Top 10 Cheap Universities in Europe for International Students in 2025

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 Study at an Affordable 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 worth of scholarships available every year.

At the bachelor’s level, average tuition fees in Europe can range from €1,000–€5,500 per year for EU/EEA students and €3,000–€15,000 per year for students outside the EU/EEA. Master’s degrees typically range from €1,500–€6,500 per year for EU/EEA students and €4,000–€20,000 per year for non-EU/EEA students.

In many European countries, students are surprised to find that they can earn a complete degree for under €1,500 per 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.

Most Affordable Countries in Europe for International Students

Italy

Italy is a top choice for international students due to its low tuition fees and rich cultural experience. Public universities charge €500–€4,000 ($550–$4,400) per year, making it one of the most affordable destinations in Europe.

• Tuition Fees: €500–€4,000 ($550–$4,400) per year
• Cost of Living: €7,500–€8,500 ($8,200–$9,300) per year

Germany

Germany is known for its tuition-free public universities and high-quality education. 

• Tuition Fees: Usually free, but semester fees range from €150–€300 ($165–$330)
• Cost of Living: €800–€1,200 ($880–$1,320) per month

France

France offers affordable education with relatively low tuition fees and a rich cultural experience.

• Tuition Fees: Approximately €2,770 ($3,100) per year for undergraduate programs and €3,770 ($4,240) per year for master’s degrees.
• Cost of Living: Living expenses average around €9,900 ($11,550) per year, though this can vary depending on the city.

Spain

Spain is known for its friendly atmosphere, sunny climate, and affordable education options.

• Tuition Fees: Non-EU students can expect tuition fees ranging from €750 to €2,100 ($850–$2,400) per year.
• Cost of Living: Monthly living expenses are between €650 and €1,100 (~$750–$1,250), depending on the city and lifestyle. 

Lithuania

Lithuania is an emerging destination for international students, offering affordable education and a vibrant cultural experience.

• Tuition Fees: From €1,000 to €5,000 ($1,080 – $5,400) per year, depending on the program and institution.
• Cost of Living: Living expenses are relatively low, averaging between €500 and €800 ($540 – $864) per month.

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Best Degree Programs in Europe for International Students

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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10 Cheapest Universities in Europe for a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree

University of Pisa

The University of Pisa, founded in 1343, is one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. It is well known for its strong academic programs, particularly in engineering, sciences, humanities, and medicine. The university is ranked among Italy’s top institutions and attracts many international students due to its affordable tuition and quality education.

• Undergraduate Tuition: $371 – $2,639 per year, depending on the student’s country of origin.
• Graduate Tuition: $371 – $2,639 per year, similar to undergraduate fees.
• Cost of Living: $835 – $887 per month, including rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
• Financial Support: The DSU scholarship, offered by the Tuscany Regional Council, provides benefits such as free accommodation, meal plans, and tuition fee exemptions for eligible students.

Polytechnic Institute of Milan

The Polytechnic University of Milan (Politecnico di Milano) is Italy’s leading technical university, specializing in engineering, architecture, and design. It is consistently ranked among the top technical universities in Europe, making it a prime choice for students pursuing STEM fields. 

• Undergraduate Tuition: $156 – $3,887 per year, with financial aid available to reduce costs.
• Graduate Tuition: $156 – $3,887 per year, depending on income and nationality.
• Cost of Living: $1,252 – $1,565 per month, covering rent, food, transport, and personal expenses.
• Financial Support: The university offers merit-based scholarships, tuition fee reductions, and need-based financial aid for both EU and non-EU students.

Free University of Berlin

The Free University of Berlin is a renowned institution in Germany, celebrated for its strengths in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It offers a diverse range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to research and academic excellence.

• Undergraduate Tuition: No tuition fees; students pay a semester fee of approximately €304.40 (around $317) per semester.
• Graduate Tuition: No tuition fees; the same semester fee applies.
• Cost of Living: Estimated monthly expenses range from €700 to €1,100 (approximately $729 to $1,147), covering accommodation, food, transportation, and personal costs.
• Financial Support: The university participates in the “Germany Scholarship” program, offering €300 (about $313) monthly to high-achieving students.

Heidelberg University

Established in 1386, Heidelberg University is Germany’s oldest university and is esteemed for its research output and comprehensive range of disciplines, including sciences, humanities, and medicine.

• Undergraduate Tuition: For non-EU/EEA international students, tuition is €1,500 per semester (approximately $1,565), totaling €3,000 annually (about $3,130).
• Graduate Tuition: Similar to undergraduate fees, €1,500 per semester for non-EU/EEA students.
• Cost of Living: Monthly living expenses are estimated at €835 (around $871), including housing, food, and other essentials.
• Financial Support: The university offers various scholarships and financial aid options for international students to help offset tuition and living costs.

Léonard de Vinci University College

Léonard de Vinci University College, located in Brussels, Belgium, offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on professional integration and interdisciplinary learning.

