Sign up

Heading Out Already?

close

Our Ivy League mentors and top admission experts can help with personalized tips to get you into your dream school

Speak with our Experts

23 August 2025

6 minutes read

Affordable European Countries to Study a Masters Abroad in 2025 for Indian Students (Low Tuition Fee to Study Abroad in EU)

Dirghayu Kaushik
avatar

Dirghayu Kaushik

linkedin

Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

23 August 2025

6 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • Affordable European countries to study a masters abroad offer free or low-cost tuition at public universities, making higher education abroad accessible.
  • Affordable European countries to study a masters abroad ensure quality education with manageable living expenses for international students.
  • Affordable European countries to study a masters abroad combine affordable tuition and international experience in top universities across Europe.

Pursuing a master’s degree abroad is often a fantasy for many Indian students, but Europe makes this dream much closer to reality. Known for its affordable fees, high-quality education, and strong culture, European countries offer fantastic options for international students without placing a huge burden of cost of living.

Why Study Abroad in Europe as an Indian Student?

Did you know that some public universities in Europe offer tuition free of charge, regardless of nationality? Just that fact alone makes Europe one of the cheapest study abroad destinations for International students.

affordable european countries to study a masters abroad 1

Here are a few reasons why Indian students prioritize Europe as a study option.

  • Affordability: Many countries have affordable/ or even free education, specifically at public universities. Private universities are expensive, costing International students significantly more.
  • International Perspective: Studying abroad does not only mean that you are reading, it guarantees an experience `overseas` and whether in academia or in business you will have a global perspective.
  • Expansive Choice of Subjects: Students that would like to study Engineering, business, or Humanities, will find a vast amount of top universities flourishing in Europe.

Cost Factors for Indian Students in Europe:

AspectAverage Cost (per year)
Tuition Fees€0 – €5,000 (public universities)
Living Expenses€6,000 – €12,000
Accommodation€300 – €700 per month

How to Study in Europe for Free or at a Low Cost?

Fun Fact: Public universities in Norway do not charge any tuition, not even for international students, meaning all you need to cover is living expenses.

Below are practical steps to study in Europe for little or no cost:

  • Attend public universities that are free to attend. Countries like Germany, Norway, and Finland have universities that offer free tuition.
  • Many scholarships are available for international students. Although EU students and students from countries outside of Europe very often find affordable study options through research-based scholarships or merit-based awards.
  • Work while you study. In a lot of these countries students can often find part-time work which helps them cover their tuition and living expenses.

Cost-Saving Opportunities in Europe:

StrategyExample Country
Free TuitionGerman universities
Low Tuition FeesPolish universities
Living Expense CoverageFrance (scholarships)

Affordable European Countries to Study a Masters Abroad in 2025

Interesting to note: Some European countries offer education either free or at a very low-rate, making them popular countries to study abroad in Europe for students wanting to study a masters abroad.

Below are affordable countries for Indian students to study abroad in:

CountryTuition Fees at Public UniversitiesAverage Living Expenses (per month)
GermanyFree or €500€700 – €1,200
NorwayFree€800 – €1,200
Poland€2,000 – €4,000€400 – €700
France€170 – €600€700 – €1,000
Austria€700 – €1,500€800 – €1,200

10 International Universities in Europe Offering Quality Education

Fun Fact: The affordable tuition of some of the world’s top universities is found in Western European countries. Universities may also offer free tuition or low-cost programs to non-European students.

See below for a list of these institutions noted for their international education:

Sl NoUniversity NameRanking (2025)Documents RequiredExams Required
1University of Munich, GermanyTop 100Transcript, GPA, Letter of RecommendationIELTS, TOEFL, GRE
2University of Oslo, NorwayTop 120Statement of Purpose, Resume, Personal StatementIELTS, TOEFL
3University of Warsaw, PolandTop 200Transcript, SOP, GPAIELTS, TOEFL
4Sorbonne University, FranceTop 80Transcript, GPA, Letter of RecommendationIELTS, TOEFL, GRE
5University of Vienna, AustriaTop 150Personal Statement, ResumeIELTS, TOEFL, ACT
6University of Helsinki, FinlandTop 130Transcript, SOPIELTS, TOEFL, GRE
7Charles University, CzechiaTop 250Transcript, ResumeIELTS, TOEFL, SAT
8University of Ljubljana, SloveniaTop 300SOP, ResumeIELTS, TOEFL
9University of Porto, PortugalTop 250Transcript, GPAIELTS, TOEFL
10KU Leuven, BelgiumTop 100SOP, Resume, Recommendation LetterIELTS, TOEFL, GMAT

10 Oldest Universities in Popular Places to Study Abroad

Here’s a cool fact: A lot of the oldest universities in the world are still standing proud in European countries and remain among the top study destinations in Europe.

They fuse tradition with modern international education!

