choose to apply at the top universities from some of the best places to study in Canada. Besides the natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes, the country also has a good number of parks and recreation spaces.

The country’s easy entry policies for migrants is of advantage for people from across the globe, especially for students seeking higher education in Canada.

Canada has lots of opportunities in different sectors. Also, the post-study stay back option, popularly known as PGWP gives you the flexibility to remain and look for employment opportunities in the country.

Popular courses to study in Canada 

• Business
• Finance
• Management
• Agricultural sciences
• Earth sciences
• Media and journalism
• Computer science and IT

Popular universities in Canada for Indian students 

• McGill University
• University of Toronto
• University of Waterloo
• University of Calgary
• University of British Columbia
• Please note that these universities provide multiple intake seasons for international students. You may talk to our study abroad consultants to find out more about our partner colleges and universities. 

Tuition fee in Canada for international students 

 For undergraduate programmes 

The tuition fee is around 550 – 30,000 CAD/year. Undergrad degrees in Medicine, Engineering, and Social Sciences are the most expensive study programmes in Canada.

Here is a list of undergrad courses and their course fee in Canada -

• Bachelors in Computer Science & IT: 1,535 – 55,500 CAD/year
• Bachelors in Engineering & Technology: 1,350 – 55,000 CAD/year
• Bachelors in Social Sciences: 1,025 – 56,000 CAD/year
• Bachelors in Natural Sciences: 1,780 – 53,000 CAD/year

For post-graduate programmes 

The tuition fee is around 1,075 – 65,000 CAD/year. Postgraduate programmes in Business, Engineering, Computer Science and Law are the most expensive.

Here is a list of popular disciplines for post graduation in Canada and the tuition cost -

• Masters in Computer Science & IT: 2,150 – 52,500 CAD/year
• Masters in Engineering & Technology: 2,150 – 52,500 CAD/year
• Masters in Medicine & Health: 2,150 – 58,300 CAD/year
• Masters in Social Sciences: 2,150 – 37,000 CAD/year 
• Affordable places to study in Canada 

To find an affordable university or college in Canada for your education, you can choose from the following-

Memorial University of Newfoundland – 2,150 – 11,460 CAD/year

• University of Regina – 1,715 – 20,050 CAD/year
• Royal Roads University – 3,750 – 27,600 CAD/year
• University of Saskatchewan – 4,110 – 24,000 CAD/year
• Athabasca University – 1,625 – 17,250 CAD/year

Affordability is a major criterion for many study abroad aspirants. Therefore, when choosing a university, you must check for the tuition fees along with scholarship options.

Cost of living in Canada 

Living costs can be categorised into 2 types: accommodation costs and daily or monthly expenses. Accommodation costs vary depending on where you want to stay. The rent is always different in the heart of the city from that in the outskirts. The type of accommodation you choose also influences your out-of-pocket costs.

The main housing options for students in Canada are:

• Student residences: 250 – 625 CAD/month
• Homestays: 400 – 800 CAD/month
• Rented or shared apartments: 300 – 700 CAD/month
• Other expenses:

Other costs involved in your daily expenses while staying in Canada are -

• Basic utilities: 150 CAD/month
• Internet: 50-70 CAD/month

Food costs: 

Minimum 300 CAD/month is what you have to spend for your food and shopping at local supermarkets. To eat in a restaurant, you have to pay around 10-25 CAD; a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will cost you approx. 50-65 CAD.

Transportation costs:

 Transport pass is issued to students aged between 18 and 25.

• A transport pass in Canada is worth 90 CAD/month
• A one-way ticket is worth 3 CAD
• Taxi fares range around 2 to 6 CAD/km

Check out numbeo to calculate your living expenses in Canada.

Visa and application fees: 

International students require a student visa to remain in the country if they are studying for longer than 6 months. No study permit is required if you are to stay for less than 6 months. The study permit costs US$115.

Scholarships for international students 

 Government scholarships 

1. Canada Graduate Scholarships
2. IDRC Research Awards
3. NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships

 University-specific scholarships 

1. Carleton University Awards for International Students
2. Dalhousie University Scholarships
3. International student scholarships at Humber College Canada

Part-time jobs for Indian students in Canada 

To support your education further in Canada, you can work 20 hours per week. But students who are into intensive courses are advised to work for 12 hours per week because working for longer hours may affect their studies.

