Studying abroad is an amazing experience as it can provide you with a lot: everything, from a new perspective on life to a reference point in your career. It is not only the diversity of the culture, the academic excellence, and the value for money it offers that attracts students from Europe and globally. Europe now attracts a large number of Indian students to study their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses. 

Indian students have been very successful in attaining scholarships like Erasmus+ or even attaining tuition-free universities as there are plenty of those like in the case of Germany and Norway. 

If you are an Indian student planning to study in Europe in 2025, this guide is all for you: We’ve got you covered from tuition-free universities to scholarship opportunities, visa processes to cultural adaptation tips. In this article, we are going to talk about undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD in a number of European countries at an affordable and high-quality level.

Why Study in Europe?

Like the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, known for its centuries-old school reputation, Sorbonne College in France, famous for its focus on the humanities, and ETH Zurich in Switzerland, famous for its groundbreaking research and innovation in STEM fields, they boast some of the world's most advanced faculties. The opportunities that these institutions present are unmatched. Here are some reasons why Indian students should pursue their education in Europe:

Key Reasons to Study in Europe

Reason Details
Affordable Tuition International students can attend many public universities in Germany, Norway, and France at no (or low) cost.
World-Class Education Some of the world’s best universities and research facilities are located in Europe.
English-Taught Programs They offer thousands of programs in English that remove the language barrier.
Post-Study Work Options Post-study work permits are available for many graduates in European countries and the work experience earned can be invaluable.
Cultural Diversity There is so much to offer in terms of European culture that you can travel across the 26 Schengen countries.

Rising Preference for Europe Among Indian Students

According to a recent report, 70 percent of Indian students who choose to study abroad end up studying STEM and Europe is the popular destination of choice. Around 1.3 million Indian students in 2024 chose Europe for its cheap tuition fees, diverse cultures and growing scholarship offers, and a huge number looked abroad for higher education.

Any other popular destinations like the United States, Canada, and Australia have no European experience of both academic excellence and cultural experience. Policies of free tuition, and a good academic reputation, have led to a rush of Indian students to Germany, France, and the Scandinavian countries.

How to Gain Exposure to Quality Education in Europe

Getting exposure to Europe’s education system calls for a plan.  This step-by-step guide will assist Indian students with a clear way to apply to universities in Europe. It outlines the main steps to benefit from tuition-free and low-cost opportunities in Europe and ease the transition to studying abroad. 

  • Step 1: Research tuition-free universities and see which countries in Europe offer them.
Country Tuition Policy
Germany Tuition fees at most public universities are zero.
Norway Funded by the government, free for all.
France International students pay low tuition fees.
Finland Scholarships for others, free for EU/EEA students.
Austria Low tuition fees and International students are welcomed.
  • Step 2: Meet the required eligibility criteria, academics, and language proficiency 
  • Step 3: Apply for scholarships like Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, government scholarships, or country-specific grants. You can find all those and 26,000+ more scholarships on our website 
  • Step 4: Plan your finances like living expenses and travel expenses. 
  • Step 5: Collect all your necessary documentation:
  • Step 6: Have a clear understanding of your VISA requirements. Find out about the student VISA process and make sure you fulfill your financial proof criteria.

Top Countries in Europe Offering Free or Low-Cost Education

There is a difference in education policies for international students in European countries. Here is detailed information about the tuition-free as well as low-cost education options available in various countries, especially for Indian students.

Germany 

Tuition-free education at public universities is the reason why Germany is a top choice for Indian students. Undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs in English are offered in the country.

University Unique Features Programs and Support for Indian Students
University of Munich (LMU) Top-ranked globally and has no tuition fees. It has a dedicated Indian student network & offers STEM programs
University of Cologne Research and innovation are the focus. It is a combined academic and research center that provides internships and research opportunities.
Technische Universität München (TUM) World-class technical education Offers scholarships specifically for Indian students, popular for engineering.

Norway

Norwegian universities offer free education to all students, regardless of nationality. Here are some top picks:

University Unique Features Programs and Support for Indian Students
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Education in STEM-focused fields, free Provides research-based programs and cultural adaptation support.
University of Oslo Arts, humanities, and sciences Offers free language courses and orientation courses
University of Bergen Environmental and climate studies. Indian active student associations and integration programs

Finland

Finland is famous for its innovative teaching methods and its focus on research. Tuition is charged at some universities, while scholarships are easily found.

