Studying in Europe is a dream for thousands of students but the biggest worry is always the same:
“Can I afford it?”
“Which country is the cheapest for international students?”
“How much will I spend every month?”
Good news: Europe has some of the most affordable study destinations in the world, offering low tuition fees, low living costs, scholarships, and post-study work opportunities.
This guide will help you discover the 10 cheapest countries to study in Europe, with real numbers, examples, and cost breakdowns.
1. Why Europe Is a Great Option for Budget Students
- Many countries offer low or zero tuition fees.
- English-taught programs are available widely.
- Student-friendly cities with affordable housing.
- High visa acceptance rate compared to US/UK.
- Strong post-study work visa opportunities.
2. Factors That Affect Your Study Cost
1. Tuition Fees
Public universities are usually cheaper than private ones.
2. Cost of Living
Depends on:
- Rent
- Transportation
- Food
- Lifestyle
3. Scholarships
Many European countries offer:
- Government scholarships
- University-funded grants
- Erasmus+ grants
4. Part-Time Work
Most countries allow 20 hours/week work during studies.
3. Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Study in Europe
Below is a detailed, updated list with cost breakdowns.
1. Germany
The #1 choice for free education
Tuition Fees
Most public universities offer tuition-free education for bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Cost of Living
$700–$950/month
(Cheapest if you stay in smaller cities like Leipzig or Dresden.)
Popular Universities
- TU Munich
- RWTH Aachen
- University of Hamburg
Scholarships
Why it’s cheap: Government-funded education + huge student benefits.
2. Poland
Affordable tuition + low living cost
Tuition Fees
$2,000–$3,500/year
Cost of Living
$450–$650/month
Popular Universities
- University of Warsaw
- Jagiellonian University
- Warsaw University of Technology
Scholarships
- Polish Government Scholarship
Poland is ideal for: Engineering, medicine, IT, business.
3. Lithuania
One of the cheapest in EU for English-taught programs
Tuition Fees
$1,800–$3,000/year
Living Cost
$400–$600/month
Popular Universities
- Vilnius University
- Kaunas University of Technology
Why students choose Lithuania: Safe, clean, and cheaper than Western Europe.
4. Hungary
Top study-abroad destination for low costs
Tuition Fees
$2,000–$3,000/year
Living Cost
$450–$650/month
Popular Universities
- University of Debrecen
- Eötvös Loránd University
Scholarships
- Stipendium Hungaricum (full funding)
5. Latvia
Tuition Fees
$2,000–$3,500/year
Living Cost
$450–$700/month
Popular Universities
- University of Latvia
- Riga Technical University
Best for business, engineering, and tech fields.
6. Czech Republic
Tuition Fees
$0–$3,000/year
(Free if you study in Czech language; affordable in English.)
Living Cost
$500–$750/month
Popular Universities
- Charles University
- Czech Technical University
7. Slovakia
Tuition Fees
$2,000–$4,000/year
Living Cost
$450–$650/month
Best for medical, engineering, and science programs.
8. Romania
Tuition Fees
$2,000–$4,000/year
Living Cost
$350–$550/month
(One of the cheapest in Europe)
Popular Universities
- University of Bucharest
- Babes-Bolyai University
9. Greece
Tuition Fees
$2,000–$3,000/year
Living Cost
$450–$650/month
Popular Universities
- University of Athens
- Aristotle University
10. Portugal
Tuition Fees
$3,000–$5,000/year
(Masters slightly higher)
Living Cost
$600–$900/month
Popular for business, hospitality, and tech.
4. Tuition-Free Countries in Europe
These countries offer zero tuition fees at public universities:
| Country | Tuition Fees | Living Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Free | $700–$900/mo |
| Norway | Free | $1,100–$1,400/mo |
| Finland | Free for EU; Paid for non-EU | $700–$950/mo |
| Sweden | Paid | $850–$1,200/mo |
5. Cost Comparison Table
| Country | Tuition (per year) | Living Cost (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Free | $700–$950 |
| Poland | $2,000–$3,500 | $450–$650 |
| Lithuania | $1,800–$3,000 | $400–$600 |
| Hungary | $2,000–$3,000 | $450–$650 |
| Romania | $2,000–$4,000 | $350–$550 |
6. How to Choose the Right Country (Step-by-Step)
- Define your budget — tuition + rent + food
- Shortlist countries with your preferred language
- Check job availability for part-time work
- Study visa rules & post-study work
- Compare universities and courses
- Apply for scholarships early
7. Visa & Post Study Work Options
- Germany: 18-month post-study work visa
- Poland: Graduate work permit
- Lithuania: 12-month job search visa
- Hungary: 9–12 months
8. FAQs
Which is the cheapest country overall?
Poland, Lithuania, and Romania.
Can I study for free in Europe?
Yes — Germany and Norway offer free tuition.
Do I need IELTS?
Many universities accept MOI (Medium of Instruction).
Which country has the lowest visa rejection rate?
Poland, Hungary, and Lithuania.
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Short Definition
Cheapest countries to study in Europe are nations offering low tuition fees (often under $3,000/year) and affordable living costs, making education budget-friendly for international students.
Numbered Steps
How to pick the cheapest country to study in Europe:
- Set your monthly budget
- Compare tuition fees
- Check living costs
- Check English-taught programs
- Explore scholarships
- Review visa rules
- Apply to universities early
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low study cost
- Quality education
- Safe environments
- Easy visa access
Cons
- Limited part-time jobs in some countries
- Language barrier in smaller cities
- Scholarship competition
Quick Answer Box
The cheapest countries to study in Europe in 2025 are Poland, Lithuania, Romania, Hungary, and Germany. Tuition fees range from free to $3,000/year, and living costs start from $350/month.
Read More: How To Decide Where To Go For Study Abroad
