How to Study Abroad for Free: A Complete Guide for Indian Students

Dreaming of studying abroad but think it’s too expensive? Many Indian students believe the same, but the reality is different. 

Did you know Germany alone hosts over 416,000 international students and offers free tuition at public universities? Similarly, Norway and Austria provide tuition-free or low-cost education options for students worldwide.

Here’s how you can make it happen:

• Fully Funded Scholarships: Programs like DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, or Chevening cover tuition and living expenses.
• Tuition-Free Universities: Found in Germany, Norway, and Finland for eligible students.
• Part-Time Work: Countries like Canada and Australia allow students to work up to 20 hours a week.
• Exchange Programs: Short-term programs with reduced costs and benefits.
• Online and Hybrid Programs: Save on travel and living expenses by studying remotely first.

According to UNESCO, over 1 million Indian students are currently pursuing education abroad. You can join them by exploring these cost-effective pathways. This guide will show you how to study abroad for free!

Steps on How to Study Abroad for Free

Want to study abroad without spending a fortune? It’s possible if you know how to study abroad for free. 

1. Find Tuition-Free Universities

Some countries, like Germany, Norway, and Austria, have public universities that don’t charge tuition fees for international students. All you need to cover are living costs and semester fees.

2. Apply for Scholarships

Many organizations and universities offer scholarships to international students. These can cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both.

3. Use Exchange Programs

If your university has partnerships with international institutions, you can join exchange programs. You’ll pay tuition fees to your home university but study abroad.

4. Look for Low-Cost Destinations

Choose countries with affordable education and living costs. Some popular options include Poland, Czech Republic, and Brazil.

5. Learn the Local Language

In countries like Germany, France, or the Czech Republic, tuition-free courses are often taught in the local language. Learning the language can unlock more options for free education.

6. Work Part-Time

Many countries allow students to work while studying. This helps you cover living costs and gives you work experience. Check the work-hour limits at your destination.

Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students

India is among the top three countries sending students abroad, with more than 1.3 million Indian students pursuing education overseas as of 2023. Fully funded scholarships are one of the best ways to make this dream affordable. They cover everything from tuition fees to living expenses and sometimes even travel. If you are an Indian student with big dreams, there’s financial help available to support your journey.

Government Scholarships

Governments worldwide offer scholarships to attract international students. These programs often provide full financial support for eligible candidates.

• Chevening Scholarships (UK)
  • Over 1,500 scholarships awarded globally each year.
  • Covers tuition, living expenses, and flights for master’s students.
  • Applicants need a strong academic background and leadership potential.
• DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
  • Funded by the German government, supporting over 100,000 international students annually.
  • Includes a monthly stipend of €850 (₹76,950) for postgraduate students and €1,200 (₹1,08,670) for doctoral students, plus travel and health insurance.
• Fulbright-Nehru Scholarships (USA)
  • Supports approximately 8,000 students worldwide every year, including Indian students pursuing master’s or doctoral programs.
  • Fully funds tuition, living costs, and airfare.

University-Specific Scholarships

Some universities offer their own scholarships to attract talented international students. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, financial need, or specific areas of study.

• Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford, UK)

Funds more than 100 scholarships annually for postgraduate programs.

Covers tuition, living costs of up to £17,310 per year (₹17,71,500), and flights.

• Eiffel Scholarship (France)

Targets students in fields like engineering, law, and economics.

Offers a monthly allowance of €1,181 (₹1,07,000) for master’s students and €1,400 (₹1,26,850) for doctoral students, plus travel and health insurance.

• Adelaide Scholarships (Australia)

Available for postgraduate students.

Covers tuition fees (up to AUD 28,000 annually, ₹15,10,800), a living allowance, and health insurance.

Scholarships from Private Organizations

Private foundations and companies also support Indian students with financial aid. These scholarships often target specific fields or promote diversity.

• Tata Scholarship (Cornell University, USA)

Provides financial aid to up to 20 Indian undergraduate students annually.

Covers tuition and additional costs based on demonstrated financial need.

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

Offers scholarships to students in fields like arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Provides funding of up to USD 100,000 (₹82,30,000) for tuition, living expenses, and travel.

