Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad in 2026 (Under ₹10–15 Lakhs)

Dreaming of a global degree but worried about the skyrocketing costs of international education? You are not alone. The fact that nobody tells you is that securing a world-class education doesn't have to mean bankruptcy. In this guide, we will reveal the cheapest countries to study abroad 2026, proving that an annual budget of under ₹10–15 Lakhs is entirely achievable for Indian students.

Forget the misconception that low expenditure means low quality. We focus on nations offering the cheapest tuition and high Return on Investment (ROI), making a genuinely low-cost study abroad experience a reality. If you are aiming for a successful study abroad under 15 lakhs, discover the top destinations that balance academic excellence with affordability.

Is It Possible to Study Abroad Under ₹10–15 Lakhs?

Yes, achieving a genuinely low-cost study abroad experience with a total annual budget of under ₹10–15 Lakhs is possible. It’s actually a smart financial strategy for 2026. This budget is achievable by focusing on countries that offer tuition-free or highly subsidised public education, rather than relying solely on scholarships in high-cost destinations. For detailed budget planning, download our Budget Planning Worksheet PDF. 

Cheapest Doesn't Mean Low Quality: It Means Accessible

The term "cheapest" in this context refers to affordability, not a compromise on academic rigour. Many of the most affordable study destinations, particularly in Europe (like Germany and France) and parts of Asia, host institutions consistently ranked in the global top 200. These countries offer globally recognised degrees, extensive English-taught programs, and research excellence, proving that high-quality education can be accessible.

How to Choose the Right Affordable Country

Choosing the right study destination is a highly personal decision, but when the budget is a strict ₹10–15 Lakhs, the choice requires a rigorous, data-driven approach. You must look beyond just the tuition fee and assess the complete ecosystem to find a genuinely low-cost study abroad option that delivers high value. So, download our Budget Planning Worksheet now to plan your study abroad budget. 

Prioritise Net Annual Cost, Not Sticker Price

• The Tuition Trap: Don't be swayed by high-prestige countries like the USA or UK that seem too expensive initially. The sticker price is irrelevant if you qualify for a $15,000 (₹12 Lakh) merit scholarship. The focus should be on the Net Annual Cost (Tuition after scholarship + Living Expenses).

• The Living Cost Surprise: Conversely, tuition-free countries like Germany still require a Blocked Account (the cost of living), which itself consumes the majority of your ₹15 Lakh budget. Evaluate the cost of accommodation (regional vs. capital city) and daily expenses.

Align Career Goals with PR/Work Rights

A low-cost study abroad is only successful if you can stay and work afterwards to maximise your ROI. To learn more about your favorite study abroad destinations, check out our detailed country-specific guides. 

• Permanent Residency (PR) Focus: If your goal is to settle, countries like Canada and Australia (via regional pathways) offer the clearest and longest post-study work permits. Their higher upfront cost is justified by the long-term immigration advantage.

• Skill Demand: If your goal is high short-term earnings, match your course to the country's economic strength. For example, choose Ireland for Tech/Pharma or Germany for Engineering.

Assess Language and Cultural Fit

An affordable country is only the right country if you are comfortable living and learning there.

• Program Language: Are you prepared to learn German or French to access the cheapest (tuition-free) programs, or must you rely solely on the more expensive English-taught options?

• Cultural Adjustability: Consider the climate, food, and culture. A student who thrives in a diverse environment may prefer the UK or Australia, while a student seeking deep cultural immersion might prefer a European country.

This decision is too big for guesswork. You can use the GradSearch course finder tool to filter all study abroad destinations based on your academic profile, budget (₹10–15 Lakhs), and career goals, shortlisting only the most affordable and high-ROI programs. 

10 Best Affordable Countries to Study Abroad 2026

If your goal is a high-quality, low-cost study abroad experience with a total annual budget realistically under ₹15 Lakhs, the countries below are your primary targets. They combine low (or zero) tuition fees with high academic standards and excellent post-study opportunities.

Germany

Germany remains the undisputed leader for affordable, high-quality education. It is world-renowned for Engineering, STEM, and research, with public universities generally being tuition-free for all international students at all degree levels. To study in Germany, you need to cover

• A mandatory semester fee (approximately €200–€350) only. 

• The primary financial requirement is the blocked account, representing the annual living cost of about ₹10.5–₹11.5 Lakhs (€11,200). This keeps the total annual cost highly competitive at ₹11–₹13 Lakhs. 

• The mandatory APS certificate remains compulsory for Indian students, and its quick processing is key to timely visa approval.

Germany offers a valuable 18-month post-study Job Seeker Visa and a strong path to Permanent Residency. For the best value, target cities like Leipzig, Hanover, and Dresden.

Norway

Norway offers an excellent research focus, particularly in energy and sustainability. Historically, public universities offered free education to all. While new legislation has introduced tuition fees for non-EU students (typically €13,000 to €17,000), many older, high-quality Master's programs continue to offer waivers or remain tuition-free, making a near-zero-cost study still possible for specific programs. The trade-off is the very high cost of living, approximately ₹12–₹14 Lakhs (€13,000 - €15,000) annually. This makes the total cost manageable (around ₹12–₹15 Lakhs) only for students who secure a fee waiver.

