How to Study Abroad for Indian Students with a Low Budget?

published on 17 October 2022
How to Study Abroad for Indian Students with a Low Budget?
How to Study Abroad for Indian Students with a Low Budget?

Dreaming of studying abroad can be an exciting prospect, but concerns about budget constraints often dampen the enthusiasm of many Indian students. However, fear not! With strategic planning and resourcefulness, it's entirely possible to pursue your international education dreams on a budget. In this guide, we'll explore how Indian students can Study Abroad with a Low Budget

How to Study Abroad for Indian Students with a Low Budget?

Many students from India have the desire to do a study abroad program. Unfortunately, not everyone has the money to pay for it. With tuition fees being so high at home or at developed nations like UK and USA, young people are being priced out of owning their own homes.

Many Indian students aspire to study abroad but cannot because of the high cost of living and education. But with the changing global landscape, it is now possible to study abroad at a low budget. Students from India can easily find affordable universities in

  • New Zealand
  • Australia
  • Singapore

These countries have relaxed immigration laws for Indians. There are various scholarships also available for Indian students aspiring to study abroad. Whether you have an opportunity to get a partial or full scholarship or you intend to pay your own expenses while studying in another

country, there are several ways by which you can find affordable programs that suit your needs and interests.

Choose an Affordable University 

If you are really keen on studying abroad, you should start your research with a list of universities that offer affordable education. You will come across a lot of expensive universities with high cost of living, and it will be a challenge to find a suitable university for you. It is not necessary that a university in the United States or the United Kingdom will be the most expensive option for you. There are several universities in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore that provide quality education at a much lower cost.

To study at a public university in New Zealand the amount of tuition fees varies from  3,000–7,100 EUR/year for Bachelor's degrees. For masters it's 8,300–9,600 EUR/YEAR

Most affordable Universities in New Zealand :

  • University of Auckland
  • University of Canterbury
  • Lincoln University
  • Auckland University of Tech
  • Massey University

If you wish to study at a public university in Australia the tuition fees ranges from  8,000–9,100 AUD/year for Master's degrees 10,300–11,600 AUR/YEAR

Most affordable Universities in Australia :

University of Divinity

  • University of Southern Queensland
  • University of Sunshine Coast
  • University of Queensland
  • Charles Darwin University
  • Griffith University

Studying at a public university in Singapore the tuition fees ranges from  800–900 dollars/year for Master's degrees. 1,000–1,100 dollars/YEAR

Most affordable Universities in Singapore:

  1. National University of Singapore (NUS)
  1. Nanyang Technological University.
  1. Singapore Management University.
  1. Singapore University of Technology & Design.
  1. Republic Polytechnic.

Moreover, some universities in Asia provide the same quality education as their peers in the US and UK. In fact, you can easily find some universities in the above-mentioned countries that provide better quality education and

research facilities as compared to many expensive universities in the West.

Find the Right Program 

Once you have shortlisted a couple of universities, it is time to focus on the subject you want to study. You can either choose a program related to your current field of study or you can go for a completely new subject. There are many subjects where you can get a good education without having a master’s degree. You can go for undergraduate programs such as business, management, or marketing.

Another option is to study some liberal arts subjects such as philosophy, sociology, or English literature. If you have a passion for language and culture, you can also choose a program in Asian studies or comparative religion.

You can also go for a graduate program in Information Technology or Computer Science. If you have a passion for medicine, then you can choose a short-term program in medicine as an international student.

Apply for Scholarships 

If you want to study abroad for free, you can apply for scholarships. There are many scholarships available for Indian students who want to pursue higher studies in different countries. There are also some country-specific scholarships available for Indian students. You can find these scholarships on various websites that list all the scholarships available for Indian students.

For instance, the British Council offers the Chevening and Future Leaders scholarships for Indian students.

Similarly, the Australian Government has the Australian Excellence Scholarship and the International Education Excellence Scholarship that can be availed by Indian students.

