The cheapest countries to study in Europe in 2024

Costs to study in Europe, when including tuition fees, rent and living costs, range from just under £8,000 to just over £30,000 for UK nationals. The big difference in costs is because countries charge varying amounts in tuition fees, but also because the cost of living varies massively.

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The top 10 cheapest countries to study in Europe

1. Croatia: £7,920 a year

Croatia offers a unique blend of Mediterranean beauty and educational opportunities. Students can enjoy the stunning Adriatic coastline, historic architecture, warm sunshine and a relaxed lifestyle while pursuing their studies.

Tuition fees are around the middle of the table of the European countries in our research, with a cost of just under £2,000 on average. However, living costs are lower than in most other countries on the list and you will only spend just over £6,000 on everything including rent.

2. Romania: £8,877 a year

Romania combines historic charm with modern educational opportunities and a very affordable living situation for students. Living costs come in at around £8,500, but the tuition fees are low at just over £300 a year on average.

Students can explore the captivating landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea coast while benefiting from affordable education and living expenses.

3. Portugal: £9,141 a year

Portugal is known for its warm climate, friendly locals, and a thriving student community. With relatively low tuition fees for UK students at just £1,053 a year on average, it’s a very tempting destination for students looking to study abroad in the sun.

Portugal also has reasonable living costs on average, and a student can expect to shell out around £8,000 a year. The country’s vibrant culture and diverse cities also add to its appeal, making it the ideal destination for those seeking a high-quality European education without breaking the bank.

4. Poland: £9,946 a year

Poland’s universities are gaining recognition for their academic rigour and affordability. Tuition fees are competitive, with an average cost of £1,858 for UK students.

The cost of living in Poland is lower than in many Western European countries, and the average student can expect to spend just over £8,000 in total throughout the year, including rent. Poland’s rich history, lively cities, and welcoming atmosphere make it a top choice for international study.

5. Bulgaria: £10,927 a year

Bulgaria is an excellent choice for students seeking affordability without compromising on quality education. While it does not have the cheapest tuition fees on this list, coming in around mid-table with an average of around £2,500 a year, the low cost of living at around £8,400 a year, including rent, means it’s a very affordable place for students!

The country boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes including its famous Black Sea beaches, and even opportunities to go skiing. With diverse course offerings and a tradition of excellence in research, Bulgaria is an attractive (and cheap) destination for international students.

6. Hungary: £10,953 a year

Hungary has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, and its universities are increasingly popular among international students.

Tuition fees are reasonable, with an average cost of around £3,370, and the cost of living is extremely budget-friendly, with a yearly spend of around £7,600. Students can immerse themselves in Hungarian culture in beautiful cities like Budapest and Debrecen while pursuing their degrees.

7. Slovenia: £11,543 a year

Home to beautiful cities like the capital Ljubljana, Slovenia is a great place for students to get their higher education. There are plenty of scientific and research institutions, as well as arts and music events for students to enjoy.

The low cost of living makes Slovenia a very desirable destination for students. Living costs are only just over £6,000 a year while a UK student could expect to pay an average of £5,400 a year in tuition fees.

8. Lithuania: £12,116 a year

Lithuania is an emerging destination for tourists and UK students alike. It offers very affordable tuition fees, with an average fee of just £1,095 a year, and a wide array of English-taught courses. The cost of living is also around the middle of the list, with an average yearly spend for students at £11,000.

With plenty of sights to enjoy, such as Vilnius Old Town and Trakai Island Castle, Lithuania provides an enriching cultural experience alongside a cost-effective education.

9. Latvia: £12,625 a year

The capital of Latvia, Riga, is a small city but is home to 6 universities so there are plenty of options for prospective students to choose from. In the rest of the country, students will find beautiful natural appeal in the lakes, forest and coast.

Average living costs are a little more than some of the other countries on this list, but yearly tuition fees are a very reasonable £2,000 a year.

10. Italy: £12,756 a year

Italy is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful landmarks, romantic cities and delicious food and potential students will be pleased to hear it’s also relatively cheap to study here!

Living costs come in at just over £10,000 for the year, while average tuition fees are on the lower side at just over £2,000, making it a relatively affordable country for students.

Which country has the cheapest average tuition fees in Europe?

Tuition fees are a big consideration when studying abroad, even if you take out a student loan or receive some funding. Yearly tuition fees at English universities are set at £9,250 for UK students, but fees in other European countries from nothing at all to more than £12,000 a year in The Netherlands.

If you are EU student, however, many universities offer free tuition which would massively reduce the costs involved in studying in that country. The following countries offer free tuition for EU nationals: Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Slovenia and Sweden.

The cheapest European countries for student living costs

If you can get a loan for your tuition fees, one of the most important considerations when studying aboard is the cost of living. Expenses such as rent, groceries, eating and drinking out and transport can vary significantly between European countries.

Slovenia and Croatia are the cheapest countries when it comes to overall living costs, at just over £6,006 a year, followed by Hungary (£7,583), the Czech Republic (£7,705) and Poland (£8,088).

Luxembourg is the most expensive country to study in when it comes to living costs, and if you decided to study here, you might be shelling out over 2 and a half times more in living costs that if you decided to study in Romania.

The cheapest countries in Europe for UK students: Full list

Written by

Matthew Boyle

Publisher

Matthew Boyle is a banking and mortgages publisher at Finder. He has a 7-year history of publishing helpful guides to assist consumers in making better decisions. In his spare time, you will find him walking in the Norfolk countryside admiring the local wildlife. See full bio

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