How much it cost to study abroad?
1. Tuition fee is your primary expense
This is the most important and major chunk of your study abroad expenses and depends on the type of qualification and institution you opt for. Here’s a quick overview of the tuition fee for different programs in our top destinations.
Destination | Undergraduate Program (annually) | Postgraduate master’s degree (annually) | Doctoral degree (annually) |
Canada | CAD 13,000 to CAD 20,000 | CAD 17,000 to CAD 25,000 | CAD 7,000 to CAD 15,000 |
New Zealand | NZD 20,500 to NZD 25,000 | NZD 19,000 to NZD 29,000 | NZD 6,500 to NZD 9,000 |
Australia | AUD 15,000 to AUD 33,000 | AUD 20,000 to AUD 42,000 | AUD 20,000 to AUD 42,000 |
UK | £10,000 to £20,000 | £10,000 to £20,000 | £15,000 to £24,000 |
US | USD 20,000 to USD 40,000 | USD 20,000 to USD 45,000 | USD 28,000 to USD 55,000 |
Ireland | €9,850 to €25,500 | €9,500 to €34,500 | €9,500 to €34,500 |
*Please note all fee figures are indicative
You can always apply for various scholarships available for Indian students to bring down your educational expenses when studying abroad.
2. Where will you stay?
You can choose from on-campus residence facilities if your institution offers one, else off-campus accommodation options include sharing apartments with a fellow from India. Remember, the rentals vary from region to region. Your counsellor can help you explore various accommodation options available to you in your study destination.
3. Know your student visa cost
Every country has its own set of rules and costs when it comes to visa. Speak with your counsellor to know the latest updates regarding the student visa procedure of your chosen study destination.
Know more about student visa procedures in
Canada | New Zealand | Australia | UK | US | Ireland
4. Don’t ignore your living expenses
When you stay in a new country, you’ll have to adapt to its culture and ways of living, and this sometimes comes with a cost. Keep some money aside for your everyday expenses, grocery, communication (data and calling) expenses, stationery, utilities, social activities and emergencies. Do keep track of your expenditures to manage your budget well.
To have a close approximate of what your living expenses when studying abroad may look like, try our cost of living calculator.
5. Health support is important
Make sure you have medical insurance before your program starts, it is mandatory for all students travelling abroad! For instance, the average cost for medical insurance in Canada ranges between CAD 300- CAD 800 a year (indicative).
Just know that as an international student from India, you will have access to extensive health and support services in every destination. Your counsellor will help you with the health insurance that is right for you.
6. You’ll have to commute
Enquire if your institution provides with a shuttle service. If not, you’ll have to rely on the available public transport. Locally, you can make use of regional trains, buses, and subways, the schedule of which is available on the web or government listings. Getting monthly passes for commuting to your institution is an affordable option.
7. When you earn, you pay taxes
Indian students studying abroad are allowed to work for a few hours every week (approx. 20 hrs) during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. Remember, when you earn, you’ll be liable to pay taxes as well. Do ensure if your visa conditions permit working, and check with your counsellor about such opportunities.
Do consider the exchange rate variations as they may also affect your budgeting. It is a wise idea to look for a part-time job or seek scholarships to lower the cost of studying abroad.