15 Free and Cheap Universities in India for International Students

In India, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in India without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in India, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 390 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in India, make sure to read more!

How do I get admission to affordable universities in India?

Applying to cheap universities in India requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in India for a more comprehensive guide!

What can I study at Best affordable universities in India?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in India. For example, one of the best affordable schools in India is the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, which offers Nursing, Operation Theatre Technology, and Optometry to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Alagappa University offers Business Analytics, Journalism and Mass Communication, and Communication Design.

Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in India for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in India ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Indian Statistical Institute 0 INR 100%
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology 0 INR - 125,000 INR 100%
National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management 0 INR - 41,700 INR 100%
Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar 0 INR - 125,000 INR 100%
Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar 0 INR - 200,000 INR 100%
National Institute of Technology, Srinagar 0 INR - 125,000 INR 100%
Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur 0 INR - 200,000 INR 100%
Banaras Hindu University 150 INR - 300 INR 100%
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 200 INR - 600 INR 100%
Kerala Kalamandalam 600 INR 100%
Indira Gandhi National Tribal University 820 INR - 3,000 INR 100%
Visva-Bharati University 840 INR - 5,000 INR 100%
Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University 900 INR - 2,400 INR 100%
Central University of Haryana 1,000 INR - 36,000 INR 100%
University of Calicut 1,050 INR - 89,700 INR 100%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 143,600 INR for universities in India.

1. Indian Statistical Institute

Indian Statistical Institute is an institution devoted to research and application of social sciences, statistics, and natural sciences. It aims to maintain a learning community that pools together most of the brightest minds in the world and gives them adequate support to thrive in their passion for the science academe.

2. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology perseveres to nurture individuals that are highly needed in the professional field. The institute heavily focuses on imposing practical-based learning, allowing students to explore beyond theories and books. Since its establishment, the university has been a strong proponent of indigenous technology and industrialization.

3. National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management

The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management is one of the most technologically adapted universities in the region of Sonipat, India. This university is mostly adapted to postgraduate studies that involve a mixture of technology and science, but it also offers a bachelor’s degree in the field of food technology management.

4. Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar

Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar (NITJ) is a technical university that is nationally recognized for its academic excellence. The university plays a vital role in cultivating capable engineers and professionals who will potentially contribute to the country’s socio-economic development. NITJ is acknowledged as one of the top engineering schools in India.

5. Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar

Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar upholds a well-rounded education that shapes the values and skills of all students enrolled. Its academic curriculum encourages individuals to work together across discipline boundaries and achieve the primary goal of delivering high-quality technological education. The institute aims to promote creativity and critical thinking among students, allowing them to explore the dynamic and flexible world of science freely.

6. National Institute of Technology, Srinagar

National Institute of Technology, Srinagar is a government-sponsored university founded in 1960. It has 12 departments that handle Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs. Students afford top-notch facilities like the Computer Services Center, Water Resources Management Center, and Central Research Facility. There are also guest houses and hostels for students who need a place to stay.

7. Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur

Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur is an active research institution that aims to foster innovation among 21st-century learners. The institute is complete with the equipment and tools needed to improve students’ learning process and enable them to satisfy their academic pursuits. Through rigorous training and intense course assessments, the institute was able to maintain its excellent reputation of being one of the top producers of professionals in the science and technology field.

8. Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is an outstanding public institution in India. It boasts of having an international reputation as it is considered among the best to provide high standards of teaching and research in the country. It has cultivated numerous professionals, experts, and leaders who have significantly contributed to the socio-economic development of its community. Moreover, due to its internationally acknowledged study programs, many students from across the globe prefer to obtain a degree at the university.

9. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (AIIMS, New Delhi) was founded in 1956 to educate healthcare and medical students. The university offers a broad range of medical programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Recognized for its quality of education, the university remains one of the most prominent medical institutions in India

10. Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam is a deemed university of art and culture in Thrissur, Kerala, India. It is a major center for learning Indian performing arts, particularly those developed in India’s southern states. It was founded in 1930, and it resulted in the revival of three major classical dance performing arts in India. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in performing arts and music are available at the school.

11. Indira Gandhi National Tribal University

Indira Gandhi National Tribal University has a rich cultural heritage in terms of arts and crafts. The university has developed over the years to become a higher educational institution that contributes to globalization. With advanced technology, it seeks to become an avenue for research and high-quality education, especially for the tribal population of India.

12. Visva-Bharati University

The Visva-Bharati University was founded in 1921 in Santiniketan, India. This university has an over 100-year old educational history and is recognized in the region for providing great quality undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the fields of arts and science. The aim for the future is to establish new facilities and develop a new system that can make their operations even better.

13. Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University

Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University was established in 1971 with the intention of making high-quality education accessible to the masses. It offers academic programs in a wide range of fields including study areas that are relevant to its location, such as forestry, horticulture, and environmental studies. To this day, the university continues to exert several efforts to contribute to the region’s educational development. 

14. Central University of Haryana

The Central University of Haryana is a public university in Mahendragarh, Haryana, India. It was established in 2009 by the Central Universities Act. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs through 11 schools in various fields of study, including arts, humanities, social sciences, medicine, communication, natural sciences, engineering, and technology.

