Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, often accompanied by the hope of “free education.” But what does free education really mean? Is it truly possible to study abroad without spending a significant amount? Let’s explore the reality, common myths, and scholarship opportunities available to Indian students. After knowing all these factors, you know what the real meaning of studying abroad for free.
Study Abroad Expenses
Here are the key areas where students typically spend money while studying abroad:
- Tuition Fees
- Accommodation
- Food and Groceries
- Transportation
- Study Materials
- Health Insurance
- Visa and Immigration Fees
- Financial Capability
Tuition Fees Are Free – But Only Sometimes
Certain countries, especially in Europe, offer tuition-free or low-cost education for international students. This significantly reduces the financial burden of studying abroad, allowing students to access high-quality education without the heavy tuition fees common in many other countries. Popular destinations like Germany and Norway provide tuition-free education at most public universities, while countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Austria, and France offer low tuition fees.
Mostly, universities in these European countries offer free or low-cost tuition, but students must cover all other expenses themselves. In Germany, for example, public universities like the Technical University of Munich (TUM) provide tuition-free education, but students are responsible for living costs, administrative fees, and personal expenses. To prove financial stability for a German student visa, international students must open a German Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) by depositing €11,904, from which only €992 can be withdrawn monthly after arrival to cover living expenses. While some universities offer free or low-cost tuition for specific courses, these opportunities are limited, and all students should plan for the full cost of living during their studies.
Study Abroad Scholarships: Helpful but Limited
Many universities and governments offer scholarships that cover tuition fees, living costs, health cover, and travel allowance. Some scholarships cover all these things, but some only cover specific ones. However, these scholarships are highly competitive and limited. Most students receive partial scholarships rather than full funding.
Indian Government Scholarships
The Indian government supports students through scholarships, mostly for postgraduate studies:
- Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships: For a master’s program, which covers all tuition fees, living costs, health cover, and travel allowance. Other than this candidate doesn’t hold or pursue a USA degree.
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: Students who go for courses like Mathematics, science, humanities, law, fine arts, social science, and architecture can apply for this scholarship. Which include health allowance, tuition Fee, and living expenses.
- The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship: Merit-based-overseas program, provides tuition fee for study abroad, for courses like social work, social science, and public health.
In addition to this, the Indian government offers several other scholarships based on merit and competition, which often cover only a portion of the total expenses for studying abroad. These scholarships are primarily aimed at supporting postgraduate studies and may help with tuition fees, living costs, travel, or other related expenses, but rarely provide full financial coverage.
International Scholarships
- DAAD scholarship (Germany)
These scholarships typically cover tuition fees (where applicable), a monthly living allowance ( with a stipend of about €992 for students, €1,300 for doctoral students), health insurance, and sometimes travel and accommodation costs, helping international students manage most major expenses while studying abroad.
- The French Government Scholarships (BGF)
It provides a monthly allowance (€1,300–€1,700), health insurance for non-European students, support with accommodation, coverage of university registration fees in some cases, travel expenses for selected students, and access to social security, language courses, and cultural activities. Students can find many different scholarships that offer opportunities for free education. Various countries present unique options that international students can choose from.
Besides these, numerous other scholarships are available worldwide, each country offering different options for international students to pursue free or fully funded education based on merit, competition, and specific eligibility criteria.
While tuition-free education exists, the overall cost of studying abroad is never zero. Scholarships can help, but they are limited and competitive. Indian students should be realistic about expenses and plan carefully. If you need any help, you can reach out to us!