Cheapest Universities in Europe For International Students: Are you an international student searching for an opportunity to study in Europe?
Well, who wouldn’t want to study in some world-class universities in Europe,
Whether you’re having a drink with new friends in the cute pub down the street, spending your day strolling through the beautiful cathedral, or enjoying delicious street food on the way to class, studying abroad in Europe could be the most amazing travel experience of your life.
Nonetheless, Studying abroad means tons of opportunities to meet new people (and future friends!) While learning amazing new cultures and attending a great university!
Tons of young student travelers dream of studying abroad in Europe for free and in this article, we will be discussing the cheapest universities in Europe for international students that will make this dream come true.
But most of all you should remember that studying for free depends on you doing well at school, so don’t hesitate to get online statistics homework help when necessary.
But before we go into that, Can I really study abroad in Europe for free?
Can I really study abroad in Europe for free?
There is no sugarcoating the truth, studying abroad for free is simply not possible.
Nevertheless, there are countless ways to reduce your study costs and to make studying abroad in Europe not only possible but even affordable!
Between budgeting, cheap student tips, great scholarships and other tips on saving money, studying abroad is really within your reach.
Coming from the United States, tuition fees can be the most expensive part of studying abroad. This is just not the case! Many (if not most!) Universities in Europe are free for all EU students.
If you are not an EU citizen, there is a small processing fee, but usually no tuition fees.
This does not mean that there are no conditions. Most universities are taught in the country’s native language, which means you may need to learn some new language skills before flying off to your free education.
But learning a new language seems a lot more doable than taking on thousands of dollars in student loan debt.
Ways for Non-EU Students to Pay Lower University Tuition Fees in Europe
Right after you’ve decided to study abroad, start calculating how much it will cost you. One of the first things to check when looking for a degree is the tuition fees.
Typically, there are two different costs listed for programs on college websites. Tuition fees are different for EU / EEA and non-EU / EEA students.
The difference between EEA and non-EEA countries is that universities in EU countries follow the same educational standards and provide equal student rights.
As a result, universities keep their tuition fees the same for their own national students and any citizen of a country in the European Union and European Economic Area. This rule does not apply to students who do not belong to the EEA, who usually have to pay higher tuition fees.
In this regard, it may be more difficult for students from non-EEA countries to find an affordable Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the European Union.
Nevertheless, Here are three ways non-EU students can avoid paying high tuition fees in Europe:
#1. Finding a tuition-free program:
Tuition fees shouldn’t deter you from looking for a degree in Europe. Some European universities offer a range of programs for free.
Public universities in Germany and the Nordic countries, including Norway (a non-EU country), do not charge tuition fees for international students worldwide (for both EU and non-EU students). postgraduate degrees.
Check examples of tuition-free universities:
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- University of Wuppertal
- University of Bremen
- Aalborg University
- Dalarna University
#2. EU countries with low living costs and low tuition fees
Even if you may not enjoy free tuition, in certain European countries, universities charge low tuition fees and living costs are quite affordable. Studying abroad is no financial burden in countries like:
- Italy
- Spain
- Lithuania
- Hungary
In these countries, students usually spend between 500 and 800 EUR/month on monthly living costs, while average tuition fees range between 1,000 and 5,000 EUR/year in public universities.
#3. Apply for university funding and government scholarships
You can also apply for a course that requires tuition fees and research funding opportunities. You should carefully review the grant / scholarship information on the university’s websites.
For more information, please contact the program director or the International Student Office directly. Some universities have a scholarship section in the application form that makes the application process much easier.
Though most universities offer scholarships based on academic excellence, and sometimes special scholarships are awarded up to a certain degree. For example, Swiss universities award more scholarships to doctoral students.
Other college scholarships cover tuition fees, a portion of the cost of living, and health insurance.
In addition to university funding, you can apply for a grant from the government of your target country. With a state scholarship, you can not only cover your study costs, but also additional money for your studies. check out these Full Study Abroad Scholarships for International students 2022-2023
Now that being said let us now list the cheapest universities to study in Europe.
Cheapest Universities in Europe For International Students
If it’s your dream to study in one of the top European universities? here is a list of the cheapest ones you can apply to.
- Free University of Berlin, Germany
- University of Pisa, Italy
- Heidelberg University, Germany
- University of Basel, Switzerland
- University of Wurzburg, Germany
- Novosibirsk State University, Russia
- University of Gӧttingen, Germany
- University of Paris-Saclay, France
- Fontys University of Applied Science, Netherlands
- Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Italy
- University of Mannheim
- RWTH Aachen University, Germany
- The University of Vienna, Austria
- Nord University, Norway
- University of Crete, Greece
#1. Free University of Berlin, Germany
- Tuition Fees
- Masters: NA
- Undergraduate:
- International students:
- Other fees: €312.89
This university is one of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students and offers completely tuition free education.
