Countries with Free Education For International Students (2024)

International student numbers are increasing across most study-abroad destinations. As more students search for opportunities to study abroad, it is only fair that they also look for some of the most affordable countries to study.

It is important to remember that while many universities worldwide do not charge tuition fees, they can still charge smaller amounts, known as administrative fees. These fees help fund the services related to the administration and supervision of students. In Germany, for example, such fees are usually no higher than €250/semester.

While the United States has its fair share of prestigious universities, some with a history spanning over three centuries, many affordable study options lie beyond its borders. You're about to find out exactly which countries offer a budget-friendly education!

Here’s a list of cheap countries to study where education is either free or at a minimal cost:

Albania

Tuition: €220 – €4,000/year

Average cost of living: €466 - €567/month

Albania’s rich culture, natural beauty, and affordable, high-quality education place it among the loveliest study-abroad destinations. Albania is home to wonderful beaches, exceptional architecture, and flourishing countryside. In addition to all this, with a bit of budgeting, the average cost of living ranges from €466 - €567/month, placing Albania among Europe's cheapest countries.

Students in Albania can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies.

Andorra

Tuition: Starting from €750/year

Average cost of living: €1,011 - €1,270/month

Apart from being a great tourist attraction, Andorra also makes an exceptional study abroad destination. With spectacular natural beauty, exceptional higher education, and a student-focused environment, students would really find a unique student experience here. Living costs start at an average of €1,011, but this is highly dependent on lifestyle and spending habits.

During their studies, international students can engage in part-time work in Andorra.

Austria

EU/EEA/Switzerland and developing countries: Free

Non-EU: €762/semester

Average cost of living: €1,048 - €1,304/month

Austria’s great quality of life and cultural richness are among the factors bringing international students to its universities. Being a tuition-free country for EU students and a rather affordable one for the rest of the student population, Austria places itself among the top cheap countries to study for international students. In terms of living costs, monthly expenses start at €1,048, including rent. Students can spend less with smart budgeting habits.

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies without having to apply for a work permit.

Belarus

Tuition: €1,000 - €6,000/year

Average cost of living: €507 - €595/month

Higher education in Belarus is renowned around the world for the quality of its programs. Students in Belarus get to experience a welcoming environment as well as a rich culture and history. The living expenses range from €507 - €595/month, while the cost of education is also comparably affordable.

International students in Belarus are allowed to work less than 30 hours per week.

Belgium

Wallonia-Brussels Federation or EU: €835

Non-EU: €2,505/year

Average cost of living: €963 - €1,297/month

The rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class education are among the top things that define Belgium. Its relatively low tuition fees make it a wonderful destination for international students who love chocolate, waffles, and outstanding educational opportunities.

International students in Belgium can apply for a one-year post-graduation residence permit to search for a job as well as work up to 20 hours per week while studying.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tuition: Starting from €936/year

Average cost of living: €452 - €523/month

Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to exceptional universities with a diverse range of study programs. Its capital, Sarajevo, is the largest city in the country, and it is home to The University of Sarajevo, the largest and oldest university in the country. With a little budgeting, living expenses for students in Bosnia and Herzegovina can range from €452 - €523/month.

International students in Bosnia and Herzegovina can engage in part-time work during their studies.

Bulgaria

EU: Starting from €300/year

Non-EU: Starting from €1,750/year

Average cost of living: €542 - €655/month

Besides low tuition fees, Bulgaria also boasts an affordable cost of living. International students in Bulgaria find themselves surrounded by natural beauty and a great student scene. Bulgaria has nearly 14,000 international students across its universities, which means students get to be part of high-quality education and expand their cultural horizons.

Bulgaria allows students to work 20 hours per week during their studies and holidays. Students can also apply for a nine-month post-graduation work visa if they plan to stay in the country after finishing their studies.

Croatia

Tuition: Starting from €1,000/year

Average cost of living: €663 - €824/month

Being among the most affordable countries to study abroad, Croatia has world-class universities, a long academic tradition, and a beautiful coast. Studying in Croatia will be a wonderful experience in terms of cultural exchange, exploration opportunities, and affordability. With living costs ranging from €663 - €824/month, international students have the perfect balance of quality education and affordable living.

In addition, international students in Croatia can work part-time during their studies.

Cyprus

Cyprus & EU: Free

Non-EU/EEA: Starting from €6,834/year

Average cost of living: €1,029 - €1,259/month

Known as the third largest island in the Mediterranean, the Republic of Cyprus is famous for its mythology and natural beauty. Of course, while its sub-tropical climate can be enough reason to study here, students are also fond of its tuition-free education for EU citizens. Students from other countries can also benefit from its relatively affordable tuition and enjoy Cyprus's natural beauty and quality of education.

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies. They can also stay in the country for 60 days after graduation to search for employment.

