Studying in Europe is a dream for countless students, offering top universities, diverse cultures and a better lifestyle. While the cost of education can be high in some countries, there are several European destinations where quality education meets affordability. In this blog, we have listed some of the cheapest countries in Europe for international students, their tuition fees, living costs and why they are perfect for budget-conscious students looking to study abroad.
8 Affordable Countries To Study In Europe
Studying in Europe doesn’t always mean breaking the bank; several countries offer quality education, diverse cultures and affordable tuition fees. From tuition-free options in Germany and Sweden to low-cost living in Poland and Greece, you can find destinations that suit your academic goals and budget.
This list of the eight cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students will help you make an informed decision about where to pursue your degree.
| Country | Tuition Fees (Approx.) | Cost of Living (Approx. per month) |
| Germany | Free at public universities (semester fee €100 – €350)Private €5,000 – €20,000/year | €900–€1,000 |
| Portugal | €550 – €1,050 (Bachelor’s)€500 – €2,500 (Master’s); some up to €5,500 | €500–€800 |
| Greece | €1,500 – €3,000/year (non-EU) free for EU/EEA students | €400–€750 |
| Poland | €1,500 – €7,000/year (Bachelor’s & Master’s); PhD often free | €400–€700 |
| Slovenia | €2,000 – €11,000/year (Bachelor’s & Master’s) PhD €2,000–€6,000 | €400–€700 |
| France | €2,800–€3,000 (Bachelor’s)€3,700–€3,900 (Master’s) PhD ~€400/year | €600–€1,000 (Paris €800–€1,200) |
| Austria | €1,450/year (public)private €3,000–€23,000/year | €950–€1,300 |
| Sweden | €7,500–€25,500/year (non-EU) free for EU/EEA; PhD free | €800–€1,100 |
Also Read: Best Countries For Indian Students To Study Abroad In 2025
- Germany
Germany is a top study-abroad destination, known for world-class universities, innovative programmes, and career opportunities. A primary reason it’s considered one of the cheapest countries to study in Europe is that most public universities charge no tuition fees for international students, only a small semester fee of €100–€350. Private universities do have tuition costs (€5,000–€20,000 per year), but many students choose public institutions to keep expenses low.
The main cost is living expenses, averaging about €11,904 per year (€992 per month), which covers rent, food, insurance, and transport. Even with these costs, Germany remains a highly affordable option compared to the USA or the UK.
Top Universities In Germany For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| Technical University of München | 22 |
| University of Heidelberg | 80 |
| Free University of Berlin | 88 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | 98 |
| RWTH Aachen University | 105 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | 130 |
| Technical University of Berlin | 145 |
| University of Hamburg | 193 |
| University of Freiburg | 201 |
| University of München | 350 |
Also Read: List Of Cheap Universities In Germany For International Students
- Portugal
Portugal is among the cheapest Western European countries for students, with public university tuition starting at €550–€1,050 per year for Bachelor’s and €500 – €2,500 for Master’s programmes. Some specialised courses may cost up to €4,000 – €5,500, while private universities can exceed €7,000. The tuition fees for non-EU/EEA and Swiss students are usually between €3,500 – 7,000.
Living costs are also affordable, averaging €500 – €800 per month, depending on the city. Smaller towns cost less, while Lisbon and Porto are slightly higher. Combining its vibrant culture and high-quality education, Portugal offers excellent value for international students.
Top Universities In Portugal For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| University of Lisbon | 230 |
| Universidade NOVA de Lisboa | 327 |
| University of Porto | 237 |
| University of Coimbra | 347 |
| University of Aveiro | 419 |
- Greece
Greece is one of the cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students, with public university fees for non-EU students ranging from €1,500–€3000 per year. EU/EEA students often study for free, and living costs are also low compared to Western Europe. Scholarships are available to reduce expenses further.
Monthly living costs average €400 – €750. Alongside affordability, Greece offers rich cultural experiences and English-taught courses in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, making it a great value choice for students.
Top Universities In Greece For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| National Technical University of Athens | 355 |
| National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | 390 |
| Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | 485 |
| University of Crete | 628 |
| University of Patras | 721 – 730 |
- Poland
Poland is one of the cheapest European countries for international students, offering quality education at low tuition costs. Most Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes range between €2,000 and €7,000 per year, with Bachelor’s degrees typically costing €1,500–€5,000 and Master’s programmes around €2,000–€6,000 annually.
Polish and EU/EEA students often study tuition-free in Polish-taught programmes at public universities, while English-taught courses usually require tuition fees. Doctoral studies are frequently free or funded through scholarships, especially for full-time candidates at public institutions.
