New Delhi, June 25 -- For Indian students who plan to pursue an undergraduate (UG) education abroad, the choice boils down not just to prestige and opportunity but a far more practical concern - cost. The US has long been the dream destination, but countries such as Germany, the UK, Australia and Singapore may offer a more cost-effective path to the same global exposure and career opportunities.

Mint previously analysed how the cost of pursuing a postgraduate degree abroad varies across countries. This article looks at the undergraduate landscape, comparing tuition fees, living expenses and the overall return on investment for an education in countries such as the US, UK, Germany, Australia and Singapore.

Let's start with the basics. UG...