Europe has earned a reputation as one of the most affordable regions in the world for international higher education. While countries like the United Kingdom and Switzerland can rival the United States in tuition costs, a remarkable number of European nations offer world-class education at a fraction of the price. Several countries charge no tuition at all, and many others keep fees well under 5,000 EUR per year, even for international students. When you combine low tuition with manageable living costs, studying in Europe becomes accessible to a far wider range of students than many realize.
This guide ranks the cheapest countries in Europe for international students, providing specific numbers for tuition, accommodation, groceries, transportation, and total monthly budgets. All figures reflect 2026 averages and are drawn from university fee schedules, national statistics offices, and student experience surveys. Whether you are looking for a tuition-free degree in Germany or an ultra-affordable experience in Poland or Romania, this guide will help you find the right financial fit.
Quick Comparison: Monthly Student Budget by Country
Before diving into the details of each country, here is a high-level comparison of what you can expect to spend each month as a student, including rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses, but excluding tuition.
| Country | Tuition (EUR/year) | Monthly Living Cost | Rent (shared, monthly) | Overall Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 0 (semester fee only) | 850-1,100 EUR | 350-550 EUR | 1 |
| Poland | 2,000-4,000 EUR | 500-700 EUR | 200-350 EUR | 2 |
| Czech Republic | 0-5,000 EUR | 550-750 EUR | 250-400 EUR | 3 |
| Hungary | 1,500-5,000 EUR | 500-700 EUR | 200-350 EUR | 4 |
| Portugal | 1,000-7,000 EUR | 600-850 EUR | 250-450 EUR | 5 |
| Romania | 1,500-5,000 EUR | 400-600 EUR | 150-300 EUR | 6 |
| Estonia | 0-7,500 EUR | 600-800 EUR | 250-400 EUR | 7 |
1. Germany: Tuition-Free Education with Strong Job Prospects
Germany tops this list for a reason that surprises many prospective students: public universities in all 16 federal states charge no tuition for undergraduate and most master's programs, regardless of nationality. This policy applies to citizens of every country in the world, making Germany one of the most financially accessible higher education systems on the planet. The only mandatory cost is a semester contribution, typically between 150 and 350 EUR, which covers administrative fees, a student union contribution, and often a public transportation pass for the entire semester.
Cost Breakdown
- Tuition: 0 EUR at public universities (semester fee of 150-350 EUR)
- Rent: 350-550 EUR per month for a room in a shared apartment (WG). University dormitories range from 200-350 EUR but have long waiting lists.
- Food: 200-250 EUR per month. University canteens (Mensa) offer meals for 2-4 EUR.
- Health insurance: 110 EUR per month for students under 30 through public insurance providers like TK or AOK.
- Transportation: Often included in the semester fee via the Semesterticket. Otherwise, monthly transit passes cost 30-90 EUR.
- Total monthly budget: 850-1,100 EUR (excluding tuition)
Germany's affordable cities for students include Leipzig (average rent 280 EUR), Chemnitz (250 EUR), Jena (300 EUR), and Halle (270 EUR). Even larger cities like Berlin and Munich, while more expensive, remain manageable with the right housing strategy. For a deeper dive, read our complete guide to studying in Germany for free.
Why Germany Stands Out
Beyond zero tuition, Germany offers an 18-month post-study work visa, allowing graduates to stay and find employment. Germany has one of the strongest economies in Europe and a significant skills shortage, meaning international graduates with technical or scientific qualifications are highly sought after. The combination of free education and strong employment prospects makes Germany the top choice for budget-conscious students with long-term career ambitions.
2. Poland: Exceptional Value with Growing International Programs
Poland has emerged as one of the most popular budget-friendly destinations for international students in Europe. With tuition fees ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 EUR per year for most programs and living costs that are among the lowest on the continent, Poland offers excellent value. The country hosts over 90,000 international students, a number that has grown rapidly as universities have expanded their English-taught offerings.
Cost Breakdown
- Tuition: 2,000-4,000 EUR per year for most programs. Medical programs are higher, typically 10,000-14,000 EUR per year.
- Rent: 200-350 EUR per month in shared accommodation. Dormitories cost 100-200 EUR per month.
- Food: 150-200 EUR per month. Student canteens are extremely affordable at 1.50-3 EUR per meal.
- Transportation: 15-30 EUR per month with a student discount card.
