Top 5 Cheapest Countries to Study in Europe
Europe is an attractive destination for students due to its rich history, diverse cultures, and world-class educational institutions. However, studying abroad can be expensive, making affordability a key consideration for many international students. Fortunately, several European countries offer high-quality education at a fraction of the cost compared to other study destinations. In this guide, we explore the top five cheapest countries to study in Europe.
1. Germany
Why Choose Germany?
- Low or no tuition fees at public universities
- High-quality education and research facilities
- Affordable living costs and student-friendly cities
Top Universities
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Freie Universität Berlin
- Heidelberg University
- Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen
Scholarships
- DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
- Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
- Universität Hamburg Merit Scholarship
Germany is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe, offering free tuition at most public universities. While private universities charge tuition fees, many students prefer public institutions, where only a small administrative fee is required each semester. The cost of living is also reasonable, averaging between €800 and €1,000 per month, depending on the city. Additionally, students can work part-time—up to 120 full days per year for non-EU students—to support themselves financially.
2. France
Why Choose France?
- Low tuition fees, especially at public universities
- Affordable living costs compared to other Western European countries
- A vibrant cultural and academic environment
Top Universities
- Sorbonne University
- Université Paris-Saclay
- Sciences Po
- Ecole Normale Supérieure
Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Scholarship
- Université Paris-Saclay Scholarships
- International Fashion Academy Scholarships
France is a top destination for international students due to its affordable tuition fees and rich cultural experience. Public universities charge as little as €550 to €2,500 per year for EU students, while non-EU students pay between €3,500 and €7,000 per year. Living costs range from €400 to €700 per month, with student housing available at budget-friendly rates. Non-EU students can work up to 20 hours per week to supplement their expenses.
3. Poland
Why Choose Poland?
- Free education for Polish-speaking students in public universities
- Low cost of living and tuition fees for international students
- Rich cultural and historical heritage
Top Universities
- University of Warsaw
- Jagiellonian University
- University of Wrocław
- Warsaw University of Technology
Scholarships
- University of Warsaw Ph.D. Fellowship
- Maria Curie-Skłodowska University Scholarship
- ULAM International Scholarship
Poland is one of the cheapest countries for international students, offering a high-quality education at a low cost. Public universities provide tuition-free education for students who study in Polish, while English-taught programs range from €2,000 to €5,000 per year. MBA programs cost between €8,000 and €12,000 annually, while PhD programs are often free. Living expenses are also affordable, averaging €400 to €700 per month. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during summer vacations.
4. Slovenia
Why Choose Slovenia?
- Affordable tuition and cost of living
- Picturesque landscapes and student-friendly cities
- High-quality education system
Top Universities
- University of Ljubljana
- University of Maribor
- University of Nova Gorica
- Nova Univerza
Scholarships
- Zois Scholarship
- Ad Futura Scholarship for Study Abroad
- CEEPUS (Central European Exchange Program for University Studies)
Slovenia is one of the most budget-friendly study destinations in Europe, offering free tuition for students from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and select non-EU countries. For other international students, tuition fees are relatively low. The cost of living is significantly cheaper than in countries like France or Germany, averaging €400 to €700 per month. Non-EU students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester to support their living expenses.
5. Greece
Why Choose Greece?
- Low tuition fees at public universities
- Affordable living costs outside major tourist areas
- Mediterranean climate and rich historical sites
Top Universities
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- National Technical University of Athens
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Scholarships
- Greek State Scholarship Foundation
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Scholarships
- Fulbright Scholarship Program
Greece is an excellent option for students seeking a high-quality education at a low cost. Public university tuition fees for international students range from €1,500 to €3,000 per year, while living costs average €400 to €750 per month. Students can also work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays. The combination of affordable education and a warm, welcoming environment makes Greece a top choice for budget-conscious students.
Before choosing a study destination, it’s essential to check university admission requirements, including language proficiency exams and visa regulations. Whether you’re looking for free tuition, low living costs, or excellent scholarship opportunities, these five countries offer some of the most affordable education options in Europe.
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