If you’re like me, always looking to get the best value for my money at the cheapest price, then you’d love my findings about the these 10 cheapest universities in Europe for international students, right?
Europe, with its rich history and cultural diversity, has long been a dream destination for many international students. While the cost of a European education can be daunting, there are numerous hidden gems in the higher education landscape that offer exceptional education at a fraction of the price.
In this article, we explore the top affordable universities in Europe that provide exceptional opportunities for international students without breaking the bank. Dive in and discover the perfect balance between quality education and financial accessibility.
But first, should you consider studying in Europe, and what’s the education like over there?
Why Study In Europe?
If you’ve considered studying in the UK, you’ll realize that are so many options to choose from. Still, studying in Europe’s cheapest universities can help you strike the balance between quality education and price.
The following are seven good reasons to study in Europe:
- Quality education: European universities are renowned for their high academic standards and cutting-edge research facilities. Many institutions are ranked among the best in the world, offering a series of programs and courses to suit different interests and career aspirations.
- Affordable tuition and living expenses: Compared to countries like the United States, tuition fees and living expenses in Europe are often more affordable for international students. Additionally, many European countries offer scholarships, grants, or other financial aid options for international students, making studying in Europe even more accessible.
- Cultural diversity and enrichment: Europe is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions, offering international students the opportunity to experience and learn from diverse backgrounds. Studying in Europe provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures, make friends from around the world, and develop a global perspective.
- Multilingual environment: Studying in Europe provides an excellent opportunity to learn and improve foreign language skills. Many European universities offer programs in English, but students also have the chance to learn the local language, enhancing their employability and personal development.
- High employability and career prospects: Graduates from European universities are highly sought after by employers around the world. For example, Germany is among the best represented countries in the employability ranking, along with the UK and the US. A European education can significantly enhance your career prospects, giving you access to job opportunities within Europe and beyond. Additionally, many universities have strong connections with industry partners, which can lead to internships or job placements.
- Ease of travel and mobility: Europe has an extensive and efficient transportation network, making it easy and affordable to travel within the continent. This allows international students to explore various European countries, cultures, and landmarks during their studies. Furthermore, many European countries are part of the Schengen Agreement, which simplifies visa requirements and border crossings for non-EU students.
- Support for international students: European universities are well-prepared to accommodate the needs of international students, offering various support services such as orientation programs, language courses, and counseling. This ensures that international students have a smooth transition to their new academic and cultural environment, making their study experience even more rewarding.
Related: List of Public Universities in South Africa
10 Cheapest Universities In Europe for International Students
To unlock European education, check out the 15 most affordable universities for international students:
| Cheapest Universities In Europe for International Students | Undergraduate Tuition |
| 1. Free University of Berlin, Germany | $684/year |
| 2. University of Pisa, Italy | $2,307/year |
| 3. Léonard de Vinci University College | $750/year |
| 4. Novosibirsk State University, Russia | $3,000/year |
| 5. Fontys University of Applied Sciences | $5,000/year |
| 6. Polytechnic Institute of Milan | $1,846/year |
| 7. Heidelberg, Germany | $328/year |
| 8. Moscow State University of Psychology and Education | $2,500/year |
| 9. Royal University College of Fine Arts | $5,000/year |
| 10. HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht | $7,500/year |
1. Free University of Berlin, Germany ($684/year)
The Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin) is one of the most renowned public research universities in Germany. It was established in 1948 as a response to the political climate during the early years of the Cold War.
Taking the top spot on our list of the the cheapest universities in Europe for international students, tuition fees at the Free University of Berlin are relatively low for international students.
- Undergraduate tuition: $684/year
- Graduate tuition: $1,000/year
- Cost of living: $652-$1,237/month
Also Read: Top 15 Cheapest Universities in UK for International Students
2. University of Pisa, Italy
The University of Pisa, founded in 1343, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Italy. Located in the beautiful Tuscan city of Pisa, it offers a various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and medicine.
