Education
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December 24, 2024
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8 min read
Around 6%-14% of students fly abroad to pursue higher education. Who doesn't wish for better opportunities? But when financial constraints pull you back, do not fret! The degrees earned in these countries are recognised globally, making them valuable for future career prospects. So 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.
Factors to Consider for Affordable Study Abroad Options
It is essential to consider various factors when studying abroad. Here are some aspects you must consider for affordable study abroad options!
1. Tuition Fees
Compare the tuition costs of various universities and countries. Some countries provide free or low-cost education, making it more manageable financially. We have listed down the average tuition fees for master's and bachelor's courses in the cheapest countries to study abroad.
Tution Fees in Most Affordable Countries to Study Abroad
| Country | Bachelors (USD) | Masters (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Germany |
up to $4,000/year | up to $8,000/year |
| Norway | Free | Free |
| France | up to $4,000/year | up to $5,000/year |
| Canada | up to $30,000/year | up to $35,000/year |
| India | up to $3,000/year | up to $5,000/year |
| Poland | up to $5,000/year | up to $7,000/year |
| United Kingdom | up to $40,000/year | up to $45,000/year |
| United States of America | up to $50,000/year | up to $60,000/year |
| Malaysia | up to $8,000/year | up to $10,000/year |
| Australia | up to $33,000/year | up to $40,000/year |
| Sweden | up to $18,000/year | up to $20,000/year |
| New Zealand | up to $25,000/year | up to $35,000/year |
| Mexico | up to $6,000/year | up to $8,000/year |
| Argentina | up to $5,000/year | up to $6,000/year |
| Taiwan | up to $4,000/year | up to $6,000/year |
2. Cost of Living
Consider how much you'll pay for rent, food, transportation, and other daily expenses. Countries such as Poland, India, Mexico, and Malaysia provide low-cost living and high-quality education. Take into consideration accommodation and regular costs. In case of student housing assistance, you can easily book through amber which offers a seamless process.
3. Scholarships and Financial Aid
Look for scholarships or financial aid opportunities. Many institutions and organisations provide financial assistance to international students, which can reduce overall costs. Scholarships are a great way to afford to study abroad, so it only makes sense that you learn how to get a scholarship. We have listed the top scholarships you can apply for in the cheapest countries to study abroad.
Top Scholarships in Most Affordable Countries to Study Abroad
| Country | Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Germany |
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| Norway |
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| France |
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| Canada |
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| India |
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| Taiwan |
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| Poland |
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| United Kingdom |
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| United States of America |
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| Malaysia |
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| Australia |
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| Sweden |
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| New Zealand |
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| Mexico |
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| Argentina |
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4. Part-Time Job Opportunities
Find out if international students can work part-time. Earning while studying can help you relieve financial stress and cover living expenses.
5. Safety and Quality of Life
Look into the safety and living conditions in your chosen study destination. A safe and welcoming environment will enhance your experience and ensure your safety.
6. Language
Consider the language used in the country. If you are not fluent, look for programs that offer courses in a language you are familiar with, or consider learning the local language.
7. Employment Opportunities
Check to see if the country offers any post-study employment opportunities. Working after graduation can help you gain experience and cover the costs of studying abroad.
8. Currency Exchange Rate
Monitor the exchange rate between your home currency and the local currency. Favourable rates can help you manage your expenses more effectively.
9. Medical Costs
Healthcare can be expensive in some countries, so international students should be aware of the medical costs and whether health insurance is required.
15 Most Affordable Countries to Study Abroad
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 15 cheapest countries to study abroad for you to choose from! Let's get started!