University Unique Features Programs and Support for Indian Students
Aalto University Known for interdisciplinary studies Offers scholarships for non-EU students
Tampere University Leading research institution Provides English-taught master's and PhD programs
University of Eastern Finland Focus on health sciences and technology Active participation in Erasmus+ programs for mobility

Austria

Indian students also like to choose Austria as their destination as it is very popular for its low tuition fees and highly respectable academic standards.

University Unique Features Programs and Support for Indian Students
University of Vienna One of the oldest universities in Europe Offers numerous programs in English, including humanities and sciences
Graz University of Technology Strong engineering and technology programs Provides career counseling and job fairs for international students

France

France is a cultural center with a distinguished academic history. Affordable tuition plus there are a ton of scholarships.

University Unique Features Programs and Support for Indian Students
Sorbonne University Highly regarded for arts and humanities Offers language support and affordable accommodation
University of Strasbourg Multidisciplinary programs and a strong research focus Provides scholarships and support services for international students
Paris-Saclay University Ranked among the best in the world for sciences Offers a dedicated welcome desk for Indian students

Other Countries

Other countries, like Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Poland also offer affordable education and scholarships for Indian students. Politecnico di Milano in Italy, Utrecht University in the Netherlands, and Lund University in Sweden are the known names.

Study in Europe Without IELTS

Under some conditions, many European universities waive the IELTS requirement for international students including Indians. Take for example the University of Bonn and TU Berlin in Germany, the University of Stavanger in Norway, and Sorbonne University in France which require a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or interview your language proficiency. The flexibility of IELTS as a flexible and inclusive pathway to meet language requirements is especially attractive to Indian students, especially from places where IELTS test centers are difficult to find. Indian students are able to meet language criteria more easily without sitting for an additional exam like IELTS.

Know more: List of Countries to Study Without IELTS 2025: Top Countries

Alternatives to IELTS for Indian Students

Indian students can explore various alternatives to prove their English proficiency:

  • Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI): If Indian students have passed their previous education in English, they can submit an MOI from their previous institution. This certificate states that English was the medium of instruction in their studies.
  • Skype or Phone Interview: Instead of requiring standardized test scores, some universities will interview the applicant in order to judge their English communication skills.
  • Completion of English-Taught Programs: Often, students who have already done a degree in an English-speaking country or in an English-medium institution in India are allowed an exemption.
  • Waivers for Native English Speakers: In some universities, the IELTS requirement is waived for students coming from countries where English is one of the official languages.

Countries and Universities Accepting IELTS Alternatives

Flexible language requirements are often used at many European universities. Sometimes countries and institutions accept alternatives to the IELTS for Indian students. However, these alternatives will be particularly useful for students from areas in India where there is limited access to IELTS centers. European universities seek to cut down on barriers and make higher education open to international students, especially from India, using flexible language requirements.

Country Universities Accepting MOI Requirements
Germany University of Bonn, TU Berlin MOI and interview
Norway University of Stavanger, OsloMet Proof of prior study in English
Finland University of Helsinki MOI and strong academic record
France Paris-Saclay University, Sorbonne University MOI and interview
Austria Vienna University of Technology MOI

Tips for Indian Students Applying Without IELTS

To strengthen your application when applying without IELTS:

  • Ensure Your MOI is Well-Documented: Ask your school or college to request a Medium of Instruction Certificate stating that all the course is taught in English.
  • Highlight Previous English Education: The application requires you to mention any English-taught programs you have completed.
  • Prepare for Interviews: In the case of the uni needing to Skype or call you in, practice talking about your academic background and why you want to go, in English.
  • Contact University Admissions: Check if your English proficiency documentation is enough and reach out to the admissions office for confirmation.

Learn more: 20 Tips to Score 8.5 in IELTS Exam | Master All Sections

No GRE for European Universities

There are plenty of European universities that won’t require you to get the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) to be admitted to their master’s and doctoral programs and these are more affordable options for Indian students to take these courses. For example, this is particularly useful for those applying to popular STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, as those applicants can put all of their attention on their academic achievements and relevant experience, instead of on standardized test scores.

