Masters in Europe for Indian Students
Compare fees, living costs and stay-back across Europe
Take the first step towards your masters in Europe
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A masters in Europe gives Indian students a rare combination: globally respected degrees, thousands of English-taught programmes and tuition that is often a fraction of the US or UK, sometimes close to zero. Europe is not one system, though. Fees, entry rules, visas and stay-back periods change from country to country. This page compares the main options for a masters in Europe in 2027 so you can choose the right country first, then the right university.
Quick answer: The most popular countries for a masters in Europe for Indian students are Germany, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain. Public universities in Germany charge little or no tuition, and Italy and Austria are also low-cost. Most English-taught master’s programmes ask for a related bachelor’s degree and IELTS 6.0 to 6.5. After graduation, most countries let you stay for 9 months to 2 years to find work.
Why do a masters in Europe?
- Lower cost: many public universities charge low or no tuition, even for non-EU students.
- English-taught programmes: available across Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, France, Finland, Poland and the Baltic countries.
- One- and two-year options: Ireland, France’s business schools and some Dutch programmes offer one-year master’s degrees.
- Access to a large job market: once you hold a qualifying job, the EU Blue Card and national work permits open longer-term options.
- Travel: a residence permit from a Schengen country lets you travel within the Schengen area for short stays.
For an overview of the continent, see our study in Europe page.
Masters in Europe: country comparison
Approximate figures for non-EU students at public universities unless stated. Always confirm fees with the university.
| Country | Tuition per year | Living cost per month | Stay-back after a master’s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | €0 to €700 in semester fees; €3,000 in Baden-Württemberg | €950 to €1,200 | 18 months |
| France | About €3,950 at public universities; €12,000 to €30,000+ at business schools | €800 to €1,200 (more in Paris) | Up to 2 years |
| Ireland | €12,000 to €25,000 | €1,200 to €1,600 | 2 years for master’s graduates |
| Netherlands | €10,000 to €20,000 | €1,000 to €1,400 | 12 months (orientation year) |
| Italy | €0 to €4,000, often income-based | €800 to €1,200 | Up to 12 months |
| Austria | About €1,450 | €1,000 to €1,300 | 12 months |
| Spain | €1,000 to €3,500 (public) | €800 to €1,100 | 12 months |
| Finland | €8,000 to €18,000, with large tuition scholarships | €900 to €1,200 | 2 years |
| Poland, Latvia, Lithuania | €2,000 to €5,500 | €600 to €900 | 9 to 12 months |
Looking for the lowest total cost? Read our guide to the cheapest countries for masters in Europe and our guide to free education in Europe.
Top countries for a masters in Europe
Germany
The best overall value for engineering, computer science and the sciences, with no tuition at most public universities. You will need an APS certificate and a blocked account of €11,904. See masters in Germany.
France
Strong for management, business, fashion, hospitality and engineering. Public universities charge moderate fees, while business schools charge more but offer one-year and industry-linked programmes. See study in France and English-taught masters in France.
Ireland
English-speaking, home to the European offices of many technology and pharmaceutical companies, with one-year master’s degrees and a two-year stay-back. See study in Ireland.
Netherlands
High-quality, research-led universities with many English-taught programmes, a strong business culture and a 12-month orientation year after graduation. See study in the Netherlands.
Italy
Low, income-based fees and regional (DSU) scholarships that can include tuition waivers, meals and cash grants. Strong in design, architecture, engineering and management. See study in Italy.
Finland, Latvia and Lithuania
Finland combines quality with a two-year stay-back and generous tuition scholarships. Latvia and Lithuania offer moderate fees, low living costs and flexible entry. See study in Finland, study in Latvia and study in Lithuania.
Popular master's courses in Europe
- Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science (Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, Finland)
- Mechanical, Automotive and Electrical Engineering (Germany, Italy)
- Management, MIM and MBA (France, Spain, Germany, Ireland)
- Design, Fashion and Architecture (Italy, France)
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biotechnology (Ireland, Germany)
- Hospitality and Tourism Management (France, Switzerland, Spain)
See our guide to high-quality masters programs in Europe for course ideas.
Eligibility for a masters in Europe
- Degree: a recognised bachelor’s in a related subject. Germany and some Dutch and Italian programmes check credits closely; 3-year degrees are accepted in many countries, including Ireland, France and the Baltics.
- English: IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 for most English-taught programmes; some accept a medium of instruction certificate.
- Tests: GRE or GMAT only for some competitive or management programmes.
- Documents: transcripts, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters and, for Germany, an APS certificate.
Scholarships for a masters in Europe
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s: fully funded programmes taught across two or more European universities, covering tuition, travel and a monthly allowance. Browse the Erasmus Mundus catalogue.
- DAAD (Germany) and the Deutschlandstipendium
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France) and Charpak scholarships for Indian students
- Italian regional DSU scholarships, based on family income
- Holland Scholarship (Netherlands) and university awards
- Finnish university scholarships covering 50 to 100 percent of tuition
Student visas and stay-back periods
Each country issues its own long-stay student visa or residence permit. Requirements are similar: an admission letter, proof of funds, health insurance, a passport and sometimes a language certificate. Germany requires a blocked account and APS certificate, France uses the Campus France process, Ireland asks for evidence of funds for the first year, and Italy uses the Universitaly pre-enrolment portal. Our visa support team handles country-specific checklists, appointments and document checks.
How to choose the right country
- Start with your subject. Engineering and tech students often get the best value in Germany; management and design students often look at France and Italy.
- Be realistic about grades. Top German, Dutch and Italian public universities are competitive. Baltic and Polish universities are more flexible.
- Count the full cost. Low tuition with high rent can cost more than moderate tuition with low living costs.
- Check the job market and stay-back. Ireland, Finland, France and Germany give the longest time to find work.
- Apply for scholarships early. Erasmus Mundus and Eiffel deadlines fall between October and January.
How EDBGO helps with your masters in Europe
- A country and university comparison based on your degree, marks and budget
- Applications through uni-assist, Campus France, Universitaly and direct portals
- Scholarship applications, including Erasmus Mundus
- APS, blocked account, funds and visa documents
Frequently asked questions
Which country is best for a masters in Europe for Indian students?
Germany is the best overall value for technical subjects because public universities charge little or no tuition. Ireland and the Netherlands suit students who want an English-speaking job market, and France and Italy are strong for management and design.
Is a masters in Europe cheaper than in the USA or UK?
Usually, yes. A two-year master’s at a public university in Germany or Italy costs about ₹12 lakh to ₹25 lakh in total, compared with ₹35 lakh or more in the UK and ₹40 lakh or more in the USA.
Can I do a masters in Europe in English?
Yes. Thousands of master’s programmes are taught in English, especially in Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Finland, Italy and the Baltic countries.
Is IELTS required for a masters in Europe?
Most English-taught programmes ask for IELTS 6.0 to 6.5. Some universities accept an English medium of instruction certificate instead.
Can I work in Europe after my masters?
Yes. Most countries offer a post-study permit of 9 months to 2 years to look for work, after which you can move to a work permit or EU Blue Card.
Can I get a fully funded masters in Europe?
Yes, through Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarships, DAAD awards and some national scholarships, though they are competitive. Italian regional scholarships can also cover most costs for eligible students.
Not sure which European country fits you? Talk to an EDBGO counsellor for a free comparison.
