Studying abroad is a dream shared by thousands of Indian students. But one thing often stands in the way—”budget“. With foreign education often seen as expensive, many give up too early. But here’s the good news: applicant doesn’t need crores to study abroad. In fact, there are budget-friendly countries where they can complete their education under ₹10 lakh without compromising on quality.
This blog dives deep into the most affordable study destinations that offer world-class education, rich cultural exposure, and real return on investment. Whether students looking for tuition-free universities, low living costs, or ample scholarships, this guide has got them covered.
Let’s explore the top budget-friendly countries to study abroad under ₹10 lakh!
What Makes a Country Budget-Friendly to Study Abroad ?
Before jumping into the list, let’s break down what makes a study destination truly budget-friendly:
- Low or No Tuition Fees: Countries like Germany and Norway offer free or subsidized education.
- Affordable Living Costs: Think rent, food, transport. Countries in Asia and Eastern Europe often cost less.
- Scholarships & Financial Aid: These can drastically reduce expenses.
- Part-Time Job Opportunities: Earning while learning is a great way to balance costs.
- Friendly Visa Policies: Countries that allow flexible student visas and post-study work are a big plus.
Now, on to the list of countries where candidates can study abroad under ₹10 lakh.
10 Budget-Friendly Countries to Study Abroad
1.Germany
Germany has become a top pick for Indian students—and for good reason. Most public universities do not charge any tuition fees, even for international students!
Why Choose Germany?
- Tuition Fees: ₹0 (for public universities)
- Living Costs: Approx. ₹6–7 lakh/year
- Scholarships: DAAD, Erasmus+
- Popular Courses: Engineering, Computer Science, MBA
- Work While Studying: Up to 20 hours/week
- Advantages: Free quality education, strong global reputation, well‑structured programs
Germany continues as a top pick among Indian students seeking high-value education with minimal financial burden.Even cities like Berlin and Munich, although a bit pricey, offer shared housing and student discounts to cut down costs.
| University | Annual Tuition (₹) | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | ₹0 (Public) | DAAD Scholarship, Deutschlandstipendium |
| University of Stuttgart | ₹0 (Public) | Erasmus+, Baden-Württemberg Scholarship |
| RWTH Aachen University | ₹0 (Public) | DAAD, RWTH Education Fund |
2. Norway
Surprising to many, Norway offers free education for all, including non-EU international students.
- Tuition Fees: ₹0
- Living Costs: ₹7–8 lakh/year
- Top Universities: University of Oslo, NTNU
- Scholarships: Quota Scheme, Erasmus+
- Pros: Stunning landscapes, English-taught programs
While living costs are slightly higher, the zero tuition advantage makes Norway ideal for students on a budget.
| University | Annual Tuition (₹) | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oslo | ₹0 | Quota Scheme, Erasmus+ |
| NTNU – Norwegian Univ. of Science & Technology | ₹0 | NORPART, BI Presidential Scholarship |
| University of Bergen | ₹0 | UIB International Scholarship |
3. Poland
Poland blends affordability with quality, making it one of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students.
- Tuition Fees: ₹1.5–2.5 lakh/year
- Living Costs: ₹2.5–4 lakh/year
- Highlights: Easy student visa, safe cities, English degrees
Cities like Kraków and Warsaw offer modern universities, yet everyday expenses stay low.
| University | Annual Tuition (₹) | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| University of Warsaw | ₹1.8 Lakh | NAWA Scholarships, Erasmus+ |
| AGH University of Science and Technology | ₹2.2 Lakh | Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship |
| Warsaw University of Technology | ₹2.4 Lakh | Erasmus+, Polish Government Scholarship |
4. Mexico
Mexico is quickly gaining traction for students seeking affordable and culturally immersive study abroad options.
- Tuition Fees: ₹1.5–3 lakh/year
- Living Costs: ₹2–3 lakh/year
- Bonuses: Great weather, warm people, strong global degrees
It may be far from India, but when it comes to cost-effectiveness, Mexico is worth a look.
| University | Annual Tuition (₹) | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) | ₹1.5 Lakh | AMEXCID, Mexican Government Scholarship |
| Universidad de Guadalajara | ₹2 Lakh | UDG International Scholarships |
| Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM) | ₹2.3 Lakh | UDEM Academic Excellence |
5. Hungary
Hungary offers a perfect blend of European education quality and low cost of living.
