In India, pursuing quality education is a costly affair. Indian parents spend about INR 16,000 a month for basic education. The cost is even higher when you look at higher education. It costs about INR 14 lakh to pursue university education in India, and the cost is expected to rise to INR 50 lakh in the next 15 years.
What if we were to tell you that pursuing world-class education abroad, especially in Europe, would cost just as much as India (or even cheaper)? Okay, we’re not kidding – according to Times Higher Education, 8 of the 10 cheapest countries to study at top universities are in Europe! This is even truer if you are a citizen of a European country!
Now that we've caught your attention, it's time to pack your bags - because we’ve done the research and compiled a list for you. Here are 8 European countries where education costs the same as India.
The 'Land of Ideas' has always been a popular destination for international students, and one can easily see why. Germany offers prestigious colleges, and a fairly inexpensive luxury lifestyle. The average annual cost of studying & living in Germany amounts to just EUR 6,700; i.e. 5 lakh. Here are benefits of studying in Germany:
Free, World-Class Education
A total of 48 universities in Germany are among the world's best, ranging from technical education to scientific research institutes. All public schools are free for its citizens. For international students, all public universities, except for in Baden-Württemberg, offer free tuition at all levels of education
DAAD Scholarships
Going to study in Baden-Württemberg universities can become a bit costly, especially if you've calculate living costs. Fortunately, through its registry of scholarships, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) lists about 200 scholarship opportunities which could help you cover both tuition and living expenses in Germany.
Well-Paying 'Mini Jobs'
With an average monthly cost of EUR 750 for food and rent, you can easily afford to support your expenses in Germany.
Students are welcome to work in mini jobs after school hours. However, there is nothing mini in these mini jobs – you can earn up to EUR 450 a month tax-free. Students are also eligible to receive a full tax return at the end of the academic year.
This Scandinavian country is renowned for its stunning views, historic culture and highly affordable education. Home to alma maters of Nobel laureates such as the University of Karolinska, studying in Sweden can be very inexpensive, costing just around EUR 6,726 or 5.5 lakh per year.
Here are the many advantages of studying in Sweden.
Free University Graduation Through Scholarships
Swedish education is free for EU / EEA and Nordic citizens.
If you do your research well, you can go to high-ranking universities such as Lund University or KTH Royal Institute of Technology as an international student for zero tuition fees — that is, via university-hosted scholarships available to meritorious students.
A Scholarship Database Which Holds Over 200 Scholarships
Sweden is a country which promotes education, but living costs do seem to go quite out of control. More than 200 full and partial scholarships are available for students, regardless of course or country of origin
Well-Paying Part-Time Jobs
In Sweden the cost of living could be very intimidating. But it is easy in Sweden to pull your weight. By working part time, you can earn up to $7,000, or 5.5 lakh per month- which is among the highest part time pay worldwide.
Poland is a perfect place to explore if you're planning on budget education abroad. The place is a growing educational sector, thanks to world-class education and affordable cost of living. Studying and living in Poland will cost just 3 lakh a year.
Here's why you need to know if you want to study in Poland:
Affordable Education And World Class Research Institutes
Madam Marie Curie is just one of the four Nobel laureates to receive a Nobel Prize twice in her lifetime, all thanks to Poland’s leading research institutes. If you learn Polish, qualify by taking the same exam as Polish students, and take your courses in Polish, you can get free education in Polish. If you prefer to take your courses in English, it would cost you only EUR 2,000-3,000 per year, i.e. around 2.5 lakh per year.
Affordable Living Cost
Poland's living costs are lower than in other nations. With just about 400 EUR or 25,000 INR a month, you can afford accommodation, food and other expenses.
A Wide Selection Of Scholarships
Before you start studying in Poland, you should certainly search through Poland's scholarship database. Scholarships are available to both Polish and international students.
A research showed Finnish Universities are giving you the highest value for your pound of tuition. Studying in Finland will cost you as little as 6,000 EUR, or 6 lakh per annum.
Apart from the friendly Finns and their expertise in English, here are the advantages of studying in Finland.
Highly Affordable English Language Courses
As part of the Bologna reform, many Finnish universities of applied sciences have increased the number of Bachelor's and Master’s programs in English. Finland offers more than 400 Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in English in 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences (UAS).
A Wide Variety of Scholarships
If you are an EU / EEA citizen, you are exempt from paying university fees. But if you're a non-EU student, you’d have to pay about 3-4 lakh of INR per year.
