Average Cost of Studying Abroad in Indian Rupees

Pursuing higher education abroad is a significant aspiration for many Indian students. However, this dream of studying abroad comes with a higher price. This article comes with the complete costs of studying abroad, their key components and a country-wise breakdown to aid Indian students in financial planning.
One of the major factors you consider while planning to study abroad is the cost. The total costs involved in your journey of getting higher education abroad depend on a lot of factors like the country you are going to, the university/school you are selecting and the city you are going to live in. However, the tuition fees make up a significant part of the overall expenses, showing notable differences depending on the country, the kind of educational institution (whether public or private), and the level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate). In this article, we will present a detailed average of the cost of studying abroad. Students should also know when to start thinking about finances for studying abroad. Also, those who are too concerned about finances can learn about the most affordable countries to study abroad.
- Major Factors Influencing the Costs to Study Abroad
- Average Tuition Fees and Living Expenses of Major Study Abroad Destinations
- Factors to Consider While Planning to Study Abroad
Major Factors Influencing the Costs to Study Abroad
The cost of studying abroad for Indian students has two major components, i.e. the cost of tuition and the cost of living abroad. The cost of studying involves tuition fees, the cost of study materials, an administration fee, a standardised exam fee and more. While the cost of living estimates the accommodation costs, and the costs of travelling (daily commute), food, groceries and other utilities. Several key components of the expenses to study abroad are given below:
- Academic Tuition Fee: First and foremost expense for studying abroad is the tuition fees. It is the major expense in the overall costs involved, followed by the accommodation cost. The amount of tuition fee depends on the university to university, the level of the program and its specialisation, and also the country where one is going to study. Public universities receive their funding from governments, so in many countries (like Germany), they charge minimal fees from students, although they offer world-class education. Know Public and Private Universities: Which One is Better?
- Accommodation/housing cost: Two major components, tuition and accommodation or housing, are the biggest concern for anyone going to study abroad. Various study programs include accommodation fees in the overall charges. However, not every student gets university accommodation, and they have to shell out more for staying in rented places. Check: How to Find Student Accommodation Abroad?
- Living cost: You can also include the accommodation expenses under this category. This cost varies depending on the place you are staying and your standard of living as well. The day-to-day expenses of a student are included in it. The majority of the students try to cover this cost by working part-time wherever possible, along with their studies. However, part-time work has its limitations. Food is also a major contributor to living expenses.
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Transportation: Many aspirants merge it with the living expenses and don't consider it a major expense. However, after tuition and living expenses, transportation is one of the major expenses which students should focus on while planning for finances. Students take into account only the flight cost. Although students should take into account this cost as well, as they need something for transit on a daily basis. Tip: In various major study abroad destinations, students can use Student Discount Cards or weekly passes rather than paying for single trips, as this will come in handy for savings.
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Visa fee: The visa fee for the majority of countries ranges between INR 10,000 to INR 30,000.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory in most countries, with expenses varying according to the level of coverage and geographical area.
- Standardised Test Fees: Along with university and visa application fees, Indian students also need to bear the costs of standardised tests. Universities abroad assess a student's profile based on several factors such as their updated student CV, LORs, SOP, and standardised test scores, which often have the highest weightage in the selection criteria. These tests cost somewhere around INR 10,000 to 20,000 on average, hence, Indian students should prepare well.
Also Read:
Average Tuition Fees and Living Expenses of Major Study Abroad Destinations
Here is the average cost of studying abroad in major and evolving countries:
1. Cost of Studying in the US
The USA is the top destination for studying abroad. Degrees earned from studying in the USA are accepted worldwide, and not just that, the work experience that you gain in this country is required all over the world, and hence, counted towards your total experience even when you switch countries. Even though the USA is the top choice among Indian students, its living costs and tuition fees are a major concern among them. At the public universities in the USA, the average annual fees for tuition of UG courses vary from ₹16.6 lakhs to ₹29.1 lakhs, while that for PG programs range from ₹24.9 lakhs to ₹41.6 lakhs.
On the other hand, the private universities in the USA charge more, with UG courses' fees ranging from ₹24.9 lakhs to ₹49.8 lakhs and PG courses costs ranging from ₹33.2 lakhs to ₹62.3 lakhs each year. Here is a breakdown of the average costs involved in studying in the USA:
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Cost of Studying in the USA | ||
---|---|---|
Key Components |
Average Cost (in USD) |
Average Cost (in INR) |
Tuition Fee |
|
₹16.5 L – 45.5 L |
Living Expense |
|
₹9 L – 14.85 L |
Health Insurance |
|
₹1 – 2 L /year |
Visa Fees |
|
₹30,000 – 60,000 |
Additional Costs |
|
₹2 – 5 lakhs/year |
- Average first-year tuition fees are based on 799 BE/Btech courses in the USA.
- Average living expense is based on 1047 colleges in the USA
2. Cost of Studying in Canada
Canada is a major popular study abroad destination, known for its excellent education, top universities and work opportunities after graduation. The country offers a multicultural experience and a globally recognised degree, which helps students in the long run. The average annual tuition fee for international students in Canada for UG courses is approximately $36,100, while for PG courses, it is about $21,100. Those who are thinking of going to study in Canada can check the average costs required in the process below.