Generally, the jobs that you can do range from being a clerk, cook, web designer to a teacher. The starting pay is usually around 10$ per hour, which goes upto 20$ with the kind of roles you take up. 

 2. France 

With numerous higher education institutions, present in over forty cities, France is an affordable country to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree abroad, for Indian students.

 Popular courses to study in France

• Medicine
• Geography
• Art history
• Management
• Fashion designing
• Film studies
• Pharmacology
• Creative arts

Popular universities in France for Indian students  

• Audencia EESC
• Burgundy School of Business
• College De Paris
• EDC Paris Business School

Tuition fee in France for international students 

In France, the tuition fee is different for different study programmes -

• The average tuition fee is around 170 EUR per year for undergraduate programmes. For postgraduate programmes, the fee is around 260 EUR/year.
• At private universities – the tuition fees start from 1,500 EUR and can go upto 20,000 EUR per year.
• At business schools – the fees range between 5,000 and 30,000 EUR/year.

Affordable places to study in France 

• University of Orleans - 170 - 601 EUR/year
• University of Strasbourg - 184 - 610 EUR/year
• Grenoble INP Institute of Engineering Univ
• University of Burgundy - 170 - 601 EUR/year

Cost of living in France 

The cost of living in France for international students can be divided into accommodation and living expenses.

Student accommodation costs 

The accommodation cost in France will usually go above 200 – 300 EUR/month. The main housing options that you can choose include

• Halls of residence – it will cost you 200 EUR/month to live in halls of residence. These options are both expensive and in-demand most of the time.
• Rented or shared apartments – in a smaller locality, a small apartment will cost you about 300 EUR/month.
• Host family – a host family will charge from 200 EUR/month to 800 EUR/month.

Depending on the location you choose, it will cost you somewhere around 800 to 1800 EUR per month for your stay -

• Paris: 1,200-1,800 EUR/month
• Nice: 900-1,400 EUR/month
• Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux: 800–1,000 EUR/month

Other expenses 

Food costs

On average, about 250 – 300 EUR/month will be needed for groceries. It could be less in other provinces. A meal in a least expensive restaurant costs between 10 and 15 EUR.

Transportation costs 

• You can choose between a bus, metro and tram. The monthly pass would usually cost 30 to 75 EUR.
• Taxis are cheaper alternatives, costing around 1.50 EUR/km.
• Bordeaux is the most bike-friendly city, and therefore riding can be another cheaper option to commute between several towns and cities in France. 

Extra costs 

• Health insurance costs 20 – 50 EUR/month

Visa and application fees 

To study in France, you need a long-stay visa which will cost you around 99EUR [close to 8000K]. In most cases, you don’t need medical insurance to apply for a visa.

Scholarships for international students in France  

Some of the scholarships available for students willing to study in France are -

• French Ministry Scholarships
• Charpak Scholarship
• Erasmus+
• Merit Scholarships – Eiffel Excellence Programme
• Emile Boutmy Scholarship at Sciences Po University
• Sciences Po Rene Seydoux Scholarship in France
• Scholarships of Excellence for Master’s Degrees at Paris Dauphine University
• Labex DigiCosme Master Awards for International Students at the University of Paris-Saclay

Part-time jobs for Indian students in France

All students are allowed to work part time in France, but you can work for only 20 hours per week. In case you are in a 6 month program, you can work for 472 hours. The minimum wage per hour is 9.67 Euros for part-time jobs for students. The types of jobs available include babysitting jobs, restaurant jobs, and English language teaching jobs.

3. Germany 

When considering Europe as a favourite study destination, Germany comes to the mind of most students. It’s one of the well-known countries in Europe where students can work while studying and also after graduating.

The country has been consistently delivering good quality education. German public universities are known for free education, and they are at the forefront of major scientific advancements as well.