Czech Republic

Czech-Taught Degrees (both EU and Non-EU): Free

English/another foreign language taught degrees: The tuition fees' median is €6,250

Average cost of living: €823 - €1,071/month

The Czech Republic is known for its castles, architecture, and spa towns. It is also a popular study-abroad destination, boasting tuition-free education for Czech-taught degrees. The monthly cost of living can go up to €1,071/month, but this largely depends on the student’s lifestyle and budgeting habits.

To be eligible to work during their studies, students must be enrolled in a degree program accredited by the Ministry of Education. Students can work for up to 30 days within a calendar year and apply for a 9-month post-study residence permit to look for a job.

Denmark

EU/EAA and Switzerland: Free

Other: Starting from €6,000

Average cost of living: €1,215 – €1,484/month

Denmark’s high standard of education and innovative teaching style make it a great place to study abroad. The average cost of living per month starts at around €1,215, but this does not mean that students can’t spend less if they are careful with their budgeting habits.

International students in Denmark can work 20 hours per week and full-time during summer break. If they wish to work in Denmark after studies, they can apply to stay in the country for six months to seek employment.

Estonia

Tuition: Starting from €1,660/year

Average cost of living: €823 - €1,011/month

Regarded as one of the world’s top digital societies, Estonia is among the best places for ambitious entrepreneurs and startups. Regardless of its reputation for being modern and innovative, Estonia has some of the most affordable tuition costs for international students.

There’s no limitation on the number of hours international students can work during their studies in Estonia. After graduation, non-EU students can apply for a post-study work visa and stay in the country to seek employment for up to 9 months.

Finland

Finnish or Swedish-taught degrees: Free

Non-EU/EEA: Starting at €4,000 for English-taught degrees

Average cost of living: €978 – €1,296/month

Full of lush forests, mountains, and crystal-clear waters. Finland is renowned for its high education standards. Students can benefit from its tuition-free education and world-class teaching. The cost of living ranges from €978 – €1,296/month, meaning a student can easily live off of €900 per month with a little budgeting.

International students can work up to 30 hours per week during their studies. In addition, they can also apply to stay in the country for up to two years after graduation to look for a job.

France

EU/EAA, Andorra, and Switzerland: Starting at €170/year

Non-EU: €2,770 (Bachelor); €3,770 (Master)

Average cost of living: €1,039 - €1,249/month

France has a thriving student life, some of the best global universities, and a rich culture! International students in France benefit from affordable tuition and a budget-friendly/average cost of living. With around 370,000 international students across its higher education institutions, France is also among the top study-abroad destinations in the world.

Students in France can work up to 964 hours per year during their studies and can stay in the country for up to one year after graduation to seek employment.

Germany

EU/Non-EU: Free

Average cost of living: €1,040 - €1,277/month

Germany is one of the top study destinations for international students, mainly due to its excellent education system, free education, and career opportunities. Students in Germany only need to pay an administrative fee of around €250 per semester since tuition fees were abolished in 2014. Currently, 440,564 international students are pursuing their higher education in Germany.

International students in Germany can work full-time for 120 days or part-time for 240 half days during their studies. After graduation, they can apply to stay in the country for 18 months to look for a job in their study area.

The average cost of living ranges from €1,040 - €1,277/month, but students can easily spend around €934 per month with a bit of budgeting — which is also the amount required per month for a German blocked bank account.

Greece

EU/EEA: Free, except for some master programs.

Non-EU: Starting from €1,500/year

Average cost of living: €761 - €895/month

Greece has outstanding universities, free education, and affordable living. Being a popular tourist destination means students enjoy a vibrant and diverse student life. The average international student expenses range from €761 - €895/month, which is comparatively cheaper than many other study destinations.

Students can work 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours per week during vacations.

Hungary

EU: Starting from €1,200/year

Non-EU: Can expect higher tuition

Average cost of living: €612 - €742/month

The distinctive cuisine and its rich culture are among the things that characterize Hungary. It is also home to Erno Rubik, the person who invented Rubik’s Cube. International students love Hungary because of its academic excellence and relatively low tuition fees. The affordable living expenses are also a great advantage, ranging from €612 - €742/month.

International students can work up to 24 hours a week while studying. International graduates can apply to stay in Hungary for up to 9 months after graduation to search for a job.

Iceland

EU/EEA and Non-EU/EEA: Free

Average cost of living: €1,369 - €1,976/month

Known for its free or minimal cost of education, Iceland provides many advantages to international students. Starting from its vivid student experience, many study options, and world-renowned universities, Iceland has placed itself among the top cheap countries to study in terms of study costs. Living costs, however, are on the expensive side, ranging from €1,369 - €1,976/month.

International students in Iceland can work up to 15 hours per week during the academic year. After graduation, international students can apply to stay in the country for another six months to search for employment.

