Last Updated on October 28, 2025
Are you dreaming of studying in Europe, without burning a hole in your pocket? Today, study in Europe is one of the most searched phrases on the internet, and for a reason. Europe is one of the most vibrant destinations, whether it is for tourism, cultural immersion, or education. It happens to be the next best option for study abroad aspirants, who are unable to get through universities in the US. So, you can now lay your hands on the cheapest countries to study in Europe, like Germany, Poland, Slovenia, France, Hungary, Italy, and Portugal.
In this blog, we will discover the top 7 countries offering affordable education in 2025. Learn about the best universities, top courses, tuition fees, admission process, scholarships, and more.
Key Highlights – Cheapest Countries To Study In Europe
- Overall – Germany and Slovenia
- For Bachelor’s Courses – Germany and Portugal
- For Master’s Courses – Portugal
- For Doctorate – Poland
- For Non-EU/ EEA/ Swiss citizens – Germany and Slovenia
- For Native Language Speakers – Germany and Poland
Now that you have a fair knowledge of where to look for, we have detailed the findings underneath. You must read through some of the factors that influences choices for international students.
Top Factors To Consider – Cheapest Countries To Study In Europe
- Tuition fees for international students
- Cost of living
- Scholarships
- Student life
- Post-study work opportunities
- Miscellaneous attributes
So, based on the above factors, here is a list of the top 7 cheapest countries to study in Europe.
Germany – Tuition-Free Education
Germany is often the first choice for international students, looking for cheap education abroad. The public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees for the bachelor’s courses and a few master’s as well. They will just charge a negligible administrative fee per semester. That is probably the reason why Germany almost always tops the list of Cheapest Countries to Study in Europe.
- Administrative fee per semester – €150–€300 per semester
- Monthly living costs – €800–€1,200
- Popular universities – Technical University of Munich, LMU Munich, University of Heidelberg
- Scholarships – DAAD, Federal Student Financial Aid Program
- Rich culture and tradition
- Part-time work opportunities – Up to 20 hours per week during term
- English-taught courses
So, study in Germany for Indian students is common for International students.
Poland – Affordable Education And Living
Poland happens to be amongst the top choices for study abroad, for budget-conscious students. And why not? The nation offers the lowest tuition fees in Europe, annually. The cities like Krakow, Warsaw, and Wroclaw, have a great student community which attracts students from across the globe. The rich cultural heritage is an added draw. If you want to study in Poland, check out the attractive features mentioned underneath.
- Lowest tuition fee – €2,000–€4,000 per year
- Monthly living costs – €400–€700
- Popular universities – Jagiellonian University and Warsaw University of Technology
- Scholarships – NAWA Scholarships, ERASMUS+
- Free Doctorate and Polish-taught courses
- Part-time work opportunities – Up to 20 hours per week during term
- Tasty food
Those students looking forward to study in Europe will find Poland to be a sound choice. You can also check the nitty-gritty of the admission process, from a study abroad consultant.
Slovenia – High Quality Academic Infrastructure At Low Prices
Slovenia is another one on the list of cheapest countries to study in Europe. International students can choose courses at this excellent destination, at a much lower price than elsewhere in Europe. Many Non-EU countries are exempt from paying tuition fees.
- Lowest tuition fee – €2,000–€11,000 – Bachelors’/ €5,000 – 11,000 / €2,000 – 6,000 – Doctorate, per year
- Monthly living costs – €400–€700
- Popular universities – University of Ljubljana
- Scholarships – Zois Scholarship, Ad Futura Scholarship for Study Abroad
- Scenic location and warmth in relationships
- Part-time work opportunities – Students can get part-time work through Student Services, earning between €350 and €500 per month
- Cost of living is 20-50% cheaper with respect to other European countries
Get to know about more such features of the education system in Slovenia, by working alongside a study abroad advisor.
France – Low Cost And Diverse Opportunities
France is another affordable study abroad destination in Europe, having public universities that charge low fees. Despite its popularity as a luxurious destination, cities outside Paris are easy on the pocket. That is why it is on the list of cheapest countries to study in Europe.
- Lowest tuition fee – € €2,770–€3,770 for non-EU students per year
- Monthly living costs – €800 to €1,200
- Popular universities – Sorbonne University, Universite PSL, HEC Paris and University of Strasbourg
- Scholarships – Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, ERASMUS+
- Rich French culture, art and fashion
- Renowned Cannes Festival
- Part-time work opportunities – Up to 20 hours per week during term in retail, hospitality and tutoring
- Travel opportunities to other parts of Europe, as France is centrally located
Those who are keen to study in Europe can explore France, with its diverse offerings. For more detailed insights, you can get in touch with educational advisors India.
