Education

Affordable education for Indian students is a dream fulfilled, but exorbitant tuition fees and living expenses can be challenging. Nevertheless, there are certain countries that provide quality education at an affordable cost. Following are the 5 cheapest countries to study abroad with low tuition and living expenses. 1. Germany—Study in World-Class Universities for Free Why Study in Germany?Germany is a leading destination for foreign students due to the fact that the majority of public universities in Germany have no tuition fees, with only a minimal administrative fee. Germany boasts a high-quality education system, particularly in the fields of engineering, business, and medicine.Popular Courses: Engineering Business Medicine Social Sciences Estimated Costs: Tuition Fees: Free (except administrative fees) Living Expenses: ₹70,000–₹1,00,000 per month Key Universities: Technical University of Munich Heidelberg University University of Stuttgart 2. Norway—Top-Notch Education without Tuition Fees Why Study in Norway?Public universities in Norway provide free education to all students, including non-EU students. Norway has a very good academic reputation, particularly in areas such as marine sciences and renewable energy.Popular Courses: Marine Sciences Renewable Energy Computer Science Estimated Costs: Tuition Fees: Free Living Expenses: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 per month Key Universities: University of Oslo Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) 3. Taiwan—Low Tuition Fees with High-Quality Education Why Choose Taiwan?Taiwan has low tuition fees and a low cost of living when compared to Western nations. It is an emerging technology and business education hub.Popular Courses: Engineering Business Medicine Information Technology Estimated Costs: Tuition Fees: ₹150,000–₹300,000 per annum Living Expenses: ₹40,000–₹70,000 per month Key Universities: National Taiwan University (NTU) National Tsing Hua University 4. Mexico—A Budget-Friendly Destination Why Choose Mexico?Mexico is a good choice because of its low fee structure and low cost of living. It also offers a rich culture and a good academic setting in humanities and environmental sciences.Popular Courses: Arts Humanities Business Environmental Sciences Estimated Costs: Tuition Fees: ₹1,00,000–₹3,50,000 per year Living Expenses: ₹40,000–₹70,000 per month Key Universities: National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) Tecnológico de Monterrey 5. Poland—Low-Cost Education in Europe Why Study in Poland?Poland provides low tuition fees and a comparatively lower living expense than other countries in Europe. It is home to some of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe.Popular Courses: Business Engineering Medicine IT Estimated Costs: Tuition Fees: ₹200,000–₹450,000 per annum Living Expenses: ₹50,000–₹80,000 per month Key Universities: University of Warsaw Jagiellonian University Conclusion For Indian students wishing to study overseas without a cost burden, these five nations provide great education at a reasonable price. If you wish to study engineering in Germany, marine sciences in Norway, or business in Poland, there are affordable opportunities for each.

UK study visa applications have posted their first increase in more than a year, indicating a turnaround in overseas student demand. In January 2025, there was a 13% rise in sponsored study visa applications, reaching 28,700, reversing the falling trend caused by the tough immigration rules introduced in 2024. A Shift After a Year of Decline UK universities over the last twelve months have also been faced with a downturn in international student enrollments. The main cause for this reduction has been the 2024 restriction on UK study visas that notably reduced the provision for international students to bring dependents. Whereas dependent application numbers continue low (at 2,300 in January 2025), the increase in student visa application numbers is positive news for the universities and overall education sector. UK Study Visa Policy and Its Effect The dependents restriction policy brought in by the old government only allows postgraduate research students to be accompanied by dependents. Thus, applications for dependents fell by 84% year on year, creating financial burdens for UK universities that are financially dependent on fees paid by international students. The new Labour government has continued enforcing the policy even after its implementation, but an increasing number of study visas indicate that there is a gradual improvement for the industry. A Brighter Future for UK Universities Although the overall application figure over the past 12 months (411,100) remains a 13% fall from the year before, the recent trend in study visa applications provides a new glimmer of hope for UK universities. Industry experts are confident that this statistic indicates a possible turnaround in international student recruitment, though funding concerns and lower enrollment remain. Conclusion The increase in UK study visa applications is a pivotal point for the education industry. Universities need to keep evolving in response to changing immigration policies while ensuring they remain competitive as a destination for foreign students. If the trend continues, the UK can reclaim its status as one of the most popular destinations for international education.

