In this article, we will spotlight 10 countries abroad that are the cheapest to study for international student.
If you plan to use a study abroad loan or fund with your savings, it is important to consider affordable countries.
Considering this will save you the stress of spending endlessly on your tuition payments and living costs.
It will greatly reduce the possibility of dropping out of a program due to lack of finances.
Generally, domestic education is not cheap neither is studying abroad cheaper.
Notwithstanding, there are certain countries to study abroad where their tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance are more affordable when compared to other countries.
Last, we will highlight some important factors you need to consider before choosing these affordable countries of study.
Let us journey together as we find out the best countries to study abroad based on affordability.
1. Netherlands
With many international students, the Netherland is one of the best countries to study abroad for its cheap tuition fees and living costs.
They also offer a variety of English-taught programs. Netherlands rank as one of the top ten safest and best countries to live in according to the US News and World Report.
As an international student in the Netherlands, your average tuition for an undergraduate program annually is €6000.
The master’s program costs €15,000 while the doctoral program ranges from €8,000-20,000 per year.
Feeding cost is comparatively cheap.
2. Germany
Among the cheapest countries to study abroad for international students, Germany tops the list.
Aside from their international reputation of offering quality education, you can get a wide range of no-tuition programs or low-tuition programs in schools in Germany.
Studying in Germany provides an opportunity to learn a second language even when you are studying an English-taught program as an international student.
Only a few universities in Germany are collecting tuition fees.
The cost of living is as low as €934 per month, especially in Northern Germany. With your residence permit and student visa, you can work on a part-time basis as an international student.
3. Poland
If you are considering sponsoring yourself to study in Europe, then you should check out Poland which is one of the cheapest countries to study abroad.
Even with your tight student budget, Poland offers you quality and affordable education on a platter of gold.
Fees are as low as €60 for the dormitory and €2 for feeding at the Cafeteria while cinema tickets could be gotten for €2.50.
Since medical schools in Poland are accredited in the US, you get to earn an Internationally recognized certificate as an international student.
4. France
Many public schools in France are high-ranking in the world. Their low tuition fees for international students have made their country home to students from all over the world.
The world-class education system in France has given the country many Nobel prizes.
You can spend €2770 annually as an undergraduate international student studying in France and €243 – €3770 per year as a master’s student.
Studying in France provides an opportunity to do short exchange programs in different parts of the world.
5. Spain
Just like other European countries, you can get affordable international education for either undergraduate or master’s studies in Spain.
Unlike Germany, universities in Spain don’t offer no-tuition education.
However, you can access scholarships like the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to study in Spain.
With €750 – €2500, you can pay your tuition fees yearly as an international undergraduate student in Spain. €1500 – 3500 covers your annual tuition for a master’s program.
That’s incredibly low compared to tuition fees in public universities in the US and the UK. Failing an exam hikes your tuition fees in a Spanish university.
6. Norway
Not only is the tuition cost more affordable in Norway, but you can also get schools to study for free.
The Norwegian Government caters for the tuition payments for international students studying at public universities in the country.
With a rich natural environment and accommodating natives, you are sure to enjoy your stay and study in Norway.
Generally, the living expenses are a bit high. However, you still get to work and study if you wish to while enjoying a high standard of living.
7. South Africa
Some public universities in South Africa that are high ranking offer quality and affordable education to International students.
So, if you are working towards studying in an African country that offers both quality and affordability, consider starting your degree program in South Africa.
Master’s program in South Africa can cost from R25,000 to R70,000. Certain specialized programs can cost much more.
Feeding expenses cost about R4,000. Although you can utilize some available discount offers for students.
8. New Zealand
Aside from being one of the cheapest countries for international students, the New Zealand education system offers hands-on and practical learning.
They also offer relevant programs that are current in today’s world.
To study as an international student in New Zealand, you pay average undergraduate tuition fees of NZD 20,000-40,000 annually.
While master’s program tuition ranges from NZD 25,000 to NZD 45,000.
It is worthwhile living and pursuing your academic program in New Zealand.
9. Indonesia
The cost of studying in Indonesia is low since tuition fees and living costs cost a little. Some Indonesian schools like Monash University are ranked as Global universities.
You can also get a fully funded scholarship like the Great Scholarship to study taught postgraduate programs in Indonesia as an international student.
Studying medicine in Indonesia costs tuition of 20 million Indonesian rupiah.
Its unique cultural experience makes it a great country of study. Indonesia is home to top universities with low tuition fees.
You also get value for money studying in their renowned academic institutions.
10. Philippines
Being one of the cheapest countries for international students, Philippine universities have a wide range of courses for you.
With the high standard of education and low tuition costs, you are sure to gain unique learning experiences that make you outstanding as a graduate.
The Philippines is also one of the cheapest English-speaking countries to study as an International student.
With an average cost of $1000-2500, you get to pay your tuition annually.
Factors To Consider Before Choosing These Countries
1. Career opportunities
One of the major reasons why International students insist on studying abroad is for their professional development.
Because of this, you should choose a country that presents you with better career opportunities.
Target countries with relevant programs while at the forefront of Research and Development in your chosen profession.
Consider a country with a high demand for professionals in your field of study.
This provides an opportunity for you to gain employment in your study destination country after graduation.
2. Home country
Before you decide to leave your home country to study in another country, consider possibly getting an education in your home country.
First of all, consider what your home country is offering you in terms of the quality of education, affordability and international reputation.
Doing this will help you make a better choice of either studying in your home country or choosing a better study destination country.
If your home country is not offering the best, then you can choose from one of the best countries to study abroad that matches your needs and pocket.
3. Languages
Every country has a language that is common among their people. You need to speak and understand this language to adjust and survive as an International student.
When you are considering the cheapest countries for international students, consider the language widely spoken in that region.
If you are unfamiliar with the core language in your chosen study country, be intentional to learn the core language.
Even if you are offering a program in a familiar language, you still need to learn the popular language spoken in the region.
Doing this will enable you to blend easily into your new environment and enjoy your stay there.
4. Affordability
Do you know that not every popular study destination country is affordable? Especially countries that are using pounds sterling or dollars as their medium of exchange.
To start well and end well as an international student, it is paramount to consider affordable countries.
Most importantly, when you couldn’t secure a fully funded scholarship.
This will save you the pressure of working endlessly to make ends meet and losing focus on your education.
Also, consider countries with academic institutions that are situated in the less expensive areas, as this will help you save costs.
5. Culture
Since you are coming from a different background to study abroad, find out the culture of the people in your study destination country.
Consider what the inhabitants of the environment are known for.
What can you say about their language, food, dressing, environment, and reception to strangers?
Since you will be living among them, it is important to know their culture and decide if you can easily adapt and live among them.
Knowing fully well that meeting people with diverse cultures from different backgrounds is one of the beauties of studying abroad, yet certain difficulties come with it.
In all these, have an open mind to learn, unlearn and relearn to view the world from another mirror.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Which country is the best to study abroad?
Germany is the best country to study abroad because it offers free tuition to both EU and non-EU students in its public universities.
2) Which country is the worst for studying abroad?
The worst country to study abroad as an international student is Iran because of its consistent civil unrest.
3) Which of these countries is the most affordable?
Countries in Europe are generally affordable but the most affordable country for an international student is Poland.
Conclusion On The Cheapest Countries For International Students
No doubt gaining an international education can cost a fortune, yet there are best countries to study abroad that are relatively cheap for international students.
The cheapest countries for you as an international student include Poland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Norway.
Before you choose a country to study abroad, consider the prevalent career opportunities, language, culture, affordability, and your home country.