Studying abroad is a dream for many students, but the high cost of tuition and living expenses can often make it seem unattainable. However, many countries in Europe offer affordable education without sacrificing quality. If you’re looking to study abroad on a budget, here are some of the cheapest countries to study in in Europe.
- Germany
Germany is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system and affordability. Public universities in Germany offer free tuition to both EU and non-EU students, except for a few states that charge nominal fees. Students can also take advantage of low living expenses, especially if they live in student housing. German universities are known for their solid programs in engineering, business, and natural sciences.
Interesting Fact: Germany is home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna, which was founded in 1088.
- France
France is not only known for its cuisine and culture but also its affordable education system. While tuition is free for EU students, non-EU students can expect to pay around 2,700 euros per year for undergraduate programs and 3,770 euros per year for master’s programs. French universities are known for their programs in humanities, social sciences, and engineering. Despite the relatively high cost of living in France, students have access to affordable student housing and other discounts.
Interesting Fact: France has produced the most Nobel Prize winners in literature, with 15 laureates.
- Poland
Poland is a great option for students looking to study in Eastern Europe. While tuition for Polish-taught programs is free, non-Polish students can expect to pay around 2,000-3,000 euros per year for English-taught programs. Living expenses are also low, with Warsaw being ranked among the most affordable cities for students in 2022. Polish universities are known for their strong programs in sciences and technology.
Interesting Fact: The oldest university in Poland, the Jagiellonian University, was founded in 1364 and is one of the oldest universities in Europe.
- Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a popular destination for international students due to its low tuition fees and high-quality education. Tuition for Czech-taught programs is free for all nationalities, while tuition for English-taught programs ranges from 3,500-20,000 euros per year. The cost of living in the Czech Republic is also relatively low, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious students. Czech universities are known for their strong programs in social sciences and humanities.
Interesting Fact: The Charles University in Prague, founded in 1348, is the oldest university in Central Europe.
- Portugal
Portugal is a popular destination for students due to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and affordable education. While tuition is not free, it is still reasonable, with undergraduate programs costing around 1,250 euros per year. Portugal is also known for its strong programs in business and economics, as well as humanities and social sciences.
Interesting Fact: The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, is one of the oldest universities in Europe and was once the only university in Portugal.
- Austria
Austria is a great option for students looking for an affordable education in a beautiful location. While tuition is not free, it is still relatively low, with fees of just 363 euros per semester for EU students and 726 euros per semester for non-EU students. Austria is known for its strong programs in music, arts, and humanities.
Interesting Fact: Austria is home to the oldest continuously running university in the German-speaking world, the University of Vienna, which was founded in 1365.
- Belarus
Belarus might not be the most well-known destination for studying abroad, but it is growing in popularity among international students due to its quality education and low cost of living. While tuition fees are not free for foreign students, they are still quite affordable, ranging from 900 to 6,000 euros depending on the degree program. The cost of living in Belarus is also extremely low, with students spending less than 5,000 euros per year on living expenses. Belarus is especially known for its medical programs, which are among the most popular and highly regarded in Europe.
Interesting Fact: Belarus is home to the Mir Castle Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 16th century and is considered one of the most important examples of Eastern European Gothic architecture.
- Italy
Italy is an ideal destination for students who wish to pursue studies in culinary arts, fashion, design, and engineering. Despite the country’s glamorous reputation, studying in Italy is surprisingly affordable. While tuition fees are not free, they remain reasonable, with public universities charging between 900 to 4,000 euros annually. Additionally, Italy is renowned for its prestigious private universities, which offer a broad range of programs in English.
Interesting Fact: Italy is home to the University of Bologna, which was founded in 1088 and is considered the oldest university in continuous operation in the Western world.
- Belgium
Belgium may not be an obvious choice for studying abroad, but it is home to several public and prestigious universities that offer a wide range of courses in English, French, and Dutch. While tuition is not free for EU or non-EU citizens, it is still relatively affordable, with non-EU citizens paying between 1,000 to 4,000 euros per year. Despite the high cost of living in Belgium, the country has many advantages for international students. The country has a rich cultural heritage and is centrally located in Europe, making it an ideal base for exploring the continent. Belgium is especially known for its programs in business and economics, as well as engineering and technology.
Interesting Fact: Belgium is home to the Atomium, a unique building in Brussels that was built for the 1958 World Expo and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Conclusion
Studying abroad can be an expensive undertaking, but many European countries offer affordable tuition fees and a low cost of living for international students. The countries on this list have excellent universities and offer a wide range of courses in English and other languages.
While cost is an important factor to consider when choosing where to study, it is also important to consider the quality of education and the overall student experience. It is recommended that prospective students research each country and university thoroughly before making a decision.
Regardless of where you choose to study, studying abroad can be a life-changing experience that will broaden your horizons and provide you with valuable skills and experiences that will last a lifetime.
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