If you’re thinking about studying abroad in Europe, your first thought might not be about the university or subject you want to study, but about how much it will cost.
With health insurance, transport expenses, housing, and food to consider, studying abroad may be costly. However, if you choose the appropriate country, you can save a lot of money.
Here is our list of the most affordable European nations for studying abroad.
Italy
If you study abroad in Italy, you can enjoy not only fantastic historical sites and sunshine, but also low tuition and living costs.
Tuition prices at a private institution will be high, while at a public university, they will be no more than €5,000 for EU students. Some overseas students may be charged a higher tuition, but scholarships are frequently available.
Food will be inexpensive in Italy, but lodging will be more expensive in the north of the country than in the south. Your monthly living expenses in Italy should not exceed €650.
Portugal
This sunny country is well-known for its beach resorts and vibrant cities. Portugal, on the other hand, is an excellent alternative for a low-cost study abroad vacation. In Portugal, monthly living expenses should range between €500 and €800.
Tuition at a public institution should not be more than €2,500 per year. Even at a private institution, tuition is still less than in other nations, around €7,000 per year. As is customary, these fees are for EU students only; if you are not from the EU, expect to pay extra.
Spain
Given Portugal’s value for money, it’s no wonder that Spain, another Mediterranean country, is also a cheap option to study abroad in Europe. The country also has some of Europe’s oldest institutions, including as the University of Salamanca, which was founded in 1218.
A Bachelor’s degree in Spain can cost up to €1,300 per year, while a Masters degree can cost up to €4,500 per year. Overall, living costs in Spain are reasonable, but large cities such as Barcelona and Madrid will always be more expensive. Renting in Madrid, for example, can cost up to €800 per month, whereas Salamanca is roughly €450. In general, your monthly living expenses in Spain will not exceed €1,000.
Germany
Germany has some of Europe’s greatest universities, particularly in cities like Frankfurt and Berlin, but it’s also popular with international students for another reason: free tuition.
Germany scrapped university tuition fees in 2014. Instead, they simply charge students an administrative fee. This also applies to non-EU students in most states (excluding Baden-Württemberg). Though living costs in Germany are not as low as in southern European countries, low-cost tuition cannot be overlooked.
The south of Germany is often more expensive than the north, with Munich being one of the most expensive cities. In general, your annual living expenses could total €10,200.
Hungary
Hungary is not one of the most popular study abroad locations in Europe, but it is one of the most economical. It has cosmopolitan cities like Budapest and tuition prices that do not surpass €8,000 per year.
Your living expenses are also likely to be low in comparison to other European countries. In Budapest, you might rent a city center apartment for as little as €450 per month, bringing your total monthly spending to just over €600.
Poland
Students are increasingly flocking to Poland. Indeed, the number of overseas students has increased by nearly 80% in the last five years. While there are many more chances if you know Polish, English-taught courses are available at several of the major universities. Tuition expenses in this country could reach €3,000 per year.
Living prices are also inexpensive in Polish cities, with apartments costing less than €550. Warsaw has also been named one of the greatest student cities in the world, owing to its low living costs and cosmopolitan character.
