Cost of Studying Abroad by Country (2026)

Compare the estimated annual cost of studying in 20 popular destinations — tuition plus living costs, ranked from most affordable to most expensive.

# COUNTRY AVG TUITION / YR LIVING / YR TOTAL / YR
1 Poland $3,000 $7,000 $10,000
2 Germany
Public universities are largely tuition-free
$500 $11,000 $11,500
3 Czechia
Czech-taught programs are free
$4,000 $8,000 $12,000
4 Italy $2,000 $11,000 $13,000
5 Spain $2,500 $10,500 $13,000
6 Austria $1,500 $12,000 $13,500
7 Norway
Some non-EU fees from 2023
$600 $14,000 $14,600
8 France $3,000 $12,000 $15,000
9 Belgium $4,000 $11,000 $15,000
10 Japan $6,000 $12,000 $18,000
11 Finland
Free for EU/EEA
$10,000 $11,000 $21,000
12 Switzerland
Low tuition, high living costs
$1,500 $22,000 $23,500
13 Netherlands $11,000 $13,000 $24,000
14 Sweden
Free for EU/EEA
$12,000 $12,000 $24,000
15 Denmark
Free for EU/EEA
$14,000 $13,000 $27,000
16 Ireland $15,000 $14,000 $29,000
17 Canada $20,000 $14,000 $34,000
18 United Kingdom $22,000 $16,000 $38,000
19 Australia $25,000 $17,000 $42,000
20 United States $30,000 $18,000 $48,000

Figures are rough annual estimates in USD for international students at public institutions (tuition + typical living costs). Actual costs vary by city, program and lifestyle. Updated 2026.

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Indicative figures to help you plan — adjust every value to your situation. Not an offer or guarantee; real costs vary by city and exchange rate.