Every year, thousands of students from Delhi dream of studying abroad, but often, the cost, living expenses, and earning potential after graduation create real doubts. What if you could find cities that offer high academic standards and financial feasibility? Places where tuition is reasonable, living costs manageable, post-study work opportunities good, and student life welcoming.
This article dives into 5 underrated but strong cities where Delhi students can thrive, academically and financially in 2026. We’ll consider cost of living, job opportunities, student support, and how much your rupee stretches in these locations.
Lyon, France
Why Lyon Is a Smart Choice
- Lyon is one of the top student cities in France for affordability and quality. Students living in Lyon (not Paris) benefit from much lower accommodation costs and still enjoy excellent universities. Accommodation in Lyon for shared housing is around €300-600/month, or campus residences at €250-500/month depending on type.
- Total monthly cost (rent + food + transport + misc) for students is often in the range €700-1,000/month in Lyon, which is significantly lower compared to Paris or London.
Academic & Career Support
- Many French universities offer programs in English or bilingual formats which are attractive to international students.
- France also provides student support mechanisms like housing assistance and discounted transport passes for students in Lyon.
How Delhi Students Benefit
• Lower living cost means less financial burden for Delhi families.
• Cultural diversity and decent Indian student presence help in easing the transition.
• Good options for internships during or post study (especially in tech, engineering, business fields).
Halifax, Canada
Financial & Work Advantages
- Halifax (Nova Scotia) is much less expensive than Toronto or Vancouver in terms of housing and daily expenses. While specific cost numbers vary by program, students in Halifax often find lower rents and cheaper daily living costs.
- Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) allows international students who graduate from eligible institutions to work in Canada for up to three years depending on the length of study.
Academic Standards & Support
- Universities in Halifax (e.g. Dalhousie, Saint Mary’s) are well-acclaimed for research, engineering, business and ocean sciences.
- Student support services, including international student offices, help with settlement and internships.
Why It’s Good for Delhi Students
- The possibility of working after graduation improves return on investment.
- Living costs being lower than big Canadian metros reduce the total cost of study abroad.
- Strong visa policies and immigration support improves stability for international students.
Krakow, Poland
Cost & Lifestyle
- Poland, and Krakow in particular, is one of the more affordable European study destinations. Living costs (housing, food, transport) are typically much lower than Western Europe.
- Tuition fees for many public universities are lower compared to the UK/USA, especially if you select programs in Polish or partially in English (though many English-taught courses exist too).
Academic Rigor & Culture
- Krakow’s universities (like Jagiellonian, AGH) are well ranked and have strong traditions in humanities, science, IT, and engineering.
- Vibrant student life, low cost of living, and proximity to other European countries for travel make it an attractive destination.
Benefits for Delhi Students
- Significant cost savings on accommodation and daily expenses.
- Potential to travel in Europe on shorter breaks due to geographic location.
- Good chances of securing local internships and academic exposure without paying Western Europe premium fees.
Adelaide, Australia
Financial Feasibility & Living
- Adelaide is known to be one of Australia’s more affordable major cities for students, especially compared to Sydney or Melbourne, in terms of accommodation and transportation.
- While tuition in Australia is higher than some parts of Europe, work-rights after graduation and student visa policies often help offset.
Post-Study Work Opportunities
- Graduates from Adelaide (and Australian universities generally) are eligible for post-study work visas with durations depending on course (often 2-4 years).
- The presence of Indian students and a strong support infrastructure helps international learners settle academically and socially.
Why It Works for Delhi Students
- Though tuition is higher vs Europe, combining good scholarships + lower cost of living can make Adelaide competitive for families prepared for some investment.
- Exposure to quality research, global faculties, and cross-cultural experience.
- Strong English language support and safer environment.
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Affordability & Scholarship Support
- Taiwan has been growing as a destination for international students interested in technology, engineering, biotech, and design. Many universities offer scholarships (e.g. Ministry of Education scholarships) to international students which reduce tuition costs.
- Accommodation and food in cities like Kaohsiung are affordable compared to many Western cities; living costs are generally lower than major European city centres.
Academic & Outcome Benefits
- Many universities offer English-taught programs; research/employment opportunities in tech labs, Taiwan’s electronics and semiconductor industry are strong draws.
- Universities tend to have solid support for foreign students (language classes, orientation, international student services).
Why It’s Beneficial for Delhi Students
- Reduced tuition and modest living cost mean total bill can be far lower than US/UK for comparable programs.
- Good academic exposure and global recognition especially in engineering/technology fields.
- Culture is welcoming for international students; East Asia has strong education standards.
Comparing Costs & ROI: Rough Figures
Tips to Maximize Financial Benefits
- Scholarship Searches: Apply early for country-specific scholarships (e.g. France’s government, Taiwan’s MOE, Australia state scholarships).
- Choose Smaller Cities: Cost of living in smaller or non-capital cities is significantly lower (e.g. Lyon vs Paris).
- Live in Shared Housing & manage textbook, food budgets wisely.
- Take Advantage of Post-Study Work Visas: Halifax (Canada) offers PGWP; Australian cities often allow extended stay; many European nations offer permits or job-seekers visas.
- Hybrid or Exchange Programs: Starting part of your degree in a local or partner program (in Delhi or India) then moving abroad, can reduce cost dramatically.
Conclusion
For Delhi students, studying abroad doesn’t need to mean breaking the bank. Cities like Lyon, Krakow, Halifax, Adelaide, and Kaohsiung offer a powerful mix of quality education, manageable living costs, welcoming student communities, and post-study opportunities.
By choosing wisely, looking beyond the most famous cities, applying for scholarships, and planning for work rights, you can achieve global education and financial sense in 2026.
If you want help mapping out this journey, comparing programs, or finding the best scholarship for your stream, Go2West is here to guide you.
Book your free counselling session now and let’s find the study abroad path that makes sense for Delhi students.
