Studying in Europe offers some of the best educational opportunities in the world, but it can also come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are several countries across the continent where international students can pursue their academic goals without breaking the bank. These affordable European destinations provide high-quality education, rich cultural experiences, and a lower cost of living compared to more expensive options like the UK or the US.
In this post, I’ll take you through some of the cheapest European countries to study in for 2025, helping you find the perfect balance between academic excellence and affordability. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant city or a peaceful university town, there’s a budget-friendly destination in Europe that’s right for you. Let’s explore!
1. Germany
Germany is one of the most popular choices for international students, and for good reason. First off, tuition fees at public universities are practically non-existent for undergraduate students—yes, you read that right! Even for graduate programs, the fees are minimal, especially compared to other European countries. While Germany’s living costs can vary depending on where you choose to study, it remains an affordable option when compared to places like the UK or the US. I know what you’re thinking: “Wait, no tuition fees? How’s that even possible?” Well, Germany’s government invests heavily in education, meaning they offer top-notch universities and degrees without making you pay an arm and a leg.
- Top Universities: You’ll find some of Europe’s finest institutions in Germany, like the University of Heidelberg, Technical University of Munich (TUM), and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). These universities rank highly worldwide and are known for their excellent research and academic programs.
- Tuition Fees: For most public universities, tuition fees are either non-existent or very low. You might just have to pay a semester fee ranging from €150 to €300, which covers administrative costs, transportation, and sometimes even student services.
- Living Expenses: On average, you’ll need about €700 to €1,000 per month to cover rent, food, and personal expenses. Larger cities like Munich can be a little more expensive, but smaller towns like Heidelberg or Leipzig offer cheaper living options without compromising on student life.
2. Poland
If you want to experience a rich cultural history while studying in an affordable and vibrant country, Poland is a fantastic choice. Poland’s universities have a great reputation in Europe, and the cost of living is far lower than in Western European countries. Imagine studying at an ancient university in the heart of Krakow or enjoying the lively atmosphere of Warsaw—all while saving a significant amount of money on tuition and living expenses.
- Top Universities: Poland has some impressive universities that are recognized globally, such as University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and Warsaw University of Technology. These schools offer a variety of programs, and many courses are available in English, which is great for international students.
- Tuition Fees: As an international student, you can expect to pay between €2,000 and €4,000 per year for your undergraduate degree. For graduate programs, the fees may range from €2,500 to €5,000 annually, but this is still relatively affordable compared to other European countries.
- Living Expenses: Poland is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. You’ll spend around €400 to €600 per month, depending on the city you choose. Warsaw and Krakow may be a bit pricier, but cities like Wroclaw and Gdansk are much cheaper while still offering a lively student scene.
3. Hungary
Hungary is a hidden gem in Europe that offers quality education at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in other countries. With affordable tuition fees, a low cost of living, and a welcoming atmosphere, Hungary has become a top destination for international students, especially those interested in fields like medicine, engineering, and business. If you like the idea of studying in a city filled with beautiful architecture, great food, and a vibrant student community, Hungary might be the perfect fit for you.
- Top Universities: Hungary is home to renowned universities like Eötvös Loránd University, University of Szeged, and Budapest University of Technology and Economics. These institutions offer strong programs in a variety of fields, and many of them offer courses in English to accommodate international students.
- Tuition Fees: Expect to pay between €1,500 and €4,000 per year for most programs. If you’re looking to study medicine or dentistry, the fees may be higher, but overall, Hungary is one of the more affordable European study destinations.
- Living Expenses: The cost of living in Hungary is quite low—around €450 to €700 per month. Budapest, as the capital, is more expensive, but it’s still a lot cheaper than other European capitals. Smaller cities like Szeged or Debrecen offer even cheaper options without compromising on the student experience.
4. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe, offering a rich cultural experience, a high standard of education, and low living costs. It’s a great choice for students looking to experience a mix of medieval history, vibrant cities, and world-class universities, all while staying on budget.
- Top Universities: Charles University in Prague is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, and University of Prague and Brno University of Technology are also highly regarded. These institutions offer a variety of programs in English, especially in the fields of engineering, business, and medicine.
