15 Cheapest Universities in Chennai for International Students

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In Chennai, 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 Chennai, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 18 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Chennai, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Vels University 7,000 INR - 200,000 INR 95%
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University 8,000 INR 94%
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing 12,000 INR 91%
Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University 22,500 INR - 25,000 INR 83%
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences 30,000 INR - 130,000 INR 78%
Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology 60,000 INR - 300,000 INR 55%
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology 60,000 INR - 160,000 INR 55%
B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology 82,900 INR - 207,100 INR 37%
Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science 82,900 INR - 621,300 INR 37%
Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research 124,300 INR - 414,200 INR 5%
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research 186,400 INR - 662,700 INR -42%
Chennai Mathematical Institute 200,000 INR -53%
Indian Maritime University 225,000 INR -72%
Anna University 406,300 INR - 609,500 INR -211%
Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University 452,500 INR -246%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 130,700 INR for universities in Chennai.

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1. Vels University

Vels University has a mission and vision to provide excellently educated students with integrity, equity, and professionalism. It is ranked and accredited by various regional organizations like the ARIIA, MLIT, and NIRF.  Students may apply for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs. Certificate, training, and diploma courses are also available.

2. Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University

Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University is the country’s first agricultural university of its kind. It was established in 1989 in response to the need for education and research in animal and veterinary sciences with the end goal of helping local farmers boost the productivity and profitability of their businesses. The university takes pride in its state-of-the-art laboratories and clinics where students can enhance their knowledge and practical skills through research and experimentation. Students also conduct fieldwork to expose themselves to the real challenges in animal production and care.

3. Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing

Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Kancheepuram is a public university in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was founded in 2007 with the goal of focusing on design and manufacturing-oriented engineering education. The university offers Bachelor of Technology degrees in a variety of scientific and technological fields, as well as dual degrees. In 2020, the National Institutional Ranking Framework ranked IIITDM Kancheepuram 182 among engineering colleges in India.

4. Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University

Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University is the only academic institution in India dedicated to providing excellent education and training for future teachers. It was established in 2008 to respond to the need for more intellectual and passionate teachers in the region. At present, over 700 colleges of education in the country join forces with the university in conducting their education programs.

5. Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences

Saveetha Institute of Medical And Technical Sciences is a private deemed university in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Its history dates back to 1988, but it was only in 2005 that it was designated as a deemed university. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in nine disciplines: dentistry, management, law, engineering, liberal arts and studies, physiotherapy, nursing, and medicine.

6. Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology

Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology is an internationally-renowned institution with several awards in the field. It seeks to offer exceptional engineering education, giving solutions to the most pressing problems in society. The institute has formed strategic alliances with more than 390 organizations around the world, allowing its students to collaborate through academic projects and research exchange activities.

7. Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology is a leading university in India known internationally for its academic excellence and significant contributions to research and development. One of the university’s primary objectives is raising human resources with the technical abilities and intellect necessary to meet the needs of industries and society. The university also continues to strengthen its ties with different industries for internships, career development activities, and collaborative research projects.

8. B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology

B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology is a private university in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was founded in 1984 and previously operated under the University of Madras and Anna University until it was granted deemed status as Crescent Engineering College in 2008. Undergraduate and postgraduate science and technology programs are available at the university.

9. Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science is a university specializing in engineering and technology-related careers that’s committed to providing an adequate learning environment to students so they become successful and innovative professionals. It offers degrees in management, health sciences, architecture, applied sciences, design, and engineering. Besides academic programs, the university also has facilities for promoting the development of students. For example, the business incubator and the entrepreneurship center closely work with experts and corporations to help students that want to become company owners in the future.

10. Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research

The Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research was established in 1984 in Chennai, India. This university is a highly advanced medical and research institution that also offers a variety of arts and science studies. At least 4,000 students are enrolled in this university and benefit from its excellent programs.

11. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research

The Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research is perfect for those who want to pursue a career in the health industry. This private institution not only offers degrees for becoming a medical practitioner but also has programs related to other sectors of the healthcare field, like hospital management and the development of medical technology. The university mixes theoretical classes with practical activities, and most degrees require students to complete a year of internships or rotations. The university is also known for its outstanding clinical research projects developed in different medical areas, like regenerative medicine and biomedical nanotechnology.

12. Chennai Mathematical Institute

Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) is a private research institute located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was established in 1989 by the SPIC Science Foundation. CMI is well-known for its algebraic geometry research. The university offers degree programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in physics, mathematics, and computer science.

13. Indian Maritime University

Indian Maritime University was established in 2008 by the country’s government to provide top-notch maritime education, research, and training with a vision of making India a global leader in seafaring. It is composed of 6 campuses and has 21 affiliated colleges all over the country. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields related to seafaring such as naval architecture, marine engineering, and maritime management. 

14. Anna University

Anna University continues to be a world-class institution that is a preferred partner to various industries and communities. It is known for being an active contributor to the economic and social development of the country because of the technical knowledge and professional skills it instills in the minds of young aspirants. As a leader in technical education, Anna University provides academic and research programs that lead to cutting-edge technologies.

15. Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University

Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University is the first academic institution for legal education in India and South Asia. It was established by the state government of Tamil Nadu to develop practitioners with advanced legal, professional, and research skills who will contribute to the country’s pursuit of social justice and progress. The university provides opportunities where students can apply their legal knowledge to real-life situations. The university also has a total of 16 affiliated law schools and colleges with which it offers academic and research programs in different fields of law. 

