Due to tightening visa regulations in Western countries, BRICS nations are becoming an attractive alternative for Indian students, offering opportunities to study at leading universities. Cooperation among BRICS countries is expanding beyond economics and diplomacy to encompass education, research, technology, and skills development.
In countries such as China, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa, there are prestigious educational institutions, and government scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad. However, it is important to understand that membership in BRICS does not guarantee free education for Indian students in all member countries; one must investigate government scholarships, public universities, and specialized international programs.
Brazil presents a particular interest for Indian students, as many of its public universities do not charge tuition fees. For instance, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG) positions itself as a public and free university. The Brazilian government also offers the PEC-G program, which allows international students to obtain a bachelor's degree in Brazil free of charge. There is also PEC-PG for postgraduate students, where applying for the 2026 program is free and does not require tuition payment, although the student must arrange accommodation and other expenses independently.
A student visa, VITEM IV, is usually required for studying in Brazil. When applying, documents from the university, a valid passport, and other stipulated paperwork must be provided. Indian applicants should check the latest requirements and fees on the website of the Brazilian embassy or consulate.
China is a major educational hub within BRICS, with numerous universities accepting international students. The most significant way to reduce costs in China is by obtaining a Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) or university-level scholarships. It is important to note that tuition fees in China vary depending on the university, course, and degree level, so a single average rate cannot be applied to all institutions. Before choosing China, students should look into the language of the course, the scope of scholarship coverage, and visa requirements.
In Russia, options such as state quotas and scholarships may be important for Indian students. Russian universities have long attracted international students, especially in engineering, science, technology, and medicine. Nevertheless, the cost of study in Russia also depends on the university and the course. Students receiving a state scholarship or quota can significantly reduce overall expenses.
South Africa hosts prestigious institutions such as the University of Cape Town, the University of the Witwatersrand, and Stellenbosch University. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses for international students varies depending on the university and the chosen course. Therefore, before considering South Africa as a budget option, a detailed calculation of tuition and living costs at each specific university is necessary.
Indian students can choose from the following key institutions based on their preferences for courses and budget:
- China: Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University.
- Russia: Lomonosov Moscow State University, Saint Petersburg State University, Bauman Moscow State Technical University.
- Brazil: University of São Paulo (USP), UNICAMP, Federal University of Minas Gerais.
- South Africa: University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University.
Tuition costs, admission requirements, and available scholarships differ across these universities. Therefore, before submitting applications, it is crucial to review the current information on the official website of the respective university for the current academic year.