In 2025, over 23,000 students from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are studying abroad—about one in every eight Indian students overseas. While many chase top-ranked universities, a growing number are also exploring budget friendly study abroad destinations that offer quality education without excessive costs.
Unsurprisingly, most of these students are from Hyderabad, a city that has become a launchpad for global careers. But while ambition is high, the average cost of an overseas degree has climbed 35–50% in the past decade, making affordability a bigger concern than ever.
Consider this: in 2015, the average cost of a US master’s degree for Indian students was around ₹25–28 lakhs. Today, it can touch ₹45–55 lakhs—and that’s before living costs. No wonder students are looking at budget friendly study abroad destinations in Europe and Asia, where tuition fees and living expenses are far more manageable.
Housing, food, and travel in popular destinations like the USA, UK, and Canada now cost more than ₹15–20 lakh a year. The rupee losing 3–4% against the dollar annually further adds to the financial pressure of studying abroad. For many families, that’s equal to buying a small flat in Hyderabad.
The good news? Quality global education doesn’t have to mean going broke. Across Europe, Asia, and even parts of the Americas, there are underrated, affordable study destinations.
At these budget-friendly study abroad destinations tuition is a fraction of the Big Three. Plus, the living costs are reasonable, and post-study work rights are still strong.
This guide will take you beyond the obvious choices. Check out fresh, budget-friendly options for Hyderabad students in 2025 that balance cost, career opportunities, and quality of life.
Why budget matters in study abroad planning
Studying abroad is not just an academic decision. It’s a financial one.
For most Indian students from Hyderabad, the main costs include:
- Tuition fees – ranging from near-zero in some countries to ₹20–25 lakhs a year elsewhere.
- Living expenses – rent, food, transport, internet, and healthcare.
- Visa and insurance costs – varying widely by country.
- Travel and relocation expenses – airfare, initial housing deposits, and setup costs.
These figures can differ so much between countries that two students with identical academic goals may graduate with very different financial situations. Here’s why studying abroad on a budget really matters
1. Academic and Professional Opportunities During Study
Lower tuition and living costs can free up funds for certifications, projects, and conferences. These can strengthen a CV. For example, a student paying minimal tuition could allocate $1,000 for an industry conference every semester. That might be impossible in a high-expense destination where every rupee goes to rent and food. These opportunities often lead to internships, publications, or job offers that directly impact post-study career outcomes.
2. Control Over Work–Study Balance
In affordable destinations like Malaysia, for example, monthly living costs average ₹35,000. There, students can cover expenses with moderate financial support or savings. This allows them to take internships aligned with their field. Or dedicate time to academic projects. In a country where costs are double, students may be compelled to work 20+ hours a week in unrelated jobs just to meet living expenses. This means sacrificing academic performance, research contributions, and professional networking.
3. Faster and Easier Financial Recovery Post-Graduation
Budget-friendly countries can keep a two-year degree’s total cost within ₹18–20 lakhs. With a decent starting salary graduates can clear loans in under three years. In a higher-cost destination with the same salary range, repayment might take five or more years. This further delays milestones like buying property or starting a business. The lower the initial financial burden, the faster graduates can achieve long-term goals.
Thus, budget planning is ultimately about preserving choices, during study and after graduation. After all, you wouldn’t want to be locked into decisions dictated purely by financial mistakes you made earlier.
How to study abroad on a budget
Hundreds of Hyderabad students study abroad each year without drowning in debt. That’s not because they compromise on quality. Instead, they choose destinations and strategies that keep costs under control. Right from day one. Here’s how you can also study abroad on a budget:
1. Build a “Cost Map” 12–18 Months in Advance
Don’t just look at tuition, compare total yearly costs (tuition + rent + food + transport) across countries. For example,
- US (public university) – ₹35–40 lakhs/year
- UK – ₹28–32 lakhs/year
- Germany – ₹11–13 lakhs/year (zero tuition in public universities)
- Poland – ₹9–11 lakhs/year
This exercise instantly shows you where you can get the same degree at one-third the cost. The sooner you check out and compare these numbers, the better.
2. Target Intakes With Built-In Financial Advantages
Some destinations have intakes that naturally cost less. For instance, starting in Norway in the autumn term can align with student housing availability and avoid private rent rates. However, in the UK, September intakes often push late enrollees into costly off-campus housing. Early planning ensures you grab the lower-cost window.
3. Hunt for Niche Scholarships With High Success Rates
Big-name scholarships are competitive, but country- or city-specific ones have better odds. DAAD scholarships for Germany, for example, can cover living costs (₹9 lakhs/year). Compare that to a Canadian provincial grant worth CAD 3,000 (₹1.8 lakhs), which barely dents total expenses of ₹27–30 lakhs/year. The value gap is huge, and it’s hidden unless you compare across countries.