Popular courses to study in Germany 

• Computer Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Medicine
• Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Electrical-Electronics Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Natural Sciences
• Finance
• Business Management and Business Administration
• Data Science & Data Analytics

Popular universities in Germany for Indian students  

• TU Munich
• RWTH Aachen University
• LMU Munich
• University of Berlin
• Heidelberg University
• TU Darmstadt
• Universität Freiburg
• TU Berlin
• Universität Stuttgart
• Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Universität Konstanz
• KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
• Universität Mannheim

Tuition fee in Germany for international students 

For international students, Germany tops the list of the most budget-friendly study destinations. However, the cost of living and other expenses can add up and increase your budget. Get a glimpse of how the overall budget looks like:

• Average tuition fees in Germany: 0 EUR/academic year (at public universities)
• Administration fee: 100 - 350 EUR/semester
• Average living costs: 800 - 1,100 EUR/month

There are no tuition fees charged at undergraduate and PhD levels at all public universities. And you need at least €10,200 (~US$11,950) per year. This cost can go up depending on your lifestyle and other additional living expenses.

At private universities in Germany, the tuition costs can go upto 26,000 EUR/year for undergraduate degree programmes. It would go upto 40,000 EUR/year postgraduate degree programmes. Engineering and Business & Management courses are the most expensive courses to study in Germany.

Affordable places to study in Germany

• University of Stuttgart
• University of Mannheim
• University of Bremen
• University of Cologne
• University of Hamburg

Cost of living in Germany 

The average cost of living for international students ranges from 700 to 1,000 EUR/month, including accommodation expenses.

• Berlin, Frankfurt or Dusseldorf – 900 – 1,500 EUR/month
• Freiburg, Leipzig or Hannover – 750 – 1,100 EUR/month

The following stay options can be chosen -

• Studio apartments: 390 EUR/month
• Shared apartments: 365 EUR/month
• Student residence halls: 250 EUR/month

Over 40% of international students live in student residence halls, according to sources from DAAD. The second most popular option among international students is shared apartments.

Other expenses 

Food costs 

You will pay roughly 170 EUR/month on food. A three-course meal for two in an average restaurant will cost 45 EUR in Germany. Please note your additional expenses will depend on your lifestyle.

Transportation costs 

About 10% of the total monthly student budget goes in transport, according to sources from DAAD. A public transport pass for students costs between 25 and 200 EUR/month. You can easily get around using a bicycle, which will cost you around 15-20 EUR/day.

Visa and application fees 

For Indian students, a German visa costs around 75 EUR, which is close to 6200K in Indian currency. 

Scholarships for international students 

• DAAD WISE Scholarship Program
• Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
• Heinrich Boll Scholarships
• Kofi Annan MBA Scholarships
• ESMT Women's Academic Scholarship
• Goethe Goes Global Scholarships

Part-time jobs for Indian students in Germany 

International students are eligible for the following types of part-time jobs in Germany - 

• Library supervisor
• Tutorial assistant
• Waiter/Waitress
• Babysitter
• Bartender
• Cashier

The law states that international students working part time in Germany can get around 9 EUR per hour depending on the type of work they do. Also, you may need to pay taxes beyond a certain wage per month. 

4. Norway 

Known for its mountains, fjord coastlines, sea-faring history, and a unique coastal life, Norway never fails to surprise travel enthusiasts. It is also an equally exciting place for international students. There are plenty of options to study in Norway. Over 200 masters programmes and English-taught undergraduate programmes are available in Norway.

Popular courses to study in Norway 

• Industrial Engineering
• IT & Computer Science
• Life Sciences and Biotechnology
• Agricultural Science
• Natural Sciences
• Energy and Sustainability
• Digital Media, Animation and Visual Arts

Popular universities in Norway for Indian students  

• University of Oslo
• University of Bergen
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology
• University of Tromso
• Norwegian University of Life Sciences
• Bergen Academy of Arts and Design
• University of Stavanger
• Nord University
• NHH School of Economics
• Inland Norway University of Applied sciences

Tuition fee in Norway for international students 

Most of the public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees, similar to those in Germany. This law is applicable to students from different countries and regardless of which course they choose to study.

At private universities in Norway, the tuition fees vary from one place to another -

• 7,000 – 9,000 EUR/year for undergraduate programmes
• 9,000 – 19,000 EUR/year for postgraduate programmes

Affordable places to study in Norway 

 Here is a list of tuition-free or the most affordable universities in Norway:

1. UIT the Arctic University of Norway
2. University of Stavanger
3. University of South-Eastern Norway
4. The Oslo School of Architecture and Design

Cost of living in Norway 

The cost of living in Norway includes accommodation, books and stationeries, food and other utilities. Living in a Nordic country can be a  bit expensive at times though the quality of life is usually above average. You can expect to pay anywhere between 800 and 1,400 EUR/month to live in Norway.

