Cheapest countries to study technology for Indian students

In our day and age, modern technology forms the makeup of almost every aspect of life. The technology industry is projected to exceed US$5.3 trillion in 2022. At the moment, the tech industry forms 35% of the total world market. This points to a sector that is experiencing rapid growth — making it an ideal industry to work in.

There are many avenues to gain an education in the tech sphere. One of these is by considering BTech programmes. Shortened from Bachelor of Technology, these refer to four-year undergraduate engineering degree programmes. Generally, it offers a more in-depth study of the technical aspects of an engineering programme. A Bachelor of Science (BSc), on the other hand, tends to be more theory-oriented. 

BTech programmes are a popular option for Indian students in the science stream who have completed their Class 12 Board Exams. The country itself graduates around 1 million BTech students a year, with this figure steadily increasing. They go on to take up in-demand jobs — in fact, in 2022, the technology sector in India employed over 450,000 employees. 

While there are many Indian colleges that offer world-class BTech courses, there are just as many options for those looking for an international education. The best part? You can afford it — you just need to know where to look.

Here are some of the cheapest countries to pursue BTech courses for Indian students:

3 cheapest countries for Indian students to pursue BTech courses

BTech courses are a popular option for Indian students in the science stream who have completed their Class 12 Board Exams. Source: Tauseef Mustafa/AFP

Germany 

Germany is a popular destination for international students for its focus on delivering a tuition-free education. Almost all study programmes are free in Germany, as long as they are conducted at public universities. In this, your only expense will be paying administration charges and accommodation fees.

The country is especially targeted by STEM students because of its emerging technology sector, which generates around one million jobs a year. In 2022, it was found that Indians made up the second-largest group of international students in Germany, with 33,753 pursuing their degrees there. 

To study in Germany, all you need is to prove that you have a minimum of 8,700 euros (roughly US$8,976.05) in your bank account. Being able to speak German will give you an edge as well, as most BTech courses are not fully taught in English.

People ride bikes in Amsterdam, western Netherlands, on November 24, 2021. Source: Sebastien Bozon/AFP

The Netherlands 

The Netherlands is home to some of the oldest and best engineering colleges in Europe and in the world. These include the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, the Delft University of Technology and the University of Twente. A report by Erudera shows over 3,000 Indian students attending Dutch universities in the academic year 2021-22. 

An application fee of 75 euros to 100 euros (US$77.38 to US$103.18) is required when applying to Dutch universities. The average first-year tuition for BTech programmes in the Netherlands costs an approximately 870,000 rupees (US$10,637.52). Here, living costs range between 800 euros to 1,200 euros (US$825.41 to US$1,238.11). 

For those looking for extra financial aid, the Dutch government offers India-specific scholarships such as Orange Tulip Scholarship.  

People enjoy a sunny afternoon on the terrace of a bar in StockholmSource: Olivier Morin/AFP

Sweden

Known for its quality yet affordable education, Sweden continues to attract Indian students to its shores with over 1,000 English-taught programmes from undergraduate to PhD level. What’s more, the Swedish way of learning encourages students to think independently, creatively and critically through coursework. 

Again, Indian students as with other international students are required to pay an application fee of 900 Swedish Kronor (US$84.68). The average first-year tuition for Indian students pursuing BTech programmes is 964,000 rupees (US$11,786.86). Living costs in Sweden vary according to your chosen city, but similarly to the Netherlands, these can range between 700 euros to 1,200 euros (US$722.50 to US$1,238.57) each month.

Apart from that, Sweden offers generous scholarships for Indian students and also grants you the right to work while studying. This can further help alleviate tuition fees or living costs. Check out these six Swedish universities offering BTech courses for Indian students.