I am an Indian student, planning to study master’s and settle abroad. Which countries have cheap, affordable universities? And can provide a better quality of life with a low cost of living?
First, congratulations for having taken the important decision to study abroad. Believe me, it is not an easy one. Choosing to stay away from your loved ones for a fairly long period of time, settling down to a different way of life, roughing it out as a foreign student in a strange land, braving the occasional bouts of loneliness. . .
It definitely is not a cakewalk, as it is often made out to be by some.
I am no one to promote one particular country over another. Each one has its advantages and its own set of drawbacks. Studying in any of the Scandinavian or east European countries may be more pocket friendly, but post-study job opportunities may be somewhat limited. In some places the language barrier, or hostility towards Asian immigrants may be too much to bear.
And in some beautiful country where there is an abundance of job opportunities and where higher education is cheap as well, becoming a permanent resident may be actively discouraged. So, after a few years you could find yourself making that long journey back to good old India.
You won’t have everything of everything. Ever. Better to know your priorities and choose accordingly.