Most Affordable Abroad Universities for Indian Students

University of Vienna                 

The University of Vienna, founded in 1365, ranks among Europe's oldest and biggest academic institutions. It serves as Austria's biggest research and education centre with 85,200 students spread across 20 faculties and centres. Indian students looking for quality education at reasonable prices will find this historic institution quite appealing.

University of Vienna tuition fees

The University of Vienna bases its tuition structure on citizenship and study duration. Indian students, like other non-EU/EEA students, pay €726.72 per semester (about ₹74,819). The mandatory Students' Union fee costs €25.20 per semester. This brings the total semester cost for Indian students to €751.92 (₹77,414).

Students from certain developing countries don't pay any tuition fees during their studies. India isn't on this list, but you can find other ways to save money. You can also try to get equal status with EU/EEA citizens under specific conditions, which would cut your tuition costs by a lot to match EU rates.

University of Vienna popular courses

You'll find over 186 degree programmes in a variety of disciplines at the University of Vienna. Many programmes run in English, making them perfect for Indian students. Here are some popular English-taught programmes:

• Business Administration (needs German and English B2 proficiency)
• Digital Humanities (needs German and English B2)
• International Business Administration (needs German and English B2)
• Global History and Global Studies (needs German and English B2)
• International Legal Studies (needs German and English B2)

The university also shines in humanities, social sciences, computer science, and economics. Most Master's programmes need at least B2 level English skills, and some ask for German knowledge too.

University of Vienna scholarships

The University of Vienna offers tuition waivers for qualified students, though full degree scholarships are limited. Students can ask for scholarship opportunities through the International Office to cover their tuition.

You must be admitted to a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD programme when you apply. Students getting federal aid and those from partner universities get priority. Tuition waiver applications line up with programme registration deadlines.

Students can also check Austria's complete scholarship database (grants.at) to find funding from different institutions. The OeAD (Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation) points out that scholarships for complete degree programmes are hard to come by.

Why University of Vienna is affordable for Indian students?

The University of Vienna offers great value for Indian students compared to UK or USA universities, even though it's not completely free. The yearly tuition of about ₹1,60,012 is nowhere near what you'd pay at similar schools worldwide.

Vienna's reasonable living costs make studying here even more affordable. Students usually spend about €1,200-€1,270 monthly on living expenses. Here's how that breaks down:

• Accommodation: about €450 monthly
• Food: around €350 monthly
• Study and personal needs: close to €400 monthly

The city has an excellent public transport system with student discounts, costing just €30 monthly. You'll also find many cultural activities with student discounts and budget-friendly student cafeterias (Mensa) that cost less than regular restaurants.

This makes the University of Vienna one of the most budget-friendly abroad universities for Indian students. You get high-quality European education at a fraction of UK or USA prices.

Heidelberg University, Germany

Heidelberg University (Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg) stands as Germany's oldest university. Founded in 1386, it ranks among Europe's most prestigious research institutions. Indian students find it particularly attractive due to its blend of academic excellence and reasonable costs.

Heidelberg University tuition fees

Indian students, like other non-EU/EEA citizens, pay €1,500 per semester for Bachelor's and consecutive Master's programmes. This comes to about ₹1,42,080 per semester.

Students must also pay semester contributions of €161.10, which has these components:

• €80.00 for administrative costs
• €66.00 for student services
• €10.00 for the constituted student body
• €2.60 for nextbike usage
• €2.50 for theatre flat rate

Students with refugee status, those who have disabilities that affect their studies, or students on leave of absence might qualify for fee exemptions.

Heidelberg University popular courses

Students can choose from over 190 degree programmes that offer various subject combinations. Many English-taught programmes attract Indian students.

Popular English-taught Master's programmes are:

• Data and Computer Science
• Molecular Biosciences
• Physics
• Scientific Computing
• Transcultural Studies
• International Health

The university's reputation shines in MINT subjects (mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, technology). Hans-Peter Wild Talent Scholarships support talented MINT students, which shows the university's dedication to excellence in these fields.

