Cheapest European Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025-26

Thinking about studying in Europe? It’s a fantastic idea! But let’s be real, the cost can be a huge worry, especially for Indian students. The good news is, a European education doesn’t have to break the bank. Many countries offer top-notch universities with either no tuition fees or very low ones. This makes places like Germany, Poland, and France incredibly popular. The key is to find a country that not only offers an excellent education but also has a reasonable cost of living. In this blog, we will explore some of the most affordable European countries for Indian students in 2025-26, highlighting their low tuition fees and manageable living costs, so you can make your dream of studying in Europe a reality.

Why Study in Europe?

Europe has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian students seeking higher education, and for good reason. It offers a unique combination of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and career opportunities that make it a compelling alternative to traditional study destinations like the US and UK.

Here are some important reasons why Indian students are increasingly choosing Europe as their study abroad destination:

• Affordable Education: Many European public universities, particularly in countries like Germany, offer free or very low tuition fees, significantly reducing the financial burden for students.
• Quality Education: European universities are globally recognized for academic excellence, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation, especially in STEM fields.
• Diverse English-Taught Programs: A wide variety of courses are available in English, making it accessible for Indian students and eliminating the language barrier.
• Cultural Immersion: Studying in Europe provides a unique opportunity for Indian students to experience diverse cultures, travel easily across countries with a Schengen visa, and build a global network.
• Strong Career Prospects: Favorable post-study work visa policies in many countries allow students to gain valuable international work experience and a pathway to a global career.
• Growing Popularity: The number of Indian students in European countries is on the rise. For example, the number of Indian students in Germany is projected to reach an estimated 54,000 in 2025, and in France, the number is expected to hit 10,000. Countries like Poland and Norway are also attracting a growing number of Indian students.

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List of Cheapest European Countries to Study 

Have a look at some of the cheapest European countries to study for international students:

1. Germany

Germany consistently ranks as a top choice for Indian students, and for good reason. The country’s public universities are almost entirely tuition-free for both domestic and international students. You’ll only need to pay a nominal semester fee, which is typically between EUR 200 and EUR 700 annually. This fee often includes a public transportation pass, which is a great money-saver.

Tuition Fees:

• Public Universities: Tuition-free for most bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Semester Fee: Ranges from EUR 200 – EUR 700 per year.
• Private Universities: Fees can be significantly higher, from EUR 12,000 to EUR 15,000 per year.

Cost of Living:

• A student in Germany can expect to spend between EUR 850 and EUR 1,200 per month on living expenses, including rent, food, health insurance, and transportation.
• The cost of living varies by city; bigger cities like Munich and Berlin are more expensive, while smaller towns offer more affordable options.

Top Universities:

• Technical University of Munich (TUM): Highly selective and a leader in engineering and technology.
• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU): One of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, strong in life sciences and medicine.
• Heidelberg University: Germany’s oldest university, known for academic excellence and research.

Student Visa Requirements (for Indian Students):

• A valid passport and a letter of admission are essential.
• Proof of financial means is a key requirement. For the 2025-26 academic year, you must show a blocked account with a minimum of EUR 11,904 for one year’s living expenses.
• An Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certificate is mandatory for all Indian applicants.
• You’ll also need a statement of purpose, academic transcripts, and proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL).

2. Poland

Poland is a rising star among affordable European study destinations. It offers a great combination of high-quality education and a very low cost of living, which is a major advantage for Indian students.

Tuition Fees:

• Public Universities: English-taught programs are affordable, generally ranging from EUR 2,000 to EUR 5,000 per year. PhD programs are often free.
• Private Universities: Fees can range from EUR 4,000 to EUR 8,000 per year.

Cost of Living:

• Poland has one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union.
• A student can live comfortably on a budget of EUR 300 to EUR 700 per month. Rent is particularly low, with a room in a shared apartment costing as little as EUR 200 a month.

Top Universities:

• Jagiellonian University: One of the oldest universities in the world, with a strong academic reputation.
• University of Warsaw: Poland’s largest and most highly ranked university.
• Warsaw University of Technology: The top-ranked engineering university in the country.

Student Visa Requirements (for Indian Students):

• A valid passport and a university admission letter.
• Proof of sufficient funds (around 10,912 PLN per year, or approximately EUR 2,500).
• Proof of accommodation and a cover letter explaining your study plans.

