Cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students in 2024

What are the requirements for students in Europe?

Before exploring the cheapest countries to study abroad, let's first address an essential point, the general requirements for accessing universities and obtaining visas to live in Europe. 

Admission to European universities for students

It's important to note that admission conditions vary greatly depending on the countries and universities. Each university has the right to establish its own admission criteria, so we advise you to research the higher education system of the country where you wish to study and the specific requirements of the universities you're interested in. Detailed information about the education systems of different European Union countries can be found on the europa.eu website.

Although requirements vary greatly, there are some general points to consider

High school diploma

Generally, it's almost always necessary to have a high school diploma, and in some countries, the final high school grade may also be required as certain faculties set minimum entry grades.

Specific tests

Each institution and faculty are different, and each may require specific entrance exams with minimum scores, such as the EBAU exams in Spain or the DSH or TestDaF exams in Germany.

English proficiency

For students whose native language isn't English, an almost indispensable requirement is to present a language proficiency certification such as IELTS or TOEFL. However, it's important to note that the faculty you wish to access may demand a specific test and set minimum entry scores.

Knowledge of local language

In some countries, besides demonstrating English proficiency, it may be necessary to prove knowledge of the national language through a language test.

Letter of recommendation

It's not always necessary, but some master's programs may require letters of recommendation for admission.

Updated CV

It may not be necessary for undergraduate programs, but often is for master's and higher programs.

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Visa and document application requirements for students

Admission requirements are generally listed on the university's website. It's important to verify the requirements for the desired degree program, as each program may have different requirements. Additionally, it's important to consider application deadlines, which vary greatly depending on the country, university, and program.

Visa requirements vary for each country, but typically you'll need to provide the documents

Something is missing

Check the documents youalready have and those you will need to get at your home country and abroad

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.

A copy of the passport

In its entirety, meaning all the pages

An extract of the criminal record

From the country of previous residency or official registration at the moment of application

Proof of sufficient resources to cover living expenses

National authorities cannot demand that your resources exceed the level that would entitle you to basic income support

Proof of full-time admission to a higher education institution

A document or a letter that you havebeen accepted to the program

Parental authorization for students under 18 years old

Can be arranged with the help of the attorney

Certificate of insurance covering health risks

Can be obtained by a private company or with the help of university in some cases

Proof of accommodation

A rental agreement or papers fromthe university about providing you a campus accomodation

Something is missing

Check the documents youalready have and those you will need to get at your home country and abroad

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.

Most affordable places to study in Europe and universities with low tuition fees

A study abroad program in Europe is a journey of discovery. Dive into different cultures, discover the famous landmarks and taste cuisines. Learning a new language can deepen your cultural understanding and enhance your career prospects. European universities are globally renowned and offer many internship opportunities. On top of that, some European countries, such as Germany and Finland, have relatively low tuition fees for master's programs, attracting students from all over the world.

But enough with the preamble, it's time to explore the cheapest places to study abroad. Let's take a closer look at some of the countries offering the best conditions in Europe.

Germany

Germany emerges as a top choice for studying in Europe, with approximately 70,000 foreign immigrants arriving in the country for educational purposes in 2022. It stands as the third most popular destination for study-related immigration in Europe, trailing only behind the United Kingdom and France.

And, of course, affordability is present, as it is possible to find universities with low tuition fees for international students. Students can pursue their studies at very low costs in state-funded institutions, with fees equivalent to those paid by German citizens ranging between 120 and 300 euros. The only exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg, which charges tuition fees of 1500 euros per semester for international students.

Austria

Having received 4,743 immigrants for educational purposes in 2022, Austria may not be among the top recipients of study-related immigrants, but it earns a spot on our list for being one of the most affordable places to study abroad.

Austria stands out as one of the few European countries where you can pursue a master's degree completely free of charge. Since 2008, the Austrian government has abolished tuition fees at public universities for all students from the EU or EEA. However, for students from third countries, there is a legally established amount of 726.72 euros per semester, which is required at most state institutions.

Denmark

With 10,932 immigrants arriving in Denmark for educational purposes in 2022, Denmark stands as the 10th country with the highest immigration in Europe for study-related reasons.

Danish universities are held in high regard, comparable to other leading European institutions. This achievement is attributed to the introduction of courses taught in English, innovative teaching methods, and, notably, the model of tuition-free education. However, this tuition waiver only applies to students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, as international students still need to pay fees of around 4,500 euros per year. Despite the seemingly high fees, they remain relatively affordable, especially considering Denmark's high standard of living. Besides, Danish government offers numerous grants and scholarships to assist students financially.

Finland

With 9,314 immigrants for study purposes in 2002, Finland is not one of the most popular study destinations in Europe, which is often striking as it is one of the cheapest countries to study in Europe.

Unlike previous examples where fees for non-EU foreigners are higher, Finland offers a breath of fresh air. It's officially possible to pursue a master's degree for free. But there's a catch, there's always a catch! The catch here is that you must choose a program taught in Finnish or Swedish. Students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland don't have to pay tuition and can take advantage of studying in English. Additionally, all students are required to pay a small annual fee of no more than 100 euros, which includes discounts on meals and public transportation.

Iceland

With only 585 immigrants arriving for educational purposes in 2022, Iceland might not be among the most popular study destinations in Europe, likely due to its chilly climate. However, it stands out as one of the cheapest countries to study in Europe.

Most universities in Iceland have established partnerships that allow them to introduce free master's programs, such as Viking and Medieval Norse Studies offered by the University of Iceland. For programs that do require payment at state universities, there's only an annual registration fee of around 500-600 euros. For those seeking ways to avoid paying altogether, the Icelandic government also offers scholarships to many nationalities.

Norway

With 5,232 study immigrants in 2002, Norway is also not one of the least popular study destinations in Europe, as seems to be the case in most of the Nordic countries, yet they offer incredible opportunities.

In Norwegian public universities, there's no tuition fee for any nationality! Additionally, it's interesting to note that although Norway belongs to the EEA, it's not part of the European Union. Therefore, both European and non-European nationals would essentially be on the same footing when it comes to paying tuition fees at a university.

Moreover, Norwegian higher education is foreign-friendly, as multiple master's programs are offered in English. This makes Norway one of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students, who can take advantage of not having to learn any additional languages.

Luxembourg

With only 633 immigrants arriving for educational purposes in 2022, Luxembourg may not be among the most sought-after study destinations, possibly due to its high standard of living and associated high costs. However, the tuition fees at the University of Luxembourg, the country's only public university, are more than reasonable, offering tuition as low as 400 euros for international students.

Programs at the university are generally taught in two languages (French/English or French/German), with some offered in three languages and others entirely in English, particularly at the master's level.

Luxembourg

University

Moving

How to move to Luxembourg as a student