Which Asian Country Seems Most Budget Friendly for Indian Students
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Which Asian Country Seems Most Budget Friendly for Indian Students

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Raj
Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Updated on Jul 31, 2025 09:35 IST

Check out the most budget friendly Asian country for higher studies. Total 530 participants voted in this poll where the options were Japan, UAE, Singapore, and China. With exclusive poll data and detailed comparisons of tuition, living costs, scholarships, and lifestyle, readers can make informed study-abroad choices in Asia’s top student destinations.

Which Asian Country Seems Most Budget Friendly for Indian Students

Due to multiple policy changes in top study destinations, Indian students are choosing Asian countries for higher education. World class universities, close proximity to India and cultural familiarity are some key reasons behind this. Another important factor in deciding a study destination is cost. We recently conducted a poll and asked, "Which Asian Country Seems Most Budget Friendly for Indian Students?”.

Total 530 people took part in this poll. This recent poll revealed that Japan is the top choice (45%), followed by the UAE (29%), Singapore (18%), and China (8%). These figures highlight not only popularity but also the need to explore affordability. In this article, we will help you to explain the results of this poll and give a clear idea about tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, and overall lifestyle in these countries.

Table of content
  • Poll Result Overview: Affordable Asian Country to Study
  • Japan: Most Affordable Asian Country
  • UAE: A New Education Hub for Indians
  • 18% Votes to Singapore
  • 8% Voted for China

Poll Result Overview: Affordable Asian Country to Study

Here is a complete breakdown of the poll results, where we asked our readers, "Which Asian Country Seems More Budget Friendly for Indians".

Which Asian Country Seems Most Budget Friendly for Indian Students?

We have covered tuition fees, cost of living, scholarship options, and part time work opportunities in these countries. Also, we have covered the safety perspective. In short, a comprehensive guide for Indian students who are considering these countries for higher studies.

Country Name Voting Percentage Number of Actual Voters
Japan 45% 239
United Arab Emirates (UAE) 29% 154
Singapore 18% 95
China 8% 42
Total 100% 530

Japan: Most Affordable Asian Country

45% Voters said that they want to study in Japan. It is the most affordable Asian country. The average cost of studying in Japan is between YEN 820,000 (INR 5,81,600) to YEN 1.64 million (INR 11,63,100) as tuition fees to pursue UG and PG courses in Japanese universities. Fees vary depending on the university, field of study, and whether the institution is public or private. However, it is still affordable than in Indian private universities.

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Aspect Details
Average Monthly Living Cost in Japan YEN 130,00 to YEN 150,000 (INR 75,000 to INR 86,000) per month without rent
City Variations Tokyo and other major cities are expensive, while regional/suburban areas are more affordable
Japanese Scholarships
  • MEXT
  • JASSO
  • Hanjo Foundation Scholarship
  • University level grants
Part-Time Work Options Up to 28 hours/week, on-campus or off-campus
Pros to Study in Japan
  • A safe country
  • High quality education
  • Multiple availability of scholarships
Cons 
  • Language barrier (in starting days)
  • Higher living costs in major cities

Which Japanese City do You Want to Study in?

In another poll, we asked the best city in Japan for studies. The objective of poll was to get an overview of recent trends among students. According to their preferences and poll results, the Japanese capital Tokyo, is the most preferred city among students, followed by Osaka, Kyoto, and Sapporo. This information will be helpful for those who are planning to study in Japan.

UAE: A New Education Hub for Indians

Yes, this is true. 29% of the total respondents said that they think the UAE is a cheaper option for them. Indian students need a budget between AED 37,000 to AED 90,000 (INR 8.83 Lakhs to INR 21.83 Lakhs) to cover the tuition fee of UG and PG courses in UAE. Students can explore and apply for scholarship options in UAE to cover the fees of the universities.







Aspect Details
Average Monthly Living Cost in UAE

AED 4,000 to 6,000 (INR 93,000 to INR 1.86 lakhs). Varies by lifestyle and city.

