Last Updated on September 6, 2024
The Definitive Guide on Most Affordable Countries to Study Abroad
Ask any student aspiring for foreign education about their top destinations, they are likely to blur out- USA and the UK. However one of the main concerns of students aiming to study abroad is the total cost. When the total cost is calculated, it usually amounts at a humongous sum. Sadly, this prompts many students to forego their dream of receiving an overseas education altogether. As tuition fees in reputed universities in the US and the UK skyrockets, students nurturing a dream of overseas education are looking for cheaper alternative options around the globe. Alternative options yes, but cheaper? It may be hard for you to believe, but yes it is possible to study overseas on a budget. Some of the best places to study abroad are also ones where tuition fees is low, almost negligible in some cases. So without further adieu, here are the Top 10 cheapest countries to study abroad (in no particular order)
1. Germany: Known as the Land of Ideas, Germany boasts of 11 universities in the Top 200 QS World University Rankings 2018. Germany’s popularity is on the ascendance among international students, and it’s not hard to see why- reputed universities, relatively lower costs and a higher quality of life. Those who are planning to do your undergraduate or PhD studies in the country are in for some huge luck. There are no tuition fees for undergraduate and PhD levels. Master’s students who haven’t done their UG studies in Germany might be paying a upwards of 10,000 per semester. But fret not, there are plenty of scholarships on offer to help you out. German universities have produced Noble laureates in the past with their quality education and it offers a wide array of courses in English.
2. Italy: Italy is home to the first modern-day university in the world, The University of Bologna. Not only that, Italy is also represented well in the Top 200 University Rankings. As such, Italy wields considerable influence in the world of higher education. Despite its influence, the country offers comparatively lower tuition costs and offers a cheaper and affordable cost of living. However don’t equate it’s affordability to lower quality standard. All of the Italian universities have got set of agreements known as the Bologna Process to meet common standards of higher education qualification.
3. Taiwan: With over 40 universities offering more than 120 courses in English, Taiwan is becoming a hot choice for international students. Our first entrant from Asia is renowned for its affordable and high quality courses. National Taiwan University, the leading university of the nation is placed 76th in the Top 200 QS World University Rankings 2018. Tuition for undergraduate program comes at an
unbelievable US$ 3,200. Add to that, the accommodation charges of US$ 2,300, you have a situation which is too good to be true. No wonder why students are lining up for getting enrolled in Taiwanese universities.
4. Poland: If you want a high quality education on a budget, then Poland is the best choice out there. You can study for free if you can speak Polish, and if you take the same entrance exams as Polish students, and study your course in Polish (time to learn Polish eh). However, if you don’t fancy the above criteria, don’t worry there are many English taught courses at reasonable rates. Living costs are on the lower side and what helps your case is that the capital Warsaw was ranked the second most affordable city for students in QS Best Student Cities 2016.
5. Denmark: One of the world’s happiest countries is also one of the world’s most innovative. And for all the innovation, Denmark’s education plays a pivotal role in that. A strong emphasis on research and high quality education ensures students get to learn a lot while studying. Denmark, with some of the breathtaking views, is also counted among the world’s most picturesque. Add to that a low cost of living, Denmark is a top choice for quality but affordable education.
6. Mexico: One of Latin America’s most visited countries, Mexico has a lot to offer to international students. Primarily among them is it’s tuition fee per year comes to US$ 5,500 making it a reasonable choice for international students. With living costs at US$6000 per year, it is no wonder the country’s capital Mexico City has been named one of the world’s top 75 cities for students. Although the main language of instruction is Spanish, Mexican universities are offering more courses in English in a bid to attract international students.
7. Argentina: Argentina is mostly known for its stunning natural beauty, with a diverse geography which makes it ideal for students keen on adventure. What remains mostly unknown is that you can mostly study for free at any public universities. Private institutions will set you back by around US$5000 or more per year. As far as living expense are concerned US$5000 is enough and rent costs US$350. Add to that Argentina is one of the safest countries in the world.
8. South Africa: South Africa is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. It is relatively inexpensive with low cost of living and tuition fees. Let’s take an example here. One of the most popular and highly ranked universities in the country is University of Cape Town. The university, ranked 191st in the 200 QS World University Rankings 2018, charges US$2730 for master’s courses. Also you’ll need US$7090 to cover your living costs in the rainbow nation.
9. Malaysia: Concluding our look at some of the best places to study abroad on a budget, takes us to Malaysia. It is one of the cheapest countries to study abroad, particularly in terms of living costs. Its capital, Kuala Lumpur came first for affordability in the QS Best Student Cities 2016. In terms of tuition fee most students would need US$4,050 per academic year, with more cheaper courses available. US$2,860- 4,290 per year is enough to live comfortably.
Malaysia is also home to a number of branch campuses of international universities such as Australia’s Monash University and University of Nottingham to name a few. This enables students to acquire a degree from these institutions at a much lower cost.
Avinash Singh is a study abroad consultant with over 10 years of experience helping students achieve their academic goals. He is an expert in the US, Australian, German, and Canadian education systems and has helped hundreds of students secure admission to top universities around the world. In his spare time, Avinash enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his family. He is also an avid reader and loves to learn new things.