Heidelberg University scholarships

The university welcomes international students with several scholarship options:

1. DAAD Scholarships: German Academic Exchange Service runs multiple scholarship programmes for international exchange.
2. PROMOS Programme: Students get funding for short-term stays abroad (up to six months). This covers travel expenses, subsistence costs, and course fees.
3. Baden-Württemberg Scholarships: Exchange programme students can apply for these scholarships that support international academic exchange.
4. Fulbright Commission: These scholarships help students pursue study and research at US universities.
5. Hans-Peter Wild Talent Scholarships: MINT field students in Bachelor's or Master's programmes can receive €1,000 monthly.

Why Heidelberg University is affordable for Indian students?

Heidelberg University gives great value for money to Indian students. Living costs in Heidelberg range from €800-1,000 monthly. This is much less than what students spend at UK or USA universities.

A typical monthly budget breaks down like this:

• Accommodation: €270-400
• Health insurance: €140-150
• Food: €250-300 (including Mensa meals)
• Public transportation: €30-50

Students can work part-time for up to 89 hours monthly to earn extra money. Many find 10-20 hour/month positions at various institutes.

The total yearly expenses, including tuition and living costs, stay well below similar universities in other Western countries. This mix of quality education and affordable costs makes Heidelberg University an excellent choice for Indian students looking to study abroad.

University of Warsaw, Poland

The University of Warsaw ranks among the top 3% of universities worldwide, sitting at #258 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Since its founding in 1816, this prestigious Polish institution has given Indian students excellent educational opportunities at reasonable costs through its 25 faculties and 30 research units.

University of Warsaw tuition fees

The University of Warsaw sets different tuition fees based on citizenship status and programme choice. Here's what non-EU/EEA students (including Indians) should expect to pay for the 2025-2026 academic year:

• Bachelor's Programmes: Range from €2,000-€4,500 per year (₹1.8-₹4 lakh)
• Master's Programmes: Between €2,500-€5,000 per year (₹2.2-₹4.5 lakh)
• Engineering & IT Programmes: Approximately €3,000-€6,000 per year

Some programmes are free for EU/EFTA citizens but require fees from non-EU students. A Physics programme costs €4,000 for non-EU students while EU citizens study for free. Students need to pay an application fee of 85 PLN (approximately ₹1,700).

University of Warsaw popular courses

Students can choose from over 300 programmes in a variety of disciplines. The university runs 42 English-language programmes that suit international students well. Popular programmes include:

• Business and Management: €4,000 per year
• Data Science and Business Analytics: €3,900 per year
• International Relations: €4,300 per year
• American Studies: €5,250 per year for non-EU students
• Quantitative Finance: €3,900 per year

The university shows excellence in many subjects, with top rankings in Archaeology, History, Modern Languages, and Law.

University of Warsaw scholarships

The University of Warsaw helps international students through several scholarship programmes:

The Rector's Scholarship rewards students who maintain high-grade point averages or show outstanding achievements in science, art, or sport. International Science Olympiad winners can qualify in their first year.

The Scholarships to Start programme launched in 2022-2023 supports talented new students through three categories: for Olympians, for Athletes, and for Doctoral Candidates.

Indian students can also apply for the General Scholarship Scheme (GSS) through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), which covers Poland.

Why University of Warsaw is affordable for Indian students?

Warsaw gives Indian students great financial benefits compared to Western European cities. Students spend between 3,000-5,000 PLN (approximately ₹58,000-₹97,000) monthly, which is by a lot lower than Western European capitals.

This amount usually covers:

• Accommodation: 480-1,600 PLN monthly (₹9,300-₹31,000)
• Food: From 700 PLN monthly (₹13,500)
• Transportation: Student monthly pass costs 55 PLN (₹1,060)
• Phone/Internet: From 25 PLN (₹480)

Life in Warsaw costs 30-40% less than in Western Europe. Non-EU students can work part-time (up to 20 hours during term time) and earn about €3-€6 per hour.

Charles University, Czech Republic

Charles University in Prague stands among Central Europe's most prestigious schools since 1348, making it one of Europe's oldest universities. Indian students looking for quality education abroad will find great value here, thanks to its rich academic heritage and reasonable costs.

Charles University tuition fees

The university sets different tuition fees based on programmes and student nationality. Indian students and other non-EU/EEA internationals can expect to pay:

• Bachelor's programmes: €3,600-€7,100 per year (approximately ₹3.33-6.57 lakh)
• Master's programmes: €3,600-€7,100 per year
• Doctoral programmes: €3,600-€7,100 per year

Students need to pay a one-time application fee of about 1,500 CZK (€60). Programmes taught in Czech come with no tuition fees, but you'll need to know the Czech language well.