Study in Spain has grown incredibly popular among Indian students over the years because of its rich culture, diversified academic offerings, and an increasing number of English-taught programs. The talent flow into this country from India is excellent, especially at IE University in Madrid, whose popularity among Indian students is seen to be on a remarkable rise. The IE Foundation gives financial assistance to the international students, ensuring that these people get through their education and hence become the leaders in society of the future. The Increase in Indian Students in Spain The number of Indian students at IE University has increased exponentially over the last decade. From just 58 Indian students enrolled in the 2015-16 academic year, the university now boasts around 170 Indian students for the 2024-25 academic year—a staggering 200% increase. This growth reflects a broader trend of globalisation in education, as IE University emphasises its non-Spanish courses to attract a diverse student body. Geoffroy Gérard is managing director at IE Foundation and vice dean at IE School of Science and Technology. According to him, India is the top Asian country sending students to IE University, followed by Singapore and the Philippines. “Indian and South Asian students hold great importance for IE University, and we aim to increase their presence at the undergraduate level,” says Gérard. With over 15 percent of IE University’s undergraduates hailing from Asia Pacific region, it now looks forward to accepting talented candidates from India more extensively. Scholarships and Financial Support The IE Foundation plays a very significant role in supporting talented students from all around the world by offering a wide range of scholarships to help them get rid of the burden of studying abroad. Every year, the foundation grants approximately 1,000 scholarships to students coming from more than 100 nationalities. These scholarships cover not only tuition fees but also travel and living expenses, which form a comprehensive support system for scholars. Gérard underlines the quality of the applicants from India: “We are receiving amazing profiles of students each year applying for scholarships. We want more students to come forward and make use of the financial support provided by the IE Foundation.” The commitment of the foundation to fostering talent comes out in its various programs, such as the Young Talented Leader Programme. It is designed to shape future leaders with excellent academic performance and a commitment to social impact. Networking and Opportunities Apart from funding support, winners of scholarship awards at IE University are awarded opportunities to build important networks in the form of experts, researchers, or academicians. Exposure does not merely add value to academic study; it builds a foundation to ensure these students are properly set for life in professional fields. Through the support of nearly 300 fellows each year, the foundation has already seen fit to support some 45 students hailing from India. The foundation is seeking partnerships with corporations, foundations, and individuals for specific scholarship funds to bring in the best talent from India into IE University. “We look forward to the future expansion of this shared impact through strategic partnerships that will bring talent from India, Gerry adds. Conclusion Indian students continue making their mark at IE University, Spain. There is always an overwhelming abundance of opportunities for better learning and personal growth on this campus. The fact that the IE Foundation sponsors talented individuals with various scholarships has made the dream to study abroad much less encumbered by financial responsibilities. Spain is no more a mystery land for any Indian student; it now symbolises an opportunity space of innovation and leadership.

