Pursuing a Master’s degree abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life but high tuition and living expenses often make students hesitate. Fortunately, many countries and universities offer highly affordable Master’s programs with low tuition, low cost of living, or generous scholarships that help international students stretch their budgets without compromising on quality.
Here’s a guide to some of the cheapest Master’s degrees abroad including where to study, typical costs, and why these options are student-friendly.
Germany
Germany is one of the most popular affordable destinations for postgraduate study.
Tuition Costs:
- Public universities: €0 — no tuition (semester fee applies: ~€250–€500)
- Private universities: Often moderate if needed
Living Costs:
- €700–€1,000 per month
Why It’s Affordable:
- Public universities charge no tuition even for international students
- Numerous English-taught Master’s programs
- Strong emphasis on research and industry links
Examples of universities:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- Heidelberg University
- Humboldt University of Berlin
Norway
Norway offers tuition-free education for all students, including internationals.
Tuition Costs:
- €0 (all public universities)
Living Costs:
- €900–€1,500 per month (higher, but offset by free tuition)
Why It’s Affordable:
- Tuition is free regardless of nationality
- High standard of living and education quality
Top universities:
- University of Oslo
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
- University of Bergen
Poland
Poland is one of Europe’s most budget-friendly destinations with low tuition and very affordable living.
Tuition Costs:
- ~€2,000–€4,000 per year
Living Costs:
- €400–€700 per month
Why It’s Affordable:
- Low fees combined with an affordable lifestyle
- Many English-taught Master’s programs
Examples:
- University of Warsaw
- Jagiellonian University
- Wrocław University of Science and Technology
Hungary
Hungary offers low tuition and scholarship opportunities like the Stipendium Hungaricum.
Tuition Costs:
- ~€2,000–€5,000 per year
Living Costs:
- €500–€800 per month
Why It’s Affordable:
- Scholarships may cover full tuition and living expenses
- Low living costs and vibrant student cities
Top universities:
- Eötvös Loránd University
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic combines low tuition with a relatively cheap cost of living.
Tuition Costs:
- €3,000–€6,000 per year for English programs
- Free if taught in Czech
Living Costs:
- €500–€900 per month
Why It’s Affordable:
- Low living costs in cities like Brno and Plzeň
- Affordable study even in Prague
Top universities:
- Charles University
- Czech Technical University in Prague
- Masaryk University
India
India is among the lowest-cost destinations for Master’s degrees, especially in English-medium institutions.
Tuition Costs:
- $1,000–$3,000 per year
Living Costs:
- $300–$600 per month
Why It’s Affordable:
- Very low tuition and daily expenses
- Many programs taught in English
Examples of universities:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- University of Delhi
- Jawaharlal Nehru University
Malaysia
Malaysia offers affordable postgraduate degrees with a relatively low cost of living.
Tuition Costs:
- $3,000–$7,000 per year
Living Costs:
- $400–$700 per month
Why It’s Affordable:
- International standard education at lower fees
- English widely used in instruction
Top universities:
- University of Malaya
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
- Taylor’s University
Other Affordable Study Options
Finland
- Tuition varies, but scholarships can fully waive fees
- Living costs ~€800–€1,200/month
Portugal
- Tuition ~€2,500–€7,000
- Living costs ~€600–€900/month
- Good value for Western Europe
| Country | Approx. Tuition (Annual) | Monthly Living Cost | Why It’s Affordable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | €0 (public) | €700–€1,000 | Tuition-free public universities |
| Norway | €0 | €900–€1,500 | No tuition for internationals |
| Poland | €2,000–€4,000 | €400–€700 | Low living + low fees |
| Hungary | €2,000–€5,000 | €500–€800 | Scholarships + low costs |
| Czech Republic | €3,000–€6,000 | €500–€900 | Affordable Central Europe |
| India | $1,000–$3,000 | $300–$600 | Very low daily costs |
| Malaysia | $3,000–$7,000 | $400–$700 | Affordable English programs |
| Finland | €0–€15,000* | €800–€1,200 | Scholarships available |
| Portugal | €2,500–€7,000 | €600–€900 | Western Europe on budget |
Note: Finland and Portugal may require scholarships to cut tuition costs.
How to Study Abroad on a Budget
Apply for scholarships early — many fully or partially cover tuition.
Choose public universities — often cheaper than private ones.
Live in smaller cities — rent and food are significantly cheaper.
Work part-time (if permitted) — helps with living expenses.
Use instalment plans — many universities allow fee payment in parts.
If you’re budget-conscious and planning your Master’s abroad, countries like Germany, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, India, and Malaysia offer some of the most affordable options without compromising on quality. With smart planning and early applications, you can make your international education dream both affordable and rewarding.
FAQ
Q1: Which country is the most affordable overall?
India and Germany (tuition-free) are among the most affordable destinations when considering both tuition and living costs.
Q2: Can I work while studying to support myself?
Most student visas allow part-time work (e.g., 20 hrs/week), depending on the country.
Q3: Are English-taught programs available in these places?
Yes, many affordable countries now offer a wide range of English-taught Master’s degrees.
Q4: Is quality compromised if I study somewhere cheap?
Not at all. Countries like Germany and Poland offer globally recognised degrees and excellent academic environments.
