Europe offers affordable study opportunities with low or zero tuition fees and reasonable living expenses. This guide explains the cheapest countries to study in 2026, including costs, programs, admission criteria and ideal options for international students seeking budget-friendly education abroad.
Europe is one of the most preferred destinations for international students because of its high-quality education, cultural diversity and affordable tuition options. Contrary to popular belief, many European countries offer low-cost or even tuition-free study opportunities, especially at public universities.
This guide explores the cheapest countries in Europe to study in 2026, including estimated tuition fees, living expenses, admission insights and suitable program types for international students.
Top 7 Cheapest Countries to Study in Europe (2026)
| Country | Average Annual Tuition Fees | Average Living Cost (per month) | Major Advantage |
| Germany | €0–€3,000 | €800–€1,200 | Tuition-free public universities |
| France | €2,000–€9,000 | €900–€1,300 | Strong research and global recognition |
| Italy | €2,000–€6,000 | €700–€1,200 | Scholarships and English programs |
| Spain | €3,000–€8,000 | €800–€1,100 | Affordable Mediterranean lifestyle |
| Poland | €2,500–€5,500 | €500–€800 | Low living costs |
| Portugal | €3,000–€7,000 | €650–€1,000 | Accepts MOI and mild climate |
| Hungary | €3,500–€7,500 | €600–€900 | Popular for Medicine and Engineering |
Germany – Best Overall (Tuition-Free at Public Universities)
Germany is the most affordable country to study in Europe thanks to near-zero tuition at public universities.
Key Highlights
- Tuition-free for most programmes
- Strong for Engineering, Business, Computer Science and Health Sciences
- Many courses available in English
- 18-month post-study work visa
Estimated Costs
- Tuition: €0–€1,500/year
- Accommodation: €300–€600/month
France – Budget-Friendly with Top Rankings
France offers very affordable public education and world-ranked universities.
Ideal For: Business, Arts, Fashion, Public Health, Political Science
Budget Estimate
- Tuition: €2,000–€9,000/year
- Living: €900–€1,300/month
Italy – Affordable with Generous Scholarships
Italy is preferred by international students for its lifestyle, culture and education structure.
Strong In: Architecture, Fashion, Arts, Business, Medicine, Design
Estimated Costs
- Tuition: €2,000–€6,000/year
- Living: €700–€1,200/month
Spain – Cost-Effective and Culturally Rich
Spain attracts students with its vibrant student culture, good weather and affordable education.
Popular For
Tourism, Hospitality, Business, Arts, Sports Management
Costs
- Tuition: €3,000–€8,000/year
- Living: €800–€1,100/month
Poland – Cheapest Living Costs in Europe
Poland has some of the lowest accommodation and food expenses, ideal for students on tight budgets.
Best For: Business, IT, Management, Medicine and Emerging Tech
Costs
- Tuition: €2,500–€5,500/year
- Living: €500–€800/month
Portugal – Low Cost with Relaxed Lifestyle
Portugal offers affordable universities and accepts Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates for English programmes.
Popular Courses: Architecture, Health Science, Engineering, Business Management
Estimated Costs
- Tuition: €3,000–€7,000/year
- Living: €650–€1,000/month
Hungary – Top Choice for Medicine and Engineering
Hungary offers international healthcare and technical programmes in English at affordable rates.
Average Costs
- Tuition: €3,500–€7,500/year
- Living: €600–€900/month
Best For: MBBS, Engineering, Sciences and Research
Final Comparison: Which Country Should You Choose?
| Preference | Recommended Country |
| Lowest or zero tuition | Germany |
| Best for scholarships | Italy |
| Cheapest living | Poland |
| Best English-medium options | Germany, Hungary |
| Best lifestyle | Spain, Portugal |
| High-ranked universities | France, Germany |
| Best for Medicine | Hungary, Poland, Italy |
Tips to Reduce Study Costs in Europe
- Apply early for scholarships and grants
- Secure student accommodation rather than private housing
- Choose public universities where possible
- Use student discounts for transport, food and travel
- Work part-time (allowed in most countries)
Conclusion
Studying in Europe can be highly affordable if you choose the right destination. Countries like Germany, Italy and Poland offer high-quality education at low tuition costs, while Spain and Portugal provide lifestyle balance.
Planning early, preparing strong applications and evaluating cost of living alongside tuition will help international students reduce expenses and secure better academic opportunities.
Looking to study in Europe at the lowest cost? Secure your student accommodation early to reduce living expenses. Stubard helps international students find safe, affordable housing near top universities across Europe. Contact us today for personalised accommodation support.
FAQs
1. Which is the cheapest country to study in Europe in 2026?
Germany is considered the cheapest option for international students due to tuition-free public universities and reasonable living expenses.
2. Can I study in Europe for free?
Yes. Public universities in Germany and some in Norway offer tuition-free education. Students still need to manage living and administrative costs.
3. What is the most affordable European country for international students?
Poland provides the lowest living costs, while Germany offers the lowest or zero tuition fees.
4. Which European country has low living costs?
Poland is one of the most cost-effective countries, with average living expenses ranging from €500 to €800 per month.
5. Is Germany cheaper than the UK for studying?
Yes. Germany offers free or low tuition and lower living costs when compared to the UK, which has higher fees and accommodation prices.
6. Can international students work while studying in Europe?
Yes. Most countries allow 20 hours per week during the semester. Germany also offers an 18-month post-study work visa.
7. Does studying in Europe require IELTS?
Not always. Some universities accept a Medium of Instruction certificate or conduct internal language assessments.
8. What is the average tuition fee in Europe for international students?
Tuition fees range from €0 to €8,000 per year depending on the country and university type.
9. Which countries offer scholarships for international students in Europe?
Germany, Italy, France, Hungary and Poland offer scholarships through national schemes like DAAD, Erasmus+ and institutional grants.
10. What are the cheapest courses to study in Europe?
Engineering, business, environmental sciences and humanities are commonly available at lower-cost universities in Germany, Italy and Poland.
11. Can I study medicine cheaply in Europe?
Countries like Hungary and Poland offer医学-related degrees at affordable rates compared to Western Europe, though fees are higher than general degrees.
12. Which country offers low-cost master’s programmes?
Germany and Italy offer cost-effective master’s programs, often with English-medium options and scholarships.
13. How do I reduce the cost of studying in Europe?
Apply early for scholarships, secure affordable student accommodation and opt for public universities in low-cost cities.
14. Is Spain affordable for international students?
Yes. Spain offers moderate tuition and living costs, making it a viable option for business, hospitality and arts students.