Top 10 Cheapest Universities In Europe For International Students (2023)

Studying abroad can be costly, but it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. There are many universities in Europe that offer affordable options for international students, making it possible to receive a quality education while also working and saving up money.

The top 10 cheapest universities in Europe for international students include Scuola Normale Superiore, Free University of Berlin, University of Paris-Sud, Nantes University, RWTH Aachen University, University of Göttingen, University of Athens, Nord University, University of Vienna, and Scuola Sant’Anna Pisa.

10 Cheapest Universities In Europe For International Students

1. Scuola Normale Superiore

Tuition Fee: FREE

Topping our list of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students is Scuola Normale Superiore.

Scuola Normale Superiore is a highly selective and prestigious university located in Pisa, Italy. It was established in 1810 as a college for advanced education and research in the humanities and social sciences. It has a student population of approximately 2,000 and a staff strength of over 300 faculty members.

Scuola Normale Superiore offers international students the opportunity to study for free. The university offers undergraduate programs in the fields of Humanities, Sciences, and Political Science.

The Humanities program includes specializations in subjects such as art history, archaeology, paleography, literature, linguistics, and philosophy. The Sciences program includes degrees in biology, chemistry, and physics.

Not only is the cost of tuition waived, but the university also covers the cost of housing and food for students. This makes Scuola Normale Superiore an excellent and affordable option for students looking to study in Europe.

Visit school’s website for additional costs: https://www.sns.it/en/studiare-a-costo-zero

2. Free University of Berlin

Tuition Fee: FREE

Next on our list of the cheapest universities for international students is the Free University of Berlin.

The Free University of Berlin is a research university located in Berlin, Germany. Established in 1948, it is one of the largest and most influential universities in Germany, with a student population of over 40,000 and a staff strength of over 4,000.

The institution is known for offering international students the opportunity to study without paying tuition fees.

However, unlike some other European universities, students will be responsible for covering their own living expenses such as rent and food. The average cost of accommodation in Berlin is around 700 Euros, and food is also relatively affordable.

The university offers a Bachelor of Arts program with a variety of courses taught in English, and students have the opportunity to work and study in one of the most developed cities in the world.

This makes the Free University of Berlin considered one of the most affordable universities for international students looking to study English.

Visit school’s website for additional cost: https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/international/studium_fu/studienfinanzierung/index.html#:~:text=Except%20for%20some%20graduate%20or,contributions%20are%20subject%20to%20change.

3. University of Paris-Sud

Tuition Fee: 170 Euros per semester

The University of Paris-Sud is a research university located in Paris, France. Established in 1971, it is one of the largest universities in France and one of the leading research institutions in Europe. The university has a student population of approximately 35,000 and a staff strength of over 2,000 faculty members.

While the tuition at the University of Paris-Sud is free, the school charges an admission fee of around €170 per semester.

However, this is still a great deal considering the university’s well-respected English-taught programs in sciences and languages, physics, economics, and management.

Enrolling at the University of Paris-Sud can save students a significant amount of money on tuition fees, which can be especially beneficial in the expensive city of Paris. Also, if the cost of living in Paris proves to be burdensome, students can consider working or applying for an education loan from UniCreds.

Visit school website for additional costs: https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/en/admissions/tuition-fees

4. Nantes University

Tuition Fee: 184 Euros Per Semester

Nantes University is a public university located in Nantes, France. Established in 1970, it has a student population of approximately 40,000 and a staff strength of over 1,500.

Nantes University is an excellent option for international students looking to study in France. Not only is it one of the most affordable universities in Europe for international students, it is also considered one of the best universities in Europe.

Similar to the University of Paris-Sud, Nantes University charges a fee of about 184 Euros per semester. This is a great option considering the university’s well-established reputation.

Additionally, the cost of living in Nantes is relatively low, with international students able to live comfortably for around 600 Euros per month. Nantes University also offers the cheapest bachelor’s degree in Europe, making it an ideal choice for students looking for an affordable yet high-quality education.

Visit school website for additional costs: https://english.univ-nantes.fr/international-student

5. RWTH Aachen University

Tuition Fee: 260 Euros Per Semester

RWTH Aachen University is a research university located in Aachen, Germany. Established in 1870, it is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Germany, with a student population of over 40,000 and a staff strength of over 10,000.

RWTH Aachen University offers international students the opportunity to study at a relatively low cost. The university is particularly known for its specialized courses in materials engineering, architecture, and georesources.

