Studying abroad can be life-changing but high tuition fees and expensive living costs often make students think twice. The good news? Many countries offer excellent universities with very low tuition fees or affordable overall costs for international students. Whether you’re aiming for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that still deliver quality education and global recognition.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the cheapest universities abroad for international students, including tuition ranges and what makes each destination affordable and student-friendly.
Germany
Germany is one of the most famous affordable study destinations in the world. Public universities generally charge no tuition fees for international students at bachelor’s and many master’s levels — you only pay a small semester charge for administration and student services.
Top affordable universities:
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- University of Heidelberg
- Humboldt University of Berlin
Estimated costs:
- Tuition: ~€0 at public universities
- Semester fees: ~€200–€500
- Living costs: ~€700–€1,000/month
Many English-taught programs are available, especially at the master’s level, and living costs are manageable in smaller cities.
Norway
All public universities in Norway are tuition-free for international students. The only cost is living expenses which tend to be higher but the savings on tuition make Norway an attractive option.
Top universities:
- University of Oslo
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
- University of Bergen
Estimated costs:
- Tuition: €0
- Living costs: ~€900–€1,500/month
Many programs are in English, especially at the graduate level.
Finland
Finland introduced tuition fees for non-EU students, but universities offer generous scholarships that can cover both tuition and living expenses.
Top universities:
- University of Helsinki
- Aalto University
- University of Turku
Estimated costs:
- Tuition: €0–€15,000/year (often waived with scholarships)
- Living costs: ~€800–€1,200/month
Finland is also known for innovative teaching methods and high quality of life.
Poland
Poland offers affordable education and very low living expenses compared to Western Europe. English-taught programs are increasingly available in universities across the country.
Top universities:
- University of Warsaw
- Jagiellonian University
- Wrocław University of Science and Technology
Estimated costs:
- Tuition: ~€2,000–€4,000/year
- Living costs: ~€400–€700/month
Combine low costs with rich cultural experiences.
Hungary
Hungarian universities offer some of the most affordable programs in Europe. Combined with scholarships like the Stipendium Hungaricum, international students can study for very low costs.
Top universities:
- Eötvös Loránd University
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics
- University of Szeged
Estimated costs:
- Tuition: ~€2,000–€5,000/year
- Living costs: ~€500–€800/month
Hungary also has strong scholarship support for international students.
Czech Republic
Public universities in the Czech Republic offer tuition-free education if you study in Czech. English-taught programs are low-cost and widely available too.
Top universities:
- Charles University
- Czech Technical University in Prague
- Masaryk University
Estimated costs:
- Tuition (English programs): ~€3,000–€6,000/year
- Living costs: ~€500–€900/month
Living costs are low compared to most of Europe, and Prague is a vibrant student city.
India
India is one of the most affordable places to study abroad, especially for programs taught in English at many universities.
Top universities:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) – competitive
- University of Delhi
- Jawaharlal Nehru University
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Estimated costs:
- Tuition: $1,000–$3,000/year
- Living costs: $300–$600/month
Not only is tuition affordable, day-to-day costs are among the lowest globally.
Malaysia
Malaysia hosts many internationally recognised universities with affordable tuition and living costs.
Top universities:
- University of Malaya
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
- Taylor’s University
Estimated costs:
- Tuition: $3,000–$7,000/year
- Living costs: $400–$700/month
Many programs are accredited globally and partnerships with UK/Australian institutions add value.
Cheapest Countries Abroad
| Country | Typical Tuition | Typical Living Cost | Why It’s Affordable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | €0 (public) | €700–€1,000/month | Tuition-free public universities |
| Norway | €0 | €900–€1,500/month | Free tuition at public universities |
| Finland | €0–€15k (scholarships) | €800–€1,200/month | Scholarships available |
| Poland | €2,000–€4,000 | €400–€700/month | Low tuition + living |
| Hungary | €2,000–€5,000 | €500–€800/month | Scholarships + low costs |
| Czech Republic | €3,000–€6,000 | €500–€900/month | Affordable living |
| India | $1,000–$3,000 | $300–$600/month | Low costs overall |
| Malaysia | $3,000–$7,000 | $400–$700/month | Affordable + accredited |
How to Maximise Affordability
Look for scholarships: Even affordable universities often have additional funding.
Consider public institutions: They’re typically cheaper than private ones.
Choose smaller cities: Living costs in capitals tend to be higher.
Part-time work: Many countries allow legal part-time work while studying.
Affordable doesn’t mean second-rate. Countries like Germany, Norway, India, and Malaysia provide quality education at low costs, making them excellent options for international students who want value without compromising academic experience.
FAQ
Q1: Are the cheapest universities good quality?
Yes. Many of these universities have strong global reputations, especially in fields like engineering, IT, and sciences.
Q2: Do they teach in English?
Most offer English-taught courses, especially at the graduate level. Always check the language requirements before applying.
Q3: Can I work while studying?
Yes. Countries like Germany, Poland, and India allow part-time work with student visas.