• Undergraduate Tuition: Approximately $750 USD per year.
• Graduate Tuition: Approximately $807 USD per year.
• Cost of Living: Estimated monthly expenses range from $760 to $980 USD, covering accommodation, food, and transportation.
• Financial Support: The institution offers various scholarships, including the De Vinci Empowerment Scholarship, which provides tuition fee funding of up to €4,000 per year and dedicated coaching programs.

Moscow State University of Psychology and Education

Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, situated in Moscow, Russia, specializes in psychology and education disciplines, providing diverse programs for both domestic and international students.

• Undergraduate Tuition: Approximately $981 USD per year.
• Graduate Tuition: Approximately $1,000 USD per year.
• Cost of Living: Monthly living expenses are estimated between $450 and $1,000 USD, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.
• Financial Support: The university offers state-funded education options and has financial aid programs available for eligible students. 

Novosibirsk State University

Novosibirsk State University (NSU), located in Novosibirsk, Russia, is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and close collaboration with the Russian Academy of Sciences. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines.

• Undergraduate Tuition: $4,500 per year.
• Graduate Tuition: Ranges from $3,600 to $6,500 per year, depending on the program.
• Cost of Living: Estimated monthly expenses are approximately $250 to $534, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
• Financial Support: International students can apply for the Russian Government Scholarship Program, which covers full tuition and provides a monthly stipend. Additionally, the “Open Doors” Russian Scholarship Project offers opportunities for full scholarships in master’s programs.

Royal University College of Fine Arts

The Royal University College of Fine Arts, situated in Stockholm, Sweden, is dedicated to providing high-quality education in the fine arts. The institution offers specialized programs aimed at fostering creativity and artistic expression.

• Undergraduate Tuition: Approximately $5,000 per year for international students.
• Graduate Tuition: Approximately $5,000 per year for international students.
• Cost of Living: Living in Stockholm can be relatively high, with estimated monthly expenses ranging from $774 to $1,527, including housing, food, transportation, and other personal costs.
• Financial Support: The university offers various scholarships and financial aid options to assist international students in managing their educational expenses.

Fontys University of Applied Sciences

Fontys University of Applied Sciences, located in Eindhoven, Netherlands, is one of the largest Dutch universities of applied sciences, offering a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programs taught in English.

• Undergraduate Tuition: For non-EEA students, the annual tuition fee is approximately €7,680 (around $8,900).
• Graduate Tuition: Master’s program fees for non-EEA students range from €8,570 to €12,480 per year (approximately $9,900 to $14,400), depending on the specific program.
• Cost of Living: The Dutch Immigration Service (IND) requires non-EEA students to demonstrate access to €13,140 (about $15,200) for living expenses for the first year of study.
• Financial Support: Fontys offers various scholarships and financial aid options for international students to help offset tuition and living expenses.

HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, situated in Utrecht, Netherlands, provides a diverse array of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs, emphasizing practical education and industry collaboration.

• Undergraduate Tuition: For non-EEA students, the annual tuition fee is €10,372 (approximately $11,900).
• Graduate Tuition: Master’s program fees for non-EEA students are also €10,372 per year (around $11,900).
• Cost of Living: Living expenses in Utrecht are estimated to be between €800 and €1,100 per month, totaling approximately €9,600 to €13,200 (about $11,100 to $15,300) per year.
• Financial Support: HU offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students to assist with tuition and living costs.

Conclusion

Choosing an affordable university in Europe can help international students pursue higher education without accumulating overwhelming debt. Many institutions across Europe offer low tuition fees, financial aid, and even tuition-free programs, making quality education accessible to students worldwide.

When selecting a university, consider tuition costs, living expenses, financial support options, and program quality. Countries like Germany, Italy, and Sweden provide some of the most affordable education options, while scholarships and government grants can further reduce costs.

If you’re looking for a flexible and budget-friendly alternative, online degree programs—such as those offered by University of the People—allow students to earn a degree from anywhere while keeping expenses low.

With the right research and financial planning, studying in Europe can be an affordable and enriching experience, setting the foundation for a successful career.

FAQs

What is the cheapest university in Europe for international students?

Many public universities in Germany and Norway offer tuition-free education for international students, with only small semester fees. Universities like the Free University of Berlin and Heidelberg University in Germany have minimal tuition costs. However, students should consider cost of living expenses, which vary by country.

Can I study in Europe for free as a non-EU student?

Yes, some European countries provide tuition-free education to international students. Germany, Norway, and some universities in Finland and Austria allow non-EU students to study for free or at a very low cost, but they may charge small administrative fees. Scholarships and government grants can further help cover expenses.

Which European country has the lowest cost of living for students?

Eastern European countries like Poland, Lithuania, and Hungary tend to have lower living expenses than Western Europe. Students can expect to spend as little as $400–$800 monthly on housing, food, and transportation, making these locations ideal for budget-conscious international students.

What are the cheapest online universities in Europe?

Several universities on this list offer affordable online programs for students who prefer flexible study options. Institutions like the University of Pisa, Polytechnic University of Milan, and Fontys University of Applied Sciences offer online degrees with lower tuition fees than in-person programs. Additionally, some universities allow students to take hybrid courses, reducing overall costs while maintaining access to high-quality education.