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University 2,000 INR 98%
University of Madras 5,000 INR - 200,000 INR 94%
Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology 10,000 INR - 150,000 INR 88%
Vels University 10,000 INR - 210,000 INR 88%
Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University 20,000 INR 75%
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences 30,000 INR - 350,000 INR 62%
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing 50,000 INR 37%
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology 50,000 INR - 190,000 INR 37%
B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology 82,900 INR - 331,400 INR -5%
Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research 82,900 INR - 331,400 INR -5%
Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science 82,900 INR - 496,100 INR -5%
Anna University 162,600 INR -107%
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research 186,400 INR - 2,485,000 INR -138%
Chennai Mathematical Institute 200,000 INR - 400,000 INR -155%
Indian Maritime University 200,000 INR - 225,000 INR -155%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 78,300 INR for universities in Chennai.

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1. Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University

Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University is the only academic institution in India dedicated to providing excellent education and training for future teachers. It was established in 2008 to respond to the need for more intellectual and passionate teachers in the region. At present, over 700 colleges of education in the country join forces with the university in conducting their education programs.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 2,000 INR annually for their master's degree.

2. University of Madras

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is University of Madras. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at University of Madras is 5,000 INR to 200,000 INR.

The University of Madras, a public university in Chennai, India, was founded in 1857, making it one of the oldest in the country. It is home to more than 4,800 students, most of which are enrolled in master’s and Ph.D. programs. The university also offers certificate programs, as well as diploma courses. Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, and Management, are some of the well-sought study fields in the university.

3. Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology

Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology is an internationally-renowned institution with several awards in the field. It seeks to offer exceptional engineering education, giving solutions to the most pressing problems in society. The institute has formed strategic alliances with more than 390 organizations around the world, allowing its students to collaborate through academic projects and research exchange activities.

The tuition fee at Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology for incoming international master’s students is 10,000 INR to 150,000 INR. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Vels University

Another affordable university to consider in Chennai is Vels University.

Vels University has a mission and vision to provide excellently educated students with integrity, equity, and professionalism. It is ranked and accredited by various regional organizations like the ARIIA, MLIT, and NIRF.  Students may apply for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs. Certificate, training, and diploma courses are also available.

The tuition fee in Vels University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 10,000 INR.

5. Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University 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 20,000 INR yearly.

Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University is the first academic institution for legal education in India and South Asia. It was established by the state government of Tamil Nadu to develop practitioners with advanced legal, professional, and research skills who will contribute to the country’s pursuit of social justice and progress. The university provides opportunities where students can apply their legal knowledge to real-life situations. The university also has a total of 16 affiliated law schools and colleges with which it offers academic and research programs in different fields of law. 

6. Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences

Saveetha Institute of Medical And Technical Sciences is a private deemed university in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Its history dates back to 1988, but it was only in 2005 that it was designated as a deemed university. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in nine disciplines: dentistry, management, law, engineering, liberal arts and studies, physiotherapy, nursing, and medicine.

7. Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing

Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Kancheepuram is a public university in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was founded in 2007 with the goal of focusing on design and manufacturing-oriented engineering education. The university offers Bachelor of Technology degrees in a variety of scientific and technological fields, as well as dual degrees. In 2020, the National Institutional Ranking Framework ranked IIITDM Kancheepuram 182 among engineering colleges in India.

8. Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology is a leading university in India known internationally for its academic excellence and significant contributions to research and development. One of the university’s primary objectives is raising human resources with the technical abilities and intellect necessary to meet the needs of industries and society. The university also continues to strengthen its ties with different industries for internships, career development activities, and collaborative research projects.

9. B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology

B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology is a private university in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was founded in 1984 and previously operated under the University of Madras and Anna University until it was granted deemed status as Crescent Engineering College in 2008. Undergraduate and postgraduate science and technology programs are available at the university.

10. Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research

The Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research was established in 1984 in Chennai, India. This university is a highly advanced medical and research institution that also offers a variety of arts and science studies. At least 4,000 students are enrolled in this university and benefit from its excellent programs.

11. Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science is a university specializing in engineering and technology-related careers that’s committed to providing an adequate learning environment to students so they become successful and innovative professionals. It offers degrees in management, health sciences, architecture, applied sciences, design, and engineering. Besides academic programs, the university also has facilities for promoting the development of students. For example, the business incubator and the entrepreneurship center closely work with experts and corporations to help students that want to become company owners in the future.

12. Anna University

Anna University continues to be a world-class institution that is a preferred partner to various industries and communities. It is known for being an active contributor to the economic and social development of the country because of the technical knowledge and professional skills it instills in the minds of young aspirants. As a leader in technical education, Anna University provides academic and research programs that lead to cutting-edge technologies.

13. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research

The Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research is perfect for those who want to pursue a career in the health industry. This private institution not only offers degrees for becoming a medical practitioner but also has programs related to other sectors of the healthcare field, like hospital management and the development of medical technology. The university mixes theoretical classes with practical activities, and most degrees require students to complete a year of internships or rotations. The university is also known for its outstanding clinical research projects developed in different medical areas, like regenerative medicine and biomedical nanotechnology.

14. Chennai Mathematical Institute

Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) is a private research institute located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was established in 1989 by the SPIC Science Foundation. CMI is well-known for its algebraic geometry research. The university offers degree programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in physics, mathematics, and computer science.

15. Indian Maritime University

Indian Maritime University was established in 2008 by the country’s government to provide top-notch maritime education, research, and training with a vision of making India a global leader in seafaring. It is composed of 6 campuses and has 21 affiliated colleges all over the country. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields related to seafaring such as naval architecture, marine engineering, and maritime management. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Chennai?

Applying to cheap universities in Chennai 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!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Chennai?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Chennai. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Chennai is the Anna University, which offers Civil Engineering, Chemistry, and Computer Science and Engineering to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Anna University offers Software Engineering, Big Data and Analytics, and Applied Electronics.

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 Chennai, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Chennai for international students was helpful!