5 Cheapest Countries in Europe to Study in 2026 (With Tuition Fees)

Studying abroad doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

While many students think earning an international degree requires tens of thousands of euros each year, several European countries offer world-class education at surprisingly affordable tuition fees.

If you’re planning to study in Europe in 2026, choosing the right destination could save you thousands of euros without compromising on the quality of your education.

Here are five of the most affordable countries for international students.

1. Germany

Typical Tuition Fees

• Most public universities: €0 tuition
• Semester contribution: Approximately €150–€350 per semester
• Some exceptions apply for certain universities and regions.

Estimated Living Costs

€850–€1,200 per month depending on the city.

Why Choose Germany?

Germany remains one of Europe’s most attractive study destinations thanks to its strong public university system, globally recognised degrees, and excellent employment opportunities after graduation.

Popular courses include:

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Business
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence

Best For: Students seeking high-quality education with little or no tuition fees.

2. Poland

Typical Tuition Fees

• Bachelor’s programmes: €2,000–€4,000 per year
• Master’s programmes: €2,000–€5,000 per year

Estimated Living Costs

€500–€900 per month.

Why Choose Poland?

Poland offers modern universities, affordable cities, and an increasing number of English-taught programmes.

Popular study fields include:

• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Business
• Economics
• Medicine

Best For: Students looking for one of Europe’s best value-for-money education systems.

3. Hungary

Typical Tuition Fees

• General programmes: €2,500–€4,500 per year
• Medical programmes may cost more.

Estimated Living Costs

€550–€900 per month.

Why Choose Hungary?

Hungary combines affordable tuition with a vibrant student lifestyle and generous scholarship opportunities.

Many students apply through the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, which can cover tuition and provide additional financial support.

Popular programmes include:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy
• Engineering
• Business

Best For: Students seeking affordable education with strong scholarship opportunities.

4. Romania

Typical Tuition Fees

• Most programmes: €2,000–€5,000 per year
• Medicine and specialised programmes may cost more.

Estimated Living Costs

€450–€850 per month.

Why Choose Romania?

Romania has become increasingly popular among international students because of its affordable universities and relatively low cost of living.

Popular courses include:

• Medicine
• Veterinary Science
• Engineering
• Architecture
• Computer Science

Best For: Students looking for affordable tuition and lower day-to-day expenses.

5. Bulgaria

Typical Tuition Fees

• Most programmes: €2,500–€5,000 per year

Estimated Living Costs

€500–€850 per month.

Why Choose Bulgaria?

Bulgaria offers recognised degrees, affordable accommodation, and a welcoming environment for international students.

Popular programmes include:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Tourism
• Business
• Information Technology

Best For: Students seeking an affordable education in Southeast Europe.

Quick Comparison

Country	Typical Annual Tuition	Estimated Monthly Living Costs
Germany	€0 + semester contribution	€850–€1,200
Poland	€2,000–€4,000	€500–€900
Hungary	€2,500–€4,500	€550–€900
Romania	€2,000–€5,000	€450–€850
Bulgaria	€2,500–€5,000	€500–€850

Don’t Look at Tuition Fees Alone

The cheapest university isn’t always the most affordable overall.

Before making your decision, compare:

• Cost of living
• Scholarship opportunities
• Part-time work options
• Graduate employment prospects
• Internship opportunities
• Visa requirements
• English-taught programmes

Looking at the full picture will help you choose a destination that fits both your budget and your long-term goals.

Can Scholarships Reduce Your Costs?

Yes.

Many European governments and universities offer scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition fees or help cover living expenses.

Depending on the country, scholarships may be awarded based on:

• Academic performance
• Financial need
• Nationality
• Field of study
• Research potential

Applying early gives you the best chance of securing funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country is the cheapest to study in Europe?

Germany is often the most affordable because many public universities charge no tuition fees for most programmes, although students still need to pay semester contributions and cover living expenses.

Is studying in Europe cheaper than studying in Canada or the UK?

In many cases, yes. Several European countries offer lower tuition fees and more affordable living costs than other popular study destinations.

Can I work while studying?

Many European countries allow international students to work part-time while studying, subject to each country’s immigration and employment regulations.

Let EERIV Europe Help You Find the Best Affordable University

Finding an affordable university isn’t just about choosing the country with the lowest tuition fees. It’s about finding the right balance between cost, quality, career opportunities, and student experience.

At EERIV Europe, we help students:

• Compare universities across Europe
• Find programmes that fit their budget
• Explore scholarship opportunities
• Prepare strong university applications
• Navigate the student visa process
• Receive personalised support from application to arrival

Download the EERIV Edu App

The EERIV Edu App gives you access to university information, scholarships, admissions guidance, and expert resources—all in one place.

Start Planning Your Study Abroad Journey

Your dream of studying in Europe may be more affordable than you think.

Book a consultation with EERIV Europe today and let our experts help you find a university that matches your ambitions and your budget.