4. Compare Cities Within Countries for Added Savings
Living in Penang, Malaysia (₹12,000–15,000/month rent) vs. Sydney, Australia (₹80,000–1 lakh/month rent) changes your financial reality. Even after accounting for lower part-time wages in Malaysia, the monthly cost gap is so large you’d still end up saving ₹4–5 lakhs/year.
5. Lock Accommodation Before You Arrive
In Mexico, students who pre-book university housing pay around ₹15,000–18,000/month. Those who wait until arrival often end up in private rentals costing ₹25,000–30,000/month. That’s an avoidable 40–50% markup. The same pattern happens in other countries too. Late bookings can blow your budget even before the semester starts. So start your prep as early as possible.
Top budget-friendly study abroad destinations (2025)
The UK, USA, and Canada have historically been the top study abroad destinations for Indians. But recently, there has been a noticeable decline in students choosing these countries. The major reason? High costs.
Below we have a list of affordable study abroad destinations that offer quality education, lower tuition fees, and affordable living expenses for Indian students from Hyderabad in 2025:
Germany
Public universities in Germany charge little to no tuition fees, even for international students. You only need to pay a semester contribution fee of ₹20,000–₹45,000/year). Also, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to know German to study in Germany. Many master’s programs are taught in English. The cost of living in cities like Leipzig, Dresden, and Aachen is also much lower than in Munich or Frankfurt. The best part? Germany also allows students to work part-time during their course duration. This means you can earn (~₹1,000/hour) while you learn and potentially cover ₹4–5 lakhs/year of expenses. Germany also offers an 18-month post-study work visa. With that, you can explore local employment opportunities and options to settle down in Germany.
Also Read: More reasons why Hyderabad students should study in Germany.
Norway
Like Germany, Norway’s public universities do not charge tuition fees for international students. Yet, the courses are high-quality and increasingly being made available in English. Now, the cost of living in Norway may be high and go up to ₹10–11 lakhs/year. But the absence of tuition and availability of scholarships covers up for that. Quota Scheme & Erasmus+ can further cover up to 100% of living expenses. This makes Norway one of the cheapest countries to study abroad based on academic cost.
Poland
Poland offers a mix of affordability and quality education. Tuition fees range between ₹2–4 lakhs/year for English-taught programs and monthly living costs are manageable. You can find student dorms for as low as ₹10,000/month. Further, cities like Warsaw and Kraków have excellent universities and growing international communities. Poland also offers affordable student visa options and allows part-time work without a separate work permit and you can earn ~₹600/hour with your studies.
Malaysia
Malaysia offers degrees from both local institutions and international branch campuses (like Monash University or University of Nottingham) at a much lower cost than in Australia or the UK. The tuition fee ranges from ₹4–7 lakhs/year at local universities and ₹6–9 lakhs/year at branch campuses. Living expenses are comparatively low at around ₹3–4 lakhs/year and English is widely spoken. You can also work 20 hours/week during semesters. This makes Malaysia a student-friendly destination abroad for students from Hyderabad.
Mexico
Mexico is the newest name in the budget friendly study abroad destinations list for Indian students. Tuition and living expenses in Mexico are both low. Tuition ranges from ₹2–4 lakhs/year at public universities; ₹4–6 lakhs/year at top private universities and student housing starts from ₹15,000/month. Universities like UNAM and Tecnológico de Monterrey offer English-taught programs in business, engineering, and sciences. Cultural familiarity and hospitality, further, make it a warm and welcoming place.
These cheapest countries for Indian students 2025 offer high-quality degrees with significantly lower overall expenses. Thus, making them a must-explore option for cost-conscious students from Hyderabad.
Cost-effective Master’s and Bachelor’s programs
Did you know some courses can cost 2 to 4 times more than others? This means your field of study is one of the biggest factors influencing your budget abroad.
So choosing the right course is just as important as picking the right country.
Which are the most affordable fields of study
Generally, programs in humanities and social sciences tend to be more affordable. Data science and certain business streams also prove to be cost effective with higher ROIs, Engineering, medicine and lab-based STEM courses are often more expensive due to lab fees and longer durations.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider shorter postgraduate diplomas or 1-year master’s programs. Many European universities offer these. Such programs significantly lower both tuition and living expense. It also helps you get faster ROI because you can enter the job market sooner.
Best budget universities abroad
Here are a few institutions known for offering cost-effective master’s and bachelor’s programs:
- University of Warsaw, Poland
- TU Munich, Germany
- National University of Malaysia (UKM)
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
- Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
These best budget universities abroad combine academic quality with affordability. Many of these institutions also offer scholarships or grants for international students.
Scholarships and financial aid (2025)
Every year, many scholarships go unclaimed simply because students either don’t apply or aren’t aware of them. For study abroad scholarships 2025, here are some options to consider:
Indian Government & Trust-Based Scholarships:
- Inlaks Scholarships
- JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education
- ICCR Scholarships (for selected countries)
Also Read: Other masters scholarships for students from Hyderabad, India.