Living costs are equally affordable, averaging €400 – €700 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. While Warsaw and Kraków are relatively more expensive, smaller cities like Lublin and Wrocław are budget-friendly. With numerous English-taught courses, opportunities for scholarships, and part-time work options, Poland offers an affordable yet high-quality study experience for international students.
Top Universities In Poland For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| Jagiellonian University | 303 |
| Warsaw University of Technology | 487 |
| Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan | 741 – 750 |
| University of Wroclaw | 801 – 850 |
- Slovenia
Slovenia offers quality education at low tuition rates. Non-EU students pay around €2,000 – €11,000 per year for Bachelor’s, €5,000 – €11,000 for Master’s, and €2,000 – €6,000 for PhD programmes. Students from the EU and select Balkan countries often study tuition-free at public universities, while private universities charge higher but still competitive fees.
Living expenses are also low, averaging €400 – €700 per month for accommodation, food, and transport. With its safe, eco-friendly cities, vibrant culture, and central European location, Slovenia offers excellent value for international students.
Top Universities In Slovenia For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| University of Ljubljana | 535 |
| University of Maribor | 901 – 950 |
- France
France is an emerging study abroad destination for international students. The country offers a high-quality education system and is relatively affordable compared to the USA, UK, or Australia, though generally more expensive than Germany. Public university tuition fees for international students are subsidised, ranging from €2,800–€3,000 per year for bachelor’s and €3,700–€3,900 for master’s programmes. Doctoral studies are much cheaper (~€391/year), while Grandes Écoles and private institutions can cost between €500 and €30,000 annually.
Living expenses in France average around €600–€1,000 per month, including housing, food, transport, and insurance. Costs are higher in Paris (€800–€1,200/month) and more affordable in smaller cities.
Top Universities In France For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| PSL Research University Paris | 28 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 41 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 70 |
| Sorbonne University | 72 |
| Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 205 |
| University Panthéon-Sorbonne | 257 |
| Paris Cité University | 300 |
| Grenoble Alpes University | 321 |
| Sciences Po, Paris | 367 |
- Austria
Austria is an affordable study option in Europe, with public universities charging around €726 per semester (about €1,450 per year) plus a small student union fee. Some universities waive fees for students from developing countries or those with scholarships. Universities of Applied Sciences charge slightly higher, while private universities range from €3,000 to €23,000 annually.
Living costs average €950–€1,300 per month, varying by city and lifestyle. Despite higher living costs than Eastern Europe, Austria offers quality education, fee waivers, and a central location, making it a good value for international students.
Top Universities In Austria For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| University of Vienna | 152 |
| University of Innsbruck | 350 |
| Graz University of Technology | 427 |
| Johannes Kepler University Linz | 473 |
- Sweden
Sweden is another great location to study abroad. Non-EU students pay €7,500–€25,500 per year, with humanities and social sciences on the lower end and design or architecture costing more. PhD programmes are free for everyone, and non-EU students pay a one-time €80 application fee.
Living costs average €700 – €1,200 per month, higher than Eastern Europe but balanced by Sweden’s high-quality education, research opportunities, and innovation-focused environment, making it a good value choice for international students.
Top Universities In Sweden For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| Lund University | 72 |
| KTH Royal Institute of Technology | 78 |
| Uppsala University | 93 |
| Stockholm University | 147 |
| Johannes Kepler University Linz | 473 |
Also Read: Why Study In Sweden: A Guide
Studying in Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. Countries like Germany, Poland, Greece, and Portugal prove that high-quality education can be accessible on a budget. With low or even zero tuition fees, reasonable living costs, and vibrant cultural experiences, these destinations make pursuing your academic goals abroad far more achievable. The key is to research programmes, understand living expenses, and apply early to secure scholarships or fee waivers.
If you are ready to plan your study abroad journey, UniScholars is here to guide you every step of the way from shortlisting universities and securing scholarships to managing applications and visa support.
FAQs
Q. Which is the cheapest place to study in Europe?
Ans: Germany is considered the cheapest country for international students in Europe, as most public universities charge no tuition fees, only a small semester contribution of €100–€350. Students mainly need to cover living costs of about €900–€1,000 per month, which is still lower compared to other Western European countries.
Q. Which country in Europe is easiest to get a student visa?
Ans: Ireland is often considered one of the easiest European countries to get a student visa, thanks to its straightforward online application process and fast approval timelines. Applicants typically need an admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance, with decisions issued within a few weeks.
Q. Which are some of the most affordable countries to study in Europe?
Ans: Some of the most affordable countries to study in Europe include Germany, Poland, Greece, Portugal, Slovenia, Austria, France, and Sweden. These countries offer either low or no tuition fees at public universities and have moderate living costs, making them budget-friendly options for international students.