Freie Universität Berlin is a research university in Berlin, Germany. As one of the most prominent universities in Germany, it is known for its research in the humanities and social sciences as well as the natural and life sciences.
Freie Universität Berlin does not charge any tuition fees, but there are some other regular payments of only around 312.89 euros per session that are paid for the enrollment fee, student counseling, transport ticket, and union dues.
However, some postgraduate and postgraduate programs are not free, but you must contact the university to find out about these programs and their associated fees, but students can study from the university’s range of courses for free.
#2. University of Pisa, Italy
Tuition Fees
- Masters: $2,307
- Undergraduate: $2,500
- International students:
- Other fees:
The University of Pisa, also known as UniPi, is located in Italy and was founded in 1343. It is the oldest and sixth-best university in Italy. UniPi is able to be on the list of universities with low tuition fees in Europe for international students due to its very affordable tuition fees.
The university offers a number of undergraduate programs that cost $ 2,500 per year and a masters program that costs $ 2,307 per year for international students. You will agree with me that this is a very low tuition fee compared to a regular university with such a ranking.
#3. Heidelberg University, Germany
Tuition fees:
- Masters:
- Undergraduate:
- International students(EU): €171.75
- International students: €1,500
As a public research university that was founded in 1386 and offers various graduate and postgraduate courses, Heidelberg University is one of the Cheapest Universities in Europe For International Students
International students from the countries of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) pay only € 171.75 for studying at Heidelberg University and this cover the administrative costs, the social contribution for the Studentenwerk, the Studentenwerk, the travel ticket, and the Use of the nextbike services.
While international students from countries outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) have to pay € 1,500 per semester.
However, a separate fee is charged for some master’s programs and existing non-consecutive master’s courses.
#4. University of Basel, Switzerland
Tuition fees:
- Masters:
- Undergraduate:
- International students: $1,714
- Other fees:
As one of the leading universities in Switzerland and founded as early as 1460, the University of Basel is one of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students and offers students a wide range of courses and undergraduate courses.
International bachelor and master students at the University of Basel are billed an annual tuition fee of US $ 1,714.
#5. University of Wurzburg, Germany
Tuition fees
- Masters:
- Undergraduate:
- International students:
- Other fees: €137.90
The University of Würzburg, a well-known public research university in Germany, is a free institution for international students and is therefore on the list of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students.
However, international students pay a fee of € 137.90, which covers the student fee and the semester tickets.
#6. Novosibirsk State University, Russia
Tuition fees:
- Masters:
- Undergraduate:
- International students: $3,000
- Other fees:
Surprised that this institution is on the list of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students? Unless you don’t know yet.
Novosibirsk State University, or NSU as it is popularly known, is one of the best universities in Russia and the main producer of most of the Russian academic elite.
The university is highly regarded in educational and scientific research activities and offers various bachelor and master programs for each student, taught in both English and Russian.
Here’s the good part.
Despite its ranking, international masters and bachelor programs, students only pay $ 3,000 in tuition per year.
#7. University of Gӧttingen, Germany
Tuition fees:
- Masters:
- Undergraduate:
- International students: €760
- Other fees:
Here, an internationally renowned research university in the world is on our list of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students.
It’s getting better and better, I bet you think the universities on this list are charlatans because they’re insanely cheap, I’m sure you are out of your mind by now.
At the University of Göttingen, international students pay around € 760 per year, which covers registration and re-registration for the first and second semester.
#8. University of Paris-Saclay, France
Tuition fees:
- Masters: €243
- PhD: €380
- Undergraduate: €170
Université Paris-Saclay is a research-intensive institution that is on our list of universities with low tuition fees in Europe for international students.
Saclay offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs for interested students whose tuition fees are too low to appear real.
The tuition fees for the undergraduate degree at the Université Paris-Saclay are € 170 per year, € 243 per year for the master’s degree and € 380 per year for the doctorate. Program.
#9. Fontys University of Applied Science, Netherlands
Tuition Fess:
- Masters:
- Undergraduate:
- International students(EU): €2,143
- International students(others): €7,920
Among the best universities in the Netherlands, especially in the fields of engineering, IT, logistics, administration, and business, Fontys University of Applied Sciences is the university to count on. it also made it to our list of cheap universities in Europe for international students.
Fontys offers a variety of bachelor, master, and short-term programs with tuition fees that will inspire you.
