Can you build the electronics, or must you buy them pre-built? I don't know what things cost in your part of the world.

There is a kit in the US, called PICStep, which is only about $75 for a 3 axis setup. BUT, it's a kit. Other well known kits are Xylotex and HobbyCNC, both of which have excellent track records.

I doubt the electronics would cost you more than $100US, if bought in the United States.

You said you're a student. Does your school have an electronics program? Might one of the other students or maybe one of the more open-minded teachers be able to help with the electronics? There are super-simple stepper driver circuits available, on the web...not exceptionally efficient, but the cost is definitely right.

Stepper driver circuits are a fairly common project, in many electronics courses.

-- Chuck Knight