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Studying in Europe is a dream for countless students, offering top universities, diverse cultures and a better lifestyle. While the cost of education can be high in some countries, there are several European destinations where quality education meets affordability. In this blog, we have listed some of the cheapest countries in Europe for international students, their tuition fees, living costs and why they are perfect for budget-conscious students looking to study abroad.
8 Affordable Countries To Study In Europe
Studying in Europe doesn’t always mean breaking the bank; several countries offer quality education, diverse cultures and affordable tuition fees. From tuition-free options in Germany and Sweden to low-cost living in Poland and Greece, you can find destinations that suit your academic goals and budget.
This list of the eight cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students will help you make an informed decision about where to pursue your degree.
| Country | Tuition Fees (Approx.) | Cost of Living (Approx. per month) |
| Germany | Free at public universities (semester fee €100 – €350)Private €5,000 – €20,000/year | €900–€1,000 |
| Portugal | €550 – €1,050 (Bachelor’s)€500 – €2,500 (Master’s); some up to €5,500 | €500–€800 |
| Greece | €1,500 – €3,000/year (non-EU) free for EU/EEA students | €400–€750 |
| Poland | €1,500 – €7,000/year (Bachelor’s & Master’s); PhD often free | €400–€700 |
| Slovenia | €2,000 – €11,000/year (Bachelor’s & Master’s) PhD €2,000–€6,000 | €400–€700 |
| France | €2,800–€3,000 (Bachelor’s)€3,700–€3,900 (Master’s) PhD ~€400/year | €600–€1,000 (Paris €800–€1,200) |
| Austria | €1,450/year (public)private €3,000–€23,000/year | €950–€1,300 |
| Sweden | €7,500–€25,500/year (non-EU) free for EU/EEA; PhD free | €800–€1,100 |
Also Read: Best Countries For Indian Students To Study Abroad In 2025
- Germany
Germany is a top study-abroad destination, known for world-class universities, innovative programmes, and career opportunities. A primary reason it’s considered one of the cheapest countries to study in Europe is that most public universities charge no tuition fees for international students, only a small semester fee of €100–€350. Private universities do have tuition costs (€5,000–€20,000 per year), but many students choose public institutions to keep expenses low.
The main cost is living expenses, averaging about €11,904 per year (€992 per month), which covers rent, food, insurance, and transport. Even with these costs, Germany remains a highly affordable option compared to the USA or the UK.
Top Universities In Germany For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| Technical University of München | 22 |
| University of Heidelberg | 80 |
| Free University of Berlin | 88 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | 98 |
| RWTH Aachen University | 105 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | 130 |
| Technical University of Berlin | 145 |
| University of Hamburg | 193 |
| University of Freiburg | 201 |
| University of München | 350 |
Also Read: List Of Cheap Universities In Germany For International Students
- Portugal
Portugal is among the cheapest Western European countries for students, with public university tuition starting at €550–€1,050 per year for Bachelor’s and €500 – €2,500 for Master’s programmes. Some specialised courses may cost up to €4,000 – €5,500, while private universities can exceed €7,000. The tuition fees for non-EU/EEA and Swiss students are usually between €3,500 – 7,000.
Living costs are also affordable, averaging €500 – €800 per month, depending on the city. Smaller towns cost less, while Lisbon and Porto are slightly higher. Combining its vibrant culture and high-quality education, Portugal offers excellent value for international students.
Top Universities In Portugal For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| University of Lisbon | 230 |
| Universidade NOVA de Lisboa | 327 |
| University of Porto | 237 |
| University of Coimbra | 347 |
| University of Aveiro | 419 |
- Greece
Greece is one of the cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students, with public university fees for non-EU students ranging from €1,500–€3000 per year. EU/EEA students often study for free, and living costs are also low compared to Western Europe. Scholarships are available to reduce expenses further.
Monthly living costs average €400 – €750. Alongside affordability, Greece offers rich cultural experiences and English-taught courses in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, making it a great value choice for students.
Top Universities In Greece For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| National Technical University of Athens | 355 |
| National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | 390 |
| Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | 485 |
| University of Crete | 628 |
| University of Patras | 721 – 730 |
- Poland
Poland is one of the cheapest European countries for international students, offering quality education at low tuition costs. Most Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes range between €2,000 and €7,000 per year, with Bachelor’s degrees typically costing €1,500–€5,000 and Master’s programmes around €2,000–€6,000 annually.
Polish and EU/EEA students often study tuition-free in Polish-taught programmes at public universities, while English-taught courses usually require tuition fees. Doctoral studies are frequently free or funded through scholarships, especially for full-time candidates at public institutions.
