12 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2026

Studying abroad is no longer just a dream for the elite. With rising awareness, scholarships, and government-supported programs, Indian students now have more opportunities than ever to gain global exposure without breaking the bank. 

If you're aiming to study in abroad in 2026 without exhausting your finances, you're in the right place. This guide introduces the 12 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students, packed with essential details on low cost tuition, cost of living, job opportunities for Indian students, and popular courses to study in 2026.

Let’s dive into the most budget-friendly yet high-value destinations where your dream of overseas education becomes a smart investment.

1. Germany – World-Class Education, No Tuition Fee in Public Universities

Known for its strong engineering and technology programs, study in Germany is a top choice among budget-conscious Indian students. Public universities here charge low cost tuition or no tuition fees at all. The only costs you’ll need to cover are administrative charges and living expenses.

• Cost of Living: ₹60,000 to ₹80,000/month
• Popular Courses: Engineering, Computer Science, Management
• Part-Time Work & Job Market: 20 hours/week allowed; high demand in tech and automotive sectors
• Bonus: Many courses are in English, especially at the master’s level

2. Norway – Quality Meets Affordability

You read it right. Study in Norway is practically free for all, including international students. Norway’s public universities don’t charge tuition fees even for students from outside Europe, making it a rare gem for affordable education.

• Cost of Living: ₹90,000 to ₹1,20,000/month
• Popular Courses: Renewable Energy, Engineering, Marine Studies
• Scholarships: Limited, but the free tuition balances the overall cost
• Job Opportunities for Indian Students: Growing, especially in energy and environmental sectors

3. Spain – A Culture-Rich, Cost-Friendly Destination

Thinking of enjoying Mediterranean weather, world-class universities, and a relaxed lifestyle? Study in Spain offers all that with relatively low cost tuition fees ranging from ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹3.5 lakhs per year.

• Cost of Living: ₹50,000 to ₹70,000/month
• Popular Courses: Tourism, Arts, Business Management
• Part-Time Work & Job Market: Up to 20 hours/week allowed
• Emerging study abroad destinationfor creative courses and startup culture

4. Malaysia – Affordable, Multicultural, and Growing Fast

As one of Asia’s emerging study abroad destination, study in Malaysia is a smart choice for students looking for affordable education with global standards. It also hosts campuses of UK universities at a fraction of the cost.

• Cost of Living: ₹25,000 to ₹40,000/month
• Popular Courses: Business, Hospitality, IT
• Tuition: ₹2 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs/year
• Job Opportunities: Internships and part-time jobs available in tech and services

5. Thailand – Budget Heaven with Quality Programs

If you’re looking to study in Thailand, you’re in for a budget-friendly experience with strong educational infrastructure, especially in hospitality and health sciences.

• Cost of Living: ₹20,000 to ₹40,000/month
• Tuition Fees: As low as ₹1.5 lakhs/year
• Popular Courses: Hospitality, Medicine, International Business
• Part-Time Work & Job Market: Available, though limited; growing startup scene

6. Poland – High-Quality European Education on a Budget

Study in Polandis quickly gaining popularity among Indian students due to its affordable tuition, safe environment, and high-quality universities.

• Tuition Fees: ₹2 lakhs to ₹4 lakhs/year
• Cost of Living: ₹30,000 to ₹50,000/month
• Popular Courses: IT, Engineering, Humanities
• Part-Time Work: 20 hours/week; good job opportunities in tech startups

7. France – Fashion, Art, and Education

When you study in France, you don’t just gain education—you experience culture, art, and innovation. Public universities charge relatively low cost tuition, especially when compared to their global counterparts.

• Cost of Living: ₹70,000 to ₹1,00,000/month
• Popular Courses: Fashion, Culinary Arts, Business
• Scholarships: Eiffel Scholarships, Charpak Program for Indian students
• Job Market: Booming in fashion, luxury, and tourism

8. Czech Republic – Hidden Gem of Central Europe

A lesser-known yet powerful option, the Czech Republic offers affordable education and a great lifestyle. Programs taught in English are growing every year.

• Tuition Fees: ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹3.5 lakhs/year
• Cost of Living: ₹40,000/month
• Popular Courses: Medicine, Engineering, Architecture
• Job Market: Flourishing with English-speaking opportunities

9. Hungary – Europe on a Budget

Hungary offers a blend of traditional education and modern lifestyle at an affordable cost, with Budapest being one of the cheapest European cities for students.

• Tuition Fees: ₹2 lakhs to ₹4 lakhs/year
• Cost of Living: ₹35,000 to ₹50,000/month
• Popular Courses: Medical, Dentistry, Engineering
• Part-Time Jobs: Available with flexibility

10. Mexico – Rich Culture, Low Budget

Although not traditionally popular, Mexico is emerging as an affordable destination with many scholarships and exchange programs for Indian students.

• Tuition Fees: ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakhs/year
• Cost of Living: ₹25,000 to ₹40,000/month
• Popular Courses: Engineering, Arts, Law
• Scholarships: Mexican Government scholarships for international students

11. Turkey – A Bridge Between Continents and Cultures

Study in abroadprograms in Turkey are backed by strong government scholarships and low cost tuition. The vibrant student community and unique culture make it appealing.

• Cost of Living: ₹30,000 to ₹50,000/month
• Popular Courses: Islamic Studies, Architecture, Engineering
• Scholarships: Türkiye Burslari
• Job Market: Expanding in trade and tourism sectors

12. Vietnam – Growing Hub for Affordable Degrees

Another emerging study abroad destination, Vietnam is rising fast with top-notch institutions offering English-taught programs and budget-friendly tuition.

• Cost of Living: ₹15,000 to ₹30,000/month
• Tuition Fees: ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakhs/year
• Popular Courses: Business, Agriculture, IT
• Part-Time Work: Allowed and available in major cities

Final Thoughts

Choosing the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students doesn’t mean compromising on quality. It’s about making smart decisions based on your career goals, budget, and personal preferences. Whether you choose to study in Thailand, study in Spain, study in Malaysia, or even study in France—each of these countries opens the door to world-class education, affordable education, and endless opportunities.

Don’t just dream it. Plan it.