Studying in Europe is a great way to gain an international education and experience the unique culture of the continent.
But one of the biggest concerns for international students is budgeting and finding ways to save money. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of options for students looking to study abroad in Europe on a tight budget.
These include five of the cheapest countries to study in Europe, which offers excellent academic opportunities and a high quality of life at an affordable price.
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Key takeaways:
- In this article, we’ll explore
- The top five cheapest countries to study in Europe
- The average tuition fees for international students
- Living costs in these countries
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Please note that average tuition fees at the universities in the countries discussed in this article range between €2000 and €15,000 per year.
What factors make Europe the cheapest country to study abroad?
- Tuition fees
- High-quality education
- Living costs
- Student accommodation
- Job opportunities
Top 5 cheapest countries to study in Europe
The cheapest country to study in Europe are Poland, Hungary, Estonia, Czech Republic and Greece.
No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of options for studying abroad in Europe. Here are the top five cheapest countries to study in Europe:
1. Poland
Highlights
- Average tuition fee for international students: €2,000-€4,000 per year
- Cost of living: €400-700 per month
- Tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Free
Poland is one of the cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students, offering a high-quality education system and a vibrant culture. Poland is also a great destination for students who are interested in history and culture.
Some of the must-visit places in Poland include Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk. The average tuition fees in Poland for undergraduate courses range from €2,000 to €4,000 per year, and graduate courses range from €5,000 to €10,000.
The country's higher education institutions have a strong reputation for academic excellence, with many universities ranking among the top in Europe. Poland has a long history of academic excellence, and many Nobel laureates have come from the country.
The Polish education system is divided into three levels: primary education, secondary education, and higher education. Higher education in Poland is provided by public and private institutions, with public universities being the most popular choice among international students.
Some of the top public universities in Poland include the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, The University College of Enterprise and Administration, Warsaw University of Business, Warsaw University of Economics, and Adam Mickiewicz University.
The cost of living in Poland is low, making it an affordable option for international students. Accommodation, food, and transport are budget-friendly compared to other European countries. The cost of living for international students is around €400-700 per month.
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Also read: Best countries to study and work
2. Hungary
Highlights
- Average tuition fee for international students: €3,000 per year
- Cost of living: €500-800 per month
- Tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Free
Hungary is becoming a popular destination for international students seeking to study in Europe due to its affordable tuition fees and low cost of living. Hungary is one of the top 10 cheapest countries to study in Europe.
It is a landlocked country located in Central Europe, known for its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and excellent education system. Hungary has a rich cultural heritage, with a variety of festivals, museums, and historical landmarks to explore. Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
It has a stunning skyline, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. Some of the must-visit places in Hungary include the Danube River, Buda Castle, and Lake Balaton.
Hungary's higher education system is highly regarded, with several universities ranking among the top in Europe. The country has a long tradition of academic excellence. Many notable scientists, mathematicians, and writers have come from Hungary.
The most popular fields of study for international students in Hungary are medicine, engineering, and business.
The average tuition fees for international students in Hungary are low. The undergraduate courses range from €2,000 to €5,000 per year, and graduate courses range from €5,000 to €16,000.
The cost of living in Hungary is also affordable, with pocket-friendly accommodation and food options available. The cost of living for international students is around €500 to €800 per month.
Scholarships and financial aid programs reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses.
Study in Hungary without high tuition → check your options!
3. Estonia
Highlights
- Average tuition fee for international students: €2,000-€3,000 per year
- Cost of living: €700-€1,000 per month
- Tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Free
Estonia is an excellent destination to study in Europe for international students seeking high-quality education in a highly innovative and entrepreneurial environment. The country's universities offer a wide range of courses, and the cost of living is low compared to other European countries.
The average tuition fees for international students in Estonia are low. The undergraduate courses range from €1,500 to €7,500 per year, and graduate courses range from €2,000 to €15,000. The cost of living for international students is around €500 to €1,000 per month.
Estonia is a small country located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, known for its advanced technology sector, and breathtaking natural scenery.
The country has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on technology and engineering. The most popular fields of study for international students in Estonia are computer science, engineering, and business.
The cost of living in Estonia is also affordable, with budget-friendly accommodation and food options available. International students can also take advantage of scholarships and financial aid programs to help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.
KEY FACT
The tuition fees for international students in Estonia are relatively low, with an average cost of around €2,000 to €3,000 per year.
Also read: Best study abroad destinations for international students
Affordable, digital, and modern → see why Estonia fits you!
4. Czech Republic
Highlights
- Average tuition fee for international students: €1,000-€15,000 per year
- Cost of living: €600-€1,000 per month
- Tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Free
The Czech Republic is a popular destination for international students seeking high-quality education at a lower cost than many other European countries.
The average tuition fees for international students in the Czech Republic are low. The undergraduate courses range from €2,000 to €7,500 per year, and graduate courses range from €2,000 to €10,000.
The country's rich history and culture, combined with its modern and dynamic academic environment, make it an excellent choice for students from around the world.
The country is home to many renowned universities and colleges, including Charles University in Prague, Masaryk University in Brno, and Czech Technical University in Prague.
These institutions offer a wide range of programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including in fields such as engineering, natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and more.
The Czech Republic is among the cheapest European countries to study and live in. The cost of living in the Czech Republic is generally lower than in other European countries.
International students can expect to pay between €300 to €500 per month for accommodation, and around €400 per month for food.
Great value and vibrant life → discover studies in Czechia!
KEY FACT
Most universities offer courses taught in English specifically for international students. This means that knowledge of Czech is not always necessary, although learning the language can be helpful for daily life and cultural immersion.
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5. Greece
Highlights
- Average tuition fee for international students: €1,500-€3,000 per year
- Cost of living: €500-€700 per month
- Tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Free
Greece is also one of the cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students.
It has a robust higher education system that includes both public and private universities. The majority of these universities are funded by the state and offer affordable education options to both local and international students.
Tuition fees at public universities in Greece are quite low compared to other European countries. The fees vary depending on the program and the level of study. In general, undergraduate programs cost around €1,500-2,000 per year, while graduate programs cost around €2,000-3,000 per year.
The average monthly cost of living for a student is around €500-700, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. It is also worth noting that living costs in smaller cities and towns can be even lower than in major cities like Athens or Thessaloniki.
Study in Greece for less → find your course today!
KEY FACT
The language of instruction in Greek universities is mostly Greek, which can be a barrier for non-Greek speakers. However, some universities offer programs taught in English, especially in areas such as engineering, business, and tourism.
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Each of these countries has a strong reputation for academic excellence, a vibrant cultural scene, and a low cost of living.
By studying in these countries, international students can access top-notch educational resources and opportunities for personal and professional growth, while enjoying a unique and exciting cultural experience.
We believe in finding the perfect fit for you. Our experts will assess your preferences, academic interests, and career aspirations to match you with the ideal study destination.
Also read: Will studying abroad help my career?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which European country is cheapest to study?
The 5 cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students are Poland, Hungary, Estonia, the Czech Republic, and Greece.
How much does it cost to study in Europe as an international student?
The cost of studying in Europe varies depending on the country and institution you choose. However, on average, tuition fees for international students range from €1,500 to €15,000 per year.
Additionally, students will also need to budget for living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation.
What are the most popular universities for international students in Poland?
Some of the most popular universities for international students in Poland include the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, and Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. However, many other reputable universities in Poland also welcome international students.
What are the language requirements for international students in Hungary?
Most universities in Hungary offer courses taught in English specifically for international students, so knowledge of Hungarian is not always necessary. However, if a student plans to study in Hungarian, they must demonstrate proficiency in the language.