3. France

Often perceived as an expensive country, France offers a surprisingly affordable education due to heavy government subsidies for public higher education.

Tuition Fees:

• Public Universities: For non-EU students, tuition is set at EUR 2,895 per year for Bachelor’s programs and EUR 3,941 per year for Master’s programs.
• Doctoral programs: Remain tuition-free, with only a small registration fee.
• Private institutions and business schools: Fees can be much higher, from EUR 6,000 to EUR 18,000 per year.

Cost of Living:

• Living costs in France vary greatly. Paris is expensive, with monthly expenses potentially exceeding EUR 1,200.
• However, in other major student cities like Lyon, Lille, or Toulouse, you can manage on a budget of EUR 700 to EUR 1,000 per month.

Top Universities:

• Sorbonne University: A prestigious institution known for its programs in medicine, literature, and robotics.
• Université Paris-Saclay: A research-intensive university with a strong focus on science and engineering.
• Aix-Marseille University: The largest public university in France, with a wide range of programs.

Student Visa Requirements (for Indian Students):

• A valid passport and a letter of admission.
• Proof of financial means, demonstrating at least EUR 615 per month for living expenses.
• A Campus France NOC (No Objection Certificate) is mandatory for Indian applicants.

4. Norway

Norway is unique in that its public universities offer free education for all students, regardless of their nationality. The main hurdle is the high cost of living.

Tuition Fees:

• Public Universities: Free for all programs. You may only need to pay a small semester fee of around EUR 30 – EUR 60.
• Private Universities: Fees apply, but are generally still lower than in many other countries.

Cost of Living:

• The cost of living is among the highest in Europe. Students should budget between EUR 1,000 and EUR 2,000 per month to cover all expenses.
• Accommodation is the biggest cost, but many students opt for affordable university housing.

Top Universities:

• University of Oslo: Norway’s oldest and highest-ranked university.
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU): Known for its strong focus on engineering and technology.
• University of Bergen: Renowned for its research in natural and marine sciences.

Student Visa Requirements (for Indian Students):

• A valid passport and a letter of admission.
• Proof of funds: You must show evidence of approximately NOK 166,859 (or approx. EUR 15,000) per year to cover living costs.
• A residence permit for studies must be obtained from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

5. Portugal

Portugal is an excellent choice for Indian students seeking a low-cost study destination with a high quality of life.

Tuition Fees:

• Public Universities: Fees are very affordable, ranging from EUR 550 to EUR 1,050 per year for Bachelor’s degrees and EUR 500 to EUR 2,500 for Master’s degrees.
• Private Universities: Fees are higher but still more reasonable than in many other countries.

Cost of Living:

• The cost of living is lower than in most of Western Europe.
• Students can live on a budget of EUR 500 to EUR 800 per month. Rent, food, and transportation are all very affordable.

Top Universities:

• University of Lisbon: The largest and most prestigious public university in Portugal.
• University of Porto: A premier academic institution known for its research and academic quality.

Student Visa Requirements (for Indian Students):

• A valid passport, proof of admission, and proof of financial means.
• A criminal record certificate and a medical travel insurance policy are also required.

6. Greece

Greece is an ideal option for students interested in a rich cultural experience at a very low cost.

Tuition Fees:

• Public Universities: Tuition fees for non-EU students are very low, typically between EUR 1,500 and EUR 2,000 per year.
• Private Institutions: Fees are higher, but still generally affordable compared to other countries.

Cost of Living:

• Living expenses are very low, especially outside of major tourist hubs.
• A monthly budget of EUR 450 to EUR 750 is usually sufficient for a student.

Top Universities:

• National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: The oldest and largest university in Greece.
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki: The country’s second-largest university, with a strong reputation in engineering.

Student Visa Requirements (for Indian Students):

• A valid passport, a letter of admission, and proof of funds (approx. EUR 6,000 per year).
• Health insurance is a mandatory requirement.

7. Estonia

Estonia is a forward-thinking country with a strong focus on technology and digital innovation, making it a great choice for students interested in tech.