However, it’s important to note that all bachelor courses are taught in German, so students should be proficient in the language before enrolling. The cost of tuition at RWTH Aachen University is around 260 Euros per semester (for Masters degree), and the average cost of living in Aachen is close to 800 Euros per month. This makes RWTH Aachen University an affordable destination for international students seeking a master’s degree in Europe.

Visit school website for additional costs: https://www.business-school.rwth-aachen.de/en/fees-scholarships/#:~:text=The%20tuition%20fee%20varies%20depending,%E2%82%AC%20(thirty%20thousand%20euros).

6. University of Göttingen

Tuition Fee: 300 Euros Per Semester

The University of Göttingen is a research university located in Göttingen, Germany. Established in 1737, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany, with a student population of over 27,000 and a staff strength of over 3,000.

The University of Göttingen is a highly-regarded German university that offers international students the opportunity to study at a low cost. The university specializes in law, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, and is home to one of the largest libraries in Germany.

The cost of tuition at the University of Göttingen is a mere €300 per semester (for Masters degree), making it one of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students.

Visit school website for additional costs: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/40054.html

7. University of Athens

Tuition Fee: 400 Euros Per Semester

The University of Athens is a public university located in Athens, Greece. Established in 1837, it is the oldest and largest university in Greece, with a student population of over 60,000 and a staff strength of over 4,000.

The University of Athens offers international students a wide range of courses in subjects such as nursing, social theology, and theatre studies. It is considered one of the best places to get a Master’s degree in Europe.

The cost of tuition at the University of Athens is around 400 Euros per semester (for Masters degree) and the cost of living in the Greek capital is around 600 Euros per month, making it an affordable option for international students.

Visit school website for additional costs: https://www.athens.edu/admissions/tuition/

8. Nord University

Tuition Fee: 725 Euros Per Semester

Nord University is a public university located in Bodø, Norway. Established in 2016, it has a student population of approximately 10,000 and a staff strength of over 600.

Nord University does not charge tuition fees. Instead, there is a small processing fee of 725 Euros per semester (for Masters degree) to keep up with the school facilities.

Nord University offers a range of highly rated courses in subjects such as Circumpolar Studies, 3D art, Animation, Games and Entertainment Technology, Biology, and English. However, non-EU citizens are required to prove they have the funds to support themselves for a year in Norway to obtain a student visa.

Visit school website for additional costs: https://www.nord.no/en/studies/admission/frequently-asked-questions#&acd=9567bb5b-90c7-9c3f-65e2-bb8b88ded60e

9. University of Vienna

Tuition Fee: 730 Euros Per Semester

The University of Vienna is a public university located in Vienna, Austria. Established in 1365, it is the oldest and largest university in Austria, with a student population of over 90,000 and a staff strength of over 9,000.

The University of Vienna is a top choice for international students looking to study a cheap master’s in Europe. While tuition is FREE, the institution charges a small fee of 730 Euros per semester (for Masters degree).

The University of Vienna offers over 200 different programs taught in English, making it one of the most affordable English-speaking universities in Europe. With a rich history and tradition dating back to 1365, the University of Vienna offers a unique opportunity to study in the culturally rich and lively town of Vienna.

Visit school website for additional costs: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/tuition-fee/

10. Scuola Sant’Anna Pisa

Tuition Fee: 5,000 Euros Per Year

Last on our list of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students is Scuola Sant’Anna.

Scuola Sant’Anna is a research-oriented university located in Pisa, Italy. Established in 1987, it has a student population of approximately 1,500 and a staff strength of over 200.

Scuola Sant’Anna offers international students the chance to study for as low as 5,000 Euros per year (for Masters degree).

Scuola Sant’Anna Pisa is renowned for its two main programs in experimental and applied sciences, and social sciences. These programs are taught in English, allowing students to study in a language they are comfortable with.

Scuola Sant’Anna Pisa also offers a scholarship program that covers one-half of the full tuition costs which makes it easier to afford. With this, you can save money while you study and also enjoy the beautiful and historic city of Pisa.

Visit school website for additional costs: https://www.santannapisa.it/it/tuition-fee#:~:text=The%20tuition%20fee%20for%20the,material%20(mainly%20in%20electronic%20format)

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Final Thoughts

Studying abroad as an international student doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. There are many universities in Europe that offer affordable options for international students to study and this article has provided a list of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students.

However, it’s important to note that some universities have a small processing fee, and the cost of living in some cities may be higher than in others. It’s also important to make sure that you have all the necessary documents and funding in place before enrolling in any university.