1. Germany
Average Cost of Living: €850 per month
Job Opportunities: Engineering, IT, Healthcare, Management, and Finance
Top Courses: Engineering, Computer Science, Business & Management
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 abroad. 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.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. Technical University of Munich (TUM) | 37
2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) | 54
3. Heidelberg University | 87
2. Norway
Average Cost of Living: $1000 per year
Job Opportunities: Fishing, Hydropower, Mining, Petroleum and Gas, Paper Products, Shipping, and Tourism
Top Courses: Environmental Science, Marine Technology, Energy Management
Norway is another cheapest country to study abroad 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! These factors make Norway one of the cheapest countries to study in the world.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. University of Oslo | 95
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) | 352
3. University of Bergen | 206
3. France
Average Cost of Living: $1194.77 per month
Job Opportunities: Fashion Design, Film Studies, Law, Creative Writing and Literature
Top Courses: Fashion & Design, Business & Management, Culinary Arts
As we are looking for the cheapest country for international students, France stands to be a preferred choice by students globally. Apart from the country's romantic setting, it is also one of the countries with the best scholarships for international students. The tuition fees to various universities in France are quite affordable, making it one of the cheapest countries for international students to study in.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. PSL University | 24
2. École Polytechnique | 48
3. Sorbonne University | 83
4. Canada
Average Cost of Living: $650 per month
Job Opportunities: Healthcare, Technology, Finance, Engineering
Top Courses: Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Business & Finance
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 and offers several scholarships in Canada. The top-class education and affordable cost of living are a few reasons Canada is one of the top educational destinations.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. University of Toronto | 21
2. McGill University | 30
3. University of British Columbia (UBC) | 34
5. India
Average Cost of Living: INR 25,000-INR 27,000 per month
Job Opportunities: Data science, Artificial Intelligence, Investment Banking, Software Engineering, Product Management
Top Courses: Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Business & Management
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. 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.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | 149
2. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) | 197
3. Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore | 225
6. Taiwan
Average Cost of Living: $726-$940 per month
Job Opportunities: Managing Director, Regional Sales Manager, Engineering Director, Medical Director
Top Courses: Engineering, Business & Economics, Information Technology
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 Taiwanese Government presents numerous scholarship opportunities for international students for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. National Taiwan University (NTU) | 170
2. National Tsing Hua University | 212
3. National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) | 238
7. Poland
Average Cost of Living: $350-$600 per month
Job Opportunities: Construction, Logistics, Transportation, Renewable Energy Experts
Top Courses: Medicine & Health Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science
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. Low tuition fees make Poland one of the cheapest countries to study abroad. 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.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. University of Warsaw | 284
2. Jagiellonian University | 293
3. Warsaw University of Technology | 256
If you want a quick summary of the best and most affordable countries to study abroad, our webstory on the cheapest countries to study abroad will be your best friend!
8. United Kingdom
Average Cost of Living: £600-£1200 per month
Job Opportunities: Engineer, Doctor, Lawyer, Computer Programmer, Teacher, Financial Management.
Top Courses: Business & Management, Law, Engineering
While the United Kingdom may not be the most affordable study destination, it does provide a variety of options for students to manage their expenses and achieve financial flexibility. The UK offers a variety of scholarships, part-time job opportunities, and student discounts in the UK to help alleviate financial burdens. Furthermore, some regions and universities have lower tuition fees or lower living expenses, allowing students to better manage their finances.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. University of Cambridge | 2
2. University of Oxford | 3
3. Imperial College London | 6
9. United States of America
Average Cost of Living: $1000-$1500 per month
Job Opportunities: Nurse Practitioner, Computer Programmer, Medical and Health Service, Financial Manager, Data Science
Top Courses: Computer Science, Business & Management, Engineering
The USA is the most preferred student destination and is well-liked by students worldwide. Although it is not the cheapest country to study abroad, it is still quite affordable if you plan your finances. Various options like loans and scholarships in the USA might help you get into a reputed US university without worrying about tuition fees and other factors.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1
2. Stanford University | 5
3. Harvard University | 4
10. Malaysia
Average Cost of Living: $400 per month
Job Opportunities: Software Developers, Engineers, Finance Specialists, Healthcare professionals, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Top Courses: Business & Finance, Engineering, Computer Science
Malaysia is highly regarded as one of the most affordable countries for international students to study abroad. It offers a wide selection of popular universities with affordable tuition fees. Over 170,000 international students from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East are studying in the many top universities. Additionally, the cost of living in Malaysia is notably reasonable, making it particularly attractive for international students seeking the cheapest countries to study abroad.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. Universiti Malaya (UM) | 65
2. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | 132
3. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | 159
11. Australia
Average Cost of Living: $1,500-$2,500 per month
Job Opportunities: Financial Accounting, Civil Engineer, Electronics Engineer
Top Courses: Business & Management, Engineering, Environmental Science
Popularly known for its diverse culture and welcoming environment, Australia is one of the cheapest countries to study abroad and offers a very high-quality education. Hosting more than 7,00,000 international students in 2024, the country is a perfect balance of academic opportunities. With a slightly higher cost of living compared to other countries we have mentioned, it is one of the most affordable countries to study abroad. There are many Australian scholarships for international students one can apply for!