Tuition fees at the University of Pisa are quite affordable for international students, with fees typically ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 euros per year, depending on the program and the student’s financial situation.
- Undergraduate tuition: $2,307/year
- Graduate tuition: $2,307/year
- Cost of living: $666-1,272/month
3. Léonard de Vinci University College
Léonard de Vinci University College, located in Villefontaine, France, is a public institution that focuses on providing high-quality, affordable education in various fields, such as engineering, business, and health sciences.
As one of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students, the university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and encourages students to gain practical experience through internships and work-study programs. Scholarships and financial aid are available for eligible students, further enhancing the university’s affordability.
- Brussels, Belgium
- Undergraduate tuition: $750/year
- Graduate tuition: 807 USD / year
- Cost of living: 764-1,389 USD / month
4. Novosibirsk State University, Russia
If studying in Russia has been your dream, you can study at the Novosibirsk State University (NSU) which is a leading research institution located in the academic town of Akademgorodok, Russia. Established in 1959, NSU offers a wide array of programs in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and engineering.
The university is no doubt one of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students. It is known for its affordable tuition fees, especially for international students. Fees for English-taught programs are competitive compared to other European universities, and the cost of living in Novosibirsk is generally lower than in many Western European cities.
- Novosibirsk, Russia
- Undergraduate tuition: $3,000/year
- Graduate tuition: $3,000/year
- Cost of living: $250-534/month
Related: 15 Online Colleges that Pay You to Attend
5. Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Fontys University of Applied Sciences, with campuses in Eindhoven, Tilburg, and Venlo, is one of the largest Dutch universities offering numerous Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in English. Fields of study include engineering, business, communication, and health sciences.
While tuition fees for EU/EEA students are relatively low, non-EU/EEA students pay higher fees, which are still considered affordable compared to other European institutions. Fontys offers various scholarships for international students, including the Orange Tulip Scholarship and the Fontys ACI Creative Mind Scholarship, which can help offset the cost of tuition.
- Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Undergraduate tuition: $5,000/year
- Graduate tuition: $5,000/year
- Cost of living: $633-$1,242/month
6. Polytechnic Institute of Milan (Politecnico di Milano)
The Polytechnic Institute of Milan, located in Italy, is one of the most prestigious engineering and technical schools in Europe. As an international student, you’ll benefit from affordable tuition fees, usually ranging from $1,499 to $1,850 per year, depending on the program and your nationality.
The institute is one of the most affordable options for international students as they offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, architecture, and design. Courses are often taught in English, making it an excellent choice for international students. Politecnico di Milano is also known for its strong industry connections, providing ample internship and job opportunities for its graduates.
- Milan, Italy
- Undergraduate tuition:$1,850/year
- Graduate tuition:$1,499/year
- Cost of living: $743-$1,524/month
Related: Top 10 Best Universities for Accounting and Finance in UK
7. Heidelberg University (Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg)
Not just one of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students, Heidelberg University, located in the picturesque town of Heidelberg, Germany, is one of the oldest and most reputable universities in Europe.
Heidelberg University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the fields of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and life sciences.
Known for its research-focused approach, the university has a strong international reputation and offers several courses in English to accommodate international students.
- Heidelberg, Germany
- Undergraduate tuition: $328/year
- Graduate tuition: 1,000$/year
- Cost of living: $731-$1,372/month
8. Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE)
MSUPE, located in Moscow, Russia, is a prominent institution for the study of psychology and education. Because it is a budget-friendly institution, international students can enjoy affordable tuition fees, generally ranging from $2,500 to $4,000 per year.
The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in areas such as clinical psychology, educational psychology, and special education. MSUPE has a strong focus on research and practical training, providing students with valuable hands-on experience.
Furthermore, the university has partnerships with numerous international institutions, allowing for student exchanges and collaborative research projects.
- Moscow, Russia
- Undergraduate tuition: $2,500/year
- Graduate tuition: $2,500/year
- Cost of living: $434-$967/month
9. Royal University College of Fine Arts (Konstfack)
Konstfack, based in Stockholm, Sweden, is a renowned institution for arts, crafts, design, and visual communication. As an international student, you can benefit from Sweden’s policy of free tuition for students from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.
