Pursuing higher education in a foreign country can be an exciting and transformative journey for most students and when it comes to schooling abroad, Europe has long been a top destination for those seeking quality education mixed with rich cultural experiences.
While some European cities are known for their high living costs and schooling, there are other affordable options that provide excellent education without breaking the bank.
In this article, I present a curated list of budget-friendly European countries for international students. From the historical charm of Poland to the natural beauty of Norway, these countries not only offer top-notch education but also ensure that your dream of studying abroad in Europe can be achieved without a big financial burden.
So, if you're interested in studying abroad as an international student in Europe, read on to explore the most affordable countries for your academic journey.
Most affordable countries in Europe for International students
When considering affordability, Eastern European countries are often more cost-effective than the countries in Western Europe. Nevertheless, you might be surprised to find that a number of Western European countries are also affordable. Let's see the list:
Poland
Poland not only provides a rich historical and cultural experience but also offers high-quality education. If you can speak Polish, you may even be eligible for free study.
For English programs, tuition costs range from €2,000 to €3,000 per year, with living expenses averaging around €6,600 annually.
Lithuania
Although Lithuania may not be as popular as other European countries, it welcomes over 3,000 international students each year.
The top Lithuanian cities for international students are Vilnius and Kaunas, offering English-taught programs at an average tuition fee of €1,500 to €3,000 per year.
Hungary
Hungary presents a diverse range of program options, with medical sciences being particularly popular among international students.
Budapest, the capital, houses several leading universities with numerous English-taught programs.
The medical sciences program in Hungary is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). Average tuition fees are between €1,000 and €3,000 per year.
Germany
German universities are renowned for offering world-class education and innovative research opportunities. Most universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate and consecutive master's programs, except in the Baden-Württemberg area, where international students pay full tuition fees.
Please note that students may be required to pay an administration fee of around €100 to €200 per year, along with overall living costs ranging from €8,400 to €13,500 per year, for things like accommodation, social activities, and public transportation.
Italy
Italy attracts thousands of international students every year. Tuition fees at public universities in Italy average between €850 and €1,000 per year, and living expenses may be lower in student cities like Pisa, Padua, or Turin.
Portugal
Portuguese universities have a strong research culture, with some of them ranking among the top universities globally. Portugal boasts attractive destinations, and its people are known for their warm personalities.
The average tuition fees in Portugal range from €1,000 to €1,500 per year, while overall living costs are approximately €6,000 to €9,000 per year.
Norway
Norway is one of the Nordic countries. It offers free education to all, both from within and outside the EU. However, there may be exceptions for specialized programs that require tuition fees.
Norway is known for its natural beauty and high quality of life; although living costs in Norway are a bit higher compared to other countries on our list.
Recommended: Tuition-free Universities in Germany for International Students