- Tuition Fees: For non-EU students, tuition fees range from €3,000 to €10,000 per year, depending on the program. Many public universities offer affordable programs in fields like business, law, and humanities. The best part is that you’ll get a high-quality education for a very reasonable price.
- Living Expenses: The cost of living in the Czech Republic is much lower than in Western Europe. You can expect to spend around €400 to €700 per month, depending on whether you live in Prague or a smaller city. While Prague can be a bit more expensive, cities like Brno or Ostrava offer affordable living options.
5. Spain
Spain is a fantastic destination for students who want to study in a lively, culturally rich environment. With its fantastic climate, historic cities, and relaxed lifestyle, Spain offers a great student experience at a relatively low cost compared to many Western European countries. Whether you’re enjoying tapas in Barcelona or exploring the stunning architecture of Madrid, Spain has a lot to offer.
- Top Universities: Spain is home to prestigious institutions like University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Madrid, and University of Valencia. These universities offer excellent academic programs in a wide variety of fields, and many offer courses in English, especially at the postgraduate level.
- Tuition Fees: Public universities in Spain have relatively low tuition fees, typically ranging from €1,000 to €3,500 per year. This is especially affordable compared to countries like the UK or the US, where tuition fees can soar. Some specialized programs, like medicine or architecture, may have higher fees, but they’re still reasonable compared to other European countries.
- Living Expenses: Spain’s cost of living is lower than that of many other Western European countries. You can expect to spend around €600 to €1,000 per month, depending on the city. Major cities like Barcelona and Madrid are more expensive, but you can save money by living in smaller cities or towns, which offer a more affordable lifestyle while still being close to the action.
6. Portugal
If you’re dreaming of studying in a sunny, welcoming country with beautiful beaches, rich culture, and affordable costs, Portugal might just be the place for you. Portugal is known for its low tuition fees, cheap cost of living, and friendly locals, making it a popular choice among international students. Lisbon and Porto are bustling cities with a lot to offer, but the country’s smaller cities also provide a more relaxed and affordable environment.
- Top Universities: University of Porto, University of Lisbon, and University of Coimbra are some of Portugal’s most well-known and respected institutions. Portugal is particularly well-regarded for its research programs, and many universities offer courses in English, especially for graduate students.
- Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for international students range from €1,000 to €3,500 per year for most public universities. For certain programs, like medicine, the fees may be higher, but Portugal remains one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe.
- Living Expenses: The cost of living in Portugal is much lower than in many other European countries. Expect to pay around €600 to €800 per month, with Lisbon and Porto being slightly more expensive. However, smaller cities like Coimbra or Aveiro are more affordable, offering great quality of life at a lower cost.
7. Italy
Italy is a country that needs no introduction. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, world-renowned cuisine, and vibrant cities, it’s no wonder that many students flock to Italy every year. While it might be known for its luxury brands and expensive fashion scene, Italy actually offers affordable education options, especially for those looking to study at public universities.
- Top Universities: Italy is home to prestigious universities like University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and Politecnico di Milano. These universities offer a wide range of programs, and many courses—particularly at the postgraduate level—are available in English. Italy is particularly strong in fields like design, architecture, engineering, and humanities.
- Tuition Fees: Tuition fees in Italy are relatively low compared to other Western European countries. Most public universities charge between €1,000 and €4,000 per year, depending on the program and your family’s income level. Private universities can be more expensive, but they are still affordable compared to countries like the UK or the US.
- Living Expenses: Italy’s cost of living can vary depending on where you choose to study. Cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence can be a bit pricier, with living expenses ranging from €800 to €1,200 per month. However, smaller cities like Bologna, Turin, or Perugia are much more affordable, with costs ranging from €600 to €800 per month.
8. Greece
If you’re looking for a warm climate, rich history, and a laid-back lifestyle while studying on a budget, Greece should definitely be on your radar. Known for its ancient landmarks, stunning beaches, and delicious food, Greece offers a student-friendly atmosphere with low tuition fees and a reasonable cost of living.
- Top Universities: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and University of Crete are among Greece’s top institutions. Greece is particularly well-regarded for its programs in history, archaeology, philosophy, and political science, but it also offers a wide range of courses in other fields like business, engineering, and technology.