• Oslo: 1,200–2,000 EUR
• Bergen: 1,100–1,800 EUR
• Tromso and Trondheim: 1,000-1,600 EUR
• Other smaller cities in Norway: 800 – 1,000 EUR

Accommodation costs 

The most popular options to stay in Norway for international students are rented and shared apartments. You can pay anywhere between 300 and 700 EUR/month. Prices vary a lot depending on the city in which you live, how close you are to the city centre, and whether you live alone or with other students.

Other expenses 

Food costs 

Approximately, 250–400 EUR/month is what you need for food. You can save some money by learning how to cook and buying from grocery stores that offer discounts..

If you plan an evening out, you will spend 20 EUR in an inexpensive restaurant and 70 EUR in a mid-range one, for 2 people. 

Transportation costs 

41% of the students rely on public transportation in Norway. And the total cost of a monthly transport pass is between 55 and 72 EUR. 

• Taxis: Between 10 EUR and 1.5 EUR/kilometre
• Bike rental: Between 12 and 25 EUR/day

Extra costs 

Additional expenses may be around 50 EUR/month, but you must figure out where you can cut down.

Visa and application fees 

To obtain a residence permit for your studies in Norway, you have to pay 556 EUR, and the visa processing fee will cost you around 20 EUR. 

Scholarships for international students in Norway 

• Erasmus Mundus 
• Tuition-free International Masters Programmes at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
• Study a Masters in Europe scholarships

Part-time jobs for Indian students in Norway 

Indian students studying in Norway are allowed to work for 20 hours per week in the first year of their study. 

5. Switzerland 

Switzerland has one of the most pre-eminent education systems in the world. There are 12 universities in total, of which 8 are in the top 500 of QS World University Rankings. The country has a robust research and development structure as well, drawing thousands of students from India and other countries.

Popular courses to study in Switzerland 

• Mechanical Engineering
• International Business
• Business Management
• Finance & Accounting
• Data Science & Analytics
• Hospitality, Travel & Tourism
• Food Science
• Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences
• Biomedical Engineering
• Sports Science & Sports Management

Popular universities in Switzerland for Indian students  

• ETH Zurich
• École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
• St. Gallen
• IMD
• University of Zurich
• University of Basel
• University of Bern
• University of Lausanne
• University of Geneva
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)

Tuition fee in Switzerland for international students 

The average tuition fee at Swiss public universities for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes is 400-3,700 EUR/year. And the tuition fee in private universities is normally higher than that in the public ones – the fee can reach upto 43,000 EUR per year.

Affordable places to study in Switzerland 

• University of Geneva – average tuition fees: 900 EUR/year
• University of Bern – average tuition fees: 1,700 EUR/year
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW – average tuition fees: 1,260 EUR/year

Cost of living in Switzerland 

A budget of 1,300–1,700 EUR/month is what you need to pay for accommodation, food, transportation, and other utilities in Switzerland. Geneva and Zurich are considered to be the most expensive cities, where you may need over 1,700 EUR/month to live by.

• Geneva – 1,650 – 2,500 EUR/month
• Zurich – 1,650 – 2,200 EUR/month
• Bern – 1,600 EUR/month
• Basel – 1,400 – 2,000 EUR/month

Accommodation in Switzerland 

usually costs around 600–700 EUR/month. The most preferred accommodation options by students are -

• Student halls of residence – 450 to 800 EUR/month.
• Rented or shared apartments – 700 to 1,200 EUR/month.

Other expenses 

Food costs are usually around 400 to 550 EUR/month.

Transportation costs 

A monthly pass for transportation in Switzerland for students is around 55 EUR. In major Swiss cities like Zurich, Basel, Bern, and Geneva, the public transportation ticket is valid for buses, trains, and ships as well.

Monthly health insurance for students

Costs between 250 and 330 EUR. Additional 100 EUR is needed for books and other supplies.

Visa and application fee 

Indian students need a National Visa D to study in Switzerland. The visa will cost you around 67 CHF, close to 5000K. And you have to pay a service fee of 20 CHF, too. 

Scholarships for international students 

• Swiss Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students
• ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships
• University of Lausanne Masters Grants for Foreign Students
• EPFL Excellence Scholarships
• Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships
• University of Zurich Scholarships for PhD Candidates 
• Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships

Part-time jobs for Indian students in Switzerland 

International students are eligible to work for 15 hours per week and full-time during holidays. Non-EU students can start working only after 6 months from the beginning of their study. 

