Country With The Cheapest Schools For International Students To Apply

Country with the cheapest schools to apply for in some of the European countries is now available for interested applicant to apply for. 

In the present day, students enjoy numerous cost-effective options to pursue education in different countries. Europe, in particular, has become a popular destination for millions of international students, with its budget-friendly universities offering top-notch education, language skill development, and a rich cultural immersion.

Summary of Country with the cheapest schools to Study in Europe for International Students

• Cheapest overall: Germany (no tuition at most public universities), then Turkey, Austria, Italy and Poland.
• No longer cheap for non-EU students: Denmark and Sweden (except Swedish PhD programmes, which have no tuition).
• Changed for 2026–2027: France now charges most non-EU students about €2,900 (bachelor’s) or €3,950 (master’s) a year.
• Fees below are approximate for public universities and can change every year, so check each university’s website.

Country With The Cheapest Schools Tuition Fee

Below, we’ll explore the leading European countries whose universities provide affordable education to international students:

1. Denmark
2. Hungary
3. France
4. Poland
5. Sweden
6. Austria
7. Italy
8. Turkey
9. Cyprus
10. Germany (added below)

Denmark

Denmark is renowned for its excellent higher education and sustainable way of life. With contemporary cities nestled in stunning landscapes, Denmark offers a top-notch education system. Choosing to study in Denmark means embracing both academic excellence and a high-quality, environmentally conscious lifestyle.

It’s worth noting that Denmark has one of the highest numbers of Nobel Laureates per capita, thanks to substantial investments in its educational institutions. Important: Denmark is no longer a low-cost destination for students from outside the EU/EEA.

Public and private universities charge non-EU students tuition, and the amount is set by each university and programme. Check the fees before you apply, and look for scholarships.

Name of the Popular Denmark University

Check out these Denmark universities, and confirm their tuition fees for international students:

• University of Copenhagen
• Aarhus University
• Technical University of Denmark
• Aalborg University
• University of Southern Denmark

Hungary

Consider Hungary if you’re an international student planning to study in Europe. Hungary offers affordable tuition, high-quality education, and a reasonable cost of living.

At public universities, bachelor’s tuition for international students generally runs between €2,500 and €5,000 a year, and non-EU master’s programmes cost about €6,000 to €12,000 a year. Moreover, numerous scholarships are available for international students, making it accessible even if you don’t have the necessary funds to cover your education expenses.

The best known is the Stipendium Hungaricum, a government scholarship for students from partner countries that covers tuition and usually includes a living stipend. The last round ran from mid-November to 15 January, so watch for the next window.

Name of the Popular Hungary University

Check out these Hungary universities that provide affordable education to international students:

• Eötvös Loránd University
• University of Szeged
• University of Debrecen
• Corvinus University of Budapest

France

France hosts one of Europe’s pricier cities, but it still offers international students excellent education at public universities with much lower fees than the UK or US. Despite the country’s reputation for high living costs, there are affordable housing options for international students.

Update for 2026–2027: France now applies higher fees to most non-EU students at public universities: about €2,900 a year for a bachelor’s degree and €3,950 for a master’s, compared with €178 and €255 for EU students.

Universities may exempt up to 30% of non-EU students in 2026/27 (25% in 2027/28 and 20% after that), and students with French government scholarships are exempt. Doctoral students do not pay the differentiated fees. You can choose full-time or part-time study options, and France excels in various fields, making it easy for students to pursue their chosen careers and obtain a degree.

Name of the Popular France University

Here are the popular France universities that provide education to international students:

• Sorbonne University
• Université PSL (including École Normale Supérieure)
• Université Paris-Saclay
• Université Paris Cité
• Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3

Poland

Poland, though less famous than some European countries, has produced over 17 Nobel laureates. It welcomes international students with a variety of university options and offers low tuition fees and affordable living costs. Poland, with its rich culture and affordable living, is becoming a top choice for studying in Europe.

While higher education is free for citizens, international students can expect tuition fees of roughly €2,000 to €4,000 a year at most public universities, and some programmes cost more. Private institutions can cost more still. Living costs are also budget-friendly, averaging around $650 per month.