- Total monthly budget: 500-700 EUR
Top student cities in Poland include Warsaw (the capital, with the widest range of programs), Krakow (historic, vibrant student culture), Wroclaw (rapidly growing international community), Poznan (strong engineering and business schools), and Gdansk (coastal city with growing tech sector). Krakow and Wroclaw tend to offer the best balance of affordability and quality of student life.
Popular Programs and Universities
The University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, and Warsaw University of Technology consistently rank among Poland's best. English-taught programs are available in business, engineering, computer science, medicine, and the humanities. Poland's medical programs are particularly popular with international students, offering high-quality training recognized across the EU at a fraction of Western European costs.
3. Czech Republic: Study for Free in Czech or Pay Moderate Fees in English
The Czech Republic offers a unique dual system. If you can study in Czech, tuition at public universities is completely free for all nationalities. English-taught programs carry fees ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 EUR per year, still well below Western European averages. Prague, the capital, is consistently rated one of the most livable and enjoyable student cities in Europe.
Cost Breakdown
- Tuition: 0 EUR for Czech-language programs. 2,000-5,000 EUR per year for English-taught programs.
- Rent: 250-400 EUR per month in shared apartments. University dormitories cost 100-200 EUR per month.
- Food: 150-200 EUR per month. Traditional Czech food is hearty and inexpensive.
- Transportation: 10-20 EUR per month with student discount (Prague's public transit is exceptional).
- Total monthly budget: 550-750 EUR
Prague offers the most university options and the best nightlife, but Brno (the second city) is significantly cheaper and home to several excellent universities. Olomouc, a smaller university town, offers the lowest costs and a close-knit student community.
4. Hungary: Affordable Degrees in the Heart of Europe
Hungary, and Budapest in particular, has become a magnet for international students seeking affordable European education with a high quality of life. The Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program, funded by the Hungarian government, offers fully funded study opportunities to students from over 80 countries. Even without a scholarship, tuition and living costs remain very competitive.
Cost Breakdown
- Tuition: 1,500-5,000 EUR per year for most programs. Medical degrees are 8,000-16,000 EUR per year.
- Rent: 200-350 EUR per month in Budapest for a shared apartment. Smaller cities like Debrecen and Szeged are 30-40% cheaper.
- Food: 150-200 EUR per month. Hungarian cuisine is hearty and economical.
- Transportation: 10-15 EUR per month with a student pass in Budapest.
- Total monthly budget: 500-700 EUR
Budapest's universities include the prestigious Central European University, Corvinus University (economics and business), Budapest University of Technology, and the medical faculties of Semmelweis University. The city itself offers thermal baths, ruin bars, cultural festivals, and one of Europe's best nightlife scenes, all at a fraction of Western European prices.
5. Portugal: Southern European Charm at Reasonable Prices
Portugal has seen a surge in popularity among international students, drawn by the warm climate, welcoming culture, high safety ratings, and increasingly international university environment. While Lisbon and Porto have experienced rising rents in recent years, tuition fees remain reasonable and smaller university cities like Coimbra and Braga offer excellent value.
Cost Breakdown
- Tuition: 1,000-1,500 EUR per year for EU students. 3,000-7,000 EUR per year for non-EU students, depending on the program.
- Rent: 250-450 EUR per month in shared accommodation. Lisbon and Porto are at the higher end; Coimbra and Braga are significantly cheaper.
- Food: 150-250 EUR per month. Portuguese cuisine is affordable, especially seafood and local produce.
- Transportation: 20-40 EUR per month with student discounts.
- Total monthly budget: 600-850 EUR
The University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, offers numerous English-taught programs and relatively low costs. The University of Lisbon and the University of Porto are the country's highest-ranked institutions. Portugal's growing tech sector also creates post-graduation employment opportunities, particularly in Lisbon's thriving startup ecosystem.
6. Romania: Europe's Hidden Gem for Budget Students
Romania is among the most affordable countries in all of Europe for international students. Tuition fees are low, living costs are the cheapest on this list, and the quality of education, particularly in fields like medicine, engineering, and computer science, is increasingly recognized internationally. Romania may not have the name recognition of Germany or the Netherlands, but students who choose it are often pleasantly surprised by the value they receive.
Cost Breakdown
- Tuition: 1,500-5,000 EUR per year for most programs. Medical programs range from 5,000-7,000 EUR per year, still far below Western European medical school fees.
- Rent: 150-300 EUR per month for shared accommodation. University dormitories are as low as 50-100 EUR per month.