6. Demark 

Denmark is a popular study abroad destination. Over 500 courses are available for you to choose at Danish universities. Most of the universities follow a research-oriented approach, which benefits the students to a large extent.

Popular courses to study in Denmark 

• Civil Engineering
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology
• Natural Sciences
• IT and Computer Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Business Administration
• Economics
• Architecture
• Renewable Energy & Sustainability
• Web Design and Digital Marketing
• Data Science

Popular universities in Denmark for Indian students  

• University of Copenhagen
• Technical University of Denmark
• Aarhus University
• Copenhagen Business School

Tuition fee in Denmark for international students 

In Denmark, undergraduate and postgraduate students in the EU/EEA and within Switzerland are eligible for free education. But for non-EU/EEA citizens, the tuition fee is between 6,000 and 16,000 EUR for every academic year.

Affordable places to study in Denmark 

• Roskilde University
• University of Southern Denmark
• Aalborg University

Cost of living in Denmark 

Denmark offers a high quality of life. This also means that the average cost of living is high. International students need between 800 and 1,200 EUR/month to live in Denmark. These costs can go up or down based on your lifestyle.

Accommodation costs 

Copenhagen is a slightly expensive place to live in Denmark. Normally, for accommodation, you’ll end up spending around 400 to 670 EUR in most cities and around 800 – 900 EUR in Copenhagen. The most common types of accommodations are student halls of residence, which cost between 250 and 300 EUR/month.

Other expenses 

Food costs

Food expenses in Denmark cost around 200 to 270 EUR/month. Dining out in the city can cost 30 EUR/person, and drinks may cost around 5 EUR.

For books and other study materials usually  30 to 65 EUR/month is needed. On average, students spend between 120 and 175 EUR/month for other social expenses. Health or medical insurance is also factored into the other expenses list.

Visa and application fee 

Non-EU/EEA citizens need a residence permit to study in Denmark, which costs around 255 EUR.

Scholarships for international students 

1. The Danish Government Scholarships under the Cultural Agreements
2. The Erasmus+ or Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) programmes
3. The Nordplus programme
4. The Fulbright Programme  

Part-time jobs for Indian students in Denmark 

International students can work for 20 hours per week in Denmark.

7. Ireland 

Irish culture is fascinating. What’s more fascinating and beautiful are the landscapes you get to see in the country. Well-known Irish authors like George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde have influenced several lives and continue to do so.

Popular courses to study in Ireland

• Artificial intelligence and data science
• Business analytics
• Pharmaceutical sciences
• Construction
• Banking and finance

Popular universities in Ireland for Indian students 

• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Dublin
• National University of Ireland, Galway
• University College Cork
• Dublin City University

Tuition fee in Ireland for international students 

For undergraduate courses, you need at least 9,850 - 55,000 EUR/year and for postgraduate courses you need 9,950 - 35,000 EUR/year. All international students (both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA citizens) are required to pay an administration fee of 3,000 EUR/year, which again varies from one university to another.

Affordable places to study in Ireland 

• University of Limerick
• University College Cork
• Cork Institute of Technology
• St. Patrick’s College
• Dublin Business School

Cost of living in Ireland 

Accommodation costs for students in Ireland 

Student residence halls usually cost around 200 to 300 EUR. Rented or shared apartments are other options to live in Ireland. Here is an estimate for the cost involved in staying in Ireland –

• Living alone: 400 - 900 EUR/month
• Living on campus: 300 - 650 EUR/month
• Utilities: around 30 - 50 EUR/month
• Internet: up to 60 EUR/month

Other expenses 

Food costs

You’ll need around 250 - 350 EUR/month for food and basic expenses in Ireland.

Transportation costs 

Around 27% of students in Ireland use public transport. A monthly pass with a special discount costs around 50 to 55 EUR/month.

• Books and other study materials: 75 EUR/month
• Social activities/entertainment: 60 - 100 EUR/month
• Medical insurance: 45 EUR/month

Visa and application fee 

Students willing to study in Ireland must apply for the D visa type. It would cost you around 100 EUR for multiple entries of the visa for a long-term stay.  

