Tuition, living expenses, travel, and study materials can quickly add up. So you’re probably seeking for a low-cost place with excellent academic opportunities. But which are the most affordable European countries for studying abroad?
Owpod will show the top 5 most economical European places. There are numerous possibilities available here, ranging from the Mediterranean coast to central and eastern Europe, depending on the type of academic experience you seek.
1. Poland
The most cheap country in Europe to study. The number of international students studying in Poland is increasing. The number of international students in the country increased by 5.6% between the academic years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, reaching about 90,000. They are enticed not only by the history and culture, but also by the inexpensive cost of living and college costs.
International students in Poland can anticipate to pay €2,000 to €6,000 per year for a study course, which is significantly less than in comparable nations. With your student visa in Poland, you can also work, which means you can acquire a part-time job to help cover your living expenses while you’re there.
With Poland’s low cost of living, you might not even need a job. It is recommended that students in Warsaw, which is home to many of the country’s top colleges, have between 2300 PLN (€500) and 2800 PLN (€610) to get by – and this includes rent, groceries, and entertainment costs!
2. Hungary
Every year, thousands of travelers come to Hungary to relax by the Danube, discover the dynamic center of Budapest, and hike through the hilly regions. It is also one of the most affordable countries in Europe for overseas students to study.
Annual tuition rates at many state colleges do not exceed €8,000, but they can be as low as €2,500. If you are an EU or EEA citizen, you can also find universities that provide tuition-free education, making studying in Hungary quite affordable.
When it comes to living expenses, even renting in Budapest is affordable – a downtown flat can be had for €250-€350 per month. If you plan to stay in university housing or rent in a smaller city, your rent will be much lower. Overall, international students can live comfortably in Hungary around €500-€700 per month.
3. Portugal
Do you want to live somewhere with 300 sunny days per year and a low cost of living? Then Portugal is the place for you. Your monthly living expenses in Portugal should not exceed €800 on average!
Tuition costs vary per university. Tuition fees, on average, run between €2,000 and €6,500 per year. Though this is more than in some of the other countries on this list, the lower overall cost of living in Portugal cannot be overlooked.
Public transportation will cost you no more than €20-€30 a month, and a restaurant meal would cost you no more than €12.
4. Germany
Because of its extremely low tuition fees, Germany is a popular destination for international students. In reality, in many states, international students pay no tuition costs at all, only a tiny administrative fee of roughly €250 every semester.
The sole exception is if you intend to study in Baden-Württemberg, a state that comprises prominent towns such as Freiburg, Heidelberg, Stuttgart, and Mannheim. You’ll be charged €1,500 per semester, for a total of €3,000 per academic year. This is still significantly less expensive than countries such as France and the United Kingdom!
In terms of living expenses, some places, such as Munich or Frankfurt, can be quite pricey. Other significant German cities, on the other hand, may be more inexpensive. Rent in Berlin, the capital, is 10% lower than in Paris, and shop and restaurant prices are likewise lower. The German government estimates that you will only need €867 a month to study abroad in Germany, where rent is just over €300.
5. Italy
Italy is a wonderful area to study abroad because it is located in the center of Europe and has a wide range of cosmopolitan cities and small, medieval towns. It is also one of the most affordable countries in Europe, with housing prices 50% lower than in London and food prices 23% lower than in Paris.
Tuition is also less expensive than in comparable European countries. Though studying at a private institution would cost you more, tuition costs typically vary from €500 to €4,000 per year. Tuition fees at some Italian colleges are calculated based on your country of citizenship, which means you may pay less than other foreign students.
In general, your monthly living expenses should not exceed €1,500, depending on where you reside and how frequently you prefer to dine out.