Name of the Popular Poland University

Here are the popular Poland universities that provide affordable education to international students:

• University of Warsaw
• Jagiellonian University
• Warsaw University of Technology
• AGH University of Science and Technology
• Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań

Sweden

Sweden provides a high standard of living with tuition-free education for international PhD students. Regular master’s and bachelor’s students from outside the EU/EEA pay tuition (programme fees start at around SEK 200,000 for 2026/27) plus an application fee of SEK 900, although scholarships such as those from the Swedish Institute and university programmes can reduce or cover the cost.

Name of the Popular Sweden University

Here are the popular Sweden universities for international students:

• KTH Royal Institute of Technology
• Stockholm University
• Stockholm School of Economics
• Karolinska Institute
• Lund University

Austria

International students can attend top Austrian universities at low cost. Non-EU students at public universities pay €726.72 per semester in tuition, which is about €1,450 a year, plus a Students’ Union (ÖH) fee of roughly €26 per semester.

Students from the least developed countries are exempt from tuition fees, but Nigerian students are not on that list. Additionally, the cost of living for college students in Austria is highly affordable. While there’s a disparity between what European and non-European international students pay, the latter’s expenses remain reasonable.

Name of the Popular Austria University

Here are the popular Austria universities that provide affordable education to international students:

• Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck
• University of Vienna
• University of Graz

Italy

Italy offers top-quality education to international students at low public-university fees. Tuition is based on family income (ISEE), and typically ranges from about €900 to €4,000 a year for a bachelor’s and €1,000 to €5,000 for a master’s.

Many students qualify for regional (DSU) scholarships that can cover fees and living costs. Accommodation is also reasonably priced. While Italy maintains high education standards, some courses, like humanities, history, and fashion, are best pursued there.

Name of the Popular Italy University

Consider applying to Italy universities such as:

• Sapienza University of Rome
• University of Rome Tor Vergata
• Polytechnic University of Milan
• University of Bologna

Turkey

Turkey offers high-quality education that rivals institutions worldwide. As an international student in Turkey, you have the option to study in Turkish or English.

Tuition fees vary based on the institution and program. Public universities typically charge international students about $500 to $2,500 a year for English-taught bachelor’s programmes and about $700 to $2,500 for English-taught master’s programmes, while private universities tend to be more expensive. Many Turkish universities also take part in the Türkiye Scholarships programme.

Name of the Popular Turkey University

Consider applying to Turkey universities such as:

• Ege University
• Uskudar University
• Bogazici University
• Cankaya University
• Igdir University
• Istanbul Medeniyet University
• Izmir Institute of Technology
• Karadeniz Technical University
• Kastamonu University
• Kirikkale University

Cyprus

Cyprus, though geographically in Asia, is part of the EU, making it a European country. The education quality is excellent, and tuition fees changes by university and degree type. Non-EU students at public universities in the Republic of Cyprus typically pay about €3,500 to €7,000 a year for English-taught programmes.

The cost of living in Cyprus is also budget-friendly. North Cyprus: some universities that appear in “Cyprus” lists, such as Cyprus International University, are in North Cyprus, where most international students receive a standard 50% scholarship and degrees are accredited through Turkey’s Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Check that your degree will be recognised in the country where you plan to work or study next.

Name of the Popular Cyprus University

Consider applying to Cyprus universities such as:

• University of Cyprus
• University of Nicosia
• Frederick University
• Cyprus International University (North Cyprus)

Germany

Germany is the best-known low-cost option in Europe. Most public universities charge no tuition, even for non-EU students, and you pay only a semester contribution of about €150 to €350 that often includes a public transport pass.

The main exception is Baden-Württemberg, where non-EU students pay €1,500 per semester, and a few Bavarian universities (such as TU Munich) charge some international students. Private universities charge far more.

Tuition-free does not mean cost-free: non-EU students must show proof of funds for their visa and pay for housing, food and insurance. Read our guide: Is university free in Germany?

Which Country Is Cheapest for Nigerian Students?

Nigerians are treated as non-EU students, so they pay the non-EU rates above. For most Nigerian applicants the lowest costs are in Germany (outside Baden-Württemberg), Turkey, Austria, Italy and Poland, and the lowest total cost comes from combining a low-fee country with a scholarship such as Stipendium Hungaricum or the Türkiye Scholarships. Remember to budget for visa fees, proof of funds, health insurance and living costs, and apply only through the official university website.

Frequently Asked Questions about Country with the cheapest schools