680 Affordable Master's degrees in India
When considering an affordable master's degree, it's essential to understand what qualifies as 'affordable'. In our system, any master’s programme with tuition fees ranging from €0 to €2,500 per year is considered affordable. This range makes India an exceptionally appealing destination for international students searching for budget-friendly master's programmes. In India, affordable master's programmes can start from €0, meaning some universities offer tuition-free options. This affordability, coupled with the high-quality education provided by top universities in India, makes it a top choice for cost-conscious students. Additionally, the cultural experience and the opportunity to explore a new country add significant value to the educational journey. For those looking to pursue a cheap master's in India, or a cheap master degree in India, the options are plentiful and varied, ensuring that you can find a programme that fits both your academic goals and your budget.
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia attempts to study the whole range of Islamic civilization and culture. Its main interests include, beside the religion of Islam, topics such as the socio-economic structure, military, administration, development of various sciences and thought, cultural life, cosmology, mysticism, literature and fine arts, and many other aspects of Islamic civilization.
Music (Instrumental)
The Music (Instrumental) programme is offered at the Panjab University. The department of Music was established in 1987.Previously, it had only Music (Hobby Classes) in the campus. Now, the department has Post Graduate Classes i.e. M.A. & M. Phil. Music (Vocal & Instrumental). The Ph.D. Research work was also started in 1988.
Pharmaceutics
The Master in Pharmaceutics programme from Amrita University, approved by AICTE, follows a semester pattern and has four semsters spread over 2 years.
Clinical Nutrition and Food Science
The Masters in Clinical Nutrition and Food Science from Amrita University is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree, in nutrition who want to embark on a career as a registered dietitian.
Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
The Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department at University of Delhi holds the provision for inclusion of new courses and modification of j presented ones during a given academic year. In preparation o f the courses the element o f interdisciplinary is kept in view and embedded in the courses. Reading material for various disciplines will be made available by concerned Department.
English Literature
After the successful completion of the English Literature MA programme offered at Bharathiar University, students are expected to interpret the relevant social, historical, and artistic contexts of prescribed literary works and to decode the complex literatures in the most comprehensive ways.
Structural Engineering
Structural Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar (IITBBS) envisages to create high quality professionals with strong research capability.
Pharmacy Practice
The Pharmacy Practice program at Amrita University is the discipline of Pharmacy which involves developing the professional roles of pharmacists.
Women's Studies and Development
The Women's Studies and Development programme is offered at the Panjab University. The Department seeks both to interpret Women's experiences as well as to change Women's condition, through a transformation of consciousness, social forms and modes of action.
Electronics and Communication Engineering
Electronics and Communication Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar (IITBBS) focuses on teaching and research to provide students state-of-the-art insight into major areas of this field,
Business Administration
University Business School (formerly, Department of Commerce and Business Management) has been imparting quality management education to develop dedicated, innovative and effective managers, researchers and teachers for four decades. The Business Administration programme is offered at the Panjab University.
Data Science
The M.Sc. in Data Science offered by Alliance University is a two-year programme designed to cultivate expertise in data science. This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for a dynamic career in this evolving field. Students benefit from a mix of classroom learning and hands-on experiences throughout their studies.
Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology at Jamia Millia Islamia is to provide students with a sound mechanical engineering education, enhance the understanding and application of mechanical engineering principles, for techno economical development of the country, and improve the quality of life of our citizens.
Mathematics
This M. Sc. program from Jamia Millia Islamia is designed to equip the students with advanced level of training in Mathematics as well as to provide a rigorous exposure to Computer Science so that they can take up jobs in the software industry or can pursue their career in research and teaching in Mathematics or in Computer Science.
Painting
The M.F.A. Painting is offered by the Department of Fine Arts at Alagappa University, which aims to preserve, promote, and popularize Indian cultural treasures among the members of the young generation, by imparting quality training to students and moulding them to have good exposure to their performing arts.

English Language and Literature
At English Language and Literature from Manipal Academy of Higher Education the curriculum for the English Course is a remarkable amalgamation of literature, language, and communication skills. It is a curriculum where academics meet professional skills.
Environment Science
The Environment Science programme is offered at the Panjab University. The department has achieved good visibility in India and abroad. The faculty and the research students have fetched many national and international awards.
Development Communication
The objective of this Development Communication programme at Jamia Millia Islamia is to produce development communication strategist who can make effective interventions in various development processes to act as a catalyst for social change.
Library and Information Science
This M.Sc. in Library and Information Science is offered by Savitribai Phule Pune University and is designed to widen the student perspective through directed independent study.
Linguistics
After the successful completion of Linguistics MA programme offered at Bharathiar University, students are expected to master the complexity of language features in use and usage through cognitive, biological, cultural, and social factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
To qualify for a Master's programme in India, you typically need a recognised Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Most universities require a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA. Additionally, some programmes may require you to take entrance exams like the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) for engineering courses or the Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. (JAM) for science programmes. English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL might also be required for international students. It's essential to check specific programme requirements as they can vary. For detailed information, visit the official university websites or the top universities in India.
India is home to several prestigious universities offering affordable Master's degrees. The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, is renowned for its engineering programmes, while the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore is celebrated for its research-oriented courses. Mahatma Gandhi University offers a variety of budget-friendly programmes across different disciplines. These institutions are not only affordable but also provide high-quality education. For a comprehensive list and detailed rankings, explore the top universities in India.
Master's degrees in India are affordable due to several factors. Firstly, many universities receive substantial government funding, which helps keep tuition fees low. Additionally, the cost of living in India is generally lower than in Western countries, making it an economical choice for international students. The competition among universities to attract students also plays a role in keeping fees affordable. Furthermore, the Indian education system is designed to be accessible, offering a wide range of low-cost, high-quality programmes. This makes India an attractive destination for those seeking affordable masters degrees in India.
For cheap master's degrees in India, most universities require proficiency in English. International students are typically asked to provide scores from standardised tests like IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum required scores can vary, but generally, a band score of 6.0-6.5 in IELTS or 79-80 in TOEFL iBT is common. Some universities may also accept other English proficiency tests. It's important to check the specific language requirements of the programme you are interested in, as they can differ between institutions and courses.
Studying part-time while pursuing a Master's degree in India is possible, but it depends on the university and the specific programme. Many universities offer part-time Master's programmes, especially in fields like business, technology, and education. However, international students on a student visa may have restrictions on the number of hours they can work. It's crucial to check the visa regulations and university policies regarding part-time work. Balancing part-time study with work can be challenging, but it allows for greater flexibility and the opportunity to gain practical experience.
While tuition fees for affordable Master's programmes in India are low, there are other costs to consider. Living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation, can vary depending on the city. On average, international students should budget around ₹10,000-₹15,000 (approximately €110-€165) per month for living costs. Additionally, there may be costs for textbooks, laboratory fees, and other course-related expenses. It's also important to factor in visa application fees and health insurance. Planning ahead and creating a budget can help manage these additional expenses effectively.