Tuition Fees:

• Tuition fees for international students generally range from EUR 1,500 to EUR 6,000 per year, depending on the program.
• Many PhD programs are tuition-free.

Cost of Living:

• The cost of living in Estonia is very low, with monthly expenses averaging between EUR 300 and EUR 500.
• Students in the capital city of Tallinn with a student card can get free public transport, which is a significant saving.

Top Universities:

• University of Tartu: Estonia’s oldest and most prestigious university.
• Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech): The country’s only technical university, specializing in engineering and technology.

Student Visa Requirements (for Indian Students):

• A valid passport, proof of acceptance, and proof of sufficient funds are required.
• You’ll need to apply for a long-stay (D-type) visa, which can be later converted to a temporary residence permit.

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Eligibility Criteria to Study in Europian Countries

While there is an availability of several cheapest European countries to study, students should keep in mind that they also need to meet the eligibility criteria. 

Here is a list of some of the common eligibility criteria for studying in Europe:

1. You need to be at least 17 years old in order to become eligible to study in Europe.
2. For Bachelor’s Degree: You must have successfully completed your 12 years of schooling (10+2 system). Universities typically look for a minimum percentage or CGPA, which can range from 50% to 75% or higher, depending on the institution and the program’s competitiveness.
3. For Master’s Degree: A recognized Bachelor’s degree (of 3 or 4 years) is a must.
4. For PhD Programs: You will need a Master’s degree in a relevant field. Additionally, a well-defined research proposal and letters of recommendation from your professors are crucial.
5. For Indian students applying to Germany, a valid Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certificate is a mandatory document.
6. The most common way to prove your English skills is through standardized tests like the IELTS or TOEFL. Most universities require an IELTS score of 6.0 to 7.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80 to 100, though this can vary by program and institution.
7. If you’re applying for a program taught in the local language (e.g., German, French), you’ll need to provide a certificate of proficiency.
8. For some highly competitive programs or universities, you may need to submit scores from general entrance exams like GRE, GMAT, or SAT/ACT.
9. A strong application includes a set of well-prepared supporting documents including Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume, and Transcripts and Certificates that highlight your potential.
10. Once you have secured admission, the final step is to apply for a student visa.

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Entrance Exams to Study in European Universities 

To study in a European university, Indian students primarily need to take English language proficiency tests. Standardized entrance exams like the GRE or GMAT are not always mandatory, but are often required for specific, competitive programs, particularly at the graduate level.

The following table outlines the main entrance exams and language tests required for Indian students applying to European universities.

Exam Category	Exam Name	Purpose	Minimum Score/Level
English Language	IELTS (International English Language Testing System)	To prove English proficiency for programs taught in English.	Generally 6.0-7.0 overall. Varies by university and program.
English Language	TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)	Another widely accepted test to prove English proficiency.	Typically between 80-100 on the iBT. Varies by university.
English Language	PTE Academic & Duolingo English Test	Alternative English proficiency tests accepted by some universities.	Scores vary; check specific university requirements.
Standardized Tests	GRE (Graduate Record Examination)	Assesses verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills.	Varies, but a score of 310-330 is considered competitive.
Standardized Tests	GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)	Specifically for business and management programs.	Varies, but an average score around 660 is common for top schools.
German Language	TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat	To prove German proficiency for programs taught in German.	B2/C1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a common requirement.
French Language	DELF/DALF, TCF	To prove French proficiency for programs taught in French.	B2 is the common minimum level for university admission.

Benefits of Studying in European Universities 

Studying in Europe offers Indian students a host of unique and valuable benefits that go beyond just a degree. From world-class academics to cultural immersion and career opportunities, Europe provides a holistic and transformative experience.

• Affordable Education: Many countries offer free or very low tuition fees at public universities.
• High-Quality Academics: European universities are globally recognized for their academic excellence and research focus, particularly in STEM fields.
• Diverse English-Taught Programs: A wide range of courses are available, with many taught entirely in English, making them accessible to Indian students.
• Global Exposure: Students get to experience diverse cultures, languages, and historical sites, fostering a global perspective.
• Travel Opportunities: A single Schengen visa allows easy travel to over 29 countries in Europe.
• Strong Career Prospects: Many countries offer favorable post-study work visa policies, allowing graduates to gain international work experience.

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