Have you been dreaming of earning a world-class degree without racking up tons of student debt? If yes, Europe might just be your answer. While it’s often perceived as expensive, there are the cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students that offer top-tier education without the financial headache. In this guide, we’ll walk you through ten affordable countries where you can get your degree and still have enough for gelato or a weekend getaway.
1. Finland
Finland is not just one of the happiest countries in the world; it is also one of the smartest places to get your education. Known for its progressive education system, equality, and safety, Finland offers a welcoming environment for international students.
While non-EU/EEA students are to pay tuition fees averaging between €4,000 and €12,000 per year, Finnish universities are generous with scholarships. Many institutions offer tuition fee waivers of up to 100% based on academic merit or financial need.
The cost of living in Finland can range from €800 to €1,500 per month, depending on the city (Helsinki tends to be on the pricier end). However, students are allowed to work up to 25 hours per week, which helps offset living expenses.
On top of that, the quality of education is top-notch, especially in tech, design, sustainability, and education, making Finland a popular choice among future-forward thinkers.
- Best for: Tech, education, design
- Language: Many programs are in English
- Scholarships: Finnish Government Scholarships, university-based awards
2. Germany
Ask anyone about the cheapest countries to study in Europe, and Germany will almost always be at the top of the list. This is because tuition is free at most public universities for both EU and non-EU students, even for international students from Africa, Asia, or the Americas.
All you’ll pay is a small semester fee (usually around €200–€300) that covers public transportation, student services, and administrative costs. And despite the low price, the education you’ll receive is world-class, particularly in fields like STEM, business, and social sciences.
Germany also has a vibrant international student community, and most major cities (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, etc.) offer numerous English-taught programs, especially at the Master’s level.
The cost of living is around €850 to €1,200/month, and students are allowed to work 20 hours/week during the semester.
- Best for: Engineering, sciences, business
- Free universities: TU Munich, University of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg
- Scholarships: DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium
3. Slovenia
Tucked between Italy, Austria, and Croatia, Slovenia is often overlooked, but it’s a gem for international students as it is one of the cheapest countries to study in Europe. EU/EEA citizens don’t pay tuition, and several non-EU countries (including Serbia, Kosovo, and Bosnia) also enjoy this benefit. For other international students, fees range between €2,000 and €5,000/year, which is still much lower than Western European averages.
Additionally, living in Slovenia is refreshingly affordable, with monthly expenses between €400 and €700, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Also, there’s a wide range of scholarships, including the Zois and Ad Futura programs, and international students can legally work up to 20 hours/week.
- Best for: Nature lovers, environmental science, life sciences
- Fun fact: Over 60% of Slovenia is covered in forests
- Language: Many programs are offered in English
4. Greece
Greece isn’t just a tourist hotspot; it’s also one of the cheapest countries to study in Europe. EU/EEA students pay no tuition fees at public universities, and non-EU students pay between €1,500 and €3,000 per year.
The cost of living is another win. Students can expect to spend €400 to €750/month, and even less if they live outside the main tourist zones like Athens or Thessaloniki.
The Greek government and universities offer scholarships through the IKY (State Scholarship Foundation). Plus, students are allowed to work up to 20 hours/week during term and 40 hours during holidays.
- Best for: History, archaeology, philosophy, tourism
- Languages: Many universities offer Master’s and PhD programs in the English language.
- Weather: Mediterranean sunshine—yes, please!
READ MORE: 7 Top Countries that allow International Students to bring Dependents from Nigeria
5. Estonia
Estonia is a fast-rising destination for international students, especially those interested in IT, digital governance, and entrepreneurship. The country offers free education for all students studying in Estonian. For English-taught programs, tuition ranges from €1,600 to €7,500/year.
Living costs in Europe are relatively low, ranging from €600 to €1,000 per month. Students can work unlimited hours, provided it doesn’t interfere with their studies.
Estonia also offers a 9-month post-study visa for international students to stay and find work after graduation. The startup ecosystem is vibrant, especially in Tallinn.