City Variations Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expensive cities in the world. Sharjah and other emirates are more affordable.
Scholarships
  • H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Scholarship
  • HH Sheikh Hamdan Scholarships
  • International Student Tuition Scholarships
Part-Time Work Options 6 hours daily is the limit. There is no Weekly Limit
Pros
  • Modern infrastructure
  • Multicultural experience
  • Strong Indian community
  • Top global universities
Cons
  • High rent and living costs in major cities
  • Limited types of part-time jobs in UAE
  • Legal restrictions on work

18% Votes to Singapore

95 out of 530 voters said Singapore is an ideal study destination, considering all factors for students.  As an Indian student, the monthly cost of living in Singapore is SGD 4,474, which includes accommodation, transportation, food, and other daily expenses. Also, tutition fee for UG is between INR 10 lakhs to 46 Lakhs per year. For PG courses, the tuition fee range is INR 12 lakhs to INR 40 lakhs per year. International students can do part time jobs in Singapore to cover the expenses.

Aspect Details
Cost of Studying in Singapore (UG/PG)

A budget between INR 10 Lakhs to 40 Lakhs per year for UG and PG courses

Average Living Cost

SGD 4,474 (INR 3.02 Lakhs) including rent

Scholarships to Study in Singapore
  • Tuition Grant Scheme
  • ASEAN/SINGA scholarships
  • University merit-based awards
Part-Time Work Up to 16 hrs/week (semester), full-time (vacation); valid Student Pass required
Pros
  • Proximity to India
  • English medium instruction
  • Global universities
  • Multicultural environment
Cons
  • High cost of living
  • Limited hostel accommodation

8% Voted for China

Only 42 students said that they want to study in China. 8% of Indian student poll participants chose China as the most budget-friendly Asian country for studying abroad, showing its continued popularity for affordability and opportunities. Every year, a large number of Indian students get enrolled in MBBS in China program. It is affordable to pursue MBBS in China in compare to Indian private medical colleges.

Aspect Details
Tuition Fees (UG/PG)
  • CNY 20,000–50,000/year (INR 2.4 to 6 lakhs)
  • For MBBS and Engineering: INR 8L/Per Year
Average Living Cost CNY 4,000–8,500/month (INR 48,000 to 1,00,000). Varies by city and accommodation
Scholarships
  • Chinese Government
  • University-specific
Part-Time Work Permitted but limited as university/city-specific rules apply
Top Cities/Areas Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Nanjing are popular cities
Pros
  • Affordable fees
  • Diverse campuses
  • Quality education
Cons
  • Language barrier
  • Higher costs in some cities
  • Limits on part-time work

That's all about the topic. Choosing the right Asian country for your higher studies involves balancing costs, culture, and career prospects. Clearly, Japan is the most affordable asian country. On the other side UAE, Singapore, and China each offer various advantages. As an Indian student, you should review every aspect before making a decision.

Q:   Is the Uni of Wollongong in Dubai good?
A:

Yes, the institute can be considered a good institute for higher studies abroad. The institute offers more than 40 internationally accredited degrees, licensed by the KHDA. The faculty is well-versed, and the institute enrolls more than 3,500 students from 108 countries. 

Q:   What is the fees of Jaipur National University Dubai?
A:

Jaipur National University Dubai offers low cost education to International students. Applicants from all over the world apply for JNU Dubai admission to study undergraduate courses at an affordable cost. The below table includes the Jaipur National University Dubai fees for international students for first-year:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

BBA

INR 6 L

BE/BTech

INR 6 L

BHM

INR 5 L

Q:   How is the Bachelor of Computer Science programme at BITS Pilani Dubai?
A:

BITS Pilani Dubai offers a 4-year bachelor's in Computer Science programme for international students. The curriculum is based on a wide array of advanced electives, including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Blockchain, Cryptography, AI, Embedded Systems, Quantum Computing, and more. The university offers one of the best Computer Science courses for Indian students who are seeking roles like Software Engineer, Data Scientist, or Researchers, and in-demand tech domain.

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About the Author
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Written by
Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Hi, I am Raj. I help Indian students figure out study abroad without the confusion. For 8+ years, mostly in Ed-Tech, I have written about the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. I cover what peo Read Full Bio
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