Italy

EU: Starting from €900/year

Non-EU: Can expect higher tuition

Average cost of living: €894–€1,103/month

Famous for its tourism, artists, science, and food – Italy also makes a wonderful study destination! Home to excellent global universities, international students in Italy benefit from affordable tuition fees and an affordable cost of living, starting from an average of €894 per month.

International students can work for 20 hours per week during their studies. The opportunity to stay and search for work in Italy is available to students who have completed a Ph.D. or level 2 Masters Program in Italy for 12 months.

Latvia

EU: Starting from €1,200

Non-EU: Starting from €2,500

Average cost of living: €693 - €808/month

Latvia has a vibrant culture and outstanding higher education, which has close cooperation with the industry. Studying in Lavia will be a special experience due to the country’s diversity of traditional and contemporary cultural events and peaceful environment. Living costs range from €693 - €808/month, which means the country will be a great value for your money.

Students in Latvia can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours a week during the semester break.

Liechtenstein

EU/EEA, Swiss nationals: €960/semester

Non-EU/EEA: Starting from €1,260/ semester

Average cost of living: €1,509 - €1,900/month

Liechtenstein is known for its scenic views and vineyards, and many tourists visit the country for their ski holidays. However, Liechtenstein is also known for the quality of its higher education. While living expenses in Liechtenstein are not the most affordable, students can live off of as little as €1,509 if they budget wisely.

Students who live in Liechtenstein with a short-term residence permit are allowed to work up to 35% during the semester and 100% during semester breaks.

Lithuania

EU/Non-EU: Starting from €1,300

Average cost of living: €735 - €908/month

Although a small country, Lithuania is a great destination for international students. Lithuanian language is one of the oldest languages in the world, and the country’s love for sports and basketball is especially impressive. But its affordable tuition fees and even more affordable cost of living make Lithuania a favorite destination for international students.

Students can work for up to 40 hours per week during their studies. After graduation, students can apply to stay in Lithuania for one year to search for employment.

Luxembourg

EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals: €1,200/year

French, German, or Luxembourgish taught degrees: Free

English-taught degrees: Starting from €1,200

Average cost of living: €1,414 - €2,036/month

Being among the safest and wealthiest places in the world, Luxembourg makes a good destination to study abroad. With its high educational standards and innovative teaching methods, international students will get their money’s worth in Luxembourg. Living costs can be comparatively expensive, ranging from €1,414 - €2,036/month.

International students can work up to 346 hours during the academic year.

Malta

Maltese citizens, EU/EEA, and Switzerland: Free

Non-EU: Starting from €1,080

Average cost of living: €948 - €1,270/month

For students fond of warmer climates, Malta gets approximately 300 sunny days in a year. The free or minimal cost of education and its outstanding universities are among the top factors bringing students to Malta. But apart from these, Malta has much more to offer, including a rich cultural scene drenched in wonderful arts, film shows, and music festivals.

International students in Malta can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. After graduation, they may apply to stay in the country for up to six months to look for a job.

Moldova

International students except for citizens of Romania and Ukraine: Starting from €1,000/year

Average cost of living: €499 - €587/month

Moldova is an excellent tourist destination, with its rich history and marvelous natural landscapes. It also makes a good destination for studying abroad, with high-quality education matched with an affordable cost of studying and living. Monthly expenses can range from €499 - €587/month, a range that may change with each student’s standard of living and spending habits.

International students can work 20 hours per week during their studies.

Montenegro

Tuition: €1,500 – €3,000/year

Average cost of living: €616 - €725

Montenegro is among the most beautiful countries in the world, full of picturesque landscapes including mountains, lakes, and beach resorts. While it attracts many tourists yearly for its natural charm, the country also has an impressive quality of education. Living costs are relatively affordable, ranging from €616 - €725 per month.

International students can work part-time during their studies in Montenegro.

Netherlands

EU/EAA, Switzerland or Surinam: €2,314

Non-EU/EAA: Starting from €6,000

Average cost of living: €1,165 - €1,646/month

With a practical teaching style known to be interactive and student-centered, the Netherlands also has a unique lifestyle, with average expenses for students ranging from €1,165 - €1,646/month, including rent. According to recent statistics, 40% of first-year students in the Netherlands are international students.

International students in the Netherlands can work up to 16 hours per week and full-time in the summer months. In addition, students can spend up to one year in the country after graduation to look for a job.

North Macedonia

Tuition: Starting from €2,341

Average cost of living: €414 - €585

North Macedonia has a wide range of study options, internationally recognized qualifications at the undergraduate and graduate level, and a rich cultural heritage. Living expenses in North Macedonia are among the cheapest, ranging from €414 - €585 with reasonable spending and budgeting habits.

International students in North Macedonia can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies.