Why European Universities Don’t Emphasize GRE Scores

Standardized tests like the GRE have less weight when it comes to admission as opposed to undergraduate studies academic performance, research experience, and motivation letters in Europe. Universities prioritize:

  • Strong GPA and academic transcripts
  • Research and work experience
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose, personal statement

Read more: GRE Waived Universities in the USA - Latest

Popular Universities in Europe That Don’t Require GRE

Here are some of the leading European universities offering top-tier programs in STEM fields without mandating GRE scores:

Germany

  1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)
    • Programs: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Data Engineering
    • Unique Feature: TUM is famous for its close contact with industrial leaders and practical, hands-on learning. It is also ranked among the best technical universities in the world.
  2. University of Freiburg
    • Programs: Embedded Systems, Renewable Energy Engineering, Computer Science
    • Unique Feature: It provides research-oriented programs and works with research institutes such as the Fraunhofer Institute.
  3. RWTH Aachen University
    • Programs: Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Mechanical Engineering.
      Unique Feature: RWTH is among the leading institutions of Europe for engineering and science and offers students the possibility to work on innovative research projects.

Sweden

  1. Lund University
    • Programs: Topics: Biotechnology, Nanoscience, Sustainable Energy Engineering
    • Unique Feature: Lund University is recognized as one of the top research universities in the world, and has excellent industry links. It has many programs that are focused on sustainability and innovation.
  2. KTH Royal Institute of Technology
    • Programs: Environmental Engineering, Software Engineering, Machine Learning
    • Unique Feature: Ericsson, Volvo, and Scania all partner with KTH, which is one of Europe’s leading technical universities.

France

  1. École Polytechnique
    • Programs: Cybersecurity, Energy Engineering, Data Science
    • Unique Feature: École Polytechnique is a high-level education university with multidisciplinary research and a push for innovation. This is part of the prestigious Paris-Saclay cluster.
  2. Université Grenoble Alpes
    • Programs: Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Information Technology
    • Unique Feature: Being located in a hub of research and innovation this university presents the opportunity for students to work with major research centers and tech companies.

Netherlands

  1. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
    • Programs: Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Applied Physics.
    • Unique Feature: TU Delft is one of the Top 100 Technical Universities in the world and the oldest and most respected technical university in Europe, with a strong research and innovation focus.
  2. University of Twente
    • Programs: Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science
    • Unique Feature: The university is an entrepreneurial university and one of Europe’s largest startup incubators.

How Indian Students Can Benefit

The fact that there are no GRE-free programs for Indian students to apply to in Europe saves both time and money. This leaves them free to concentrate on building up a good background in academics, research experience, and a great statement of purpose. Moreover, a lot of universities also provide English-taught programs to international students who can easily shift to study in this language.

Tips for Applying to GRE-Free Universities

  1. Highlight Your Academic Achievements: Make sure your undergraduate transcripts show what you are good at.
  2. Focus on Your Statement of Purpose: A good essay will motivate the panel to consider you for the program and how your program aligns with your career goals.
  3. Get Strong Letters of Recommendation: Get recommendations from professors; or from professionals who can validate that you possess skills and that you have what it takes to take the next step in your academic career.
  4. Prepare for Interviews: There might be some universities that will do interviews to see if you can join the program.

Work Permits After Studying in Europe

Many European countries offer post-study work permits, allowing students to stay and work after graduation.

Country Work Permit Duration Key Features
Germany 18 months Seek employment related to your degree.
Norway 12 months Apply for jobs after completing studies.
Finland 1 year Extendable work permits for graduates.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Indian Students

The reduction of the financial burden of Europe study is possible through scholarships. Here are some popular options:

Scholarship Eligibility Coverage
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees Open to all international students Tuition, travel, and living expenses
DAAD Scholarships (Germany) Graduates, doctoral candidates Full or partial funding
Norwegian Quota Scheme Students from developing countries Tuition fees and living expenses
Finnish Government Scholarship Pool Doctoral students Full funding