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. Australian National University (ANU) | 34
2. University of Melbourne | 14
3. University of Sydney | 19
12. Sweden
Average Cost of Living: $700-$1,200 per month
Job Opportunities: Healthcare, Engineers, Finance
Top Courses: Engineering, Environmental Science, Information Technology
Sweden is another cheap country to study abroad for Indian students. More than 2,500 Indian students enrolled themselves on various courses enhancing their Swedish cultural experience. Being one of the best countries to study in Europe, innovation and sustainability is one of the major reasons that attract students to Sweden.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. Lund University | 99
2. KTH Royal Institute of Technology | 73
3. Uppsala University | 111
13. New Zealand
Average Cost of Living: $800-$1,200 per month
Job Opportunities: Engineering, Accounting, Architecture, Medicine
Top Courses: Agriculture & Environmental Science, Business & Management, Engineering
New Zealand offers a very conducive environment that offers several renowned universities in New Zealand along with an excellent curriculum. Popularly known for being the safest and the cheapest country to study abroad for Indian students, it hosts approximately 10% of the total international student population.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. University of Auckland | 68
2. University of Otago | 206
3. Victoria University of Wellington | 236
14. Mexico
Average Cost of Living: $600-$1,000 per month
Job Opportunities: Digital PM Analyst, Telesales Representative, Senior UX Designer
Top Courses: Business & Management, Architecture, Medicine & Healthcare
Mexico is one of the most visited countries as it offers a perfect confluence of balanced education, cultural immersion and personal development. Hosting around 53,000+ international students in the previous year. The country is not just one of the places to visit in Spring, but several students flock here due to the exceptional academic opportunities, especially for masters. Having a relatively medium average cost of living, Mexico is one of the most affordable countries to study abroad for master's.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) | 93
2. Monterrey Institute of Technology (ITESM) | 156
3. Universidad Anáhuac | 591-600 band
15. Argentina
Average Cost of Living: $400-$900 per month
Job Opportunities: Full Stack Development, Data Science, Cybersecurity
Top Courses: Social Sciences, Business & Economics, Architecture
With relatively lower living costs and tuition fees, Argentina is amongst the most affordable countries to study abroad for international students. Being one of the best countries to work abroad, student visas also allow students to work part-time while studying, providing exposure to the job market.
Top Universities | QS Ranks
1. University of Buenos Aires (UBA) | 95
2. Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) | 344
3. National University of La Plata (UNLP) | 720-730 band
When selecting a country for affordable study abroad opportunities, consider more than just tuition fees. Countries such as Germany, Norway, and Argentina provide low-cost or free education, whereas India, Poland, and Taiwan provide affordable living costs and scholarships. By considering factors such as part-time work opportunities, post-graduation employment, and overall quality of life, you can find a destination that meets your financial and educational objectives without sacrificing the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is cheapest to study for international students?
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