- Tuition Fees: Public universities in Greece charge relatively low fees, typically ranging from €1,500 to €3,500 per year for non-EU students. Many programs, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, are quite affordable, and Greece is known for offering good value for money in terms of education quality.
- Living Expenses: Greece’s living costs are quite low compared to other European countries. You can expect to spend around €500 to €700 per month, depending on the city you live in. Athens, being the capital, is more expensive, but smaller cities like Thessaloniki or Patras offer cheaper living options, all while being rich in history and culture.
9. Romania
Romania is often overlooked by many international students, but this hidden gem in Eastern Europe is becoming increasingly popular. With its affordable tuition fees, low cost of living, and rapidly developing universities, Romania is quickly gaining recognition as a great destination for students looking for a European experience on a budget.
- Top Universities: University of Bucharest, Babes-Bolyai University, and University of Cluj-Napoca are Romania’s top universities. They offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, many of which are available in English. Romania is also known for its strong engineering, IT, and medical programs.
- Tuition Fees: The tuition fees in Romania are among the lowest in Europe. For most programs, you can expect to pay between €2,000 and €4,000 per year. Medical programs may be a bit more expensive, but overall, Romania offers excellent value for money in terms of tuition fees.
- Living Expenses: Romania’s cost of living is incredibly low. On average, you can expect to spend between €400 and €600 per month, which covers rent, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. Bucharest, the capital, is the most expensive city, but it is still very affordable compared to other European capitals. Cities like Cluj-Napoca and Iasi are even cheaper and still offer a vibrant student life.
10. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is an up-and-coming student destination that has been attracting more international students in recent years. It’s known for its low tuition fees, low cost of living, and welcoming atmosphere for students. Whether you’re studying in Sofia, the capital, or a smaller city, you’ll find that Bulgaria offers a great balance of affordability and quality.
- Top Universities: Bulgaria has several well-regarded universities, including Sofia University, Plovdiv University, and Varna University of Management. Sofia University is the oldest and most prestigious in the country, offering a variety of programs in both Bulgarian and English. Programs in medicine, engineering, and business are popular among international students.
- Tuition Fees: The tuition fees in Bulgaria are very affordable compared to other European countries. For most programs, you’ll pay between €1,500 and €5,000 per year, depending on the course and the university. Medical degrees, however, are more expensive, ranging from €5,000 to €8,000 annually.
- Living Expenses: The cost of living in Bulgaria is one of the lowest in Europe. You can live comfortably on a budget of €400 to €600 per month, depending on your lifestyle and the city you choose. Sofia, being the capital, may cost slightly more, but it still remains far more affordable than cities in Western Europe. Smaller cities like Plovdiv or Varna are even cheaper and offer a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of student activities.
The 10 Countries and Their Scholarships for International Students
Germany
Germany is well-known for offering numerous fully funded scholarships for international students, especially since public universities have no tuition fees for most undergraduate programs. Even when fees apply, there are plenty of scholarships to help cover living expenses and more.
- DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers several fully funded scholarships for international students, particularly for Master’s and Ph.D. programs. These scholarships cover tuition, travel expenses, living costs, and health insurance.
- Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships: This scholarship is for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. It covers living expenses, tuition fees, and travel costs.
- Erasmus+ Scholarships: The Erasmus+ program provides funding for students to study in Germany and other European countries. It offers financial support for tuition, living costs, and travel expenses.
Poland
Poland has become a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education and affordable cost of living. There are several fully funded scholarships available to help international students pursue their studies.
- Polish Government Scholarship: The Polish Government offers scholarships to international students at various levels of study, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. This scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship Programme: Offered by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this scholarship supports students from developing countries. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
- Erasmus+ Program: The Erasmus+ program is also available for international students studying in Poland, providing financial support for tuition, travel, and living costs.
Hungary
Hungary is an increasingly popular destination for international students, offering a high standard of education at very affordable prices. Several fully funded scholarship opportunities are available.
- Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship: This is one of Hungary’s most prestigious scholarships, offering full funding for international students. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend for living expenses. The scholarship is available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs.
- Hungarian Government Scholarship: This scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance for students from partner countries.