Norway

EU/EEA and Switzerland: Free

Non-EU/EEA: $13,000

Average cost of living: €1,211 - €1,578/month

Norway is known for its high-quality education, research reputation, and tuition-free universities. The cost of living in Norway ranges from €1,211 - €1,578/month, which is a fair price to pay for a high standard of education, a tolerant society, and a safe environment.

International students in Norway can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies. They can also stay in the country to search for employment for up to one year after graduation.

Poland

Polish, EU/EEA & Switzerland (Polish taught-degree): Free

Non-EU: Starting from €2,000/year

Average cost of living: €660 – €887/month

Poland is one of the most affordable European countries to pursue a degree. It has a rich history, a student-friendly atmosphere, and a beautiful culture. Tuition-free education in Poland is available for Polish students, EU/EEA, and Switzerland citizens.

International students can work 20 hours per week during their studies and 40 hours per week during holidays. They can also stay in the country for up to 9 months after graduation to look for employment.

Portugal

EU/EEA: Starting from €550/year

Average cost of living: €752 – €1,026/month

A country that prefers sunshine, delicious cuisine, and a fun lifestyle. Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, where students can live off of as little as €752 – €1,026/month. Portugal is a popular destination for international students, with more than 50,000 students pursuing their higher education in the country every year.

International students in Portugal can work 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during vacations. Students can stay in the country for up to one year after graduation to look for a job.

Romania

EU: €1,000/year

Non-EU: €2,000/year

Average cost of living: €528 – €641/month

Romania has excellent universities, incredible food, customs, and a fun social atmosphere. Living costs in Romania range from €528 – €641, which makes it among the cheapest countries in terms of living expenses.

International students in Romania can also work 20 hours per week during their studies.

San Marino

Tuition: €2,000 - €3,000/year

Average cost of living: €747 - €1,039

The educational system in San Marino is known for its high standards and wide range of academic programs across all fields of study. San Marino is one of the smallest and oldest independent states in the world, and, as such, it is also a famous tourist destination full of magnificent landscapes and a rich culture.

Living in San Marino will cost international students around €747 - €1,039 per month in living expenses, depending on each student’s standard of living.

Serbia

Tuition: Starting from €1000/year

Average cost of living: €527 – €641/month

Serbia is among the most affordable countries to pursue a degree, with high-quality education and innovative universities. The cost of living in Serbia ranges from €527 – €641/month, while the cost of university starts at €1,000/year.

International students in Serbia can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies.

Slovakia

EU citizens: Free

Non-EU: Starting from €2000/year

Average cost of living: €695 - €889/month

Slovakia is known for its free or reasonable tuition fees, affordable cost of living, and excellent universities. With as little as €695 - €889/month, international students in Slovakia can study, socialize, travel around, and enjoy the exceptional student life.

International students can also work up to 20 hours per week during university studies.

Slovenia

EU, citizens of BiH, Montenegro, Kosovo, the Republics of Macedonia, and Serbia: Free

Non-EU: Starting from €2,000/year

Average cost of living: €807 - €985/month

Slovenia is recognized for its excellent education system, among the best in the EU. With a budget-friendly cost of living, ranging from €807 - €985/month, Slovenia positions itself among the cheapest countries for international students.

Students can also find temporary or part-time employment during their studies through an instrument known as 'Student Work' in Slovenia.

Spain

EU: Starting from €1,200/year

Non-EU: Can expect higher tuition

Average cost of living: €805 - €1,098/month

Spain positions itself among the top study destinations, counting 208,366 international students across its higher education institutions, an increase of 36% in the past five years. Tuition fees and living expenses are relatively lower compared to many English-speaking countries, with an average of €805 - €1,098/month in monthly expenses.

International students in Spain can work 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the semester breaks. Students can also stay in the country for up to 12 months to look for a job after graduation.

Sweden

EU/EEA, other Nordic countries, and Switzerland: Free

Non-EU/EEA: Starting from €7,500/year

Average cost of living: €924 - €1,217/month

The Swedish education system is known for its unconventional education, focusing on group and practical work designed to advance students’ academic and career aspirations. The cost of living in Sweden ranges from €924 - €1,217/month, with tuition fees starting from €7,500/year for non-EU/EEA students.

International students in Sweden can work as many hours as they want during their studies for as long as they spend 40 hours per week on academic responsibilities. They also can extend their residence permit for one year after graduation to look for a job.

Switzerland

EU/Non-EU: Starting from €400/year

Average cost of living: €1,872 – €2,416/month

Last but not least, Switzerland is among the best countries to pursue an education, known for its wide range of study programs, high standards of teaching, and world-class universities. Costs of living range from €1,872 – €2,416/month, highly dependent on the student’s lifestyle and budgeting habits.

International students in Switzerland can work up to 15 hours per week during term time and full-time during summer breaks. They can also apply to stay in the country for six months after graduation to search for employment.