Don’t worry about that though. If you have to pay for your education, you are also eligible for a wide range of scholarships, both from the government and the university itself.
Studying in the Netherlands is becoming increasingly popular with international students, partly due to the large choice of world-leading Netherlands universities that teach in English.
In Times Higher Education's World University Rankings 2020, 13 universities in the Netherlands are all in the top 250.
Though tuition is not free in Netherlands, the average cost of studying in Holland is just 10 lakh per annum.
Here's why you need to consider studying in the Netherlands.
The Dutch Student Finance System
If you are a Dutch national or an EU national and cannot afford to pay your school fees, the Dutch Government has set up a funding system to pay for study costs, school fees, health insurance and living costs. Students who are under 30 years of age and enrolled in full or dual education are eligible. You can also work alongside your studies, regardless your country of origin
Discounts For Students
Numerous cafes, eateries, exhibitions and theatres offer discounts for students. Almost all of those seek confirmation from your university via a student card.
You can get deals on hotels, retail and galleries with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). With Dutch CJP rewards card, you'll get discounts in Holland as well.
Scholarship programs
The Netherlands has a robust scholarship program that both EU and non-EU students can enjoy. Stipends are sponsored by both the Dutch government and various private and foreign organizations.
The Nordic countries of Europe are known for their spectacular natural beauty, excellent quality of life and great educational standards and Norway is no exception.
Education is free for everyone in Norway and despite the high living costs, the average annual cost of studying and living in Norway is only EUR 11,500, that is to say 10 lakh per year.
Here's why you should consider studying in Norway.
Quality Education With No Tuition Fees
Just one of many reasons Norway is becoming an enticing destination for international students is that public institutions in Norway do not charge tuition costs to students, irrespective of the country or nationality of the student. Amid high quality education, students only have to pay a nominal semester fee (less than €60) to enroll in the Universities of Norway.
Large Number Of English Courses
A high level of English within society makes studying and living in Norway simple. Besides the high level of English skills among native people, a significant number of courses are taught in English.
Scholarships & Grants
Many Norwegian organizations have specific bilateral agreements with international higher education institutions and are structured to assist students & researchers in the exchange. There are national programs offering scholarships and other types of financing to international students wanting to pursue studies in Norway. Additionally, various scholarships are awarded by voluntary and nonprofit organizations.
Well Paying Part Time Job
Norway comes at a high living standard stamp; but, you don't have to stress about that. Norway is one of the highest paying countries for part-time students, and you can earn about $6,500 a month.
Austria is an excellent location for students pursuing higher education from all countries. Austria offers graduate programs in many advanced subjects, and the favorable climate and low living costs make studying in Austria an enjoyable experience. The average annual expenditure is 8 lakh. Here's why you should consider studying in Austria.
Accessible Education
Those with an EU / EEA passport can study in Austria for free for up to eight semesters, with a few minor administration fees. If you’re not an EU citizen, tuition is indeed cheap, approximately €725 per semester in public universities.
Scholarships
Whether you are an EU citizen or not, a scholarship is always a help. Grants are supported by the Austrian Government and by non-profit organizations irrespective of the student's country of origin.
Cost Of Living Affordable
Living in Austria is very cheap - renting a one-bedroom apartment will cost you as little as 500 Euros a month, and food and transport will cost about 200 Euros.
Denmark has a long tradition of accomplishment in both academic and artistic terms. Over 500 programs taught in English are provided by Danish higher education institutions - all globally recognized and validated. In Denmark the average cost of living and learning is just EUR 8,198, or 7.5 lakh INR.
Here are the benefits of studying in Denmark:
Affordable higher education
Higher education in Denmark is optional for EU / EEA and Swiss students as well as for students taking part in a student exchange. Yearly tuition for all other students varies from 6,000 to 16,000 EUR; but if you can get a temporary residency permit, you can apply for free education.
Fluent English
Danish institutions of higher education offer upwards of 500 programs taught in English. Danish people are fluent in English, which means you can study in Denmark without learning or understanding Danish.
Part-time jobs with a decent salary
Students have the freedom to work after school - and here's the good news: students can earn up to $6,000 through working as an intern in Denmark
Scholarships for eligible students
Danish higher education universities receive a limited number of government grants each year to fund highly qualified full-time students from non-EU / EEA countries.
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