Newcastle University scholarships provide international students with the opportunity to study in the UK at a reduced cost through the VC Excellence scholarships scheme, making it cheaper to achieve their desired degree. Overview of the VC Excellence Scholarships Newcastle University, a public research institution located in Newcastle upon Tyne, is now open for applications for its VC Excellence Scholarships. The scholarships are meant to attract talented international students by offering significant reductions in tuition fees. Undergraduate Scholarship Details For undergraduate students, the VC Excellence Scholarship provides a tuition fee reduction of between 30% and 50%. To qualify, students must meet the following requirements: 1. Application Requirement: Students must have applied for an undergraduate course starting in the 2025-26 academic year (September 2025 – June 2026) and hold an offer of admission before submitting a scholarship application. Applications submitted without an offer will not be considered.2. International Student Status: Applicants must be classified as international students for tuition fee purposes.3. Academic Achievement: This shall be a minimum of an ABB at A-Level or an equivalent qualification.4. Application Deadline: Applications for this scholarship need to reach the institution before February 27, 2025. Details of Postgraduate VC Excellence Scholarship For graduate students, the VC Excellence Scholarship offers even more bountiful tuition fee scholarships with a 50%–100% discount. Eligibility conditions for this award include 1. Qualification Requirement: Candidates are required to have an accepted offer for an eligible program of a master’s degree course at Newcastle University’s city-centre campus for the 2025-26 academic session.2. International Student Requirement: The applicants must fall under the international student’s category for tuition fee payment purposes.3. Qualification Requirement: Applicants must be holding, or expect to achieve, a qualification comparable to a UK upper second-class honours degree level or above.4. Application Deadline: The deadline for the undergraduate scholarship is also February 27, 2025. How to Apply Applicants who qualify for the scholarship should apply by sending their applications to the ‘Scholarship Applications’ section on Newcastle University’s website. The application will be assessed on the basis of academic performance, commitment to studies, and overall quality of the application. Why Choose Newcastle University? Newcastle University is famous for academic excellence and innovation in research. There is vibrant student life and a diverse community and multiple support services to facilitate the stay of international students at the university. International students can get a quality education, thus having an affordable opportunity for study abroad with the VC Excellence Scholarships. Conclusion If you are an international student who wants to study in the UK, the VC Excellence Scholarships at Newcastle University are a great opportunity for your tuition fees to be reduced. This opportunity will cut your tuition fees as low as 30-100%. The scholarship intends to support talented students as they pursue their academic desires. Don’t miss your chance; apply today provided you meet the eligibility conditions by February 27, 2025.

Ireland Post-Study Work Visa benefits, mixed with its lush landscapes, tuition-friendly education system, and historic 40,000 international enrollments in the 2023-24 academic year and a 15% increase from previous years, it is becoming India’s favorite to study abroad. Why Ireland is Gaining Popularity Among Indian Students According to the latest report by ApplyBoard, based on data from Ireland’s Higher Education Authority (HEA), Indian students have emerged as the largest international student group in Ireland for the first time. Indian enrolments have grown nearly 50% year over year, now accounting for 18% of all international students in the country. Affordability of higher education in Ireland is coupled with the availability of a two-year post-study work visa for master’s holders, for which traditional destinations such as the US, UK, or Canada are no longer as alluring. Popular Fields of Study Here are the fields of study attracting the most number of international students in 2023-24:ICT (Information and Communication Technologies): Enrolments in ICT programs increased by a whopping 65%, and this reflects the increasing demand for tech talent in Ireland.1. Health and Welfare2. Business, Administration, and Law3. Engineering, Manufacturing, and Construction4. Arts and HumanitiesICT is on the verge of surging to the pinnacle as a favoured subject for international students in Ireland. Postgraduate Studies International students have tremendously surged into postgraduate studies within Ireland’s education structure. Master’s degrees have now become just about one-third in number, as compared to international students, who were merely 21% back in 2016-17. It is driving this increase primarily by the employability in Ireland and post-study work visa for two years, thus attracting Indian students to come to this country to pursue advanced degrees. Why Indian Students Prefer Ireland 1. Low Tuition Fees: Ireland offers good education at affordable tuition fees when compared with other favourite destination economies.2. Opportunities in ICT: Ireland has a flourishing ICT industry providing good employability for tech enthusiasts.3. World-Class Education: Universities in Ireland boast of innovative curricula and recognition across the world.4. Post-Study Work Visa: The two-year work visa will equip graduates with excellent international experience. Ireland vs. Traditional Destination Ireland has become one of the fastest-growing study abroad destinations in recent times, superseding countries such as the US, UK, and Canada. Affordable, high-employability rates coupled with vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes will make for an all-rounded international student experience in Ireland. Conclusion It is no accident that Ireland is emerging as the destination of choice for Indian students. Its strategic focus on education, employability, and affordability, coupled with its growing demand for tech professionals, positions it as a top choice for students around the world.Whether it is a master’s degree or studying ICT, Ireland promises a brighter future to Indian students seeking quality education and career opportunities abroad.

