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Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad (Tuition + Living)
Where to get a quality international degree on a budget — ranked by total cost of tuition plus living, with the trade-offs to weigh.
Germany — best overall value
Public universities in Germany charge only small semester fees (often €150–350), even for international students, including many English-taught master's programmes. You mainly budget for living costs via a blocked account (around €11,900/year). It is the standout value among top destinations.
Affordable Europe
Several Central and Eastern European countries — Poland, Czechia and others — offer English-taught degrees at modest tuition (often €2,000–5,000/year) with lower living costs than Western Europe. Good value for engineering, IT and medicine.
Budget realistically
Compare total cost — tuition plus living, visa, insurance and travel — not tuition alone. A 'cheap' country with high living costs can cost more overall than a moderate-tuition country with low living costs. Scholarships can make even pricier destinations affordable.
Frequently asked questions
- Is studying in Germany really free?
- Most public universities in Germany charge little or no tuition even for international students; you mainly pay small semester fees and budget for living costs. Some private universities and a few states differ, so confirm per programme.
- What is the cheapest country for a master's degree?
- Germany is the best value among top destinations thanks to low or no tuition. Parts of Central and Eastern Europe and some Asian hubs are also affordable when you include living costs.