15. University of Calicut

The University of Calicut was one of the first higher education institutions in the state of Kerala and was established to meet the region’s educational needs. It strives to guarantee the prosperity of its students so they can contribute to the growth of society. It has state-of-the-art facilities both for academic and non-academic activities. These include a botanical garden, an observatory, a manuscript repository, and various research institutes, like the center for tribal empowerment.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in India for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in India ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University 0 INR - 44,000 INR 100%
Indian Statistical Institute 0 INR 100%
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology 0 INR - 70,000 INR 100%
National Institute of Technology, Raipur 0 INR - 70,000 INR 100%
National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management 0 INR - 49,500 INR 100%
Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar 0 INR - 10,000 INR 100%
Banaras Hindu University 140 INR - 2,500 INR 100%
Indian Veterinary Research Institute 400 INR - 10,400 INR 100%
Kerala Kalamandalam 500 INR 100%
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 700 INR - 702 INR 100%
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University 750 INR - 79,900 INR 100%
Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University 1,000 INR - 10,000 INR 100%
Alagappa University 1,000 INR - 8,000 INR 100%
Central University of Haryana 1,000 INR - 26,000 INR 100%
Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University 1,000 INR - 18,000 INR 100%

* Average Master’s International Tuition is 104,400 INR for universities in india.

1. Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University

Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University is a public university in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. It was founded in 1978. Undergraduate and graduate programs are available in 22 departments and 60 postgraduate centers. Computer Science, Anthropology, English, Political Science, Sociology, and many other programs are available. The university is also known for conducting research in the fields of social sciences, history, technology, ecology, management, and entrepreneurship.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 INR to 44,000 INR annually for their master's degree.

2. Indian Statistical Institute

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Indian Statistical Institute. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Indian Statistical Institute is 0 INR.

Indian Statistical Institute is an institution devoted to research and application of social sciences, statistics, and natural sciences. It aims to maintain a learning community that pools together most of the brightest minds in the world and gives them adequate support to thrive in their passion for the science academe.

3. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology perseveres to nurture individuals that are highly needed in the professional field. The institute heavily focuses on imposing practical-based learning, allowing students to explore beyond theories and books. Since its establishment, the university has been a strong proponent of indigenous technology and industrialization.

The tuition fee at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology for incoming international master’s students is 0 INR to 70,000 INR. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. National Institute of Technology, Raipur

Another affordable university to consider in India is National Institute of Technology, Raipur.

The National Institute of Technology, Raipur is a public university located in Raipur, India. It was established in 1956 and is best known for its programs in engineering. This university is a collaborative institution that cooperates with many different universities in order to provide a better educational experience for local and international students.

The tuition fee in National Institute of Technology, Raipur for master’s program for foreign students starts from 0 INR.

5. National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 0 INR yearly.

The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management is one of the most technologically adapted universities in the region of Sonipat, India. This university is mostly adapted to postgraduate studies that involve a mixture of technology and science, but it also offers a bachelor’s degree in the field of food technology management.

6. Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar

Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar upholds a well-rounded education that shapes the values and skills of all students enrolled. Its academic curriculum encourages individuals to work together across discipline boundaries and achieve the primary goal of delivering high-quality technological education. The institute aims to promote creativity and critical thinking among students, allowing them to explore the dynamic and flexible world of science freely.

7. Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is an outstanding public institution in India. It boasts of having an international reputation as it is considered among the best to provide high standards of teaching and research in the country. It has cultivated numerous professionals, experts, and leaders who have significantly contributed to the socio-economic development of its community. Moreover, due to its internationally acknowledged study programs, many students from across the globe prefer to obtain a degree at the university.

8. Indian Veterinary Research Institute

Indian Veterinary Research Institute is primarily dedicated to livestock and related research. Besides research, it provides quality education and training at the undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. levels. The courses available are focused on the veterinary sciences and related fields. Besides full-fledged degree programs, you may also pursue relatively short-term diploma courses. There are two IVRI campuses: Mukteswar and Bengaluru. Mukteswar is considered the institute’s mother campus.

9. Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam is a deemed university of art and culture in Thrissur, Kerala, India. It is a major center for learning Indian performing arts, particularly those developed in India’s southern states. It was founded in 1930, and it resulted in the revival of three major classical dance performing arts in India. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in performing arts and music are available at the school.

10. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (AIIMS, New Delhi) was founded in 1956 to educate healthcare and medical students. The university offers a broad range of medical programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Recognized for its quality of education, the university remains one of the most prominent medical institutions in India

11. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University

The father of the Indian constitution has a university as its namesake: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University. This renowned public institution provides various degree-granting and diploma courses for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate students through its seven schools. Besides the schools, it’s also connected with other entities, including a research institute, study centers, affiliated colleges, and research centers. All these and more make the university abound with opportunities.

12. Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University

Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University is committed to imparting knowledge and wisdom to the young learners of India. Since its establishment, the university has been the epitome of an excellent higher teaching process and effective practical education. It maintains a student-centered and lively community where everyone experiences multi-faceted development and is given countless opportunities to achieve their career ambitions.

13. Alagappa University

Alagappa University is driven by its goal of fostering the development and dissemination of knowledge in different branches of learning. It is a comprehensive university that provides training in over 100 courses, attracting students worldwide because of its excellence and competency in higher education. Since its establishment, the university has already been one of the leading contributors to the country’s research activities.

14. Central University of Haryana

The Central University of Haryana is a public university in Mahendragarh, Haryana, India. It was established in 2009 by the Central Universities Act. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs through 11 schools in various fields of study, including arts, humanities, social sciences, medicine, communication, natural sciences, engineering, and technology.

15. Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University

Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University was originally established for being one of the first institutions that provided higher education to different districts and rural areas of the state of Maharashtra. Following its founding principles, the university currently strives for guaranteeing universal access, equal opportunities, and high-quality education. It’s divided into 13 schools that offer almost 50 degree programs. It also has different hands-on learning programs, like the Lab to Land project where students collaborate with local farmers.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in India, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in India as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in India for international students was helpful!