Cost of a first year, 2026/27

The cheapest countries in Europe to study, for students from outside the EU

All 32, cheapest first, in EUR

First year = the lowest published tuition for international students, twelve months of the lowest published living costs and the visa fee, from each country's official sources (open a country for every source). Students from the EU usually pay less. Converted at the day's rate (2026-11-08). Rates by Exchange Rate API.

What to do next

1. Shortlist two or three and compare them side by side, or use the comparison tool.
2. Check the visa money: you must show it before the visa is decided, often more than the living costs above.
3. Look for a scholarship open to your nationality; several European governments fund full degrees.
4. Check the language of the course: low fees often apply to programmes taught in the national language. See studying in English.

Questions

What is the cheapest country in Europe to study for international students?

of the 32 European countries whose official figures give both tuition and living costs, a first year for a student from outside the EU (tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee) starts lowest in Estonia (from EUR 5,300), Bosnia and Herzegovina (from EUR 5,400), Türkiye (from EUR 5,500), and highest in United Kingdom (up to EUR 73,100) and Ireland (up to EUR 60,800).

Is university free in Europe for international students?

Rarely for students from outside the EU. A few countries charge public-university fees of a few hundred euros a year (Germany is the best known), but most charge international students tuition; the table shows the published range for each, and the guide says who pays what.

Can international students work while studying in Europe?

In 18 of these 32 countries the student visa allows at least 20 hours a week during term; the table gives each limit as published.