Europe is a dream destination for many international students because it offers many study programs and a robust academic community. Also, its well-developed transport system makes it easy for students to travel between countries and explore different cultures.

Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to study abroad. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of affordable European universities based on tuition fees and living costs to help you achieve your dream of getting an international degree.

1. Free University of Berlin

This government-funded university lives up to its name as it’s tuition-free for all students, including international students. It is one of Europe’s leading research universities. It offers a variety of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs taught in English, such as North American Studies, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Data Science, and English Studies. You’d, of course, be expected to cover living costs such as food and accommodation, which is about € 700 monthly.

Note: If you are applying for a professional master’s degree or double masters in programs such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Public Health(MPH), Master of Business and Economics (MBE), or a Master of Science in Data Science, Cybersecurity or Artificial Intelligence, you will be required to pay a tuition fee.

2. The University of Vienna

This public research university was founded in 1365, making it one of the oldest universities in Austria, and it’s another excellent place for international students to get a degree. Tuition is free for students who are citizens of an EU/EEA country, but for students who belong to a non-EU country, the tuition fee ranges from €726 to €1453 per semester.

At the University of Vienna, nearly 200 programs, many of which are taught in English.‍

3. University of Paris-Sud

This university is one of France’s most prestigious universities, particularly in science and mathematics. But despite this, it is one of the most affordable schools in Europe, with a tuition fee of €170 to €380 per semester, depending on your degree program. Some English-taught courses are master’s programs in Artificial Intelligence, Economics, Physics, and Life Sciences. Depending on your lifestyle and spending habits, the estimated living cost as an international student at this school is around €1200 to €1500 monthly.

4. University of Basel

This Swiss university has one of the largest libraries in the country, with tuition fees of CHF 850(€897) per semester for all students, regardless of nationality. On the other hand, doctoral students pay a tuition fee of CHF 350 (€370). Also, although there are some English-taught courses, international students are expected to meet the German language proficiency requirement before enrolling in a degree program.

Another important thing to note is that the living cost for an international student at the University of Basel is estimated to be around CHF 2500 (€ 2640) monthly; this includes accommodation, feeding, transportation, and other expenses.

Also read: 5 Essential Things You Need When Relocating to the UK on a Student Visa (+Bonus Tips)

5. University of Goettingen

When it comes to affordable education in Europe, Germany takes the lead. The University of Goettingen is a public research university that has produced 44 Nobel Prize winners. It offers humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences programs, some of which are English-taught. This university is tuition-free, but an administrative fee of around €300 is paid every semester. The cost of living as an international student is an estimated €700-800 monthly.

Why Study in Europe?

Aside the fact that Europe has some of the best teaching and education standards, other advantages of studying in Europe as an international student include:

• Part-time job opportunities: Many European countries allow students to work part-time while studying, subject to government restrictions. For example, international students in Spain can work 20 hours per week, while students in Germany can work up to 120 full-time days or 240 part-time days per year. Some students even find well-paying jobs that offer to pay a portion of their tuition fees.
• Networking opportunities: as a student in Europe, you have the opportunity to school with people who come from a different backgrounds, culture and traditions. This gives you a chance to make global relationships with people who can be beneficial to your career and life in general.
• You can learn new languages: Europe's melting pot of cultures exposes you to diverse social norms and traditions and offers the opportunity to learn one of its more than 20 common languages besides English.

Wrapping Up

Studying in Europe as an international student can be a life-changing experience that opens you up to many new opportunities. Grey can help you adjust to your new life faster with a EUR account; you can easily pay your tuition fees, save, spend, and receive euros like a local. Sign up to get started.

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