Charles University popular courses

The university has 17 faculties that offer a wide range of academic programmes. International students often choose these English-taught courses:

• Medicine (in five medical faculties)
• Law
• Computer Science
• Business and Management
• International Relations
• Social Sciences

The university shines in medicine, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Students can find about 290+ international study programmes at all academic levels on their faculty websites.

Charles University scholarships

Charles University helps students manage their education costs through several financial aid options:

Students with excellent academic performance can get merit-based scholarships after their first year. PhD students receive monthly support between CZK 12,500 to 25,000 during their 3-4 year programme.

The Václav Havel Scholarship helps international students who face political repression with living expenses, though it doesn't cover tuition. Students can also look into the South Moravian Scholarship Programme and various government scholarships from the Czech Ministry of Education.

Why Charles University is affordable for Indian students?

Charles University remains a cost-effective choice for Indian students. Living in Prague costs between €550-€1,000 monthly, which saves you 50-70% compared to Western European countries.

Your monthly budget might look like this:

• Dormitory accommodation: €180-€260
• Groceries: €140-€250
• Public transportation: €5.20

Students can work part-time to support themselves. The mix of reasonable tuition fees, affordable living costs, and scholarship opportunities makes Charles University a smart choice for Indian students who want quality education abroad.

University of Porto, Portugal

The University of Porto (U.Porto) ranks among Europe's top 200 universities. It gives Indian students a perfect mix of quality education at reasonable prices. Since its founding in 1911, this leading Portuguese institution has grown into a vibrant academic community. The university now has 14 faculties, a business school, and 48 research centres.

University of Porto tuition fees

Indian students and other international applicants pay between €3,500 to €8,000 per year for Bachelor's and Integrated Master's programmes. Master's and doctoral programmes cost between €3,500 and €10,000 yearly.

Students from Portuguese-speaking countries can get up to 45% off their yearly fees. While India isn't part of this group, U.Porto's fees are still lower than most universities in Western Europe and North America.

University of Porto popular courses

U.Porto has nearly 600 different programmes at bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. The most popular programmes are:

• Business Administration and Economics
• Engineering disciplines (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Architecture

Bachelor's programmes take 3-4 years with 180-240 ECTS credits. Master's programmes need 90-120 ECTS credits and last 1.5-2 years. Indian students benefit from the university's strong connections with hundreds of global educational institutions.

University of Porto scholarships

U.Porto students can access several financial aid options:

SASUP Scholarships give monthly support for study costs, mainly to EU students. Merit Scholarships reward top academic performers whatever their financial situation. Scientific Scholarships help fund research training in science and tech projects for up to three years.

The university's Social Support Fund helps students who face money problems. International students can also look for scholarships from places like the Camões Institute and the Foundation for Science and Technology.

Why University of Porto is affordable for Indian students?

Life in Porto costs about €870 monthly, much less than other Western European capitals. Students spend around €400 on housing, €365 on utilities, and €60 on getting around the city.

Porto gives great value with budget-friendly food options. University cafeterias serve meals for just €2-5. Students get discounts on the city's excellent public transport system. Porto's coastal location adds beautiful views and rich culture to the experience.

U.Porto stands out as a smart choice for Indian students who want high-quality education abroad without breaking the bank. The mix of fair tuition fees and lower living costs makes it an attractive option.

University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

The University of Ljubljana, founded in 1919, serves as Slovenia's premier educational institution. Indian students will find an excellent academic pathway in the heart of Europe at Slovenia's oldest and largest university, which delivers exceptional education at budget-friendly rates.

University of Ljubljana tuition fees

The university sets its tuition based on citizenship and chosen programmes. Students from EU/EEA countries, bilateral agreement nations (Bosnia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Serbia), and those with international protection don't pay tuition for Bachelor's and Master's studies.

Indian students, being non-EU citizens, should expect to pay €2,500 to €4,000 annually (approximately ₹2.37-3.79 lakh). The School of Economics and Business charges a bit more for Master's programmes at €4,700 yearly for full-time study.