Scholarships for international students in Ireland

• Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)
• Fulbright Scholarship

Part-time jobs for Indian students in Ireland 

International students can work in bars, cafes, restaurants, call centres and so on as part-time employees. The hourly wage is around 9.80 for all international students working part time in Ireland. 

8. New Zealand 

The land of ‘Kiwis’ is a sought-after destination for students from all over the world. New Zealand’s infrastructure and policies influence the world globally. 

Popular courses to study in New Zealand

• Business Studies
• Engineering Forestry
• Hospitality
• Engineering
• Medicine
• IT and Computer Science
• Agriculture

Popular universities in New Zealand for Indian students 

• The University of Auckland
• University of Otago
• University of Canterbury
• Auckland University of Technology

Tuition fee in New Zealand for international students 

If you’re thinking of studying in a public university, the tuition cost would look like -

• 4,100–6,100 EUR/year undergraduate programmes
• 7,300–10,500 EUR/year for postgraduate programmes

If you are thinking of choosing private universities in New Zealand, be ready to spend at least 20,000 EUR or even +25,000 EUR/year. Private universities are a bit on the higher side compared with public universities.

Affordable places to study in New Zealand

• University of Auckland
• Auckland University of Technology 

Cost of living in New Zealand 

Some of the most preferred accommodation types for international students are student halls of residence and shared apartments. The rent cost per month varies between 500 and 1,200 EUR. Additional 130–150 EUR/month will be needed for your utilities. 

Other expenses 

Food costs 

Around 150 to 200 EUR per month is needed for food and groceries. Some of the prices are given here -

• 1 loaf of bread: 1.40 EUR
• 1 litre of milk: 1.50 EUR
• 12 eggs: 3 EUR
• 1 kg of local cheese: 5.92 EUR
• 1 kg of apples: 2.12 EUR
• 1 meal at affordable restaurants: 10.20 EUR

Transportation cost 

A monthly transport pass is around 90 EUR for students. There are trains and buses to travel on an affordable budget. Any form of entertainment will cost you around 30–70 EUR/month. There are also expenses like medical insurance and other healthcare costs when you study in New Zealand.

Visa and application fee 

A student visa normally costs around 250 NZ$ with additional immigration charges of 17$. 

Scholarships for international students in New Zealand 

• Auckland University of technology Scholarship
• Lincoln University Scholarship
• AusIMM New Zealand Branch Education Endowment Trust Scholarship
• Barbara Wood Memorial Foundation
• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan 

Part-time jobs for Indian students in New Zealand  

 International students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week, and full-time during the holidays. The standard wage that one can expect working part time is 18$ per hour. However, you may earn more based on the type of work you do.

9. Mexico 

Mexico is a large country with both tropical and temperate zones. Since Mexico is a North American country, it shares a major part of its culture with the USA. It also shows a blend of Spanish culture, owing to the long history of colonization by Spain.

The country has several beautiful coastlines, which is why it’s a popular tourist spot. It is also one of the popular study destinations for international students.

Popular courses­ to study in Mexico

• International business degrees
• Computer science degrees
• Legal studies
• Health sciences

Popular universities in Mexico for Indian students 

• Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
• Tecnológico de Monterrey
• Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN)
• Universidad Iberoamericana IBERO
• Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM)

Tuition fee in Mexico for international students 

• Public University- $378-$818 (INR 27,801)
• Private University- $1,636-$16,353 (INR 46,777)

Affordable places to study in Mexico 

• University of Guadalajara (UdeG) - 1000 US$ per academic year
• Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) - 5000 US$ per academic year
• Anahuac University in Mexico - 5000 to 10,000 US$  per academic year

Cost of living in Mexico 

Accommodation costs -$100-$200 (INR 7354)

• Living costs are considerably low in Mexico compared with other countries.

Other expenses 

Food costs - $150-$200 (INR 14,709)

Visa and application fee 

Usually it costs 36$ to get a student visa in Mexico, and additional charges of resident cards are also included.

Scholarships for international students 

• Education Future International Scholarship
• Sir Ratanji Dalal Research Scholarship
• AIWA Lucy Kasparian Aharonian Scholarship
• Keith and Dorothy Mackay Postgraduate Travelling Scholarships
• RMLA Masters Scholarships
• Cogan and Power Academic Scholarship
• Banting International Postdoctoral Fellowships

Part-time jobs for Indian students in Mexico 

 In Mexico, it’s difficult to find work part time for students with a study visa. 