Scholarships for Indian Students Studying Abroad 

Apart from the abovementioned scholarships, some are country-specific scholarships for Indian students.

You can find these scholarships on Indian Scholarship Websites such as ISHARD and Scholarships.com.

There are also some organizations that provide scholarships to students who want to study in Asia. The Indian students who are looking for funding to study abroad can apply for the SIF-IIM or the IIMS-Asia scholarships.

These organizations will select the candidates and provide full funding to the selected students. And therefore, you will not have to worry about finding a part-time job or a source of funding for your education.

Tips for Travelling as an Indian Student 

When you travel abroad for the first time, it can be a little difficult to adjust to the new environment. But if you are travelling to another country for your studies, then it will be more challenging for you to settle in a new place. It is important to make the right preparations for

Your study abroad trip- It will help you settle in a new country and make lifelong friendships with fellow students. You should remember several things before traveling to another country for higher studies. It will help you to travel quickly without any hassles. -

Stay in touch with your family and friends - It is essential to stay in touch with your loved ones as it will help you to stay stress-free. You can try to make as many friends as possible while studying in a foreign country. But staying in touch with your family and friends back home is equally important.

Prepare to live in a new culture - It is essential to understand the new culture where you are studying for higher studies. You should be prepared to live in a foreign country as it will help you to adjust to the new culture. You can also take classes in cross-cultural communication to understand the local customs and practices.

Keep yourself updated - It is essential to keep yourself updated with the latest news in the world of education. You can follow your university's social media accounts and other universities in the same country. This will help you to stay updated with any changes in education.

Conclusion 

Studying abroad is not a luxury that only rich students can enjoy. With proper planning and research, every Indian student can plan for their study abroad trip. There are many universities in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore that provide quality education at a much lower cost. Moreover, some universities in Asia provide the same quality education as their peers in the US and UK. It is not necessary that a university in the United States or the United Kingdom will be the most expensive option for you. There are several scholarships available for Indian students who want to pursue higher studies in different countries. If you want to study abroad for free, you can apply for scholarships. There are

many scholarships are available for Indian students who want to pursue higher studies in different countries. There are also some country-specific scholarships available for Indian students.

We hope you like this article on How to Study Abroad for Indian Students with a Low Budget. If you have any queries, feel free to reach out to Alpha Edu Abroad Experts for advice!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the most affordable countries for Indian students to study abroad?

Countries like Germany, Norway, and Sweden offer tuition-free or low-cost education for international students. Additionally, universities in countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Malaysia provide quality education at a more affordable rate compared to other popular destinations.

Are there scholarships available for Indian students seeking to study abroad?

Yes, numerous scholarships cater specifically to Indian students. Government-sponsored programs like the MHRD Scholarship and external scholarships from universities and private organizations can significantly ease the financial burden. Diligent research and early application are key to securing these opportunities.

How can Indian students reduce living expenses while studying abroad?

Opting for shared accommodation, cooking at home, and utilizing public transportation are effective ways to cut down living costs. Additionally, taking advantage of student discounts, second-hand markets, and local events can contribute to a more economical lifestyle.

Can Indian students work part-time while studying abroad?

Many countries allow international students to work part-time during their studies. However, it's essential to be aware of the regulations in your host country. The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, for instance, have favorable work policies for international students, enabling them to gain valuable work experience without compromising their studies.

How can Indian students plan their budget effectively for studying abroad?

Crafting a detailed budget that includes tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses is crucial. Researching currency exchange rates, exploring affordable lifestyle choices, and setting aside a contingency fund for emergencies will contribute to a more comprehensive and sustainable financial plan.

An IIT Delhi IIM Ahmedabad alumni initiative

Alpha Education Abroad is an initiative by IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad alumni. The firm helps students get admitted to top universities overseas in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, and many other countries. It allows students to apply for graduation as well as post-graduation courses abroad. It also helps students get admitted to top 1 year MBA programs such as ISB and IIM Ahmedabad in India.

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