University of Ljubljana popular courses

Graduate level programmes taught in English attract many international students. Indian students often choose these popular programmes:

• Master in International Business (2-year programme)
• Masters in Computer and Information Science (2-year programme)
• Masters in Administration (2-year programme)
• MA in Sociology (1-year programme)

The university follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Students must complete 120 ECTS points over two years for most Master's programmes.

University of Ljubljana scholarships

National channels provide most financial support options rather than university-specific scholarships. Indian students can tap into these opportunities:

• Bilateral Scholarships between Slovenia and India for academic exchanges
• Zois Scholarships for exceptional academic achievement (though mainly for EU citizens)
• CMEPIUS scholarships through the Public Scholarship, Development, Disability and Maintenance Fund

Why University of Ljubljana is affordable for Indian students?

Slovenia's reasonable cost structure makes the university an affordable choice. Monthly expenses range from €400-700, nowhere near what you'd spend in Western European cities. Your monthly budget would cover:

• Accommodation: €100-250 in university dormitories
• Food: €100-175 with subsidised student meals
• Transportation: €20 for student public transport pass
• Basic utilities: Around €100

The mix of reasonable tuition fees and manageable living costs makes the University of Ljubljana a smart financial choice. Indian students looking for quality education abroad will find their total yearly expenses much lower than similar schools in Western Europe or North America.

University of Debrecen, Hungary

The University of Debrecen, 485 years old, proudly stands as Hungary's longest-running higher education institution. Today, it welcomes around 30,000 students, and more than 7,300 international students from over 130 countries call it their academic home. Students enjoy quality education at reasonable prices in Debrecen, Hungary's second-largest city.

University of Debrecen tuition fees

Indian students can choose from various fee options based on their programme selection. Bachelor's programmes cost between USD 6,000-17,000 yearly (₹5.11-14.49 lakh). Most undergraduate programmes range from USD 6,000-7,000 per year. Master's degree costs typically run from USD 7,000-8,500 annually.

Medical programmes come with higher price tags. Medicine costs USD 16,900 per year while Dentistry students pay USD 17,500 annually. Students need to pay a one-time application fee of USD 150 and an entrance exam fee of USD 350.

University of Debrecen popular courses

Students can pick from over 80 English-taught degree programmes spread across 13 faculties on 8 campuses. International students often choose these popular programmes:

• Medicine and Health Sciences: MD, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy
• Engineering Programmes: Mechanical, Civil, and Computer Science Engineering
• Business Studies: Business Administration, Commerce and Marketing
• Science Programmes: Biology, Chemistry, Physics

University of Debrecen scholarships

Indian students can benefit from several financial aid options:

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship covers everything - tuition fees, monthly stipend, accommodation, and medical insurance. The University's International Scholarship cuts tuition fees by 30-90%, depending on academic performance. Second-year students with excellent grades can get up to 20% off their tuition through academic scholarships.

Why University of Debrecen is affordable for Indian students?

Life in Debrecen costs nowhere near what you'd spend in Western Europe. Students spend about USD 800 (₹68,224) monthly on shared private housing, food, study materials, and getting around. Student dorms cost just USD 110 per month - a budget-friendly choice.

Students can work part-time for up to 24 hours weekly during term time and earn €400-600 monthly. Hungary's central location in Europe means students can travel to nearby countries without breaking the bank, making their study abroad experience even better.

University of Granada, Spain

The University of Granada (UGR) sits in sunny Andalusia, southern Spain. This vibrant institution welcomes over 60,000 students and gives Indian students a chance to get quality education abroad at an affordable price in a culturally rich environment.

University of Granada tuition fees

The University of Granada keeps education affordable with fees at just €12.62 per ECTS credit for first-time enrollments. Most undergraduate degrees need 60 ECTS credits each year, so Indian students pay about €758 per academic year. New students need to pay a one-time €59.10 fee to start their academic records.

Students who need to retake courses pay more - second-time enrollments cost €25.25 per ECTS credit. In spite of that, these rates are nowhere near what universities charge in the UK or USA.

University of Granada popular courses

UGR has an impressive selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in a variety of fields. Students can pick from over 100 master's degrees, including 9 international double degrees and 4 Erasmus Mundus programmes.