International students from countries in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) pay a statutory tuition fee of € 2,143, while students from none of these countries pay a tuition fee of € 7,920 or more.
These fees may seem a bit high given the other schools on this list, but when you compare them to other international universities, you will agree with me that they are very, very affordable.
#10. Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Italy
Tuition Fees:
- Masters/PhD: €7,000 – €10,000.
- Undergraduate:
- International students:
- Other fees:
This is a public research institution operating in the field of applied sciences, established in 1987, and a hub for teaching excellence and world-class education in various masters, undergraduate, and PhD programs.
Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies is on the list of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students with no tuition fees for Bachelor’s programs, while tuition fees for PhD students range from € 7,000 to € 10,000.
#11. University of Mannheim, Germany
Tuition fees:
- Masters:
- Undergraduate: €1,500
- International students: €1,500
- Other fees:
It’s a research-intensive public university that was founded in 1967 and is a place where you can unfold and develop your potential.
With its low tuition fees of € 1,500 per semester, the University of Mannheim is one of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students who want to realize their academic dream. International students, therefore, pay a total of € 3,000 per year.
Although there is a tuition fee at this school, there are exceptions. If you are an international student but, under certain conditions, have a residence permit in Germany, which you can view on the university’s website, you do not have to pay any tuition fees.
#12. RWTH Aachen University, Germany
Tuition Fees:
- Masters:
- Undergraduate:
- International students:
- Other fees: €299.38
It is the largest technical university in Germany and offers various bachelor and postgraduate programs to develop and deepen your skills in your preferred subject and level of study.
It should come as no surprise that a university with such prestige is one of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students.
However, there is a conditional tuition fee at RWTH Aachen University and this applies to some international students. In principle, students have to pay a semester fee of € 299.38 per semester.
#13. The University of Vienna, Austria
Tuition Fees:
- International students(EU/EEA): NA
- Other fees: €20.20
- International students(others): €726.72
- Other fees: €20.20
It is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Europe and is home to many historians whose positive contributions have been duly noted. The University of Vienna may not look like it, but it is actually one of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students.
The university offers various courses at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels with different tuition fees.
As an international student from EU / EEA countries, you do not have to pay any tuition fees for the standard period of study plus two tolerance semesters, but the tuition fee of € 20.20.
International students from non-EU / EEA countries have to pay an annual tuition fee of € 726.72 and a student union fee of € 20.20 per semester.
#14. Nord University, Norway
Tuition Fees:
- Masters: NA
- Undergraduate: NA
- International students: NA
- Other fees: $77
This is the youngest university on this list, founded in 2016 and offering various Bachelor, Master, and PhD programs to develop and grow your skills, the University of the North is also one of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students.
Nord does not charge tuition fees, but students must pay a semester fee of NOK 725, or about $ 77, which covers administrative costs and contributes to student welfare.
#15. University of Crete, Greece
Tuition fees:
- Masters: Approx $2000
- Undergraduate: NA
- International students: NA
- Other fees: NA
Founded in 1973 and committed to excellence in research and teaching, the University of Crete offers various bachelor, master, and doctoral programs for students who want to train, acquire knowledge and develop their skills.
The University of Crete is also one of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students and does NOT charge any tuition fees for EU citizens enrolled in their undergraduate programs.
Only 11 of the 52 postgraduate courses offered at the University of Crete are fee-based, but there are no tuition fees for the doctorate. Students.
Now that you have seen the cheapest universities to study in Europe, I know that some of us might still be confused about which of the countries to choose. Don’t worry we have also listed her some of the cheapest countries in Europe to live in as a student.
This list of countries took into consideration not only the tuition fees but also other living expenses.
Cheapest Countries To Study In Europe in 2022
#1. Germany
- Average Tuition Fees: £379
- The Average Living Costs: £6,811
- Average Total: £7,190
- Additional amount for EU Students: £699.
Germany is one of the most popular countries for international students. And because German universities are known for the first-class education and the state-of-the-art research opportunities that are offered as part of a master’s degree.
With the exception of a few private universities, you can study in Germany for free, regardless of whether you come from Europe or elsewhere.
There is usually a small administrative semester fee, but this covers a public transport ticket at the fraction of its usual price.
In Germany, you will find around 300 universities (10 of which are among the best universities in the world) with over 900 international master’s courses.
In some German cities, the cost of living can be higher than in other cities in Europe. However, when it comes to tuition fees, Germany is a very affordable country.
#2. Austria
- Average Tuition Fees: £34
- The Average Living Costs: £8,543
- Average Total: £8,557
- Additional amount for EU Students: £1,270.
