1 / 11Countries that offer high ROI | “For students taking loans to study abroad, ROI is a smart way to plan long-term financial outcomes,” says Ankit Mehra, CEO of GyanDhan. According to him, the United States continues to lead for high ROI. Indian students pursuing STEM courses can expect to earn about ₹86.9 lakh per year on average. Business graduates in the US can earn around ₹63.2 lakh annually. Canada also remains a strong choice for good salaries and work opportunities. Students in Canada typically earn between ₹38.3–40.7 lakh a year after graduation in STEM or business fields.
2 / 11According to Mehra, United Kingdom pays well in sectors such as investment banking. Fresh graduates working in this sector can earn an average of ₹42 lakh per year. Germany is known for combining low or no tuition fees with high earning potential. Graduates working in key industries there can earn between ₹45–72 lakh annually. France and the Netherlands offer decent pay too, with average annual salaries of about ₹35.8 lakh and ₹39.6 lakh respectively. Ireland is fast emerging as a strong ROI option as global companies move headquarters there for tax benefits. “This shift creates new opportunities for international graduates, who can earn around ₹45 lakh per year,” adds Mehra.
3 / 11Countries where the rupee holds good value | “Many students now check which countries stretch the rupee further. They want lower fees, affordable living, and realistic work visa or PR options too,” says Rozy Efzal, Founder & Director of invest4Edu. In Vietnam, ₹1 equals about VND 290. Students usually choose courses in Information Technology, Environmental Science, or Agriculture. Annual tuition fees range from ₹1.5–3 lakh, while monthly living costs stay between ₹8,000–12,000. PR is possible within three to five years of work. MEA data shows about 1,200 Indian students are studying there.
4 / 11Indonesia is another value-for-money option where ₹1 equals about IDR 190. Indian students mainly pursue Engineering, Business Management, or Hospitality here. Fees vary from ₹1.8–4 lakh per year, and living expenses stay around ₹10,000–15,000 per month. While PR is restricted, students get a one-year post-study visa. About 800 Indian students are studying in Indonesia.
5 / 11As per Efzal, Russia remains a long-standing affordable pick for Indian students, especially for Engineering, Computer Science, and MBBS. Here, ₹1 equals about RUB 1.06. Tuition fees range from ₹2–4 lakh per year, and monthly living expenses are around ₹12,000–18,000. After graduation, students can stay on a three-year work visa and apply for PR after five years. Nearly 18,000 Indian students are studying in Russia.
6 / 11The Philippines is popular for medical and healthcare degrees. With ₹1 equal to about PHP 0.70, students typically pursue MBBS, Nursing, or Marine Engineering. Tuition costs ₹3–6 lakh per year, and living expenses are about ₹15,000–20,000 per month. The Philippines offers work permits to MBBS graduates and even the option for dual citizenship. Around 5,000 Indian students study there.
7 / 11According to Efzal, Georgia attracts students for MBBS, IT, and Business programs. Here, ₹1 equals about GEL 0.032. Tuition fees are ₹3–5 lakh per year, with monthly living expenses of ₹15,000–20,000. After graduation, students can apply for a job search visa and PR in five years. About 3,500 Indians are enrolled in Georgia.
8 / 11Hungary is getting popular for courses in Engineering, Pharmacy, and Business. ₹1 equals about HUF 4.2. Students usually pay ₹3–6 lakh per year for tuition and spend about ₹25,000–30,000 per month on living expenses. Hungary offers a one-year job search visa and PR within three to four years. About 4,000 Indians study here.
9 / 11In Kazakhstan, ₹1 equals about KZT 5.5. The country is known for affordable MBBS, Engineering, and Business degrees. Tuition fees range from ₹2–4 lakh per year and monthly living expenses are about ₹10,000–15,000. PR is possible after a long-term stay and stable work. Around 2,500 Indian students are studying in Kazakhstan, as per Efzal.
10 / 11Kyrgyzstan is one of the cheapest options for MBBS and Engineering students. Here, ₹1 equals about KGS 1.0. Students pay about ₹2–3 lakh per year for tuition and spend about ₹10,000–12,000 per month on living. The country offers a one-year work visa after study and options for long-term stay. About 1,800 Indians are studying there.
11 / 11Sri Lanka, close to southern India, is also gaining traction for affordable degrees. Here, ₹1 equals about LKR 3.5. Students usually take up Engineering, IT, or Management courses. Tuition fees are about ₹2–4 lakh per year and living costs stay around ₹15,000–20,000 per month. While PR routes are uncertain, a one-year work visa is usually offered. Around 2,000 Indian students went to Sri Lanka in 2023.
