When you’re planning to study in another country, there are many things to consider. For most people, one key consideration is cost. Surprisingly, you can study abroad without spending too much money! Some great places to study also have low tuition fees or even offer free education.
If you want to study abroad without spending too much money, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 affordable countries for you. These countries offer a high-quality education at a reasonable cost and are some of the best places to study in Europe. However, the tuition cost will equally depend on your home country, the course you select, and the level of study. However,
POLAND
Poland is an excellent choice for studying abroad if you’re on a budget. There are over 400 universities and colleges in Poland, which welcome around 1.5 million students annually. It offers high-quality education and a rich culture and history to explore. If you speak Polish and take the same entrance exams as Polish students, you can even study for free. But don’t worry if you don’t speak Polish, as there are many programs taught in English too. Most of the programs cost around US$2,340–3,500 per year. Living costs in Poland are also quite affordable, at around $7,700 per year. The capital city, Warsaw, is known for being one of the top 20 most affordable cities for students, according to the QS Best Student Cities index.
Recommended Universities in Poland
- Poznan University of Life Sciences
- University of Agriculture in Krakow
- University of Opole
- University of Wroclaw
- Warsaw University of Technology
- Wroclaw Medical University
- Medical University of Lodz
- Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan
Germany
Germany has good universities, a good standard of living, and a relatively low cost of living. What’s even better is that public universities in Germany don’t charge tuition fees for undergraduate and PhD courses.
However, when it comes to Master’s degrees in Germany, they are not free. But if you did your Bachelor’s degree in Germany and choose to pursue your Master’s in the same field of study, it will be free except for the Baden-Württemberg area, which includes cities like Freiburg and Stuttgart. In this region, students from outside the EU may have to pay tuition fees for Master’s programs, whether or not they did their bachelor’s in Germany.
To cover your living expenses in Germany, you’ll need at least US$11,950 per year, but the actual amount will depend on your lifestyle, location, and spending habits. Moreover, there are plenty of courses taught in English, especially at the graduate level, so language won’t be a barrier for many international students.
Recommended Universities in Germany
- Technical University of Munich
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich
- Heidelberg University
- Charité-UUniversitätsmedizin Berlin
- Humboldt University Berlin
FRANCE
These days, universities and colleges in France are starting to offer plenty of English-taught degree options for Master’s and Bachelor’s students all over the world.
If you are from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you will only have to pay around 800 EUR per academic year for your studies, no matter if it’s a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program.
For non-EU/EEA students, including Africans, the situation varies. In some cases, they may also get similar benefits and pay the same low tuition fees. However, in other situations, they might have to pay higher fees. Even so, studying in France is still less expensive compared to other countries like the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, and so on.
Studying abroad can be an enriching experience, and finding affordable options can make it more accessible to students.
Recommended Universities in France
- Audencia
- Emlyon Business School
- ESIEE Paris
- HEC Paris
- Université de Lyon
FINLAND
When people think of top-quality education, Finland is often one of the first countries that come to mind. In Finland, there are more than 400 degree programs available in English, making it convenient for international students.
The government provides the majority of the funding for universities, ensuring that everyone can access top-notch education. Being a student in Finland comes with many benefits. The universities have advanced laboratories and well-stocked libraries, offering all the resources that eager-to-learn students require.
If you are a student from outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) studying in Finland, you will need to pay tuition fees for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs taught in English. However, there are scholarship opportunities available for talented non-EU/EEA students who are accepted into degree programs with tuition fees. Each university has its own fee and scholarship system, but the yearly fees can range from 5,000 euros to 18,000 euros.
Recommended Universities in Finland
- Aalto University
- LUT University
- University of Turku
- University of Vaasa
- Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
HUNGARY
More and more international students are choosing Hungary as a popular place to study in Europe. The tuition fees here are affordable, and the cost of living is low. Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a rich culture, beautiful buildings, and a great education system.
The higher education system in Hungary is highly respected, and some of its universities are among the best in Europe. The country has a strong history of academic achievements, with many famous scientists, mathematicians, and writers hailing from Hungary. For international students, medicine, engineering, and business are the most sought-after fields of study in Hungary.
Recommended Universities in Hungary
- University of Pécs
- University of Szeged
- Corvinus University of Budapest
LITHUANIA
Lithuania is a relatively lesser-known European country, but it still attracts more than 3,000 international students every year.
The universities in Lithuania provide a balanced approach to education, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students have the opportunity to participate in educational, professional, or scientific or practical projects during their studies.
Recommended Universities in Lithuania
- Lithuanian Sports University
- Klaipeda University
- Mykolas Romeris University
- Kaunas University of Technology
- Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
- Mykolas Romeris University
ESTONIA
Estonia is a fantastic choice for international students looking for top-notch education in a creative and entrepreneurial atmosphere. The country’s universities provide a diverse selection of courses, and the cost of living is relatively affordable compared to many other European countries.
The tuition fees in Estonia differ based on your nationality, the program you choose, and whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree. For instance, PhD programs are free for all international students.
Most Bachelor’s and Master’s programs cost between 1,650 and 7,000 euros per academic year. However, for non-EU/EEA students, the fee may be slightly higher. That not withstanding, studying in Estonia is still much more affordable, especially when compared to tuition rates in the US, Canada, or Australia.
Recommended Universities in Greece
- Tallinn University
- University of Tartu
- Tallinn University of Technology
- Estonian University of Life Sciences
- Estonian Academy of Arts
GREECE
Greece is another good choice for international students who want a cost-effective education in Europe. It has a strong higher education system that includes both public and private universities. Most of these universities are financially supported by the government, making education affordable for both local and international students.
Classes at Greek universities are not usually very formal, which means you can expect open discussions and debates between students and professors. The courses often blend theoretical learning with practical components like research, lab work, and internships.
Greek universities offer affordable tuition fees for international students. On average, for Bachelor’s degrees, students pay around 5,000–13,000 EUR per year, and for Master’s degrees, the tuition fee ranges from 1,000–8,000 EUR per year. Greece is considered one of the most budget-friendly countries in Europe, so accommodation costs are also relatively low.
Recommended Universities in Greece
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Athens University of Economics and Business
- University of Piraeus
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- University of Patras
I wish to get a scholarship, no money tho if i could get help it will be nice.