Planning to move to Europe for higher education but confused about tuition fees and affordability? Check out the most popular European countries and the cost of education and living in these countries.
Despite the sky-high tuition fees, Indians prefer to study abroad. The number of Indians enrolled in foreign universities has increased from 4.44 lakh in 2021 to 7.5 lakh in 2022, the central government has said. However, some countries offer free or discounted tuition to international students.
Although European countries do not charge tuition fees to international students, they may charge a relatively small amount under the category of administrative fees (which is around €250/semester). Here is a list of countries that offer affordable education to Indian students
Germany Among European countries, Germany is the most popular country, with a total of 34,864 Indian students in Germany in 2022, according to data released by the Indian government. Interestingly, Germany abolished the concept of tuition fees in 2014, so higher education degrees are free for both domestic and international students.
The cost of living for Indian students in Germany is approximately €934 (approximately Rs. 80,000). Also, international students in Germany can work 120 days full-time or 240 part-time during their studies. After graduation, they can apply to stay in the country for 18 months to find a job in the same field as their higher degree.
Russia
According to government data, there were 18,039 Indian students in Russia last year. For decades, the country has been a popular choice for Indian medical students. However, while Russia does not offer completely free education, it does offer discounted tuition, i.e. €2,000 - €5,000.
Some of the top universities in Russia include Moscow State University, Tomsk State University, and Saint Petersburg State University, among others.
Living expenses are €750 (approx. Rs. 66,000) per month. Indian students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies, and can stay in the country for 180 days and look for work after graduation.
France
With 10,003 students choosing France to study abroad, the country offers a bachelor's degree for approximately €2,770 (approximately 2.5 lakhs) and a master's degree for approximately €3,770 (approximately 2.5 lakhs).
As the country offers many extra-curricular activities and a thriving student-culture life, an international student can spend around €600 - €800 per month on living costs (the amount varies according to a person's lifestyle) . However, to earn that kind of money, an international student may work up to 964 hours per year during their studies and stay in the country for a year after graduation to seek employment.
Italy
The country, known for its natural beauty and food, attracted around 5,897 Indian students last year. Tuition fees for non-EU residents can range from €500 to €5,000. The cost of living is also affordable (€700 per month - 60,000 INR), and students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies to earn their rent and other expenses. One must remember that the cost of living can go up to €1000 (roughly Rs. 88,000) depending on the location and lifestyle.
Some of the top universities in Russia include Moscow State University, Tomsk State University, and Saint Petersburg State University, among others.
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