Austrian universities do not award scholarships (scholarships) to foreign nationals. The tuition fees are very low at some universities (such as the TU Wien, the top technical university in Austria). Tuition fee ~ 350 € (for technical-applied courses). For art universities, it is free for native Austrians and EU citizens and ~ 350 € (for international students).
#3. Luxembourg
- Average Tuition Fees: £708
- The Average Living Costs: £9,552
- Average Total: £10,260
- Additional amount for EU Students: £0.
There is a diverse choice of higher education institutions in Luxembourg, but the cultural and social environment will ensure that you get the most out of your student life.
The University of Luxembourg, known worldwide for being multilingual, international, and research-driven.
welcomes many national and international students. In addition, a number of private and international universities offer a wide range of courses and degree programs for all needs.
#4. Belgium
- Average Tuition Fees: £776
- The Average Living Costs: £8,410
- Average Total: £9,186
- Additional amount for EU Students: £1,286.
Belgium is one of the most international countries in the world, with several elite universities teaching in a wide variety of languages. Every major city has a first-class university.
Examples are the KU Leuven, the largest in Belgium; the University of Ghent; and the University of Antwerp.
The two main universities in Brussels have the same name when translated into English – the Free University of Brussels – after a split in 1970 that led to the formation of separate French-speaking and Dutch-speaking institutions.
#5. Italy
- Average Tuition Fees: £0
- The Average Living Costs: £0
- Average Total: £0
- Additional amount for EU Students: £0.
Italy is an affordable country to live and visit, which is why it draws thousands of international students and tourists each year.
Home to the oldest university in Europe, students in Italy can enroll in numerous interesting Master’s degrees and benefit from accessible tuition fees and low living costs.
Costs include accommodation, food, public transportation, local travel, and/or entertainment.
Check out the following affordable universities from Italy:
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
- European College of Parma Foundation
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
#6. Spain
- Average Tuition Fees: £1,852
- The Average Living Costs: £8,676
- Average Total: £10,528
- Additional amount for EU Students: £2,694.
Spain is an appealing country for international students, due to its Mediterranean climate, friendly locals, affordable prices, and, not to mention, the opportunity of learning or brushing up on Spanish language skills.
With over seventy universities to choose from, you are likely to find a suitable Master’s degree in Spain.
This includes all your monthly expenses, like food, bills, social activities, and transportation. In some Spanish cities, with this sum, you can also cover the accommodation costs.
Check out the following affordable universities from Spain:
- BEBS (Barcelona Executive Business School)
- Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)
- EIT Digital
Frequently Asked Question About Cheapest Universities in Europe For International Students
Which Europe country is best for study?
Spain tops our list of the best countries in Europe to study. With a low cost of living, over 70 universities to choose from, and a rich historical and cultural environment, Spain is a great choice for any study abroad program.
Which is the cheapest country in Europe to study?
Study.eu named Poland the cheapest European country for international students in 2018 with an average annual expenditure of € 7,000. This number combines the cost of living, rent, and average tuition fees.
How much money do I need to study in Europe?
Average annual tuition fees: £9,000-9,250 (~€10,500-10,780) for domestic/EU students at undergraduate level; From £10,000 (~US$13,130) for international undergraduate students outside the EU. International students should expect to pay between £11,000-32,000 (~US$14,440-42,000) for most master’s degrees.
Is it cheaper to live in America or Europe?
Overall, Europe has a lower cost of living due to lower healthcare spending, a weaker euro, and low inflation. However, Europeans tend to spend more of their income on taxes, and average wages tend to be lower than in the United States.
Where can I study free in Europe?
10 European countries with free or virtually free college tuition
- Germany
- Norway
- Iceland
- Austria
- France
- Poland
- Greece
- Hungary
Which European country has lowest tuition fees for international?
In a nutshell, here are the cheapest universities/colleges in Europe for international students –
Sr. No | University Name | Country | Tuition Fees |
1 | Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa | Italy | €0 |
2 | Sant’Anna | Italy | €0 |
3 | Free University of Berlin | Germany | €0 |
4 | University of Paris-Sud | France | €170 |
5 | Nantes University | France | €184 |
6 | RWTH Aachen University | Germany | €260 |
7 | University of Göttingen | Germany | €300 |
8 | University of Athens | Greece | €400 |
9 | Nord University | Norway | €725 |
10 | The University of Vienna | Austria | €730 |
CONCLUSION:
Studying abroad doesn’t have to be a burden on your budget; sometimes it can even be a more affordable alternative to studying in your hometown. Whether you’re worried about tuition fees or living costs, there are European countries where you can find an affordable study experience while also getting a great education.