- Tuition Fees: ₹1.5–3 lakh/year
- Living Costs: ₹2–3 lakh/year
- Top Scholarships: Stipendium Hungaricum
Budapest, its capital, is student-friendly and brimming with opportunities to explore Europe affordably.
| University | Annual Tuition (₹) | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| Eötvös Loránd University | ₹2 Lakh | Stipendium Hungaricum |
| University of Debrecen | ₹2.5 Lakh | Tempus Public Foundation Grants |
| Budapest University of Technology and Economics | ₹2.8 Lakh | Stipendium Hungaricum |
6. Malaysia
Malaysia has emerged as an affordable study destination in Asia with high-quality universities and low expenses.
- Tuition Fees: ₹2–3 lakh/year
- Living Costs: ₹2–2.5 lakh/year
- Scholarships: Malaysian Government Scholarships
Indian food, culture, and climate make this an even more comfortable option for Indian students.
| University | Annual Tuition (₹) | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| University of Malaya | ₹2 Lakh | Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) |
| Taylor’s University | ₹2.5 Lakh | Taylor’s Merit Scholarship |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | ₹2.3 Lakh | MTCP Scholarship |
7. Taiwan
Taiwan is known for its top-tier universities, especially in science and engineering fields.
- Tuition Fees: ₹1.5–3 lakh/year
- Living Costs: ₹2–3 lakh/year
- Scholarships: Taiwan ICDF, MOE Scholarships
It’s a modern, safe, and vibrant country with a growing number of English-taught courses.
| University | Annual Tuition (₹) | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| National Taiwan University | ₹2.8 Lakh | MOE Taiwan Scholarship, ICDF |
| National Cheng Kung University | ₹2.5 Lakh | TIGP, NCKU Distinguished Student Grant |
| National Chiao Tung University | ₹2.7 Lakh | Elite Scholarship Program |
8. Czech Republic
Czechia offers affordable education, especially in technical and medical fields.
- Tuition Fees: ₹1.5–2.5 lakh/year
- Living Costs: ₹2–3 lakh/year
- Scholarships: Government of Czech Republic Scholarships
Even Prague, one of Europe’s best cities, remains budget-friendly for students.
| University | Annual Tuition (₹) | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| Charles University | ₹2.2 Lakh | Czech Gov. Scholarship, Erasmus+ |
| Czech Technical University in Prague | ₹2.5 Lakh | MEYS Scholarships |
| Masaryk University | ₹2.3 Lakh | South Moravian Scholarships |
9. Turkey
Turkey sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offering both academic excellence and affordability.
- Tuition Fees: ₹1.2–2 lakh/year
- Living Costs: ₹1.5–2.5 lakh/year
- Scholarships: Türkiye Burslari
Universities like Istanbul University and Middle East Technical University are world-renowned yet affordable.
| University | Annual Tuition (₹) | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul University | ₹1.6 Lakh | Türkiye Burslari |
| Middle East Technical University (METU) | ₹1.8 Lakh | METU Full Tuition Waiver |
| Bogazici University | ₹1.7 Lakh | Erasmus+, Türkiye Scholarships |
10. South Korea
South Korea is quickly becoming a tech and education hub. With generous scholarships, it fits the under ₹10 lakh budget.
- Tuition Fees: ₹2.5–3.5 lakh/year
- Living Costs: ₹3–4 lakh/year
- Top Scholarships: Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
| University | Annual Tuition (₹) | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul National University | ₹3.5 Lakh | GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) |
| Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Tech | ₹3 Lakh | KAIST International Scholarship |
| Yonsei University | ₹3.2 Lakh | UIC Scholarship, GKS |
The bonus? K-pop, safe cities, and incredible student life!
Comparison Table: Cost Summary of Countries
| Country | Average Tuition (₹/Year) | Average Living Cost (₹/Year) | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 0 | 6–7 lakh | Yes |
| Norway | 0 | 7–8 lakh | Yes |
| Poland | 1.5–2.5 lakh | 3–4 lakh | Yes |
| Mexico | 1.5–3 lakh | 2–3 lakh | Limited |
| Hungary | 1.5–3 lakh | 2–3 lakh | Yes |
| Malaysia | 2–3 lakh | 2–2.5 lakh | Yes |
| Taiwan | 1.5–3 lakh | 2–3 lakh | Yes |
| Czech Republic | 1.5–2.5 lakh | 2–3 lakh | Yes |
| Turkey | 1.2–2 lakh | 1.5–2.5 lakh | Yes |
| South Korea | 2.5–3.5 lakh | 3–4 lakh | Yes |
Each destination fits within or close to the ₹10 Lakh total cost ceiling when combining tuition, living expenses, and scholarship aid.