France

France provides world-class education in humanities, management, and technology through highly subsidised public universities. Public universities charge a differentiated fee for non-EU students (approximately €2,770–€3,770 per year, or ₹2.5–₹4 Lakhs), but many institutions offer partial or full fee waivers, allowing students to pay the highly subsidised domestic fee (approximately ₹15,000–₹35,000 per year). With a lower living cost outside Paris (around ₹6–₹8 Lakhs), the overall annual expense is highly achievable at ₹8.5–₹12 Lakhs with a fee waiver. Master's graduates also benefit from a two-year post-study work visa.

Poland

Poland is known for strong, English-taught STEM, IT, and Medicine programs and is one of the most affordable entry points into the EU. Tuition fees are low (typically ₹2–₹5 Lakhs per year for public English-taught programs). Critically, the annual cost of living is one of the lowest in the Schengen area, at about ₹4.5–₹6.5 Lakhs. This results in the lowest overall total cost among major European countries, ranging from ₹7–₹11.5 Lakhs annually. This is a fantastic budget option for a study abroad under 15 lakhs with excellent work rights (20 hours/week).

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has an excellent reputation in Engineering, Technology, and Medicine. The key budget strategy here is the tuition-free Czech language route. Programs taught in Czech are free for all nationalities. English-taught programs are affordable, ranging from ₹2–₹10 Lakhs per year. The cost of living is manageable (₹6–₹9 Lakhs annually). The total annual cost ranges from ₹6–₹12 Lakhs, depending heavily on the language choice. Indian students increasingly leverage the free Czech language preparation route.

Ireland

Ireland offers high-quality, one-year Master's programs, which drastically reduces the total duration cost. While average tuition is high (₹12–₹18 Lakhs), the strategy is to target Technological Universities (TUs) and regional institutions. You can focus on securing Merit Scholarships (often €2,000 to €5,000) or high-value awards like the GOI-IES (full tuition waiver). The annual net cost is around ₹14–₹18 Lakhs, achievable under the ₹15 Lakh mark for a high-merit student with a 50% tuition scholarship. Graduates receive a 2-year post-study work visa.

Canada

Canada's appeal lies in its welcoming immigration policies. The key to achieving a budget near ₹15 Lakhs is geographical and institutional selection. Focus on Colleges, Polytechnics, or Regional Universities outside major hubs like Toronto or Vancouver. Look for programs with tuition between ₹9–₹14 Lakhs in the Maritime Provinces (Nova Scotia) or the Prairies (Manitoba). The total annual cost remains higher (₹18–₹25 Lakhs), but the high-value Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and clear pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) justify the investment.

Australia

Australia is renowned for its quality of life and extensive post-study work rights. The strategy is to target regional universities and specialised courses with lower tuition fees and higher scholarship availability, especially the Destination Australia Scholarships (AUD $15,000 stipend). While the annual net cost averages ₹20–₹25 Lakhs, the long-term ROI is exceptional due to the 4–6 year Post-Study Work Visas in regional areas, which strongly justify the higher initial investment.

UK

The UK's major selling point for budget-conscious Indian students is the short duration; most Master's degrees are just one year. This drastically cuts down the total cost and speeds up ROI. The total program investment (averaging ₹25–₹35 Lakhs for the entire program) is equivalent to the cost of one year of living plus one year of tuition in many other 2-year Master's destinations. Gradstar targets highly competitive awards like the Chevening Scholarship (fully funded) and partial merit scholarships to reduce the upfront cost.

USA

The USA offers the highest potential career and salary growth, but also the highest costs. The low-cost study abroad route here is entirely dependent on securing substantial funding. Focus on Public Universities and apply aggressively for Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Research Assistantships (RAs). TAs/RAs often provide a full tuition fee waiver (saving ₹20–₹35 Lakhs) plus a monthly stipend. This is the only path to achieve the target annual cost of ₹10–₹15 Lakhs.

Affordable Study Abroad Country Comparison (Annual Costs)

Achieving a degree in the cheapest countries to study abroad 2026 often depends on highly competitive funding. Gradstar Global's expertise is in maximising your chances of securing these critical scholarships and fee waivers. Book a free consultation today to strategise your scholarship applications and secure your place under the ₹15 Lakh budget!

How to Make the Study Abroad Journey More Affordable?

Making the international education dream fit into a low-cost study abroad budget (under ₹15 Lakhs) requires a two-pronged strategy: 

• Reducing the upfront cost and 

• Rigorously managing living expenses. 

A few smart money-saving habits, consistently applied, can make the difference between financial stress and a comfortable, high-value experience.

Maximise Income and Minimise Major Expenses

The most significant financial decisions you make should aim to reduce the highest fixed costs.

• Student Accommodation: Share & Go Regional.

• Renting a room in a shared apartment (off-campus) is universally cheaper than a single studio or university halls.

