Have you ever considered studying abroad in Europe? You wouldn’t be alone in having that thinking; Europe is one of the world’s most sought-after study locations, renowned for its high standards in education, illustrious culture, and state-of-the-art technology.
Yet, that high standard of living comes at a cost because Europe is one of the most costly places to study abroad, particularly for students from outside the EU. Every year, millions of students choose to pursue their higher education abroad, and research has repeatedly proven that cost is one of the key determinants of this choice. We’ve decided to compile a list of the least expensive nations in Europe to study as a result.
We curated this list of the cheapest countries to study in Europe based on four main factors:
- Tuition fees for EU/EEA and Switzerland citizens
- Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students
- Costs of living (accommodation, food, transport, etc.)
- Availability of scholarships, loans and state-funded studies
- Overall quality of the international student experience
Short on time?
The cheapest countries to study in Europe:
- Overall: Slovenia (low cost of living) and Germany (more study/work opportunities)
- As a Bachelor’s student: Germany and Portugal
- As a Master’s student: Greece and Portugal
- As a PhD student: Estonia and Poland
- As an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen: Slovenia and Greece
- As a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen: Germany, Greece, and Slovenia
- If you speak the country’s native language: Germany, Estonia, and Poland
Important note: Please keep in mind that all of the information below is an average. Depending on your lifestyle and personal circumstances, studying in Europe may cost more or less. There is also a component of chance (i.e. being able to find affordable housing before all spots are taken, or landing a good student job). As a result, before making the final choice, we strongly advise you to conduct research about the particular nation, city, and university you choose to attend.
The Cheapest Countries to Study In Europe
Germany
- No tuition fees regardless of nationality
- Many stipends and student jobs available
- Rich in culture and tradition
Germany has a lot going for it, from its rich culture and history to its internationally renowned universities that are at the forefront of contemporary research. Germany is our top pick as one of the least expensive nations in which to study in Europe for a variety of factors.
The majority of public institutions are first and foremost cost-free, with the exception of a minor student union semester charge that goes towards things like university services and transportation.
Additionally, because Germany has a sizable international student population, several programmes are entirely taught in English, even at the undergraduate level. For individuals who want to devote time and effort to learning German, the majority of German universities also offer language-learning courses.
In Germany, there are lots of chances for work, awards, and scholarships. The Federal Student Financial Assistance Program, which provides several grants and interest-free loans, is open to German natives, EU citizens, and occasionally even foreigners.
When enrolled in school, students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland may work up to 20 hours per week; students from other countries may work up to 120 working days annually.
Last but not least, Germany has a long and rich history of being a hub of European culture, technology, and education. Together with receiving a top-notch education, you will also have the opportunity to visit and participate in a variety of historical and cultural sites and activities.
Check read Beli’s tale if you want to get a first-hand glimpse at what it’s like to study abroad in Germany. She is a Spanish student ambassador presently enrolled in Freiburg, Germany.
Tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens Cost of living (per month)
Free
Free
Note: Private universities are paid and tend to cost more.
€800 – 1,000
See a full breakdown of the costs of studying in Germany:
- Tuition fees
- Housing and living costs
Slovenia
- None, or low tuition fees depending on nationality
- Low cost of living
- Warm culture, gorgeous nature and tasty food
Slovenia is a nation in southern Europe renowned for its stunning scenery, delectable cuisine, and kind people. Slovenia offers top-notch education at a price that is significantly lower than that of most of Europe for international students wishing to study there.
Slovenian nationals, citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, as well as some citizens of a few non-EU nations, are exempt from paying tuition. In terms of tuition, this makes it one of the least expensive countries in Europe to study in, but even for students from outside the EU and a small number of non-EU nations, the costs are less than in the majority of other European nations.
The University of Ljubljana Zois Scholarship, the Ad futura Scholarship for Study Abroad, and many other scholarships based on bilateral agreements between Slovenia and other nations are among the numerous scholarship opportunities in Slovenia that are geared towards international students and can help them pay for those costs.
The low cost of living is what really saves money in this situation. Living in Slovenia is 20–50% less expensive than in Germany and 30–50% less expensive than in France. Obviously, these are just preliminary estimates, but they demonstrate a more important idea: Slovenia will allow you to purchase more items with your money than other Western European nations.
Foreign students in Slovenia can look for part-time or temporary work through Student Services, the career centres at specific universities, or by approaching employers directly.Working in Slovenia, you may anticipate making between €350 and €500 per month.
Tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens Cost of living (per month)
Free Free for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia.
€2,000 – 11,000/year (Bachelor’s)
€5,000 – 11,000/year (Master’s)
€2,000 – 6,000/year (PhD) €400 – 700
Greece
- None, or low tuition fees depending on nationality
- Affordable outside of tourist areas
- Beautiful nature, lots of things to see and explore
It’s not surprising that many international students choose Greece as their preferred study destination given the country’s glistening beaches, pleasant climate, and delectable Mediterranean cuisine as well as its rich history and legacy of high-quality education.
