Every year, over 1.5 million students in India graduate and aspire to pursue a master’s degree, often spending a significant amount of money without achieving a good return on investment. They end up spending more and receiving less. However, if they opt to study abroad, they can benefit from significantly lower or even zero tuition fees, gain global exposure, and enjoy a high ROI. So, what will you choose? If you’re considering studying abroad, we’ve created the perfect checklist for you. Let’s explore the top countries where pursuing a master’s degree is more affordable than in India, focusing on tuition fees and overall affordability.
Read More: Most Affordable Countries to Study Abroad in 2026
Top 4 Countries Where a Master’s is Cheaper than in India
1. Germany
Germany has become a global favorite for Indian students, owing to its no-tuition-fee policy at most public universities. Germany offers cutting-edge research, outstanding infrastructure, and plenty of programs in English, especially in STEM fields. Students can often work part-time up to 20 hours, and post-study work options are generous for those looking to stay in Europe.
Tuition Fees: None at public universities for most master’s programs, regardless of your country of origin. You only need to pay a semester contribution, which generally ranges around €300 per semester (roughly ₹27,000).
Cost of Living: Estimated at €800–1,000 per month, though this varies by city.
2. Italy
Italy is not only popular for its rich cultural heritage, but it also offers affordable education. The government and various universities offer generous scholarships, further reducing costs for international students.
Tuition Fees: Tuition in public universities typically averages around €5,000 per year (about ₹4.5 lakh), which is less than the fees at India’s premier private institutions.
Cost of Living: While Rome and Milan are costly, smaller cities are far more budget-friendly for students.
3. Norway
It’s world-renowned for its research and teaching, especially in fields like renewable energy, engineering, and social sciences. Until recently, Norway was renowned for charging no tuition at its public universities, even for non-EU students. However, from 2023, many public universities have begun charging tuition for non-EU/EEA students:
Tuition Fees: Most universities now charge fees for non-EU students, generally ranging from €7,000 to €19,000 per year for master’s programs at public universities. Some exceptions and scholarships do exist, and select programs are still free depending on the institution and subject.
Semester Fees: A nominal student union fee (€30–60 per semester).
Cost of Living: Among Europe’s highest, with students needing at least NOK 166,000 (about €15,000) per year for living expenses.
Read More: 5 Countries with Easy Visa Process for Studying Abroad in 2026
4. Taiwan
Taiwan is gaining traction as an affordable destination in Asia for international study. Over 120 English-taught programs at quality institutions, ideal for international students. Along with that, you can enjoy a blend of modern life, traditional values, and the chance to learn Mandarin.
Tuition Fees: At leading universities, annual tuition for international students starts around TWD 100,000 (approx. US$3,300 or ₹2.75 lakh) for arts and humanities, rising to about US$4,000 for science or engineering.
Living Costs: Significantly lower than in most Western countries, with student accommodation and food being affordable.
Final Thoughts
When considering a master’s abroad, Germany remains the absolute cheapest for non-tuition and overall quality. Italy and Taiwan both offer strong academic reputations at a lower cost than many Indian private universities, with various scholarships to bring down costs even further. Norway, despite introducing new fees for many, is still competitive, especially for those able to win scholarships or who value Nordic education highly.
Always research costs for your specific program and keep currency fluctuations and living expenses in mind. These countries with cheaper master’s programs also offer unique experiences and career advantages that go well beyond the balance sheet.