• Choose suburbs slightly outside the city centre where rent can be 20–30% lower, which slashes your single biggest variable expense.

• Part-Time Work: Use Work Rights.

• Leverage your 20 hours/week work allowance (where permitted, like Canada, UK, or Germany).

• Even minimum wage earnings can cover your entire monthly grocery and transport expenses, relieving the financial burden on family funds and potentially offsetting ₹5–₹8 Lakhs/year of your living budget.

• Money Management: Local Banking & Budgeting.

• Open a local student bank account immediately to avoid punitive foreign transaction fees and poor exchange rates.

• Use budgeting apps (like Mint or Monzo) to track every rupee spent and stick to your monthly limits, ensuring financial discipline and avoiding hidden fees.

For doing better management while studying abroad, download our printable Budget Planning Worksheet and work on it. 

Embrace Smart Daily Living Habits

The second layer of savings comes from smart daily choices that chip away at routine expenditure:

• Cook at Home (The Biggest Saver): Eating out regularly is the fastest way to deplete your budget. Learn a few simple, batch-cook recipes and shop at discount supermarkets (e.g., Lidl/Aldi in the UK/Germany) and local markets instead of expensive convenience stores.

• Utilise Student Discounts: Always carry your student ID card. Use platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans to unlock discounts on travel, software, gyms, and entertainment. In many countries, even public transport offers heavily subsidised monthly passes for students.

• Transportation: Opt for monthly public transport passes, which are significantly cheaper than daily tickets. For short distances, walk or cycle. It's free, healthy, and a great way to explore your new city.

Ready to build a bulletproof budget? Let Gradstar Global provide you with region-specific cost breakdowns and local saving hacks for your chosen country. Talk to our expert now for personalised money management tips!

FAQs

Which is the cheapest country to study abroad?

Germany is widely considered the cheapest among major Western destinations, primarily because it maintains a policy of zero tuition fees at most public universities. The total annual cost for an Indian student is largely comprised of the mandatory blocked account for living expenses, bringing the entire budget to approximately ₹11–₹13 Lakhs.

Which country is best for Indian students to study abroad in 2025?

Germany offers the strongest balance: tuition-free, world-class STEM programs, and a clear path to employment. For Indian students whose priority is long-term settlement and a clear Permanent Residency (PR) pathway, Canada and Australia (via regional pathways) generally offer the most established and supportive routes.

Which country gives 100% scholarships for Indian students?

The UK, USA, and Germany are the main providers of fully funded scholarships (such as the Chevening, Fulbright, or DAAD) that cover both tuition and living costs, making the net expense effectively zero. It is important to note that these are highly competitive and exclusively merit-based awards.

Which country is best for education in low budget?

For a comprehensive education with a genuinely low budget, Germany (tuition-free) and countries like Poland or Malaysia are ideal. Poland's combination of low tuition and a very low cost of living makes a total annual cost highly achievable under ₹10 Lakhs for financially prudent students.

What is the minimum budget to study abroad?

The realistic absolute minimum annual budget starts around ₹6–₹8 Lakhs. This minimum is typically found in countries where tuition is extremely low, and the cost of living is minimal, such as Malaysia, Taiwan, or Poland, making a low-cost study abroad viable.

Is MBBS under 15 lakhs in Russia?

The total six-year MBBS course fee in some Russian federal universities can realistically fall within the ₹15–₹20 Lakhs range (this figure excludes living costs). This fee structure positions it as a highly competitive and relatively low-cost option compared to the private college fees in India.

Can I study in the UK under 10 lakhs?

No, this is not realistically possible for the average student. The tuition fee for most UK Master's degrees starts well over ₹15 Lakhs. To bring the total annual cost below ₹10 Lakhs, you would need to secure a near-full or full tuition scholarship (like Chevening) to cover the majority of the cost.

Which country is best for international students to study for free?

Germany is the best option for international students seeking to study for free. It is globally recognised for offering the most extensive access to tuition-free education at its public universities for all international students, regardless of their country of origin.

What is the cheapest country to go to university in?

Germany is the cheapest for high-quality, tuition-free education. If you are looking for the absolute lowest overall cost, including the cost of living, then countries like Poland, Malaysia, and Argentina offer the lowest total annual expenses for a study abroad under 15 lakhs.

Which country is best for study and work in low budget?

Germany is an excellent choice as the zero tuition greatly minimises the budget, and the high wages from part-time work easily cover living expenses. Alternatively, Poland or Ireland (focusing on regional Technological Universities) offer lower initial fees and provide the critical 20 hours/week work rights to offset the remaining living costs.

Rounding Up

The journey to finding the cheapest countries to study abroad 2026 confirms that a high-quality global education is fully achievable within the ₹10–15 Lakhs budget. A successful low-cost study abroad strategy relies on choosing tuition-free countries like Germany or maximising scholarships in high-ROI nations like Canada or the UK.

Don't let financial fear delay your ambition. The key to securing your admission is early action, strategic scholarship targeting, and expert guidance. Book your consultation with Gradstar Global today to build your affordable roadmap and secure your place under the budget.