Australia student visa processing has undergone a transformation from the Australian government in its new strategy to manage the sudden rise in international student arrival. This is at a time when the center-left government wants to bring migration numbers under control before an expected tight election. Education Minister Jason Clare revealed the new ministerial direction, which will see applications for visas prioritized in terms of the sustainability of educational institutions. The New Visa Processing Framework The revised framework divides the applications for visas into two speed categories: high-priority and standard. If an education provider demonstrates sustainable operation, then its student visas are processed quickly until the school reaches 80 percent of the international student allotment; once this level is attained, the visa processing is going to be slowed considerably. This is a fallback after the parliament rejected the government’s proposed legislation to cap international student allocations at universities and skills colleges. The center-right opposition, while calling for caps on international students, voted against the plan, leaving the government to look elsewhere for ways to achieve its objectives. Managing Migration Ahead of Elections Given elections to be held by May 17, the Labor government is all too aware that immigration levels will be an issue of first priority. The latest estimates for net overseas migration have soared to 340,000 for the fiscal year, whereas the previous estimate was at 260,000. The new increase in migration has also triggered a concern regarding its implications on housing availability because property prices and rents keep increasing all over Australia. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the new visa processing strategy will help to regulate student numbers while still targeting the applications to regional and smaller universities, thus alleviating some of the pressure put on the larger institutions from overwhelming volumes of international students. Latest Trends of Student Visa Arrival Interestingly, the government’s efforts to manage migration seem to have been effective because recent statistics show a 25% decrease in student visa arrivals over the past year. Student visa arrivals decreased from 278,000 in June 2023 to June 2024 to 207,000. This indicates that the government’s previous measures are already having an effect, even as it looks to implement new strategies. The opposition has criticized the government for not being able to manage net migration. International students contribute to net migration, which is argued to worsen the housing crisis that Australia has been experiencing. The property prices keep on increasing, making it all the more imperative for the government to provide solutions. Conclusion Australia’s new visa processing strategy reflects the attempt of the government to weigh the benefits of international education with the challenges that high levels of migration bring. This strategy of prioritizing sustainable educational institutions and managing student numbers will hopefully alleviate public concerns while attracting international talent to the country. As the election date gets closer, this strategy’s effectiveness will be closely followed. The outcome will determine more than the future of international education in Australia; it will define the greater part of the immigration debate and the implications of immigration for the country.