10. Poland 

Poland is one of the most affordable countries in Europe for higher education. It has many internationally recognized universities offering interdisciplinary degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The affordable cost of education and living has made Poland one of the most sought-after study destinations for Indian students.

Popular courses to study in Poland 

• Medicine
• Chemistry
• Mass Communication
• Biotechnology & Life Sciences
• Business & Economics
• Agriculture & Food Science
• Graphic Design
• Mechatronics

Popular universities in Poland for Indian students 

• University of Warsaw
• Jagiellonian University
• Medical University of Warsaw
• University of Gdansk
• AGH University of Science & Technology
• Wroclaw University of Technology
• University of Agriculture in Krakow
• Poznan University of Life Sciences
• University of Opole

Tuition fee in Poland for international students 

• 500 – 6,000 EUR/academic year for undergraduate programmes
• 1,000 – 8,000 EUR/academic year for post-graduate programmes

Affordable places to study in Poland 

• Warsaw University of Technology
• Poznan University of Life Sciences
• University of Agriculture in Krakow
• University of Opole

Cost of living in Poland 

Poland has a stable economy, and thus it’s an affordable country too. For international students, the cost of living in Poland varies between 350 and 550 EUR/month. To live in larger cities such as Krakow or Warsaw, you need 500 – 850 EUR/month for your expenses.

Accommodation costs in Poland

Residence halls for students in Poland cost around 60 – 150 EUR/month. Rented apartments cost around 80 – 150 EUR/month.

Other expenses 

Food costs in Poland 

It normally costs 100 – 150 EUR/month for food in Poland. In an affordable restaurant for a 3-course meal, it will cost you only 5 EUR or 23 EUR for a three-course meal for 2 people. Additional utilities will cost you around 155 EUR/month

Transportation costs 

A semester pass will cost you 50 EUR, which is available for 6 months. There are many modes of transport – 18% of students prefer cars as their transportation medium.

Visa and application fees 

A Polish student visa fee is around 70 Euro. Additional service fee is applicable.  

Scholarships for international students 

• Scholarships offered by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)
• Erasmus+ programmes

Part-time jobs for Indian students in Poland 

 Indian students studying in Poland can look for the following jobs -

• Booksellers.
• Delivery agents.
• Library assistants.
• Teachers
• Language teachers.

You can expect to get paid around 15 PLN [Rs. 290] per hour for your work in Poland. 

11. The Netherlands 

The Netherlands is a popular study destination for many students who want to study on an affordable budget. The country boasts some of the world-class places and beautiful landscapes.

Popular courses to study in the Netherlands 

• Agriculture
• Agribusiness
• Archaeology
• Chemical engineering
• Mechanical engineering

Popular universities in the Netherlands for Indian students

• University of Amsterdam
• University of Groningen
• Erasmus University
• Leiden University
• Radboud University

Tuition fee in the Netherlands for international students 

• Undergraduate programmes: between 6,000 and 15,000 EUR/year
• Postgraduate programmes: between 8,000 and 20,000 EUR/year

In the Netherlands, the most expensive degrees are in Business Management or Communication related courses. Private universities are a bit expensive when compared to others so you must know where you want to study.

Affordable places to study in the Netherlands 

Here are some examples of institutions with affordable tuition fees for international students:

• Radboud University
• University of Twente (UT)
• Utrecht University

Cost of living in the Netherlands 

You'll need between 800 and 1,200 EUR/month to stay in a decent way in the Netherlands. Your expenses will include books, accommodation, food, clothes, and transport. Here are the average living costs in major Dutch student cities:

• Amsterdam: 1,000 - 1,500 EUR/month
• Delft: 780 - 1,200 EUR/month
• Rotterdam: 760 - 1,250 EUR/month

Accommodation costs 

It will cost you between 300 and 600 EUR/month for accommodation in the country. Student houses are more affordable options. Also, many universities provide on-campus accommodation options. Rented or shared apartments are good stay options too but could be pricey.

Average costs depending on the accommodation type:

• Rented apartment: 500 - 1,000 EUR/month
• Shared apartment: 400 - 700 EUR/month
• Student houses: 350 - 600 EUR/month

Other expenses 

• Average utilities costs: 100 - 230 EUR/month
• Internet: 30 - 50 EUR/month

Food costs 

Around 150-170 EUR/month is needed for food and groceries. The food expenses totally depend on your lifestyle and the city in which you live. Amsterdam and Rotterdam are more expensive than other places like Groningen or Eindhoven.