For EU/EEA/Swiss students attending Greek universities, there are no tuition fees, and those who do pay fees often only pay between €1,500 and €3,000 annually. Greece offers several English-language programmes, but for those looking for the whole international experience, Modern Greek language classes are also offered all across the country.
While enrolled in classes, international students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week, or 40 hours (full-time) while on summer break. Depending on the city and job, the typical monthly salary ranges between €500 and €700.
Many scholarships are available to students in Greece, some from institutions of higher learning across the nation (such as those granted by the Greek State Scholarship Foundation). For instance, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens provides undergraduate students with up to €10,000.
Also, outside of the busiest tourist areas, costs in Greece are frequently very low. You should budget between €450 and €750 per month for living expenditures, the most of which will be used to pay for housing.
Tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens Cost of living (per month)
Free €1,500 – €3,000 €400 – 750
See a full breakdown of the costs of studying in Greece:
- Tuition fees
- Housing and living costs
Estonia
- Free or affordable tuition fees
- Excellent work-study conditions
- Low cost of living
This Baltic republic, an undiscovered jewel of Europe, is gradually moving up the list of nations that offer affordable, high-quality education to students from around the world.
The tuition fees for programmes offered in English range from €1,600 to €7,500 annually, with numerous scholarship and loan options available to help offset some of the costs. All programmes offered in Estonian are entirely free of charge regardless of nationality.
Students looking to pursue careers in technology can consider Estonia as well, as the nation is renowned for its pragmatic approach to technical advancement and robust start-up ecosystem. Since practically every governmental duty may be done in a few clicks, it is frequently referred to as a “administrative paradise”.
The cost of living in Estonia is relatively low when compared to the rest of Europe, which makes it a desirable location for study abroad programmes. It is estimated to be around several hundred euros per month.
International students can work as many hours as they want while studying in Estonia without obtaining any additional licences, provided that it doesn’t get in the way of their studies. Between €550 and €1,500 a month is what students can anticipate earning. Even after graduation, non-EU students are allowed to stay in Estonia for an additional nine months to hunt for work.
Tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens Cost of living (per month)
Free
Free
Note: Private universities are paid and tend to cost more.
€800 – 1,000
See a full breakdown of the costs of studying in Estonia:
- Tuition fees
- Housing and living costs
Poland
- No tuition for PhD programs and programs in Polish
- Low cost of living
- Rich culture and history, tasty food
thoroughly immerse themselves in a fascinating and varied culture at a lower cost, Poland is a great place to study abroad.
No of their nationality, all students studying in Polish are exempt from paying tuition, which is fantastic for anyone seeking to travel abroad and experience a different culture. Also, most PhD programmes are free. On the other hand, the cost of English programmes can vary based on the university and course. For international and exchange students who need financial assistance paying for their studies, there are numerous scholarship and loan options available.
But, because Poland has some of the lowest prices in Europe, especially when compared to the rest of the EU, what you would pay in tuition is countered by the money you save on living expenses. It is one of the least expensive nations in Europe to study abroad, with an average monthly cost of between €300 and €700.
While still enrolled in school or while on summer break, students in Poland are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week.
Check out Renata’s story to learn more about being an international student in Poland. She represents North Macedonia for study abroad and has taken part in a number of international student exchange programmes, including one in Poland.
Tuition fees for programs in Polish Tuition fees for programs in English (regardless of nationality) Cost of living (per month)
Free Bachelor’s: €2,000 – 3,000/year (Some majors like engineering up to €5,000)
Master’s: Around €3,500 year (MBAs are €8,000-12,000/year)
PhD: Free €400 – 700
See a full breakdown of the costs of studying in Poland:
- Tuition fees
- Housing and living costs
Portugal
- Low or affordable tuition fees
- Lower cost of living than most of Western Europe
- Warm weather, beautiful nature and friendly locals
For students on a tight budget, Portugal is a fantastic place to study abroad because of its affordable cost, high standard of education, and hospitable culture.
In Portugal, tuition costs range from €550 to €3,000 for citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, and from €3,000 to €7,000 for students from outside the EU. Nonetheless, depending on the students’ final scores, some private colleges don’t charge anything for the lectures.
It is permitted for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals studying in Portugal on a student visa to work up to 20 hours per week while enrolled in classes and a full 40 hours per week during the summer.
For foreign students who desire to study in Portugal, there are numerous official and private scholarships available. Some are established for students in certain subjects, such the scholarships for studies in Portuguese language and culture, while others are merit-based, state-funded, or granted by specific colleges.
Last but not least, compared to the rest of Western Europe, studying in Portugal is fairly affordable. You’ll need to budget between €500 and €800 a month for living expenses.
Portugal is among the least expensive nations in Europe to study because of these factors. It will offer top-notch education for a lot less money than other Western nations while continuing to be competitive in terms of chances for international students to study abroad and travel.
Tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens Cost of living (per month)
Bachelor’s: €550 – 1,050 per year
Master’s: €550 – 2,500 per year
€3,500 – 7,000 €400 – 700
See a full breakdown of the costs of studying in Portugal:
- Tuition fees
- Housing and living costs