Hungary – Best Education At Affordable Costs
For those looking for a unique and low-cost study abroad experience, will find Hungary to be a viable destination. Apart from cheap courses, you can avail of cheap accommodation arrangements as well.
- Low tuition fee – €1,200–€5,000 per year
- Monthly living costs – €400–€600
- Popular universities – University of Szeged and Eötvös Loránd University
- Scholarships – Stipendum Hungaricum and ERASMUS+
- Affordable medical courses – Approximately $16,500 annually for a six-year degree course
- Modern country offering all sorts of comforts and convenience for students
- 15th safest country on the Global Peace Index
- Stunning cityscapes – Budapest, Pecs, and Szeged
- Part-time work opportunities – Students can work part-time for up to 30 hours a week
You can shortlist Hungary, while pondering over the cheapest countries to study in Europe. It will add a great feature to your resume.
Italy – Affordable Courses And Great Academic Infrastructure
You cannot give Italy a miss, while surfing through the best and cheapest countries to study in Europe. The public universities in Italy offer cheap courses that most Indians can pursue. The cost varies across the different levels of education, as well. Bologna and Padua are affordable destinations.
- Low tuition fee – €900 – €4,000 for undergraduate courses / €400 and can go up to €3,500. For postgraduate courses
- Monthly living costs – €700–€1,200
- Popular universities – University of Bologna and Sapienza University of Rome
- Scholarships – Italian Government Scholarships, ERASMUS+
- Rich culture and history
- Culinary experience
- Italy’s strategic location makes travelling to other nations easy
- International students can work up to 20 hours per week during classes
So, this is your chance to add a global certification to your CV. Head to Italy and experience the vibrancy and world-class educational atmosphere.
Portugal – Low Cost And Vibrant Weather
If you are looking for low cost education in Europe, Portugal offers an opportunity like no other. Coimbra and Porto are the best cities for budget-conscious students. Today, it has risen in popularity, when it comes to choosing the best and cheapest countries to study in Europe.
- Low tuition fee – €1,000–€5,000 per year
- Monthly living costs – €500–€800.
- Popular universities – University of Porto and University of Coimbra
- Scholarships – Portuguese Government Scholarships, ERASMUS+
- Scenic location and friendly locals
- Lower cost of living that other places in Europe
- Students can work part-time for up to 20 hours weekly during classes
- Lots of travel opportunities to other nations in Europe
For a unique study in Europe experience, you can get in touch with the best study abroad consultants, Admissify. They will help you with the right choices and post-arrival assistance.
Now, those who are aiming to study in UK for Indian students should know that it is not as cheap as the above destinations. Although the UK is considered at par with the US, in terms of academic excellence and technology, it is a costly place. For budget conscious students, from India and other developing countries, the above seven destinations are better.
How Admissify Can Help
Admissify is your one-stop solution provider for shortlisting the cheapest countries to study in Europe. You can check out the best universities, courses, and scholarships, to make the journey a breeze. The best study abroad consultants will help with aptitude tests and entrance test preparation as well. The visa assistance is also time-tested and full-proof. Moreover, you will be able to get real-time information from alumni already studying abroad. So, book a free all with Admissify today!
Conclusion
Choosing the cheapest countries to study in Europe can be quite a task. However, with the right knowledge and strategy, you can make it a reality. There are many nations in Europe which provide low-cost but globally-recognised courses. However, you have to check several parameters like your goals, financial strength and language preference. The countries mentioned above offer a unique education experience and student life. Join a course at any of the above, without straining yourself financially. Ask Admissify, how?
FAQs
Yes, you can do so in Germany. Study in Germany for Indian students is a unique experience altogether.
Germany and Norway offer courses to international students at zero tuition fees.
Germany and France are amongst the cheapest countries to study in Europe.
Poland, France and Italy accept low GPA for admission.
Abhrajita Mondal, is a Content Writer who has dabbled in numerous genres including education since the last five years, and has a deep interest in Holistic Wellness & Lifestyle practices. She is an Ex-HR with over 10 years of corporate experience. For a voracious reader and consumer of information, which finds a way of expression through writing, she does that with elan. Abhrajita loves to travel and is a complete foodie. She has a thirst for the unknown, and loves to read esoteric books.
