Obtaining a higher education abroad provides students with a life changing experience. Sadly, the cost of studying abroad — Living expenses, flights, tuition fees — can be quite expensive.
Most international students prefer to study in Europe. Statistics have shown that over 1.4 million students, from around the globe, come to study in Europe, and this number keeps increasing each year. Some of the reasons for this preference are; high quality of education, cutting edge research opportunities, unique cultural experience, favorable climate, opportunity to learn a new language, friendly locals etc.,
Before going to Europe, you need to know the countries where the cost of living for students is quite low, and also common fields of study. The most affordable destinations, in Europe, for students are Italy, Germany, France, Spain and Lithuania. Some common fields of study in Europe are Business, Education, Computer science and Health science.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of cheap universities in Europe where you can study for almost free.
Established in 1948, the Free University of Berlin is ranked among the top 150 universities in the world. The university offers over 178 degree programs, in a wide range of fields. Also, the university is home to a high number of international students and teachers.
Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate tuition: 684 USD / year
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- Graduate tuition: 1,000 USD / year
- Cost of living: 652-1,237 USD / month
Established in 1343, UniPi is the oldest University in Italy. According to World University Ranking, UniPi is ranked the 6th best school in Italy, and has a very low tuition cost when compared with other universities at that level of ranking. Furthermore, its Bachelor degree program costs about $2,500 per year, while its Masters degree program costs about $2,307 per year.
Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate tuition: 2,500 USD / year
- Graduate tuition: 2,307 USD / year
- Cost of living: 666-1,272 USD / month
Established in 1850, Heidelberg is a coeducational public research institution consisting of twelve faculties, and regarded as the oldest university in Germany. It offers degree programmes at undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels across 100 disciplines. Also, Heidelberg is home to International students from over 120 countries, and these students account for more than 20 percent of the entire student body.
Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate tuition: 328 USD / year
- Graduate tuition: 1,000 USD / year
- Cost of living: 731-1,372 USD / month
It is a prestigious university known to be the largest technical university in Germany, and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs to enable the students hone and develop their skills in the various fields of study.
Established in 1967, the University of Mannheim is a public research institute which offers full time, as well as part time, undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. If you’re an international student seeking to pursue your academic dreams in a university with cheap tuition fees, then the University of Mannheim is the right choice for you.
Established in 2016, Nord offers degree programs in Bachelor, Masters and Doctoral level to help students grow their skills. Apart from paying a semester fee of approximately $77 for administrative fee and student welfare, there is no charge for tuition fees.
Although “Wurzburg” cannot be interpreted as “free”, yet the University of Wurzburg is a tuition free institution for international students. However, a fee of about €137.90, covering student contribution and semester tickets, will be made by the international students.
Also known as NSU, this university is among the top institutions of higher learning in Russia. NSU is highly recognized in educational and research activities, and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Also, at NSU, students pay just $3000 per year, as tuition fees, regardless of its top ranking in the world.
Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate tuition: 3,000 USD / year
- Graduate tuition: 3,000 USD / year
- Cost of living: 250-534 USD / month
Fontys offers a wide range of Bachelor and Masters programmes. In the fields of Engineering, IT, Business Administration and Management, it is ranked among the best universities in Netherlands. International students from non-EU/EEA countries pay a tuition fee of €7,920. Although this amount looks high, when compared to other universities on this list, yet it is very affordable when compared with other international universities in the world. Indeed, Fontys university is among the cheapest universities in Europe.
Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate tuition: 5,000 USD / year
- Graduate tuition: 5,000 USD / year
- Cost of living: 633-1,242 USD / month
Established in 1460 and ranked among the top institutions for higher learning in Switzerland, the University of Basel offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Each year, $1,714 is paid by international undergraduate and postgraduate students as tuition fees.
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Founded in 1987, it offers world class education in masters, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, hence, it is a hub for teaching excellence. Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies is on this list because zero tuition fees is paid for undergraduate programs whilst graduate students pay tuition fees ranging from €7,000 – €10,000.
Among the largest universities in Europe, the university of Vienna is a prestigious university which offers a wide range of degree programmes at Undergraduate, Masters and Doctorate level with differing tuition fees. Indeed, the University of Vienna is among the cheapest universities in Europe for international students. However, international students from non-EU countries are to pay an annual tuition fee of €726.72.
In this list is a reputable and internationally recognized research university. At the university of Gӧttingen, an appropriate fee of €760 is paid yearly as tuition fees to cover enrollment and re-registration for the first and second semesters.
It is no surprise that University of Paris-Saclay made it to this list of low tuition Universities in Europe for international students. It is a research intensive institution which offers undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs. Students pay €170, €243 and €380 per year for undergraduate, masters and PhD programmes respectively.
Founded in 1973, the University of Crete is a public educational institution committed to excellence in research and teaching. It offers degree programmes in undergraduate, masters and doctoral level. Indeed, the University of Crete is one of the cheapest universities for international students in Europe. Moreover, EU national enrolled in undergraduate programs, at the university, are not charged tuition fees. Also, PhD students are not charged tuition fees.
Learn More: 8 Lowest Tuition Universities in Canada for International Students
I have done my part in providing salient details regarding the cheapest universities in Europe for international and domestic students. It is now up to you to select an institution which matches your interest and apply.
If this article meets your immediate need, do well to leave a response in the comment box.