Sl NoUniversity NameRanking (2025)Documents RequiredExams Required
1University of Bologna, ItalyTop 160Transcript, SOP, Letter of RecommendationIELTS, TOEFL, GRE
2University of Paris (Sorbonne)Top 80Resume, Transcript, GPAIELTS, TOEFL
3University of Oxford, UKTop 5Personal Statement, SOP, GPAIELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT
4University of Cambridge, UKTop 5Statement of Purpose, TranscriptIELTS, TOEFL, GRE
5University of Salamanca, SpainTop 250Resume, Transcript, GPAIELTS, TOEFL
6University of Coimbra, PortugalTop 300Transcript, ResumeIELTS, TOEFL
7University of Vienna, AustriaTop 150GPA, Transcript, SOPIELTS, TOEFL
8University of Heidelberg, GermanyTop 100GPA, SOP, TranscriptIELTS, TOEFL, GRE
9Jagiellonian University, PolandTop 250Resume, SOP, TranscriptIELTS, TOEFL
10University of Leuven, BelgiumTop 100Personal Statement, ResumeIELTS, TOEFL

Is it Possible to Study for Completely Free (Including Living Costs)?

Here is an interesting fact: Even if public universities didn’t charge tuition – as in countries like Norway – they still have living costs to factor in.

Nevertheless, through smart planning students can participate in a study abroad excursion:

  • Scholarship Opportunities: Numerous countries have scholarships available that not only cover tuition, but living costs too.
  • Housing Benefits: Many places provide reduced accommodation for international students.
  • As a Student: Students have the option to study and work part-time to help with living costs.

Examples of Cost Coverage:

CountryTuition FeesLiving ExpensesCoverage Possibility
NorwayFree€800 – €1,200Partial Scholarships
GermanyFree€700 – €1,200Work + Scholarships
FranceLow (€170)€700 – €1,000Grants + Housing Aid

Top Study Destinations in Europe: How to Study in Germany for Free?

Interesting tidbit: Studying abroad in Germany is one of the cheapest alternatives because most German universities charge tuition fees to international students, outside the EU, at public universities.

affordable european countries to study a masters abroad 2

Here are some ways of studying in Germany for free as an international student:

  • Apply to Public Universities in Germany: A lot of public universities offer free tuition regardless of nationality.
  • Plan for Living Costs: International students will compensation their living costs like food, rent and transport, which is still the cheapest in Europe in comparison to Western European countries.
  • Utilize Scholarships, and Working Part-time: Studying abroad becomes nothing if thought of a journey rather than a burden with the help of scholarships and a part-time job.

Studying in Germany Snapshot:

Expense TypeAverage Cost
Tuition FeesFree
Living Expenses€700 – €1,200
Accommodation€300 – €700

Is it Recommended to Study at the Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad?

Fun Fact: Although one of the countries is among the cheapest, appealing to students seeking affordable or cheap options, cheap education does not guarantee quality education.

Perhaps expectedly, prospective international students need to consider advantages and disadvantages in terms of choosing cheaper countries to study.

  • Advantages of Pricing in Cheap Study: Students considering cheaper study options obtain international exposure without significant debt burden.
  • Disadvantages of Cheap Study: At the same time, students should be aware that some of the world’s cheapest education fees can be received at universities with little or no international recognition.
  • Balanced Comparison of Study Options: Prospective students need to compare study options to locate and secure institutionally, regionally and internationally recognized study opportunities that allow students an affordable study experience

Pros and Cons Overview:

AspectBenefitDrawback
TuitionAffordable tuition at public universitiesLimited facilities in some cases
LivingLower cost of living in eastern EuropeWestern Europe is pricier
ReputationUniversities offer affordable programsNot all have global rankings

Conclusion

Europe is still one of the most affordable countries where Indian students could go for studying a masters abroad, it has an affordable fee structure, international experience, and the top universities. There are no tuition fees in Germany and cheap countries like Poland, there are lots of good options.

For expert advice about international education contact Ambitio, your trusted international education partner.

FAQs

Which are the most affordable European countries to study a masters abroad?

Affordable European countries to study a masters abroad include Germany, Norway, and Poland. These affordable European countries to study a masters abroad help Indian students cut costs while enjoying high-quality education.

Why should Indian students choose affordable European countries to study a masters abroad?

Indian students prefer affordable European countries to study a masters abroad because of low tuition fees and scholarships. Affordable European countries to study a masters abroad also ensure a valuable international experience.

Are affordable European countries to study a masters abroad good for international students?

Yes, affordable European countries to study a masters abroad welcome international students with free tuition and cultural exposure. Affordable European countries to study a masters abroad also provide globally recognized degrees.

Do affordable European countries to study a masters abroad offer free tuition?

Many affordable European countries to study a masters abroad, like Germany and Norway, offer free tuition at public universities. Affordable European countries to study a masters abroad also provide affordable study options.

How is the cost of living in affordable European countries to study a masters abroad?

The cost of living in affordable European countries to study a masters abroad varies but remains lower than Western Europe. Affordable European countries to study a masters abroad let students manage budgets easily.

What documents are required for admission in affordable European countries to study a masters abroad?

To apply in affordable European countries to study a masters abroad, students need transcripts, SOP, and IELTS scores. Affordable European countries to study a masters abroad also may require a resume and recommendation letters.

Can international students work while studying in affordable European countries to study a masters abroad?

Yes, international students can work part-time in affordable European countries to study a masters abroad. Affordable European countries to study a masters abroad allow flexible job opportunities for students to manage expenses.

top universities

You can study at top universities worldwide!

Get expert tips and tricks to get into top universities with a free expert session.

Book Your Free 30-Minute Session Now! Book a call now
Scroll to Top