Cheapest European Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2023

It is important for all students to keep their finances in check while planning to study abroad. Lack of finances can become a barrier for many students who dream of pursuing their education in a foreign country, especially Europe. Europe is widely regarded as one of the most costly places for international students, particularly those from outside the EU. Every year, millions of students choose to pursue higher education overseas, and it has been repeatedly demonstrated that affordability is one of the key factors that influence their decision to study abroad. Keep reading to find out which are the cheapest European countries to study for Indian Students in 2023. 

Must Read: Unique Courses to Study in Europe For Indian Students

Why Study in Europe?

You receive global exposure when you study in a European nation. Along with quality education, European countries also provide you with exposure when it comes to strong professional networks, better career opportunities, and overall development. These nations not just give you one of the world’s best educators, but also industry-oriented coursework, modern facilities, and state-of-the-art technology. 

You also receive access to their comprehensive libraries that contain a wide collection of books and multimedia. Europe is also a centre of software development and innovation. Some of the most prominent technology companies around the globe like Skype, Trivago, and Spotify started in Europe. This boosts your chances of starting your career with renowned organisations. Also, the great news is that Indian students have access to some of the cheapest European countries to study. 

Relevant Read: MBA In Europe: All You Need To know

List of Cheapest European Countries to Study 

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

Germany

Germany is the top country that comes to mind when it comes to offering free education to international students. Universities in this nation provide courses in English for free and no tuition fee is required. The universities are also well-rated in the global rankings. 

Some of the German universities offering free courses are Ludwig Maximilian University (Munich), Heidelberg University, and Humboldt University Berlin. 

Must Read: Study in Germany: The Guide To Your German Dream!

France

Some universities in France offer free education, while others charge negligible tuition fees. France is known for providing excellent quality of life along with career opportunities to international universities. Some of the cheapest French universities are the University of Paris, Nantes University, and the University of Strasbourg.

Italy

Italy is also one of the cheapest European countries to study. It offers affordable education to international students. The country provides top-notch faculty, excellent research facilities, and modern curricula. Students need to pay tuition fees of roughly 1800 euros (1.59 lakh INR) per year. Some of the cheapest universities in Italy are the University of Bologna, the University of Padua, and the University of Florence. 

Must Read: Study in Italy for Indian Students 2022

Greece

Greece offers almost free education to international students and the cost of living is also very affordable, while the quality of life is decent. This makes Greece one of the best choices when it comes to pursuing education abroad. Some of the cheapest universities in Greece are the University of Patras, the University of Piraeus, and the Hellenic Open University.

Sweden

Another country hitting the list of cheapest European countries to study is Sweden. Some of the world-ranked universities in Sweden provide the best academic programs to students. Some of the best universities offering affordable education in Sweden are KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, and Lund University. 

Must Read: Study in Sweden for Indian Students 2022

Belgium

Belgium provides high-quality education at a nominal tuition fee. This European nation also gives a good living environment along with excellent scope for professional growth. Some of the best universities offering education at a cheap price in this country are Université Libre de Bruxelles, Ghent University, and Université de Liège. 

Austria

You are required to pay a rough fee of 730 Euro (64.7k INR) per semester in tuition fees in universities of Austria. This country is known for offering a high-quality education system with a high standard of living. Some of the cheapest universities in Austria offering quality education are Universität Vienna and Universität Salzburg.

Must Read: Study in Austria for Indian Students

Eligibility Criteria

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 for studying in Europe.
2. You must have received a minimum score of 50 per cent in your high school exam.
3. You may be required to give the entrance exam to get admission to some of the European universities. 
4. In some instances, you may need to write a test in the language of the specific European nation to which you want admission. 
5. It should be noted that English language proficiency test results are compulsory for some European universities. 
6. You will also need a visa, and you can apply for a Student visa, which is the most common visa issued by European countries for international students. You will be able to apply for this visa after you have received an admission letter or offer letter from a European university. 

Must Read: Study Abroad for Free? 11 European Countries Where Masters Tuition is FREE

Exams Required to Study in European Universities 

IELTS and other language proficiency test scores are often required for certain European and global universities. But there are several European countries that allow you to study in Europe without demanding IELTS scores.

The requirements for pursuing international studies vary among universities in the European Union and across different study programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and other educational programs. Typically, the fundamental criteria for selection include your academic grades, aptitude test scores, and language proficiency level.

International students are often required to take aptitude tests administered by universities worldwide, serving as a means to evaluate their academic prowess, intellectual capabilities, and language proficiency. 

Many universities accept scores from standardized tests such as GRE, GMAT, SAT, or PAT to assess academic and intellectual abilities, while IELTS and TOEFL scores are commonly accepted to evaluate language proficiency.

Must Read: Top 14 Countries to Study in Europe Without IELTS

FAQs

Establishing a professional career in a foreign country can be a challenging and intricate journey. However, with a clear understanding of your aspirations and the career path you aim to pursue, you can minimise obstacles along the way. At Leverage Edu, our team of specialists is dedicated to assisting you in identifying your passions and goals, guiding you towards the optimal career path that aligns with your dreams.