Living costs are equally affordable, averaging €400 – €700 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. While Warsaw and Kraków are relatively more expensive, smaller cities like Lublin and Wrocław are budget-friendly. With numerous English-taught courses, opportunities for scholarships, and part-time work options, Poland offers an affordable yet high-quality study experience for international students.
Top Universities In Poland For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| Jagiellonian University | 303 |
| Warsaw University of Technology | 487 |
| Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan | 741 – 750 |
| University of Wroclaw | 801 – 850 |
- Slovenia
Slovenia offers quality education at low tuition rates. Non-EU students pay around €2,000 – €11,000 per year for Bachelor’s, €5,000 – €11,000 for Master’s, and €2,000 – €6,000 for PhD programmes. Students from the EU and select Balkan countries often study tuition-free at public universities, while private universities charge higher but still competitive fees.
Living expenses are also low, averaging €400 – €700 per month for accommodation, food, and transport. With its safe, eco-friendly cities, vibrant culture, and central European location, Slovenia offers excellent value for international students.
Top Universities In Slovenia For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| University of Ljubljana | 535 |
| University of Maribor | 901 – 950 |
- France
France is an emerging study abroad destination for international students. The country offers a high-quality education system and is relatively affordable compared to the USA, UK, or Australia, though generally more expensive than Germany. Public university tuition fees for international students are subsidised, ranging from €2,800–€3,000 per year for bachelor’s and €3,700–€3,900 for master’s programmes. Doctoral studies are much cheaper (~€391/year), while Grandes Écoles and private institutions can cost between €500 and €30,000 annually.
Living expenses in France average around €600–€1,000 per month, including housing, food, transport, and insurance. Costs are higher in Paris (€800–€1,200/month) and more affordable in smaller cities.
Top Universities In France For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| PSL Research University Paris | 28 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 41 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 70 |
| Sorbonne University | 72 |
| Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 205 |
| University Panthéon-Sorbonne | 257 |
| Paris Cité University | 300 |
| Grenoble Alpes University | 321 |
| Sciences Po, Paris | 367 |
- Austria
Austria is an affordable study option in Europe, with public universities charging around €726 per semester (about €1,450 per year) plus a small student union fee. Some universities waive fees for students from developing countries or those with scholarships. Universities of Applied Sciences charge slightly higher, while private universities range from €3,000 to €23,000 annually.
Living costs average €950–€1,300 per month, varying by city and lifestyle. Despite higher living costs than Eastern Europe, Austria offers quality education, fee waivers, and a central location, making it a good value for international students.
Top Universities In Austria For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| University of Vienna | 152 |
| University of Innsbruck | 350 |
| Graz University of Technology | 427 |
| Johannes Kepler University Linz | 473 |
- Sweden
Sweden is another great location to study abroad. Non-EU students pay €7,500–€25,500 per year, with humanities and social sciences on the lower end and design or architecture costing more. PhD programmes are free for everyone, and non-EU students pay a one-time €80 application fee.
Living costs average €700 – €1,200 per month, higher than Eastern Europe but balanced by Sweden’s high-quality education, research opportunities, and innovation-focused environment, making it a good value choice for international students.
Top Universities In Sweden For International Students
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
| Lund University | 72 |
| KTH Royal Institute of Technology | 78 |
| Uppsala University | 93 |
| Stockholm University | 147 |
| Johannes Kepler University Linz | 473 |
Also Read: Why Study In Sweden: A Guide
Studying in Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. Countries like Germany, Poland, Greece, and Portugal prove that high-quality education can be accessible on a budget. With low or even zero tuition fees, reasonable living costs, and vibrant cultural experiences, these destinations make pursuing your academic goals abroad far more achievable. The key is to research programmes, understand living expenses, and apply early to secure scholarships or fee waivers.
If you are ready to plan your study abroad journey, UniScholars is here to guide you every step of the way from shortlisting universities and securing scholarships to managing applications and visa support.
FAQs
Q. Which is the cheapest place to study in Europe?
Ans: Germany is considered the cheapest country for international students in Europe, as most public universities charge no tuition fees, only a small semester contribution of €100–€350. Students mainly need to cover living costs of about €900–€1,000 per month, which is still lower compared to other Western European countries.
Q. Which country in Europe is easiest to get a student visa?
Ans: Ireland is often considered one of the easiest European countries to get a student visa, thanks to its straightforward online application process and fast approval timelines. Applicants typically need an admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance, with decisions issued within a few weeks.
Q. Which are some of the most affordable countries to study in Europe?
Ans: Some of the most affordable countries to study in Europe include Germany, Poland, Greece, Portugal, Slovenia, Austria, France, and Sweden. These countries offer either low or no tuition fees at public universities and have moderate living costs, making them budget-friendly options for international students.
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