Transportation costs 

Transportation costs for students will be around 35 - 70 EUR/month. Some universities issue travel passes to students, which can be used to save extra expenses on your daily commute.

Visa and application fee 

To study in the Netherlands, you need to apply for a long-term stay visa which will cost you around 317 Euro [roughly 27900 in Indian rupees].

Scholarships for international students 

• University of Twente Scholarships
• Erasmus University Holland Scholarships
• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

Part-time jobs for Indian students in the Netherlands 

Unlike in other countries, the Netherlands doesn’t allow students to work part time on student visas. But you can work a work permit for a maximum of 10 hours per week. You can also work full time during holidays. 

12. Italy 

Italy is an affordable country to live and visit, which is why it draws thousands of international students and tourists each year. Home to the oldest university in Europe, there are numerous postgraduate and undergraduate courses to choose from in Italy.

Popular courses to study in Italy 

• Science and Technology
• Art and Design
• Social Studies
• Education
• Humanities
• Health
• Hospitality
•  Fashion
• Management

Popular universities in Italy for Indian students 

• University of Bologna
• Sapienza university of Rome
• University of Padua
• The University of Milan

Tuition fee in Italy for international students 

The tuition fee is higher in private universities than in public universities, ranging around 3,000 to 35,000 EUR/year. On the other hand, in public universities, the tuition fee is less than 5000 EUR per academic year.

Affordable places to study in Italy

• Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria
• University of Camerino
• Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
• University of Pisa

Cost of living in Italy 

• Average living costs in big cities: 900 - 1,500 EUR/month
• Average living costs in student cities (Pisa, Padua, Turin): 600 - 1,100 EUR/month

Living in Italy is a great experience, but keep in mind that if you choose Rome or Milan, they are more expensive when compared to other Italian cities. 

Check out the average monthly living expenses for students in these cities -

• Bologna: 750 – 1,100 EUR/month
• Florence: 850 - 1,300 EUR/month
• Milan and Rome: 850 - 1,450 EUR/mont

Accommodation costs 

Around 300 – 600 EUR is needed for housing in Italy. Again, the cost varies based on the city in which you live and the type of accommodation you choose.

• Students living alone: 400 – 700 EUR/month
• Students living in student accommodation: 250 – 300 EUR/month
• Students sharing rented apartments: 250 – 500 EUR/month

Other expenses 

Utilities can add 90 – 260 EUR to your monthly expenses. Phone bills and Internet can cost 30 – 50 EUR/month. Entertainment and social activities can add up to 30 – 40 EUR/week. Books and other study materials will cost upto 40 – 50 EUR/month.

Food costs 

Around 150 – 200 EUR/month for your food in Italy. A small meal in a restaurant may cost you between 8 and 15 EUR.

Transportation cost 

A monthly bus/tram/metro ticket for students commuting in Italy will cost somewhere between 25 and 45 EUR/month, depending on the city where you live in or travel to. Train is also another option to commute. Fares usually start from 20 EUR, and you could get discounts.    

Visa and application fee 

To apply for a D visa for studying in Italy, you have to pay a fee of 50 EUR, and additional 30 EUR for the residence permit. 

Scholarships for international students

• Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
• EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
• Bologna University Study Grants for International Students
• University of Pavia International Scholarships for Developing Country Students
• Bocconi Merit and International Awards
• Politecnico de Milano Merit-Based Scholarships for International Students
• Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships
• Università Cattolica International Scholarships
• University of Padova Scholarships for All Degree Courses

Part-time jobs for Indian students in Italy

You must have a valid residence permit in order to work part time while studying in Italy. According to the law, you are allowed to work only for 20 hours per week. The wage varies from one employer to another, but you can expect an average of 140 Euros per week from your part-time employment.  

Conclusion  

What are your next steps? Now that we have given you a list of the cheapest or most affordable places to study overseas, you can pick one based on your choice. But ensure that you do further research when looking at studying on a budget. You can also speak to our study abroad experts.

They will guide and help you make well-informed decisions about making an investment in your higher education. They will help you shortlist universities and colleges abroad, and also take care of the application process. We are just a phone call away! Register on our website kanan.co today.