Undergraduate students can choose from many programmes in areas such as:

• Business Management and Economics
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Law and Political Science
• Languages and Translation
• Engineering and Architecture

International students often pick UGR's programmes in Arabic and Islamic Studies, Translation and Interpreting, Computer Science, and Business Administration.

University of Granada scholarships

Indian students can get financial help through several channels. They can apply for general scholarships from Spain's Ministry of Education or the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (MAEC-AECID).

The university also offers its own scholarships like mobility grants, collaboration scholarships, and international excellence awards. Students from Asia can get extra support through Fundación Carolina scholarships.

Why University of Granada is affordable for Indian students?

Granada ranks among Spain's most budget-friendly cities. Students spend about €650-€950 monthly, and shared rooms cost between €250-€400. Food costs run €120-€200 each month, and a student bus pass is just €20 monthly.

Granada keeps a unique Spanish tradition alive - free tapas come with drinks, which helps cut food costs. Students can walk or bike around this compact city easily, saving on transport costs. These perks plus low tuition fees make Granada a great choice for Indian students who want quality education without breaking the bank.

University of Paris-Saclay, France

The University of Paris-Saclay, a 4-year old institution, stands among France's top scientific universities and ranks 13th globally in the Shanghai Ranking. Indian students will find excellent research options here with surprisingly affordable education costs.

University of Paris-Saclay tuition fees

The University of Paris-Saclay keeps its tuition fees remarkably low. Master's programmes will cost €254 (about ₹24,000) for the 2025-2026 academic year. Doctoral programmes come at €397 (₹37,600). Students must also pay a mandatory Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC) of €105.

Indian students pay the same fees as domestic students. The university doesn't require non-EU students to ask for exemption from higher international rates. This shows the university's steadfast dedication to bringing in talented students from around the world.

University of Paris-Saclay popular courses

The university shines in science and technology fields. Here are some English-taught programmes that Indian students can choose from:

• MSc in Artificial Intelligence (1-year programme costing about ₹25,590)
• Master in Human Computer Interaction (12-month programme)
• Master in Computer Science with specialisations in Artificial Intelligence or Big Data Management (24-month programmes)
• Master in Bioinformatics (12-month programme)

University of Paris-Saclay scholarships

The International Master's Scholarships Programme IDEX serves as the main financial support option. It gives €10,000 yearly plus up to €900 for travel costs. First-time international students in France under 30 can compete for this scholarship. The selection depends on academic excellence and research potential.

Why University of Paris-Saclay is affordable for Indian students?

The university's affordability comes from its low tuition fees, not from cheap living costs. Life in Paris needs smart budget planning. Here's what you might spend monthly:

• Accommodation: €800 for a 20m² flat (university housing costs less)
• Food: At least €200 monthly (coffee costs €2.50-€4, restaurant meals around €20)
• Transportation: €40 with student passes versus €85 regular fare

Student discounts for cultural activities and cheap university cafeterias help reduce expenses. This makes this world-class university a practical choice for Indian students who want quality education without breaking the bank.

University of Bologna, Italy

The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, stands as the world's oldest operating university. Indian students can benefit from its rich heritage and modern education at affordable costs.

University of Bologna tuition fees

The university keeps its fees competitive for international students. Bachelor's programmes cost between €900 to €4,000 (₹92,000 to ₹4 lakh) per year. Students pursuing master's degrees pay €2,000 to €3,000 (₹2-3 lakh) yearly. The university's ISEE system looks at a family's financial status and can reduce fees by 30-50% for students from lower-income backgrounds.

University of Bologna popular courses

Students can choose from over 260 degree programmes, with 107 international options. Some popular fields of study are:

• Agricultural and Food Sciences
• Economics and Management
• Engineering and Architecture
• Medicine and Health Sciences

University of Bologna scholarships

The International Talents @Unibo scholarship programme gives study grants worth €11,000 (approximately ₹11.3 lakh) each year. The ER.GO regional scholarship helps with tuition waivers, accommodation costs, and meal allowances.

Why University of Bologna is affordable for Indian students?

Students need about €700-€800 monthly for living expenses in Bologna. This amount covers accommodation (€400 for a single room), food (€60 weekly), and transportation (€27 monthly for student passes). The university's location offers good part-time work opportunities, making it easier for students to manage their expenses while getting quality education abroad.

Comparison Table among Top Universities