Suggested Reading: Why People are Choosing other Countries for study in 2025
Essential Tips to Stay Within ₹10 Lakh Budget Abroad
Sticking to a tight budget requires careful planning. Here are proven strategies to make the most of every rupee while studying abroad:
1. Choose Public or State-Funded Universities
Public universities, especially in countries like Germany, Norway, and Czech Republic, often waive tuition for international students. Opting for these institutions can significantly reduce costs.
2. Apply Early for Scholarships
Scholarships can cover not only tuition but also living expenses. Keeping track of deadlines for programs like DAAD, GKS, and Stipendium Hungaricum can open doors to substantial savings.
3. Share Accommodation
Instead of living alone, consider shared apartments or university dorms. This cuts down on rent and utility bills—usually the largest chunk of living expenses.
4. Cook Instead of Eating Out
Home-cooked meals are not only healthier but also far more economical than eating out. Countries like Poland, Hungary, and Turkey have access to fresh and affordable groceries.
5. Use Student Discounts and Travel Cards
Most countries offer student transport cards, discounts on entertainment, and more. Taking full advantage of these benefits helps reduce everyday costs.
6. Part-Time Jobs
Working part-time during semesters and full-time during holidays (as allowed by visa rules) provides additional income. Popular options include working in cafes, libraries, or university departments.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Choosing Budget Study Destinations
Even with budget-friendly countries, certain mistakes can derail financial planning. Awareness of these pitfalls helps avoid unnecessary expenses.
1. Ignoring Hidden Costs
While tuition may be low, other costs like health insurance, student union fees, or visa charges can add up. A complete cost breakdown is essential before applying.
2. Not Considering Language Barriers
Some courses, especially in Central Europe, may be offered only in the native language. Verifying the availability of English-taught programs avoids future challenges.
3. Choosing Cities Over Countries
A country might be affordable overall, but major cities can be significantly costlier than smaller towns. Studying in secondary cities often provides the same education at a lower cost.
4. Overlooking Accreditation and Rankings
Affordable education should not come at the expense of quality. Ensuring that the university is accredited and recognized globally ensures a valuable degree.
5. Mismanaging Currency Exchange
Constant currency conversions and foreign transaction fees can increase overall costs. Setting up a local bank account or using international student cards minimizes these charges.
Conclusion
Global education does not have to be burdensome. With destination choices like Germany, Norway, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Turkey, Taiwan, South Korea, and Mexico, the dream of study abroad under ₹10 Lakh becomes attainable. Proper research, early planning, scholarship pursuit, and disciplined budgeting provide a clear pathway. Through strategic decisions and smart financial planning, international education can transform into a reality—without compromising quality or exceeding budget constraints.
To know more about the countries,Visit or contact DK Visa Consultant and get expert guidance.
FAQ
Q1. Is studying abroad under ₹10 Lakh realistic?
Ans: Yes. Countries with free tuition and manageable living expenses make this fully achievable with careful planning and scholarship support.
Q2. Which destination offers the best low‑budget education?
Ans: Germany leads due to zero tuition and reliable standards. Hungary, Poland, and Czech Republic follow for affordability and scholarship access.
Q3. Can part‑time work cover all expenses?
Ans: Part‑time income helps with living expenses but not tuition. Combining income with scholarships and cheap accommodation is most effective.
Q4. How much living cost can one expect per year?
Ans: Living costs range from ₹1.5 Lakh in Turkey to ₹8 Lakh in Norway, depending on lifestyle and city.
Q5. Are their English‑taught courses in non‑English‑speaking countries?
Ans: Yes. Many universities in Germany, Czechia, Poland, Hungary, and Taiwan offer full English programs.
Q6. When should the application process start?
Ans: Ideally 8–12 months before the intended start date to allow time for entrance exams, document preparation, and scholarship applications.