The Least Expensive Countries In Europe for International Students

After completing intermediate college and graduating from the universities students come with a dream of studying in Europe but financial stability is a main issue. Students seek scholarships but the competition is so high. Although some countries provide best scholarships on a merit base still international students face many issues regarding education and living expenses.

Fortunately, in Europe, multiple universities are affordable and provide quality education. In this blog let’s explore the cheapest european countries to study highlighting low tuition fees, work liberty, scholarships, and cheap accommodation options. 

Germany: World-Class Education Without Tuition Fees

 In education, Germany is always at the top of the cheapest European countries to study. Public universities in Germany charge minimum to no tuition fees for international students. They just have to pay semester fees in the range of €150-€300 usually including public transportation costs. 

Why should you study in Germany?

  • Low to no tuition fees: Most of the programs have no tuition fees in Germany. 
  • Cheap accommodation: students can live in shared apartments ( costing around  €250 to €400/ month) and some universities also provide free hostels.
  • Work liberty: Students gain the liberty to work about 20 hours/week casually and during vacation can work about 40 hours/ week. Per-hour income is between 10-12 euros.
  • Scholarships: Some organizations like DAAD offer scholarships for international students.

Top Universities in Germany 

  • Technical University of Munich
  • Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
  • Heidelberg University

Poland: Live and study in the heart of Europe

This is another least expensive destination for international students. This country offers a cost-effective lifestyle with affordable education.

Why study in Poland?

  • Low tuition fees: Poland charges 2500 to 4500 tuition fees to international students per year.
  • Cheap Accommodation: Students’ hostels at university cost around  €150 to €250 and in private apartments rentals about  €350.
  • Work liberty: International students enjoy the liberty to work in Poland without a work permit to work full time while studying.
  • Scholarships: The program and some government initiatives provide support to international students.

Top Universities:

  • University of Warsaw
  • Jagiellonian University
  • Warsaw University of Technology

Greece. Study in Historic Land 

Greece has combined culture and historical backdrop with affordable education and one of the cheapest european countries to study. Most of the programs are taught in the English language which is convenient for international students. 

Why should study in Greece?

  • Low tuition fee: Students have to pay about 1500-3000 euros annually.
  • Low-cost accommodation: The monthly cost is about 250 to 450 euros. Students can choose apartments and hostels on shared policy.
  • Work liberty: Students have permission to work part-time the per-hour income is about 8-10 euros.
  • Scholarships: Most public universities and also the government of Greece provide various scholarships to international students. 

Top Universities:

  • University of Patrasi
  • University of Athens
  • National Technical University of Athens
  • University of Crete

Slovenia: A place that is affordable and  attractive 

Slovenia is present in the center of Europe and it is popular for its beautiful scenery and affordable educational system.

Why should study in Slovenia?

  • Low Tuition Fees: Slovenia provides free study to European Union students but for non-European Union students fees lie between 2500 to 5000 euros per year. 
  • Accommodation: Accommodation is not very expensive in Slovenia but yes compared to the other countries. The living cost per month is about 250 to 350 euros.
  • Work liberty: Work hours allowed to students per week are 20 and holidays are 40.
  • Scholarships: EU programs and the Solvene government provide various scholarships to international students. 

Top Universities

  • University of Ljubljana
  • University of Maribor
  • University of Nova Gorica
  • University of Primorska

Hungary: Affordable and quality education

Hungary provides quality education at top-raked universities and also at low costs.so its also included in one of the cheapest european countries to study. The most low-cost fields are arts, engineering, and medicine. Hungary every year thousands of international students study in Hungary at a minimum cost.

Why should study in Hungary?

  • Low tuition fees: The tuition fee of the hungry lies between  €1,200-€5,000 per annum depending [on the program to the program.
  • Cheap accommodation: Accommodation costs in Hundgar lie between €250-€500 monthly. Students can get shared apartments or dormitories.
  • Work liberty: Students have permission to work about 24 hours per week and during vocations about 40 hours per week.
  • Scholarships: A popular scholarship for international students in Hungary is The stipendium Hungarium.

Top Universities:

  • University of Szeged
  • Eötvös Loránd University
  • University of Pécs
  • University of Debrecen

Portugal: quality education in western Europe

Portugal is the best choice for international students looking for western cheapest European countries to study. Portugal provides a multicolored culture and a warm climate with high-quality education.

Why should study in Portugal?

  • Low tuition fees: Annual free in Portugal is between 3500 to 55000 euros.
  • Cheap accommodation: Living expenses for students lie between  €400 to €700 per month.
  • Work liberty: Students get permission for part-time jobs during their studies.
  • Scholarships: Some universities and the Portuguese government provide a percentage base and some fully funded scholarships.

Top Universities:

  • University of Lisbon
  • University of Porto
  • Nova University Lisbon

Czech Republic: Excellence in affordable and quality education

The best part of the Czech Republic’s popularity is affordable education with a thriving student lifestyle. Programs that are taught in the Czech language are tuition-free but other programs that are taught in the English language have competitive fees.

Why should study in the Czech Republic?

  • Low tuition fee:  Per year English taught programs’ tuition fee ranges from  2000 to 5,000 euros.
  • Cheap accommodation: Students can find shared apartments and hostels with living costs of approximately 300 to 650  euros per month.
  • Work liberty: 20 hours per week work is allowed.
  • Scholarships: Various private and government scholarships are available.

Top Universities:

Estonia: Modern Education Hub 

Estonia offers modern education and most of the programs are taught in the English language. Estonia is popular for its innovative technology scenes.

Why choose Estonia?

  • Low tuition fees: Estonian universities charge tuition fees in the range of 2000 to 6000 euros per year. This range is from very low to high because depends upon programs.
  • Cheap accommodation: Hostel rents averagely start from €100 and private apartments cost around €250 to €450 monthly.
  • Work liberty: Students have permission to work full-time during their studies.
  • Scholarships: The Estonian government offers various scholarships on merit. 

Top Universities:

  • University of Tartu
  • Tallinn University
  • Tallinn University of Technology
  • Tallinn University

Bulgaria: Uncharted territory of Eastern Europe

Bulgaria is gaining popularity for its uncharted territory and cheap educational system worldwide.

Why should study in Bulgaria?

  • Low tuition fees: In Bulgaria, universities charge tuition fees of 2500 to 4500 euros per year.
  • Cheap accommodation: Rent and living expenses are collectively about 350 to 600 euros per month.
  • Work liberty: Part-time jobs are allowed while studying for international students.
  • Scholarships: Financial aid is provided by Bulgarian universities and government.

Top Universities:

  • Sofia University
  • New Bulgarian University
  • Burgas Free University
  • Trakia University

Final Thoughts

Choosing of best country to study abroad is a critical decision without breaking the bank. Many European countries offer affordable education with low living costs, scholarships, and work opportunities. Before choosing any country do thorough research on your destination and consider your budgets, academic goals, and lifestyle preferences. Your right plan can bring you the opportunity to study in the best universities in Europe with affordability and quality.

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