• Google Generation Scholarship

Designed for students in tech-related fields.

Awards USD 2,500 (₹2,05,750) to USD 10,000 (₹8,23,000) per student and promotes diversity in STEM.

Countries Offering Free or Low-Cost Education for International Students

Some of the best education systems in the world charge little to no tuition fees for international students. Countries like Germany, Norway, and Finland are popular destinations, offering free or low-cost education to students from across the globe. 

Table: List of Countries Offering Free or Low-Cost Education

Country	Tuition Fee Policy	Additional Benefits
Germany	No tuition fees at public universities (small semester fee of €150–€300, ₹13,600–₹27,200).	Part-time work allowed (up to 20 hours/week); scholarships like DAAD.
Norway	Free tuition at public universities, even for non-EU students.	High-quality education and work opportunities during studies.
Finland	Free tuition for EU/EEA students; low fees for others (~€6,000–€18,000/year, ₹5,44,000–₹16,32,000).	Scholarships for non-EU students; English-taught programs available.
Austria	Low tuition fees (~€1,500/year, ₹1,36,000) for non-EU students.	Affordable living costs and easy visa processes for students.
Czech Republic	Free tuition for programs in Czech; low fees for English programs (~€3,000/year, ₹2,72,000).	Centrally located in Europe; affordable student living.

Note: Costs may vary as per the current conversion rate.

How to Secure Tuition-Free Education Abroad

Studying abroad for free or at a minimal cost requires careful planning and research. Many countries and universities have specific requirements, and focusing on these details can improve your chances of success.

Tips for Applying to Tuition-Free Universities

1. Start Early
   Begin researching universities and programs at least 12–18 months in advance. Deadlines for applications and scholarships can vary widely.
2. Meet Language Requirements
   Some tuition-free universities offer programs in English, but others may require proficiency in the local language. Check for required language certifications like IELTS, TOEFL, or others.
3. Prepare a Strong Application
   • Write a compelling statement of purpose (SOP).
   • Gather letters of recommendation from teachers or professors.
   • Highlight extracurricular activities and achievements.
4. Check Financial Proof Requirements
   Even for tuition-free programs, many countries ask students to show proof of funds for living expenses.
5. Research Scholarships
   Explore government scholarships or university-specific aid programs that can support living costs.

Programs with Waived Fees for International Students

Several universities and programs waive tuition fees entirely for international students, making studying abroad much more affordable. For example:

• Germany: Public universities charge no tuition fees, only a semester fee of €150–€300 (₹13,600–₹27,200).
• Scandinavian Universities (Norway, Finland, Sweden): Free or minimal fees for select programs taught in English.
• Czech Republic: Tuition-free programs in the Czech language at public universities.

Work Opportunities While Studying Abroad

Many countries allow international students to work part-time while pursuing their degrees. It’s a great way to manage expenses, gain work experience, and explore the culture of your host country.

Part-Time Job Options for Students

International students can explore various part-time job opportunities, both on-campus and off-campus.

On-Campus Jobs

• Library Assistant: Help organize and manage library resources.
• Teaching Assistant: Assist professors with grading or conducting tutorials.
• Research Assistant: Collaborate on academic projects in your area of study.
• Café Staff: Work at campus cafes or dining halls.

Retail Jobs

• Store Assistant: Work in retail stores or supermarkets.
• Cashier: Manage billing counters in malls or grocery stores.

Hospitality Roles

• Waitstaff or Barista: Serve customers at cafes and restaurants.
• Receptionist: Work in hotels or guesthouses.

Freelancing and Remote Work

• Tutor: Teach subjects you’re skilled in, such as math, coding, or English.
• Content Writing: Write blogs, articles, or social media posts.
• Graphic Designer or Web Developer: Work with clients on creative projects.

Delivery Jobs: Deliver food or packages through services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or local equivalents.

Seasonal Work: During holidays or festivals, take up short-term roles like gift wrapping, assisting with events, or working at markets.