- Erasmus+ Scholarships: Like many European countries, Hungary participates in the Erasmus+ program, offering fully funded scholarships for exchange students.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a great destination for students looking for affordable tuition and living costs, and there are various fully funded scholarships available for international students.
- Czech Government Scholarships: The Czech Government offers scholarships to students from developing countries, which cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: This program supports international students and provides funding for studying in the Czech Republic, covering tuition fees, travel, and living costs.
- Czech University Scholarships: Some universities in the Czech Republic, such as Charles University, offer fully funded scholarships for international students, including tuition waivers, stipends, and accommodation support.
Spain
Spain offers a wealth of cultural experiences, and there are several fully funded scholarships that international students can apply for to ease the financial burden of studying abroad.
- Spanish Government Scholarships: The Spanish Ministry of Education offers scholarships for international students, particularly for those studying Spanish language and culture. This includes full funding for tuition, accommodation, and a living stipend.
- La Caixa Foundation Scholarships: This scholarship provides full funding for postgraduate and doctoral students. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel.
- Erasmus+ Scholarships: Spain is part of the Erasmus+ program, which offers full funding for students to study in Spain, including tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.
Portugal
Portugal is another budget-friendly European destination offering high-quality education and various scholarships for international students.
- Portuguese Government Scholarships: These scholarships are designed to support international students studying in Portugal. They cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Scholarships: Aimed at postgraduate students, this scholarship covers tuition, living costs, and health insurance for students from specific countries.
- Erasmus+ Scholarships: The Erasmus+ program also offers funding for students studying in Portugal, covering living costs and tuition.
Italy
Italy is a dream destination for students who love history, culture, and great food. Fortunately, it also offers some excellent fully funded scholarships.
- Italian Government Scholarships: The Italian Government offers scholarships to international students to study at public universities. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes accommodation.
- University Scholarships: Many Italian universities offer their own scholarships. For example, University of Bologna offers fully funded scholarships to international students in the form of tuition waivers and living stipends.
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: This program provides funding for students to study in Italy as part of a joint European master’s program, covering tuition, living, and travel expenses.
Greece
Greece is an affordable European country that provides numerous scholarship opportunities for international students.
- Greek Government Scholarships: The Greek Government offers full scholarships to international students for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Hellenic Republic Scholarships: The Greek Ministry of Education provides scholarships for international students, especially for postgraduate studies. These scholarships offer financial assistance to cover tuition and living costs.
- Erasmus+ Scholarships: The Erasmus+ program also offers funding for international students studying in Greece, covering tuition, living costs, and travel expenses.
Romania
Romania, with its affordable living costs and high-quality education, offers several opportunities for international students to study on fully funded scholarships.
- Romanian Government Scholarships: These scholarships are available to students from non-EU countries and cover tuition, living expenses, and travel. They are offered for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: Romania participates in the Erasmus Mundus program, which provides fully funded scholarships for students studying in Romania, covering tuition fees and living costs.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Some universities in Romania offer their own scholarships for international students, such as University of Bucharest, which provides tuition waivers and monthly stipends for selected students.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers low tuition fees, but there are also scholarships to help international students study for free.
- Bulgarian Government Scholarships: The Bulgarian Government offers scholarships for international students from non-EU countries. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Erasmus+ Scholarships: Like other European countries, Bulgaria participates in the Erasmus+ program, providing funding for students to study at Bulgarian universities, covering tuition, travel, and living costs.
- University Scholarships: Some universities in Bulgaria offer their own fully funded scholarships, especially for postgraduate students in fields like engineering, medicine, and science.
Final thoughts
There you have it—a comprehensive look at some of the most affordable European countries for international students, along with the fully funded scholarships that can help make your study abroad dreams a reality. Whether you’re drawn to the rich history of Poland, the academic excellence of Germany, or the stunning landscapes of Greece, these countries not only offer a quality education but also provide generous scholarship opportunities to make studying abroad more accessible.
Remember, studying abroad doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right scholarships and a bit of research, you can significantly reduce your costs and enjoy all the amazing experiences these countries have to offer. So, which country are you most excited to apply to? Do you have any questions or need help finding more scholarship opportunities? I’d love to hear from you in the comments! Let’s chat and share tips—studying abroad is an incredible journey, and I’m here to support you every step of the way!