- Food: 100-180 EUR per month. Romanian cuisine is inexpensive and food markets offer excellent fresh produce.
- Transportation: 8-15 EUR per month for a student bus or tram pass.
- Total monthly budget: 400-600 EUR
Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi are the main university cities. Cluj-Napoca in particular has developed a reputation as a student-friendly city with a growing tech industry, vibrant cultural scene, and international community. Romania's medical universities in cities like Cluj, Timisoara, and Iasi attract thousands of international students each year, with degrees recognized across the European Union.
7. Estonia: Digital Innovation Meets Affordable Education
Estonia may be small, but it punches well above its weight in education and technology. Known as one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world, Estonia offers a modern, forward-thinking educational environment. Many programs at the bachelor's and master's level are taught in English, and several are tuition-free for EU citizens. Non-EU students face moderate fees that are often offset by the high quality of education and strong post-graduation employment prospects in Estonia's booming tech sector.
Cost Breakdown
- Tuition: 0 EUR for some Estonian-language and select English-taught programs. 1,500-7,500 EUR per year for most English-taught programs.
- Rent: 250-400 EUR per month in Tallinn for shared accommodation. Tartu, the main university city, is 20-30% cheaper.
- Food: 200-250 EUR per month.
- Transportation: Free public transport for Tallinn residents. Otherwise, 20-30 EUR per month.
- Total monthly budget: 600-800 EUR
The University of Tartu is Estonia's oldest and highest-ranked university, with strong programs in computer science, data science, and natural sciences. Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is known for engineering, IT, and business programs. Estonia's e-residency program and startup ecosystem make it particularly attractive to students interested in entrepreneurship and technology.
Honorable Mentions
Several other European countries deserve mention for their affordability, even if they did not make the top seven:
- Lithuania: Tuition from 1,000-4,000 EUR per year with living costs of 500-700 EUR per month. Vilnius is an increasingly popular student city.
- Latvia: Similar to Lithuania in costs, with Riga offering a mix of Art Nouveau architecture and modern student life.
- Slovakia: Tuition-free in Slovak, with English programs at 1,500-5,000 EUR per year. Bratislava is just an hour from Vienna by train.
- Croatia: Growing international student presence in Zagreb and Split, with tuition at 1,000-4,000 EUR per year.
- Greece: Low tuition for EU students (0-1,500 EUR per year) and affordable living costs, though non-EU fees are higher.
How to Maximize Your Budget
Regardless of which country you choose, there are strategies to stretch your budget further:
Apply for Scholarships Early
Every country on this list has scholarship programs for international students. The Erasmus+ program provides funding for exchange students across Europe. Country-specific scholarships like Germany's DAAD, Hungary's Stipendium Hungaricum, and Poland's government scholarships can cover tuition and living expenses partially or fully. Apply early and to multiple programs.
Choose Smaller Cities
Capital cities are almost always more expensive than secondary or tertiary cities. Choosing Krakow over Warsaw, Brno over Prague, Porto over Lisbon, or Leipzig over Munich can reduce your monthly expenses by 20-40% while still providing excellent academic and social experiences.
Use Student Discounts Aggressively
European countries offer extensive student discounts on transportation, museums, theaters, gyms, and sometimes even grocery stores. Get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for discounts that apply across borders. Many cities offer student meal programs through university canteens where a full meal costs 2-5 EUR.
Cook at Home
Food is one of your largest variable expenses. Shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi, Biedronka, Kaufland) and cooking at home can cut your food budget by 40-60% compared to eating out regularly. Many student residences have shared kitchens, and cooking together with flatmates is a common and enjoyable social activity.
Work Part-Time
Most European countries allow international students to work 10-20 hours per week during the academic year. Even a modest part-time job can cover a significant portion of your living expenses. University job boards, tutoring, and positions in hospitality are common options. Some countries like Germany allow up to 120 full working days per year for non-EU students.
The Bottom Line
Studying in Europe does not have to be expensive. With careful planning and the right country choice, you can earn an internationally recognized degree while spending less than you might at a university in your home country. Germany's tuition-free system is the headline-grabber, but countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Estonia offer outstanding value when you consider the full picture of tuition, living costs, and quality of education.
The key is to start your research early, cast a wide net in your applications, and budget realistically. For step-by-step application guidance, see our complete application guide for 2026. If Germany's free tuition is your primary draw, our guide to studying in Germany for free covers everything you need to know. And for visa specifics, check our student visa comparison guide.