Countries That Allow Students to Work and Study

Each country has its own rules about how many hours students can work while studying. Here’s a comparison of popular study destinations:

Here’s a comparison of work opportunities for international students in popular study destinations:

Country	Work Hour Limit (Per Week)	Minimum Wage (Approx.) (INR)
Australia	48 hours/fortnight (20 hours/week)	AUD 21.38/hour (₹1,159/hour)
Canada	20 hours during term, full-time in breaks	CAD 16.65/hour (₹1,016/hour)
Germany	20 hours during term, 40 hours during breaks	€12/hour (₹1,086/hour)
USA	20 hours (on-campus only in the first year)	USD 7.25–15/hour (₹597–₹1,234/hour)
UK	20 hours during term, full-time in breaks	GBP 10.42/hour (₹1,055/hour)
New Zealand	20 hours during term, full-time in breaks	NZD 22.70/hour (₹1,135/hour)
France	20 hours during term, 964 hours/year	€11.52/hour (₹1,043/hour)

Note: Rules and wages may vary by location. Always check work regulations specific to your student visa.

Exchange Programs and Agreements Between Indian and Foreign Universities

Exchange programs allow Indian students to study at partner universities abroad while paying tuition fees at their home institution. Plus, you get access to scholarships or funding that further reduces costs.

Here’s why exchange programs are worth considering:

• Students pay their home institution’s fees, which are often lower than international tuition rates.
• Exchange programs offer a unique chance to experience a new country and its education system.
• Most programs allow students to transfer credits seamlessly between the partner institutions.

Notable Exchange Programs and Partnerships

• SPARC Initiative: A collaboration between India’s Ministry of Education and global universities to fund research and student exchanges.
• Erasmus+ Program: This Europe-based initiative offers Indian students exchange opportunities with European universities like TU Delft (Netherlands) and the University of Vienna (Austria).
• ICCR Scholarships: Offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, these scholarships help Indian students study in countries like South Korea, Russia, and Japan.
• Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship: A flagship program between the USA and India, it provides scholarships for Indian students to pursue master's degrees, PhDs, or research opportunities in the USA.
• Indo-French Academic Exchange Program (IFCPAR): A partnership between the Indian and French governments, this program focuses on fostering student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and PhD collaborations.
• New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA): A joint initiative by Education New Zealand and eight universities in New Zealand, this program offers scholarships for Indian students to study full-time or as exchange students in fields like engineering, business, and science.

How Exchange Programs Reduce Costs

1. Tuition Fees: Pay lower fees at your Indian university while studying at a foreign institution.
2. Scholarships: Many programs offer funding for travel, accommodation, or living expenses.
3. Dual Degrees: Some exchanges allow students to earn dual degrees, boosting career prospects at a fraction of the usual cost.

Tips to Save Costs While Studying Abroad

A little planning and a few smart choices can help you save a lot. Here’s what you can do:

1. Start Planning Early

2. Apply for Multiple Scholarships

3. Go for Shared Housing

4. Cook Your Own Food

5. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

6. Buy Second-Hand Books or Go Digital

7. Save on Transport

8. Book Flights Early

9. Track Your Spending

Online and Hybrid Learning Models by upGrad Abroad to Save Costs

upGrad Abroad’s accelerated pathway programs can help you study abroad without draining your savings. These programs let you start your studies online from the comfort of your home and then complete the rest of your degree on campus. This way, you can save big on living expenses for 1–2 years while still earning a degree from a top international university.

Some Programs You Can Explore with upGrad Abroad

• MPS in Applied Machine Intelligence
  University: Northeastern University, USA
  Duration: 8 Months Online + 1 Year 3 Months On-Campus
• MS in Project Management
  University: Northeastern University, USA
  Duration: 8 Months Online + 1 Year 3 Months On-Campus
• MBA Specialization
  University: IMT Ghaziabad + ABS Paris
  Duration: 11 Months Online + 1 Year On-Campus
• BBA
  University: Golden Gate University, Canada
  Duration: 1 Year Online + 3 Years On-Campus
• BSc in Applied Data Science
  University: Golden Gate University + ISM Germany
  Duration: 1 Year Online + 2 Years On-Campus

We’ve Got You Covered

• IELTS Articles and PTE Articles to ace your language tests.
• Help with writing your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letter of Recommendation (LOR).
• Browse scholarships to reduce costs even further.

Why wait? Explore our programs now and let us help you make studying abroad more affordable!