Studying abroad is an incredible experience, but cost remains one of the biggest concerns for many students. The good news is that tuition fees and living expenses vary widely across countries, and some destinations offer excellent education at very affordable costs especially when combined with scholarships, low living costs, and favorable visa conditions.
Here’s your guide to the cheapest countries to study abroad in 2026 ideal for international students seeking quality education without breaking the bank.
1. Germany
Why It’s Cheap
- Many public universities charge no tuition fees even for international students.
- You pay only a small semester fee (usually €250–€350) which often includes public transport.
Living Expenses
- Cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Leipzig are student-friendly with reasonable living costs (€800–€1,000/month).
- Shared housing and student cafeterias help reduce costs.
Top For
Engineering, sciences, business, social sciences, computing.
Best for: Students on a budget who want strong academic quality.
2. Norway
Why It’s Cheap
- Public universities do not charge tuition fees for any nationality.
- You only pay a small semester registration fee.
Living Expenses
- Norway has higher living costs (~NOK 12,000–15,000/month) but with planning and part-time work, many students manage well.
Top For
Technology, education, maritime, social sciences.
Best for: Students who can cover living expenses through savings, part-time work, or stipends.
3. Finland
Why It’s Cheap
- Many universities offer no tuition for EU/EEA students and modest fees for others.
- Scholarships are common for international students out of the EU.
Living Expenses
- Monthly costs (~€700–€1,000) depend on city and lifestyle.
- Students can work part-time to offset costs.
Top For
Tech, business, design, health sciences.
Best for: International students looking for high quality at modest cost.
4. Poland
Why It’s Cheap
- Tuition fees are much lower than in Western Europe (often €2,000–€6,000/year).
- Many English-taught programmes available.
Living Expenses
- Very affordable (~€400–€600/month).
- Cheap food, transport, and social life.
Top For
Business, engineering, IT, international relations.
Best for: Students who want a European degree on a tight budget.
5. Hungary
Why It’s Cheap
- Tuition ranges from €3,000–€8,000/year (varies easily by programme).
- Scholarships like Stipendium Hungaricum reduce costs further.
Living Expenses
- Living costs (€500–€700/month) are lower than many EU countries.
Top For
Medicine, business, engineering, arts.
Best for: International students seeking quality and affordability in central Europe.
6. Czech Republic
Why It’s Cheap
- Public universities offer low or no tuition if you study in Czech language (English programmes cost more).
- English programmes still affordable (€3,000–€8,000/year).
Living Expenses
- Monthly costs (~€500–€700) with affordable housing and transport.
Top For
Arts, design, humanities, science.
Best for: Students comfortable with combining Czech/non-Czech language paths.
7. Spain
Why It’s Cheap
- Tuition fees are moderate (~€1,500–€6,000/year).
- Scholarships and regional funding available.
Living Expenses
- Daily living costs (~€700–€900/month).
- Cities like Valencia, Granada, and Seville are cheaper than Madrid/Barcelona.
Top For
Business, tourism, arts, social sciences.
Best for: Students wanting balance between lifestyle and affordability.
8. Malaysia
Why It’s Cheap
- Tuition fees are among the lowest in Asia (~MYR 20,000–40,000/year).
- Many branch campuses of international universities available.
Living Expenses
- Extremely affordable (~MYR 1,000–1,800/month).
- Food, rent, and transport costs are low.
Top For
Business, engineering, IT, hospitality.
Best for: Asian, African, and Middle Eastern students seeking value and quality.
9. India
Why It’s Cheap
- Tuition and living costs are among the lowest globally.
- World-ranked institutions available.
Living Expenses
- Very low (~INR 10,000–20,000/month depending on city).
- Affordable food, housing, transport.
Top For
Engineering, IT, business, management, liberal arts.
Best for: Students prioritising savings and cultural experience.
10. Portugal
Why It’s Cheap
- Tuition fees (~€1,500–€5,000/year) are lower than in many Western countries.
- Scholarship support available.
Living Expenses
- Moderately affordable (~€700–€900/month).
- Lisbon and Porto slightly higher, smaller cities cheaper.
Top For
Business, tech, tourism, arts.
Best for: Students wanting affordable life in Western Europe.
How to Reduce Study Abroad Costs
Being in a cheap country is just step one — here’s how to save even more:
1. Apply Early for Scholarships
Many countries offer tuition + living scholarships.2. Choose Shared Housing
Shared flats and student dorms are significantly cheaper than private rentals.
3. Work Part-Time (If Visa Allows)
Most visas allow 20 hrs/week during study and full-time during breaks.4. Budget Daily Expenses
Cook at home, use student discounts, and use public transport.
FAQs
Q1: How do living costs compare to tuition costs?
Living expenses often make up a bigger portion of total cost than tuition, especially in Europe and Asia.
Q2: Which country is cheapest overall?
India and Poland consistently rank among the most affordable overall (tuition + living).
Q3: Do these countries have post-study work options?
Many do, e.g., Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Malaysia allow graduates to stay and work under certain conditions.
Q4: Can I work part-time as an international student?
Yes, in most countries (e.g., UK, Canada, Germany, Australia), students can work part-time during term and full-time during breaks, subject to visa rules.
Q5: Are degrees from cheap countries recognised globally?
Yes, degrees from recognised universities in Germany, Spain, Malaysia, Czech Republic, and others are globally respected.