Study Permit Compliance is another serious issue as most of the Indian students in Canada had been receiving emails from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), seeking that they resubmit various documents like study permits, visas, and educational documents. Understanding the Situation Students feel terrorised because their visa’s validity has been as high as two years. For Avinash Kaushik, a postgraduate from Hyderabad, it came like a shock that the government issued such an email, whereas his visa was valid up to 2026. “They even want proof of attendance, marks, and details about our part-time jobs,” he shared, reflecting the views of others who are being hassled by this sudden demand for documentation. It is most particularly pronounced among the students coming from Punjab; some are even asked to go and personally authenticate their credentials at IRCC offices. This creates anxiety in the minds of the students, as they fear being delayed or rejected, mainly for those who want a job after graduation. Tightening Policies in Canada This resubmission request comes at a time when Canada is tightening its policies on international students. The government has introduced tougher financial requirements and is mulling caps on student admissions. These are considered part of a broader strategy to regulate the influx of international students and ensure that only genuine applicants are granted study permits. Manisha Patel, a business management student from Adilabad, was frustrated and said, “We came here for a friendly atmosphere. But this is unfair.” Most students are not finding internships, which is compulsory for the final year. It’s a stress on the minds of the students as well. What Students Can Do On their end, students are encouraged to immediately follow all the requests from the IRCC. According to various experts, students must cautiously execute whatever instructions are given through e-mails so that no serious complications may arise in regard to visa cancellation or having issues with future applications. For instance, Mehbub Rajwani, a Toronto-based immigration consultant, claimed that “if the student is not compliant with the demand of the IRCC before its deadline, then there is a serious consequence that one must encounter.” Students are also demanding that the IRCC communicate more clearly to solve their problems and guide them in this uncertain time. The sudden influx of emails has left many uncertain about their future in Canada, which they chose for its education and friendly environment. Conclusion The recent instruction from the IRCC regarding resubmission of paperwork from Indian students has created an anxiety wave in the international community. With the policies of Canada getting more stringent, the students need to be abreast of the situation and proactive in dealing with the requests. By following up on the instructions of the IRCC and clarifying their apprehensions, the students would be able to deal better with this situation.

As Canada continues to be the destination of international students, it has issued new rules that will further streamline the transfer process among DLIs for the next winter or spring of 2025. This measure will make transferring between institutions even easier while giving them more room to change their mind and meet the terms and conditions that are set up under the new immigration regulation. Key Requirements for Transfer Institutions Under the new rules, international students can start their studies at a new DLI before getting a new study permit if they meet the following conditions: Acceptance at a New DLI: Students must have been accepted into a new DLI for the winter or spring 2025 semester intake.Application for a New Study Permit: Students must have filed the application with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, for a new study permit under a study permit extension application.Valid Study Permit: Students must carry with them a valid study permit that does not identify as holding the new DLI.Continued observance of existing conditions: All terms of the current study must remain met by the students.These conditions are essential to any student who intends to join their new institution without being delayed unnecessarily. Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility Implications Change of schools can also have implications for students applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. The following could be some of the conditions that a student has to satisfy depending on when they make the application for their new study permit and their new level of study: Language proficiency requirements: 1. All international students need to prove their language proficiency with one of the IRCC-approved language tests in English or in French.2. For university degrees, the minimum requirement needed is CLB 7 for English and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens, commonly known as NCLC-7 for French.3. A student applying for college or any kind of non-university degree and diploma needs to possess an adequate language proficiency that would bring them to the level of NCLC or CLB 5. These new language requirements are important for students who wish to obtain an open work permit after completing their studies. Conclusion The new policies for international students transferring schools in Canada in 2025 represent a huge shift in policy, offering more flexibility and support for students as they navigate their educational journeys. By meeting the conditions set out, students can transfer to new DLIs much more easily, but they are also preparing for their future careers through the PGWP program. With further international talents and people now being drawn into Canada, these shifts exemplify that the country still supports hosting students and citizens from anywhere in the world.