- Best for: IT, digital transformation, cybersecurity
- Scholarships: Estonian National Scholarships
- Languages: Many of the universities offer postgraduate studies in English
6. Poland
Poland offers a mix of tradition and modernity and some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe. If you study in Polish, your education is free, regardless of your nationality. English-taught programs typically cost €2,000–€5,000/year, and many PhD programs are free as well.
Living expenses range from €400–€700/month, making it easy to live comfortably on a student budget. Students are also allowed to work 20 hours/week during classes, and full-time during holidays.
Additionally, Poland is home to high-ranking institutions like the University of Warsaw and Jagiellonian University.
- Best for: Medical sciences, humanities, engineering
- Language advantage: Learn Polish and save even more
- Scholarships: NAWA (Polish National Agency), Erasmus+
7. Portugal
Portugal is also one of the cheapest countries to study in Europe, which checks a lot of boxes: warm weather, rich culture, and affordable education. Tuition for non-EU students ranges from €3,000 to €7,000/year, and students can apply for merit-based tuition waivers at select private universities.
The cost of living is manageable at around €500 to €800/month, depending on your city and lifestyle. Cities like Lisbon and Porto offer numerous English-taught programs, especially at the Master’s level.
Students can work 20 hours/week during the term and full-time during breaks.
- Best for: Literature, arts, and marine biology
- Language: Offers many English-taught programs and Portuguese language courses
- Scholarships: Erasmus+, SASUP
READ MORE: Fully Funded Portugal Government Scholarships 2025–2026
8. Hungary
Hungary is steadily gaining popularity as one of the cheapest countries to study in Europe. This is due to its low tuition, vibrant student life, and stunning architecture. International students pay between €1,500 €6,000/year, with living costs around €600–€1,000/month.
One of the biggest perks is the Stipendium Hungaricum, a full scholarship that covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
Budapest is often considered one of the best student cities in Europe thanks to its affordability and culture.
- Best for: Architecture, engineering, medicine
- Work rules: 20 hours/week for international students
9. Czech Republic
If you can study in Czech, your education is entirely free, even if you’re from outside the EU. English-taught degrees, meanwhile, cost between €2,000 and €6,000/year. Also, living costs are moderate, typically between €600 and €900/month. The Czech Government offers scholarships specifically for students from developing countries. Additionally, students are allowed to work part-time while undergoing their studies.
- Best for: Engineering, sciences, arts
- Scholarships: Czech Government, Erasmus+
10. Austria
Austria combines cultural richness with high-quality education. Tuition fees range from €1,500 to €7,000/year for non-EU students, while EU students pay little or nothing.
Living costs are higher, around €900–€1,500/month, but the experience of studying in Vienna, Salzburg, or Graz is worth it. Austria offers generous OeAD scholarships for international students, especially from developing countries.
- Best for: Music, arts, psychology
- Language: English-taught Master’s and PhD programs are widely available
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it cheaper to study in Europe?
Yes! Many European countries offer low-cost or free education for both EU and non-EU students. Countries like Germany, Poland, and Slovenia are especially affordable, making them popular among international students seeking quality education at a low cost.
Which country in Europe is best for international students?
This depends on your priorities. Germany stands out for free tuition and job opportunities, Finland for innovation, Portugal for laid-back culture, and Estonia for tech careers. Each offers something unique!
Where is the cheapest country to study in?
In terms of both tuition and living costs, Slovenia, Poland, and Greece top the list. If you’re fluent in the local language or are an EU student, you’ll save even more.
Are there free universities in Europe that teach in English?
Yes! Germany, Finland, Estonia, and Greece all offer free or affordable English-taught programs. Even non-EU students can find options where tuition is minimal or covered by scholarships.
READ MORE: 11 Fastest Countries to Get Citizenship as an Immigrant
Studying abroad doesn’t have to be expensive or break the bank. From Germany’s free tuition to Slovenia’s low living costs, there are countless opportunities to earn a prestigious European degree on a budget. Make sure to check each university’s official page and always apply for scholarships—they can be game-changers.
Discover more from Leaving Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