Konstfack offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in various artistic disciplines, including ceramics, graphic design, and textile arts. The university emphasizes both theoretical and practical learning, encouraging students to develop their creativity and skills through hands-on projects and exhibitions.
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Undergraduate tuition: $5,000/year
- Graduate tuition: $5,000/year
- Cost of living: $774-$1,527/ month
10. HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (Hogeschool Utrecht)
HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, located in the Netherlands, is a technical -oriented institution providing a different programs in the fields of business, engineering, health, and education.
As one of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students, many courses at HU are taught in English, making it an attractive option for international students.
The university is known for its practice-oriented approach, providing students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world settings through internships, projects, and collaborations with industry partners.
- Utrecht, Netherlands
- Undergraduate tuition: $7,500/ year
- Graduate tuition: $7,500/year
- Cost of living: $737-$1,422/month
Related: Top 20 Private Universities in Nigeria and Their School Fees
Major Areas of Study In European Universities
European universities offer a wide range of fields of study to cater to diverse student interests. Here are five common fields of study in European universities:
- Business and Economics: Many European universities have well-regarded business schools and programs, focusing on subjects such as finance, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
- Engineering and Technology: Students in this field can study various branches of engineering, such as civil, electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering, as well as information technology and related subjects.
- Social Sciences: This broad field encompasses subjects such as political science, sociology, anthropology, and psychology, all of which explore different aspects of human society and behavior.
- Humanities and Arts: This field covers subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, and languages, as well as fine arts like music, theater, and visual arts.
- Natural Sciences: Students in this field typically study subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences, which seek to understand the natural world and the underlying principles that govern it.
Cheapest Universities in Europe for International Students Without IELTS
If you want to study in Europe without IELTS, then this section will provide you with cheap universities to apply to.
IELTS has proved to be daunting for many foreign students, hence, the reasons for finding information about European universities where they can study without the IELTS.
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It is a standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of individuals who intend to study, work, or migrate to countries where English is the primary language of communication. The test evaluates the four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
IELTS is recognized and accepted by universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional organizations in many countries as proof of English language proficiency. It is widely considered as a reliable and globally recognized assessment tool for English proficiency.
The inclusion or exclusion of IELTS/EPT as a prerequisite for graduate admissions is a matter subject to the individual university’s discretion, taking into consideration various factors including, but not limited to, the student’s academic achievements and proficiency in English. This decision rests solely with the university, which carefully evaluates the applicant’s qualifications and language skills to determine their eligibility for admission.
Universities weigh multiple factors when making this decision, prioritizing the academic prowess of the student and their ability to succeed in a graduate program. While standardized language proficiency tests like IELTS/EPT have traditionally been used as a benchmark to assess English language skills, some universities recognize that there are alternative indicators of language proficiency that can be equally valid and reliable.
While it is true that completing your education from English-speaking countries such as the USA, UK, and Australia can enhance your chances, there are alternative routes to demonstrate your English language proficiency and secure admission.
Below is a list of Universities in Europe for International Students Without IELTS:
- American Business Schools
- University of Amsterdam
- University of Bologna
- Technical University of Denmark
- University of Siegen
- University of Applied Sciences
- Maynooth University
- ESAIP School of Engineers
- Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague
- Paris- EBS Paris
Round UP: Cheapest Countries to Study In Europe
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Poland
You should check out our in-depth article about the top 10 cheapest countries to study in Europe.
Cheapest Universities in Europe for International Students (Conclusion)
The thought of studying in Europe is often accompanied by the misconception of exorbitant fees and living expenses. However, numerous high-quality institutions across the continent cater to international students who are searching for an affordable yet exceptional educational experience.
This article has unveiled the most budget-friendly universities in Europe, proving that a world-class education doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.
What did you think? Which of these universities grabs your attention the most? I expect to have your comments in the box provided below.
More Articles:
