Who doesn't wish for better opportunities? But when financial constraints pull you back, do not fret! Through this blog, we wish to answer the most common question of how much it costs to study abroad and which are the cheapest countries for international students. If you wish to attain your higher education and financial factors are holding you back from accomplishing your dreams, the cheapest countries for international students can help you out. Here are some of the cheapest countries for international students.
10 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad
Studying somewhere apart from your country can be an expensive task. But don't let financial constraints demotivate or derail you from your goal of attaining the best education. The cheapest countries to study for international students provide the best education with lower tuition fees and an even lower cost of living. We have listed the top 10 cheapest countries to study abroad for you to choose from! Let's get started!
1. Germany
Germany is one of the cheapest European countries to study. With its world-class infrastructure, the country's top institutions are dedicated to providing students from all over the world degrees in eclectic domains and specialisations. The top-ranking universities in the country provide several financial aid, making it one of the cheapest and most affordable countries to study. Studying at Public Universities in Germany costs nothing. Yes, when you opt for a public university, higher education in Germany is free; it doesn't matter what nationality you belong to.
A student studying in Germany spends nearly €850/ month. This includes food, groceries, transportation costs, phone & internet bills, gas, electricity bills, etc. Talking student accommodation in Germany ranges from €178-€1145/ month. There are multiple Job Opportunities for international students in Germany.
2. Norway
Norway is another one of the cheapest countries for international students after Germany. With the country's top-notch universities, it is committed to advancing higher education with its skill-based education system. The Nordic countries are well-known for their quality of education and how they keep the courses pocket-friendly for those on a budget. Everyone, including international students at Nordic Public Universities, can attain higher education for free!
Public universities charge zero tuition fees for their Undergraduate, Masters and PhDs programs. For private universities, Norway's university tuition fees range from around €7000-€19000/ year for their Bachelor's and Master's programs. Students can usually spend up to €800-1500/ month on groceries, food, and recreation. Student accommodation in Norway ranges somewhere around €300-€700/ month. These factors make Norway one of the cheapest countries to study in the world.
3. France
As we are looking for the cheapest country for international students, France stands to be a preferred choice by students worldwide. Apart from the country's romantic setting, it is also one of the top countries to attract international students worldwide. The tuition fees to various universities in France are quite affordable, making it one of the cheapest countries for international students to study in. The average tuition fees in France range from €2500 - €4000/ year for the public universities.
The tuition fees at private universities in France range from €3000 - €10,000/ year. The average cost of living a student has to incur in France is around €1200 - €1800/ month. For student accommodation in France, the rent comes to around €350 - 850/month based on the locality in which the student prefers to live.
4. Canada
Along with being one of the most preferred countries to study, Canada is also one of the cheapest countries to study abroad. The country welcomes thousands of students annually from different parts of the world. The top-class education and affordable cost of living are a few reasons Canada is one of the top educational destinations. The tuition fees in Canada are comparatively low. It ranges around $12,000 - $30,000/ year. The cost of living in Canada for students ranges from $600 - $800/ month, which includes all the food, grocery, transportation, and recreational costs. Student accommodation in Canada costs around $175- $1550/ month. Here, we have listed out the top universities if you are planning to complete your Master’s in Canada. Since we are on the topic of financial aid, the 13 best scholarships in Canada in 2024 can help you get the best education while going easy on your pockets.
5. India
India is one of the cheapest countries for international students. With a very low cost of living, the country also offers world-class education institutes. The country has a diverse culture and celebrates colourful festivals around the year. The average tuition fees for various prestigious institutions in India range from $1175-$6000/ year. Having low tuition fees across some of the biggest institutions in India makes it one of the most affordable countries for international students.
With lower tuition fees, the cost of living in India is also one factor that makes it the cheapest country for international students to study globally. The average rent for student accommodation in India can range from $700-$2000/ year. The average cost of living in India, with food, grocery, transportation, and recreational costs included, ranges around $250-$300/ month. The lower tuition fees and cost of living make India one of the cheapest countries to study for international students.
6. Taiwan
Another Asian country on the list, Taiwan is one of the cheapest countries for international students. Various prestigious universities in the country offer degrees and certifications in diverse courses. The average tuition fees in the country range from US$3253 - US$6507/ year. There are abundant scholarship opportunities available for students from every nationality.
The Taiwanese Government presents numerous scholarship opportunities for international students for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The cost of living in the country ranges from $726-$940/ month. The other important cost an international student must consider is the rent for their student accommodation. The average student accommodation in Taiwan costs around $300-$650. The factor to consider is that even with a thriving economy and high standard of living, Taiwan is enlisted as one of the cheapest countries to study for international students.
7. Poland
Along with the country's scenic beauty and diverse cultural background, Poland is one of the cheapest countries for international students to study in. Poland has several institutions offering world-class education, which is considerably affordable for students. There are several public and private universities in Poland to choose from, where the tuition fees cost around $1000-$4500/ year. Low tuition fees make Poland one of the cheapest countries to study abroad.
The cost of living can differ based on in which part of Poland you're residing. But living in Poland as a student is quite economical as the monthly living costs are around $350-$600/ month. Apart from the daily costs, the other most important factor is the rent of your chosen student accommodation in Poland. It costs around $65-$155/ month. Being on the affordable side, various universities in Poland also offer scholarships. Higher education is also free for students in Poland (even international) who initiate their academic journey at state HEIs, making it one of the cheapest countries for international students.
If you want a quick summary of the most affordable countries, our webstory on the cheapest countries to study abroad will be your best friend!
8. UK
The United Kingdom can not exactly be called the cheapest country to study abroad, but there are still some niches where a student can expect some relaxation. Here is the cost bifurcation for the UK if you are looking forward to studying in the UK. The average tuition cost in public and private universities in the UK ranges from £9,000- £22,000/ year. Although it might sound too much, there are various scholarships for both native and international students. The UK's cost of living for international students ranges from £600-£1100/ month.
Student accommodation in the UK can be quite affordable if you book through a trusted source like ours. The rent in the UK starts from £113-£3080/ week. You can visit our website to find out the most affordable student accommodation that fits your budget. Turn the UK into one of the cheapest countries for international students by choosing the student accommodations listed with amber!
9. USA
The USA is the most preferred student destination and is well-liked by students worldwide. Although it is not the cheapest countries to study abroad, it is still quite affordable if you plan your finances. Various options like loans and scholarships might help you get into a reputed US university without worrying about tuition fees and other factors. The average tuition fee in the USA ranges from $10,000-$35,000/ year.
Several scholarship programs are available in the US that you can easily apply for as an international student. Browse through the Top 20 Scholarships in the USA to learn more. Apart from this, the cost of living in the USA ranges from $1000-$1500/ month based on how much you spend on different elements. It is quite convenient to find student accommodation in the USA at low prices, given the country is a hub for international students. US student housing ranges from $200-$3500/ month. However, it can differ on where you plan to stay. This makes the US one of the cheapest countries to study for international students.
10. Malaysia
Malaysia is highly regarded as one of the most affordable countries for international students to study abroad, offering a wide selection of popular universities with affordable tuition fees. Additionally, the cost of living in Malaysia is notably reasonable, making it particularly attractive for international students seeking the cheapest countries to study abroad. Although the tuition fees may vary from university to university, the average tuition fee that one may expect to pay ranges from RM 7,000 to RM 30,000 per year ($1670-$7200) per year for the foundational courses and around RM 10,000 to RM 40,000 ($2400 to $9600) per year for postgraduate courses. It costs around RM 1500 to RM 3,000 ($360-$720) per month to live comfortably in Malaysia as an international student. Student accommodation in Malaysia ranges from RM 300 to RM 1000 ($72-$240) per month.
What factors make them the cheapest country to study abroad?
The following nations are the cheapest countries to study abroad due to a variety of variables. We've compiled them all here so that students may determine which nation best matches their budget. Studying abroad is a financially feasible option due to a number of factors, including scholarships, the quality of education, employment opportunities, and top universities. Let's discover each of them individually.
1. Tuition Fees
A huge chunk of an international student's overall spending goes into tuition fees. Attending college in the cheapest country around the world gives you the space to save up to a good amount, given the tuition fees can vary.
2. Scholarships
Scholarships are a great way to afford to study abroad, so it only makes sense that you learn how to get a scholarship. Various countries and the universities it houses create multiple scholarship offers, making them the cheapest countries for international students
3. Quality of Education
It is important to understand that even if you choose the cheapest country to study abroad, the quality of education is an important factor to consider. Whatever amount of money you desire to spend on studying abroad and your budget range, it is critical to evaluate the quality of education.
4. Job Opportunities
Along with choosing the cheapest countries to study for international students, it is also suggested that you keep looking for job opportunities. Working part-time while completing your chosen course can help you earn extra money. This can ease you out on your everyday expenses and can also enhance your CV by augmenting your experience trajectory.
5. Student Accommodation
Student accommodation stands to be one of the top factors an international student has to think about while moving abroad. It also differs from country to country depending on the living costs in that particular nation.
So here is a list of the top 10 cheapest countries to study abroad. Hope this list helps you find your perfect study-abroad destination. Don't forget to check out what are the best countries to work abroad which will help you make better decisions.