Study abroad
Studying abroad does not always mean spending ₹40–50 lakh. From public universities in Europe to carefully chosen master’s programmes in the UK, students planning for 2027 may have more options than they think.
Ask a student where they want to study abroad, and the answer is often the UK, Canada or Australia. Ask their parents how much they are willing to spend, and the conversation takes a different turn.
For many Indian families, ₹20–25 lakh is a substantial investment. It may represent years of savings, an education loan or a combination of both. Naturally, parents want to know whether that amount is enough to provide their child with a good international education.
The interesting part is that the answer depends less on the country and more on the university, course and city a student chooses.
Take the UK, for example. A one-year master’s degree can sometimes be completed within a carefully planned ₹25 lakh budget, particularly at universities with relatively affordable tuition fees or where the student qualifies for a scholarship. Studying in London, however, can change the calculation considerably. The UK’s current Student visa financial requirement alone is £1,529 per month for living expenses in London, compared with £1,171 outside London, for up to nine months.
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Germany presents a different picture. Many public universities charge little or no tuition fees for standard degree programmes, although exceptions exist. Students still need to account for living expenses, semester contributions, insurance and other costs. They may also need to demonstrate sufficient funds to meet visa requirements. Low tuition fees, therefore, do not mean studying for free.
France is another destination worth considering. For the 2026–27 academic year, the published tuition fee for non-EU students at applicable public institutions is €3,950 annually for a master’s degree, with certain exemptions. Private institutions and specialised programmes may charge considerably more.
Students could also explore selected universities in Italy and other European countries, where tuition fees and scholarships may make an international degree financially achievable. However, language requirements, course availability and living expenses must be considered before making comparisons.
There is another factor families sometimes overlook: course duration.
A one-year master’s degree and a two-year programme cannot be compared simply by looking at annual tuition fees. An additional year brings further accommodation, food, insurance and personal expenses. On the other hand, a longer programme may offer academic or practical advantages relevant to the student’s career plans.
Scholarships can also change the entire calculation. A partial reduction in tuition fees can help students save money for living expenses or reduce the amount a family needs to borrow.
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Of course, the cheapest university is not necessarily the right one. Students should consider the course curriculum, recognition of the qualification, location, career support and opportunities available after graduation. Part-time employment should be treated as a possible supplement, not the foundation of an education budget.
For parents, the better question may not be, “Which country can we afford?” but rather, “Which university and course will give our child the best possible education within the budget we are comfortable spending?”
Studying abroad is a significant investment. And, like any investment, it deserves careful planning before the first payment is made.
About the author
Papiya Majumdar is an international education strategist specialising in global admissions, Ivy League mentoring and higher education partnerships. With over 15 years of experience across international education, she writes on emerging trends, policy changes and the decisions shaping the future of global student mobility.
Last updated on 16 Oct 2026