How Cheapest Universities in Europe for International Students 2025

Europe is home to some of the most prestigious and affordable universities in the world. Many countries on the continent offer tuition-free or low-cost education to international students, especially in public institutions. With a rich cultural heritage, diverse academic offerings, and world-class faculty, Europe remains an ideal destination for quality education that doesn’t break the bank.

Factors That Affect University Costs in Europe

Tuition Fees

While some countries offer free tuition (like Germany and Norway), others have low annual fees ranging from €1,000 to €5,000. Public universities are generally more affordable than private ones.

Cost of Living

Living expenses vary by country and city. Eastern European nations like Poland and Hungary are significantly cheaper than Western counterparts like France or Germany.

Availability of Scholarships

Numerous universities and governments offer need-based, merit-based, and country-specific scholarships to help international students manage costs.

Top Countries Offering Low-Cost or Free Education

Germany

• Public universities offer zero tuition fees

• Pay only semester contributions (~€250/semester)

• Top choices: University of Göttingen, Free University of Berlin

Norway

• Free education for all, including non-EU students

• Only pay student union fees (~€50–100)

• Cost of living is high but worth the trade-off

Austria

• Low fees for non-EU students: ~€1,500/year

• Affordable cities like Graz and Vienna

• Great academic reputation

Poland

• Tuition ranges from €1,000–€3,000/year

• Low living costs (~€300–500/month)

• Universities like Warsaw and Adam Mickiewicz are popular

Hungary

• Tuition starts at €1,200/year

• Stipendium Hungaricum is a top scholarship program

• Excellent for medical and engineering studies

France

• Public universities charge ~€2,770/year for undergrad

• Many scholarships available (Eiffel, Charpak)

• Top universities: University of Nantes, Sorbonne

Italy

• Public universities charge as low as €1,000/year

• Scholarships reduce fees further

• Options: University of Siena, Scuola Normale Superiore

Greece

• Tuition fees ~€1,500/year

• Great Mediterranean lifestyle and academic culture

Lithuania

• Programs start from €1,500/year

• Universities like Vilnius offer great scholarships

Top 15 Cheapest Universities in Europe (2025 Rankings)

Estimated Costs: Tuition and Living (2025)

How to Apply to Affordable European Universities

Admission Requirements

• Valid passport

• Academic transcripts

• Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

• Motivation letter/SOP

• Recommendation letters (optional)

Application Deadlines

• Most intakes: Fall (Sept–Oct) and Spring (Feb–Mar)

• Deadlines: Jan–May (for fall intake)

Language Proficiency

• English programs require IELTS/TOEFL

• Some free programs (e.g., in Czech Republic) require local language proficiency

Scholarships and Grants for International Students

Erasmus+

Covers tuition, travel, and living costs for EU students & exchange programs.

DAAD (Germany)

Fully/partially funded for postgrads, especially in STEM fields.

Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)

Covers full tuition, monthly stipend, and housing assistance.

Eiffel Scholarship (France)

Highly competitive for Master’s and PhD students.

Tips for Studying in Europe on a Budget

1. Choose Student Housing

• University dorms are cheaper (~€150–300/month)

• Shared flats or hostels are affordable alternatives

2. Use Public Transport

• Student passes are highly subsidized

• Walk or cycle in university cities like Vienna, Krakow, and Milan

3. Work Part-Time

• Most countries allow 20 hours/week

• Germany, France, and Italy have student job portals

FAQs About Cheap Universities in Europe

Q1: Can I study for free in Europe as an international student?
Yes! Countries like Germany and Norway offer free tuition for all students.

Q2: Which country in Europe is the cheapest to study and live?
Poland and Hungary are among the most budget-friendly for both tuition and living.

Q3: Do cheap universities offer quality education?
Absolutely. Many low-cost public universities are globally ranked and research-oriented.

Q4: Can I get a scholarship as an international student?
Yes, many European governments and universities offer scholarships like Erasmus+ and DAAD.

Q5: Are these degrees recognized globally?
Yes. Degrees from accredited European universities are recognized worldwide.

Q6: Do I need to know the local language?
For English-taught programs, no. But learning local basics helps daily life.