Top Affordable European Countries for International Students in 2025
Studying in Europe is a great choice for international students because of its excellent education, diverse cultures, and rich history. However, many students worry about the high costs of living and studying. Here’s a list of some of the most affordable European countries for students in 2024, offering good education, lower living costs, and job opportunities after graduation.
Germany: Free or Low-Cost Tuition with Great Education
Why Study in Germany? Germany is known for providing high-quality education at little to no tuition fees. Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition for undergraduate and doctoral programs. Students only need to pay a small fee each semester, usually between €150 and €300, which covers things like campus facilities, public transport, and administrative costs.
Cost of Living Living expenses in Germany are also quite reasonable compared to other Western European countries. Students should expect to spend between €700 and €1,100 per month, depending on the city. Cities like Leipzig and Dresden are generally cheaper than bigger cities like Berlin or Munich.
Jobs and Scholarships Students in Germany can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days each year, which can help cover living costs while studying. There are also scholarships available, such as those from the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).
Key Takeaway: Germany is a great choice for students who want affordable tuition, reasonable living costs, and good job opportunities after graduation.
Poland: Quality Education at a Reasonable Price
Why Study in Poland? Poland is becoming a popular choice for students because of its rich culture and growing reputation for high-quality education. There are many English-language programs available, especially in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Cost of Education and Living Tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate programs in Poland are quite affordable, typically ranging from €2,000 to €3,500 per year. The cost of living is also low compared to other European countries, with monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and entertainment usually between €400 and €700.
Student Life and Work Rights Cities like Warsaw and Kraków offer a lively student atmosphere at an affordable cost. International students from non-EU countries can work part-time while studying, making it easier to manage expenses.
Key Takeaway: Poland offers a great mix of quality education and low living and tuition costs, making it an excellent choice for students on a budget.
Czech Republic: Study Affordably in the Heart of Europe
Why Study in the Czech Republic? The Czech Republic is known for its rich cultural history and offers many English-taught courses at top universities like Charles University in Prague. Its central location makes it easy for students to travel around Europe.
Tuition Fees and Living Costs For programs taught in Czech, tuition is often free for international students. For English-taught programs, annual tuition fees range from €3,000 to €10,000. Living expenses typically range from €400 to €800 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Scholarships and Work Opportunities The Czech Republic provides various government scholarships for international students and allows them to work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) to help cover their education costs.
Key Takeaway: With low living costs and affordable education, the Czech Republic is an attractive option for students looking for quality education and a vibrant lifestyle while staying within budget.
4. Hungary: Affordable Tuition and Cost of Living with Rich Culture
Why Travel to Study in Hungary?
Reputable universities in Hungary include Eötvös Loránd University and the University of Szeged. Because of its excellent quality of life and reasonably priced programs, it is a well-liked choice for international students.
Cost-efficiency
The annual tuition for overseas students can range from €1,200 to €5,000, depending on the school and course of study. Hungary is among the most economical study locations in Europe due to its low monthly living expenses, which normally fall between €400 and €700.
Scholarship Program for Stipendium Hungaricum
Hungary’s special government-funded scholarship program, the Stipendium Hungaricum, offers full scholarships that cover tuition, housing, and even a monthly stipend, making education extremely accessible to qualified students.
Important Takeaway: For students on a limited budget who want to study in Europe,
5. Portugal: Affordable Living in a Friendly, Diverse Culture
Portugal is well known for its lovely climate, kind people, and high quality of life. Universities like the University of Lisbon and the University of Porto offer a wide range of programs in both Portuguese and English, especially in fields like business, technology, and the arts.
Tuition and living expenses
The cost of tuition at Portugal’s public universities is reasonable; for international students, it typically ranges from €1,500 to €3,000 per year. It is reasonably priced, with an average monthly cost of living of between €600 and €900, which includes housing, food, and transportation.
Employment and Scholarship Opportunities
International students are permitted to work part-time and apply for a range of scholarships through Portuguese institutions and organizations. This lowers the cost of living and education.
Important Takeaway: For students looking for a combination of excellent education, reasonably priced housing, and a lively cultural experience, Portugal is the perfect destination.
