Co-Founder @ theBigLeague & AdmitKard | Enabling Global Education Opportunities
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Jul 2026
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Verified 2026 Updates:
Public universities in Germany remain tuition-free for international students of every nationality, charging only a modest semester contribution
Baden-Wurttemberg is the exception, charging non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester
Norway ended free tuition for non-EU and non-EEA students in autumn 2023, so Indian students there now pay annual fees
India's Padho Pardesh interest-subsidy scheme was discontinued from 2022-23, while the National Overseas Scholarship continues to fund eligible students studying abroad.
⚡ Quick Answer
Indians can study abroad affordably by choosing tuition-free or low-fee countries like Germany, applying for government and university scholarships, and controlling living costs. Public universities in Germany charge no tuition, only a small semester contribution, while scholarships such as the National Overseas Scholarship cover full fees for eligible candidates.
Foreign education feels expensive, but the total cost depends heavily on where you study and how you fund it. With the right mix of destination, scholarships, part-time work, and disciplined budgeting, an overseas degree can cost a fraction of the headline figures you see for the UK or USA.
📌
Verified 2026 Updates:
Public universities in Germany remain tuition-free for international students of every nationality, charging only a modest semester contribution
Baden-Wurttemberg is the exception, charging non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester
Norway ended free tuition for non-EU and non-EEA students in autumn 2023, so Indian students there now pay annual fees
India's Padho Pardesh interest-subsidy scheme was discontinued from 2022-23, while the National Overseas Scholarship continues to fund eligible students studying abroad.
How Can Indians Study Abroad for Cheap?
Pick tuition-free or low-fee countries such as Germany, France, or Austria
Apply for Indian government and university scholarships early
Work part-time within your visa limits to cover living costs
Use student discounts on transport, museums, and software
Build a monthly budget and share accommodation to cut rent
Co-Founder @ theBigLeague & AdmitKard | Enabling Global Education Opportunities
Rachit Agrawal is the co-founder of AdmitKard, a platform that simplifies how students apply to universities worldwide. A serial entrepreneur with 12+ years across technology, consulting, and education, he leads product, customer relationships, and strategic partnerships — work that has helped thousands of students find their best-fit courses and institutions. Before AdmitKard, he co-founded and sold LifePad, a managed marketplace for furnished rentals, to Fella Homes in an all-cash deal, and earlier advised clients on strategy and operations as a consultant at The Boston Consulting Group. He began his career in engineering roles at Microsoft and Adobe, building products at global scale. He holds an MBA from IIM Calcutta and a B.Tech (Hons.) in Information Technology from IIIT Allahabad. He's driven by building an ecosystem that opens up global education and career opportunities for everyone.