The H-1B visa program, one of the most important routes for qualified foreign workers, is near a major change. Just recently, Bloomberg Law was able to reveal that a major regulatory overhaul of the H-1B visa program is actually under review at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the White House, which is the last step leading to the public presentation of a proposed change in the technology industry and the foreign working professionals. Major H-1B Visa Program Changes The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published draft regulations last year that it says will change the criteria for eligibility in the H-1B visa, which it mostly uses to allow tech industries to bring skilled foreign workers into the country. Probably the most significant change would be to degree requirements, where more applicants would qualify for speciality occupation visas. The proposed rules also updated the annual H-1B lottery. This system ensures that any potential beneficiary has an equal chance of selection. It was finalised in January and is scheduled to be implemented before the fiscal 2025 visa lottery, which is capped at 85,000 new visas every year. The changes would make the process much fairer for applicants, and it’s about time they addressed these long-standing complaints about the randomness of the lottery system. Clarifications and Protections The proposed rules also clarify the basis for cap-exempt visas, which are issued to certain employers, such as universities and non-profit research organizations. In addition, the administration has announced a new policy giving deference to prior agency decisions when processing requests for visa extensions, thus speeding up the process for many applicants. In a related action, standalone rules intended to improve worker protections under seasonal visa programs have also cleared the White House. A rule targeting illicit fees and other abuses in the temporary H-2A and H-2B visa programs for farm and nonfarm seasonal workers was issued in draft last year. Included in the proposed rules are major sanctions, including suspensions of up to four years for violators among the employers who were being covered. Implications for the Future The overhauling of the H-1B visa program promises to have a deep impact on employers and foreign workers. By changing eligibility criteria and making the lottery process more efficient, the U.S. government hopes to attract a more diverse pool of talent that is crucial to keeping the country competitive in technology and innovation. As these changes draw closer to implementation, stakeholders in the tech industry and beyond will be watching closely as the developments unfold. The new regulations could not only provide more opportunities for skilled foreign workers but also offer greater protections against exploitation in the workplace. Conclusion The H-1B visa program is about to enter a significant reform that has the potential to change skilled immigration in the United States. The final review by OIRA is now underway. Changes may soon become possible, opening new avenues for professionals from abroad and solving other long-standing problems in this system.

The New Zealand Golden Visa program is going to be revamped in a bid to attract wealthy migrants and boost the economy through significant investments as the centre-right government plans reforms after a decline in investor interest due to 2022 rule changes. Reviving the New Zealand Golden Visa Program The Active Investor Plus Visa, which previously attracted rich investors and generated NZ$1 billion annually, has been suffering under stricter rules introduced in 2022. Over the last two years, only 35 applications have been fully approved, bringing in NZ$352 million in investment funds—far below the historical average. Knowing the turn, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said, “We are aware that the previous government altered those parameters, and we experienced a significant drop in the number of investors. You can expect to hear from us on that in the coming weeks.” Wealthy Migrants in New Zealand: More Than Just Capital The government of New Zealand recognises that the investor migrants contribute not only in financial capital but also through their networks, expertise, and innovative ideas that shape and strengthen the economy. Most often, such individuals make an initial investment and continue to expand engagement across the sectors, thereby giving an upward spiral effect on the economy. Recommended Amendments in the Requirements of Investment Visa Currently, applicants for the Active Investor Plus Visa have to invest NZ$5 million in direct investments or NZ$15 million in passive investments such as listed equities. The former required a threshold of NZ$3 million and allowed bond and property investments. All these changes have made the program significantly less attractive. Key reforms that are being considered include:1. Reviewing the minimum investment thresholds2. Revisiting the requirement for English language proficiency by applicants.3. Opening up avenues for foreign investors to buy expensive homes, currently illegal since a 2018 prohibition. The National Party would introduce the ability for foreigners to invest in homes worth NZ$2m or more, but the Coalition partner New Zealand First spoke out against it, saying that it would not agree, but New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has recently signalled he would open these avenues if there was some offsetting investment commitment. Investor Visa Overhaul in New Zealand. Path Going Forward Overall reform plans that the New Zealand government implements about the Overseas Investment Act aim to improve the convenience of making such applications. “Foreign capital has been pretty necessary to helping New Zealand reach those economic goals. It is concerning in some way. It’s about making sure that the investment migrant setting aids them in helping meet the needed outcome,” stated Minister Willis. Conclusion New Zealand’s proposed overhauls of the Golden Visa scheme are a strategic step to reclaim New Zealand as a preferred destination for high-net-worth migrants. In doing so, the government would be able to revive interest, boost economic growth, and address investment thresholds and restrictions and the added value that investor migrants bring. As such reforms take place, New Zealand will have to walk that thin line between protecting local interests and attracting global capital.