Cost of Studying in Canada | ||
---|---|---|
Key Components |
Average Cost (in CAD) |
Average Cost (in INR) |
Tuition Fee |
CAD 16,600 to CAD 83,300 |
₹10.4 L - ₹52.2 L |
Living Expense |
CAD 20,000 |
₹12.5 L |
Health Insurance |
CAD 600 - CAD 1,000 per year |
₹37.5k – ₹62.6k/year |
Visa Fees |
CAD 150 |
₹9.4k |
Additional Costs |
CAD 20,000 to CAD 87,000 (including Guaranteed Investment Certificate, travel expenses, and exam fees) |
₹12.5 L – ₹55 L/year |
- Average first-year tuition fees are based on 433 BE/Btech courses in Canada
- Average living expense is based on 175 colleges in Canada
3. Cost of Studying in Australia
Home to some of the best universities in the world, and student-friendly post-study immigration policies, make Australia a current favourite destination among Indian students. The country offers an excellent standard of living, which promises a great student life and personal life. The cost of living and the cost of studying in Australia are fairly high, but if one can afford to study in a well-reputed or high-ranked college in Australia, then they can lead a rich and prosperous life in the country. Here is the breakdown of costs involved in the overall costs to study in Australia:
Cost of Studying in Australia | ||
---|---|---|
Key Components |
Average Cost (in AUD) |
Average Cost (in INR, approx. values) |
Tuition Fee |
UG: AUD 20,000 - 45,000 PG: AUD 22,000 - 50,000 |
UG: ₹11 L – ₹25 L PG: ₹12 L - ₹28 L |
Overall Living Expense |
AUD 29,710 |
₹16.6 L |
Health Insurance |
AUD 500 to AUD 650 per year |
₹28k – ₹36.4k/year |
Visa Fees (Subclass 500) |
UG: AUD 1,945 PG: AUD 1,600 |
UG: ₹1 L PG: ₹89.5k |
- Average first-year tuition fees are based on 327 BE/Btech courses in Australia
- Average living expense is based on 973 colleges in Australia
4. Cost of Studying in the UK
Unlike in other countries, the tuition fee in the UK is decided on the basis of the type of course you are going to pursue. Students who prefer the traditional mode of teaching must study in the UK. Studying in the country not just promises a higher ROI over the others but its two-year post-study work visa is also an added advantage for international students. Aspirants who are planning to pursue their higher studies in the UK can check the breakdown of the cost of studying in the UK below.
Cost of Studying in the UK | ||
---|---|---|
Key Components |
Average Cost (in GBP) |
Average Cost (in INR, approx. values) |
Tuition Fee |
UG: £11,000 - £26,000 PG: £13,000 - £21,000 |
UG: ₹12.8 L – ₹30 L PG: ₹15 L - ₹24.4 L |
Overall Living Expense |
£14,000 to £22,000 per year |
₹16.3 L - ₹25.6 L per year |
Health Insurance |
£776 per year |
₹90.3k/year |
Visa Fees |
£524 |
₹61k |
- Average first-year tuition fees are based on 1021 MS courses in the UK
- Average living expense is based on 398 colleges in the UK
5. Cost of Studying in France
France is home to several top universities and provides quality education at a lower price. The public universities in France charge a minimal tuition fee, while the tuition fee at the private universities is also lower than in most major study abroad destinations, i.e. EUR 10,000. Studying in France can be affordable, given that you stay in cities that require lower living costs to support yourself. For this reason, living in cities like Paris, Nice, and Lyon can add the zeroes to your overall living budget. Check how international students can study in France for free. Here is the detailed estimate of the cost of studying in France:
Cost of Studying in the France | ||
---|---|---|
Key Components |
Average Cost (in EUR) |
Average Cost (in INR, approx. values) |
Tuition Fee |
€2,850 (UG) - €3879 (PG) per annum |
₹2.8 L (UG) – ₹3.8 L (PG) per year |
Overall Living Expense |
€1,185 per month |
₹1.15 L per month |
Health Insurance |
€300 – €900/year |
₹29k - ₹88k/year |
Visa Fees |
€50 |
₹4890 |
- Average first-year tuition fees are based on 143 MBA courses in France
- Average living expense is based on 93 colleges in France
Factors to Consider While Planning to Study Abroad
Studying abroad takes a lot of investment and your time and efforts; hence, planning for it should be done in a proper strategic manner. Here are some factors to consider:
- Do not rely on the income you can generate from the part-time work to cover your expenses.
- Make sure that the fee mentioned in the offer letter is fixed, otherwise, the university holds the right to increase the fee during your course.
- The interest rate on student loans varied from bank to bank. Various private banks charge more in comparison to the public sector banks. They also charge more processing fees in comparison to the public sector banks. However, they also offer large ticket loans, i.e. students can take loans of larger amounts from private banks and financial institutions.
Note: While considering various expenses, aspirants should also include the hidden costs of studying abroad.
There are a lot of factors which you need to figure out before going to study abroad. However, once you complete this planning, you will realise that all this hard work was worth it. The exposure of studying and working with people from all over the world, knowing different cultures and ethnicities, will broaden your outlook towards things. Ultimately, it will open a door to a plethora of opportunities for you.
Vancouver Community College is a premier and one of the oldest community colleges in Canada. VCC does not officially publish data on the acceptance rate. However as per some unofficial sources, Vancouver Community College acceptance rate ranges between 50% - 75%. VCC is one of the most sought-after and popular college among international students. Please note, that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
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