International Government Scholarships:
- DAAD (Germany)
- Erasmus Mundus (EU-wide)
- Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS)
- Polish Government Scholarship
University-Based Scholarships:
Most international universities offer scholarships for incoming students. These may be:
- Merit-based (academic performance)
- Need-based (family income and financial need)
- Subject-specific (STEM, Arts, etc.)
Some are one-time grants while others are renewable annually. You can also combine partial scholarships with education loans for studying abroad to create a complete funding plan.
Living on a budget: Tips for Indian students abroad
Living costs can make up a large portion of your overall expenses. Here’s how to manage day-to-day spending in low living cost study destinations:
Choose Shared Housing or Student Residences
Shared living arrangements are more affordable than private apartments. Student hostels often include utilities, Wi-Fi, and security. So you don’t have to pay for them separately. In Germany or Poland, for example, sharing a 3-bedroom apartment with other students can cost ₹15,000–₹20,000/month per person. A private studio might be ₹35,000–₹45,000/month. That’s a yearly saving of ₹2–3 lakhs.
Cook Your Meals
Eating out is expensive in most countries. Learning to cook simple Indian meals can save you thousands over the course of your program. Also, it is a much healthier option as compared to eating out everyday.
Use Student Discounts
Many countries offer transport, entertainment, and retail discounts to students. Get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) to access discounts worldwide. For example, a student transport pass in Warsaw costs about ₹800/month vs. ₹3,000/month for regular commuters. Over a year, that’s ₹26,400 saved. That’s enough to cover one month’s rent in shared housing.
Budgeting Apps
Use tools like Splitwise, Mint, or YNAB (You Need A Budget) to track your spending. This helps avoid unnecessary expenses and stay within your budget.
Part-Time Work
Most countries allow 10–20 hours of work per week. Use this to cover living costs, but be sure to balance it with your academic workload. Other than helping fund your education, part time work can also help you gain valuable experience. This experience can come in handy when applying for full-time employment.
With these simple, yet effective tips, you can make study abroad more affordable, while also gaining life skills.
Also Read: Tips to Save Money While Studying Abroad
Education loans and financing support for budget friendly study abroad destinations
Most students need some form of financial support to study abroad. If personal or family savings aren’t enough, you can depend on education loans for studying abroad to cover up to 100% of your costs.
The exact loan sanction amount, however, depends on your study abroad destination, course, credit profile, and the lender.
Top options for getting study abroad loans for students in Hyderabad include:
Government Banks (SBI, Bank of Baroda, etc.):
- Offer lower interest rates (around 8–10%)
- Longer repayment periods
- Require collateral for amounts over ₹7.5 lakh
NBFCs (HDFC Credila, Avanse, InCred, etc.):
- Faster processing and flexible terms
- Higher approval rates
- Often do not require collateral for select courses or countries
You can also use next-gen reverse loan search platforms like GradRight, where lenders bid on your profile. This means you get the best offers and the option to choose the most suitable loan terms.
What to Check Before Choosing a Loan
Before you select an education loan for studying abroad, consider the following factors:
- Total cost over time (including interest)
- Moratorium period (when repayment starts)
- Processing fees and documentation required
It’s important to compare loan offers carefully. At GradRight, we help students compare multiple education loan offers in one place. This ensures full transparency and better terms.
Final thoughts
Studying abroad doesn’t have to mean years of financial strain. With budget-friendly destinations, Hyderabad students can earn a world-class degree without breaking the bank. A well-planned budget today is the foundation for financial freedom tomorrow. So don’t wait, pick your budget-friendly destination and live your study abroad dream.
FAQs
1. What are the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students in 2025?
Germany, Poland, Malaysia, Mexico, and Norway are among the most budget-friendly study abroad destinations.
2. How can Hyderabad students study abroad on a low budget?
To study abroad on a low budget, here’s what Hyderabad students should do:
- Start early and pick low-cost study abroad programs
- Apply for scholarships
- Look for student-friendly destinations abroad.
You can also combine funding sources like scholarships and loans to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
3. Which scholarships are available for Hyderabad students studying overseas?
Some of the scholarships available for Hyderabad students include:
- DAAD (Germany)
- Erasmus+ (Europe)
- MIS (Malaysia)
There are also many university-level and Indian scholarships to consider.
4. Are there affordable education loans for studying abroad in India?
Yes. Many public sector banks and NBFCs offer education loans with competitive rates and flexible repayment terms.
5. What are the best cost-effective study abroad destinations in 2025?
Countries like Germany, Poland, and Malaysia offer cost-effective master’s and bachelor’s programs with excellent ROI. They also have affordable student visa options and welcoming international student environments.
