Top 10 Cheap Universities in Europe for International Students

Students today have endless opportunities to study in different countries for very affordable costs. Millions of students from around the world choose to earn their degrees in Europe, and the number is growing every year. Cheap — and even free — universities in Europe provide international students with a world-class education, a chance to develop useful language skills, and, of course, a unique and engaging cultural experience. Here are the top cheap universities in Europe for international students you should learn about.

Why Should You Earn Your Next Degree From a European University?

International experience can create added value as a future employee. By learning abroad, you will be introduced to new cultures through your internationally diverse student body. And, because Europe is a world leader in research initiatives and opportunities, many universities invest large sums in financial aid programs and scholarships for students visiting from overseas.

EU Citizens vs Non-EU Citizens & Average Tuition Fees

As EU citizens, students do not pay higher tuition fees in other EU member states. They are also eligible to receive a residence permit in order to obtain additional financial support. EEA and Swiss students typically receive the same rights but may differ in access to public student loans.

Non-EU citizens will be required to pay for tuition costs. However, financial aid is readily available, and Europe holds over 16 billion EUR worth of scholarships available every year.

At the Bachelor level, average tuition fees in Europe can range from 4,500 EUR/year for EU/EEA students and 8,600 EUR/year for students outside the EU/EEA. Master’s degrees typically range from 5,100 EUR/year for EU/EEA students and 10,170 EUR/year for non-EU/EEA students.

In many European countries, students are surprised to find that you can earn a complete degree for under 1,000 EUR/year!

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With costs of tuition on the rise, many students are choosing to take advantage of international opportunities by enrolling in study abroad semesters and learning exchange programs. Before your next academic venture, it is important to weigh the costs and benefits of the decision. College is a time to learn and explore, and while it can be tough, don’t be held back by the financial burden of tuition and student loans. Make sure to understand the costs of living around your university of interest, come up with a strict budget, and, remember that your education should be your first priority.

So, what are the most affordable European destinations for students?

Italy

Average living costs: 700 – 1,000 EUR / month
Tuition fees: 850 – 1,000 EUR / year

Germany

Average living costs: 700 – 1,100 EUR / month
Tuition fees: 100 – 200 EUR / year

France

Average living costs: 700 – 950 EUR / month
Tuition fees: 200 – 300 EUR / year

Spain

Average living costs: 600 – 1,000 EUR / month
Tuition fees: 1000 EUR / year

Lithuania

Average living costs: 120 – 200 EUR / month
Tuition fees: 1,500 – 3,000 EUR / year (public university)

Regardless of where you stand in your academic or professional career, pursuing your education can only help you in the long run. If you feel hesitant about starting a full-time degree program, consider earning an online degree part-time, through University of the People for example. You can maintain the flexibility of your existing schedule and earn a US accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree that are tuition-free!

In many countries across Europe, education is free for European students, several of which offer free or highly discounted tuition rates for international students as well. As an international student in Europe, one of the most important steps you can take in preparation is to understand the costs of living and cheap study options for students attending your university. Consider the transportation cost of your commute, for example, and how much you can save on meals by using the university’s dining services. Remember that tuition costs might seem daunting, but scholarships and financial aid are more accessible than you may think.

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Some Common Fields of Study in Europe

1. Business

Degrees in business or economics provide students with a well-rounded view of domestic and international economies. Earning your degree in Europe could widen your range of career opportunities and skills that span a range of industries like finance, banking, and insurance. Students from around the world are encouraged to enroll and often receive generous financial assistance from schools either based or with branches in major cities like London, Dublin, Paris, Milan, Madrid, etc. You may be surprised by how many universities in Europe let you study from just about anywhere!

2. Education

Education degrees prepare teachers for careers in a variety of school settings; and Europe could be a great destination for your degree in education, with thousands of leading research institutes, teaching-focused organizations, and degree options to select from.

If you are looking to widen your knowledge of the education field, preparing you for a career in education policy or law, or to teach at a higher education level, consider applying to programs abroad as an international student!

3. Computer Science

Graduates of computer science degrees are known to enjoy some of the highest paying entry-level salaries across Europe. You can even earn your BA in Management and Artificial Intelligence in Digital Society from the University of Kozminski in Poland, for instance. Both local and international students gain a wide range of management practices combined with data analysis skills rooted in programming.

4. Health Science

As an international student in the fields of public health or health science, for instance, you will gain a global perspective of the how technology and mathematics are used in the delivery of health services around the world. With a foreign setting and an international student body, you will gain the opportunity to develop a one-of-a-kind understanding of various health science practices.

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European Universities with Cheap Degrees for International Students

1. University of Pisa

• Pisa, Italy
• Undergraduate tuition: 2,307 USD / year
• Graduate tuition: 2,307 USD / year
• Cost of living: 666-1,272 USD / month

2. Polytechnic Institute of Milan

• Milan, Italy
• Undergraduate tuition: 1,846 USD / year
• Graduate tuition: 1,499 USD / year
• Cost of living: 743-1,524 USD / month

3. Free University of Berlin

• Berlin, Germany
• Undergraduate tuition: 684 USD / year
• Graduate tuition: 1,000 USD / year
• Cost of living: 652-1,237 USD / month

4. Heidelberg University

• Heidelberg, Germany
• Undergraduate tuition: 328 USD / year
• Graduate tuition: 1,000 USD / year
• Cost of living: 731-1,372 USD / month

5. Léonard de Vinci University College

• Brussels, Belgium
• Undergraduate tuition: 750 USD / year
• Graduate tuition: 807 USD / year
• Cost of living: 764-1,389 USD / month

6. Moscow State University of Psychology and Education

• Moscow, Russia
• Undergraduate tuition: 2,500 USD / year
• Graduate tuition: 2,500 USD / year
• Cost of living: 434-967 USD / month

7. Novosibirsk State University

• Novosibirsk, Russia
• Undergraduate tuition: 3,000 USD / year
• Graduate tuition: 3,000 USD / year
• Cost of living: 250-534 USD / month

8. Royal University College of Fine Arts

• Stockholm, Sweden
• Undergraduate tuition: 5,000 USD / year
• Graduate tuition: 5,000 USD / year
• Cost of living: 774-1,527 USD / month

9. Fontys University of Applied Sciences

• Eindhoven, Netherlands
• Undergraduate tuition: 5,000 USD / year
• Graduate tuition: 5,000 USD / year
• Cost of living: 633-1,242 USD / month

10. HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

• Utrecht, Netherlands
• Undergraduate tuition: 7,500 USD / year
• Graduate tuition: 7,500 USD / year
• Cost of living: 737-1,422 USD / month

Conclusion

No matter which area of study you choose for your next academic degree, you can learn from just about anywhere by studying online. University of the People, for instance, has mastered a unique distance learning method including both peer-to-peer learning and more personalized attention. Our top academic leadership and professionals are helping to shape the future of almost 20,000 students from 200+ countries and territories. The school is the first non-profit, tuition-free, American accredited online university. Read more here about the variety of degree programs!