Top 10 Affordable Universities in Europe for International Students 2026
Dreaming of studying in Europe but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. With rising tuition fees around the world, international students are searching for quality education that won’t drain their savings. The good news? Europe is home to several top-ranked universities that offer low-cost or even tuition-free programs for global students. In this post, we’ll explore the Top 10 most affordable universities in Europe for international students — where you can earn a world-class degree without the financial stress.
What Does “Affordable” Really Mean for International Students?
When we say a university is “affordable,” we’re looking beyond just tuition fees. For international students, affordability includes:
- Tuition fees vs administrative or semester fees — Some “free” universities still charge semester contributions for things like public transport, student unions, etc.
- Living costs — Rent, food, travel, etc. can vary a LOT depending on city. Usually cheaper in Eastern Europe or smaller towns.
EU vs non-EU student status — Many countries charge significantly more for non-EU students.
Programs taught in English — Some “cheapest” options have limited English-taught degrees; you may need to have language skills (local language or English).
Affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality — many of Europe’s budget-friendly universities are ranked globally and offer excellent academic programs, vibrant student life, and strong career outcomes.
Here’s a curated list of universities across Europe that offer high-quality education at a low cost — perfect for international students looking to study abroad without financial strain.
1. Free University of Berlin – Germany
The Free University of Berlin is one of Europe’s top-ranked research institutions and lives up to its name — offering tuition-free education for both domestic and international students in most programs. Located in Germany’s vibrant capital, it attracts students from around the world with its strong academic reputation and diverse course offerings.
Why it’s affordable: Students only pay a small semester contribution (around €300), which covers administrative fees and public transportation. There are no tuition fees for standard Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees — making it one of the most cost-effective options in Europe.
Popular English-taught programs include:
- Data Science
- Bioinformatics
- English Studies
- North American Studies
- Public Health (some tracks may require tuition)
Living Costs: While tuition is free, students should budget approximately €700–€900 per month for living expenses, including housing, food, insurance, and transport.
⚠️ Note: Some professional Master’s programs — such as LL.M. (Master of Laws), MBE (Master of Business and Economics), and specialized degrees in Cybersecurity or Artificial Intelligence — may charge tuition fees. Always check the program-specific details before applying.
Scholarships: International students can apply for DAAD scholarships, which offer monthly stipends, health insurance, and even rent support — making Berlin even more accessible for global learners.
2. Heidelberg University – Germany
Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is Germany’s oldest university and consistently ranks among the top institutions in Europe. Known for its academic excellence and global research impact, it offers a wide range of programs in science, humanities, and medicine — many of which are available in English.
Tuition Fees for International Students: Unlike some German universities that are tuition-free, Heidelberg charges €1,500 per semester for non-EU international students enrolled in Bachelor’s and consecutive Master’s programs. This fee is mandated by the state of Baden-Württemberg. However, PhD programs are tuition-free, and students only pay a small semester contribution.
Popular English-taught programs include:
- Molecular Biosciences
- Computational Linguistics
- International Health
- Economics
- Physics
Living Costs: Students should budget around €850–€1,000 per month for living expenses, including accommodation, food, transport, and insurance — typical for a mid-sized German city.
Scholarships & Support: Heidelberg offers access to DAAD scholarships, research grants, and a “Buddy Program” to help international students integrate smoothly. The university also provides career services and language support to boost employability after graduation.
3. Technical University of Munich (TUM) – Germany
Ranked among the top 30 universities globally, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is a powerhouse in engineering, technology, and applied sciences. With campuses in Munich, Garching, and Freising-Weihenstephan, TUM attracts thousands of international students each year for its cutting-edge research and industry partnerships.
Tuition Fees for International Students: Starting Winter Semester 2024/25, TUM will begin charging tuition fees for non-EU international students newly enrolling in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. Fees vary by program:
- Bachelor’s programs: €2,000–€3,000 per semester
- Master’s programs: €4,000–€6,000 per semester
Popular English-taught programs include:
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Data Engineering
- Architecture
- Management & Technology
Living Costs: Expect monthly expenses of €900–€1,200, including rent, food, transport, and insurance — typical for a major German city like Munich.
Scholarships & Support: TUM is introducing waivers and scholarship programs to offset the new tuition fees for eligible students. Additionally, international students can apply for DAAD scholarships, research grants, and housing support.
4. University of Strasbourg – France
Located in the heart of Alsace, the University of Strasbourg is a prestigious public research university known for its academic excellence, international diversity, and affordability. With over 50,000 students and a legacy dating back to 1538, it’s a top choice for global learners seeking quality education in Europe.
Tuition Fees for International Students: Thanks to France’s commitment to accessible education, tuition fees at Strasbourg are remarkably low:
- Bachelor’s programs: ~€170–€880/year
- Master’s programs: ~€250–€1,350/year
- PhD programs: Often tuition-free or minimal fees
Popular English-taught programs include:
- Computer Science
- Business and Management
- Public Affairs and Law
- Molecular Biology
- Journalism and Media
Living Costs: Students should budget around €800–€1,000 per month for living expenses, including rent, food, transport, and insurance — making Strasbourg one of the more affordable cities in France.
Scholarships & Support: The university offers access to Erasmus+, Campus France, and regional scholarships for international students. Exchange students under programs like EUCOR or Erasmus pay tuition at their home institution.
5. Université Paris-Saclay – France
Ranked #69 globally (QS World University Rankings 2025), Université Paris-Saclay is a research-driven institution located just south of Paris. Known for its excellence in science, engineering, and innovation, it’s a magnet for international students seeking high-quality education at a fraction of the cost.
Tuition Fees for International Students: Thanks to France’s national education policy, tuition fees at Paris-Saclay are remarkably low — and even non-EU students benefit from partial exemptions, paying the same rates as domestic students:
- Bachelor’s programs: ~€178/year
- Master’s programs: ~€254/year
- PhD programs: ~€397/year
- CVEC fee (Student Life Contribution): €105/year
Popular English-taught programs include:
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Life Science
Living Costs: Students should budget around €850–€1,100 per month for living expenses, including rent, food, transport, and insurance — slightly lower than central Paris.
Scholarships & Support: Paris-Saclay offers access to Erasmus+, Campus France scholarships, and internal merit-based awards. The university also has strong career placement support, with 88% of graduates employed within six months.
6. University of Pisa – Italy
Founded in 1343, the University of Pisa is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected public universities. Known for its academic rigor and research excellence, it offers a wide range of programs in science, humanities, engineering, and medicine — many of which are available in English.
Tuition Fees for International Students: The University of Pisa is highly affordable compared to other Western European institutions. Most international students pay around:
- Bachelor’s programs: ~€2,400/year
- Master’s programs: ~€2,400/year
- PhD programs: Often tuition-free or minimal fees
Tuition may vary slightly depending on the program, nationality, and income bracket. Students can also apply for fee reductions or exemptions based on financial need or academic merit.
Popular English-taught programs include:
- Computer Science
- Data Science and Business Informatics
- Neuroscience
- International Relations
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Living Costs: Students should budget around €700–€900 per month for living expenses, including rent, food, transport, and insurance. Pisa is a student-friendly city with relatively low costs compared to Milan or Rome.
Scholarships & Support: The university offers merit-based scholarships, regional grants, and access to Erasmus+ funding. International students can also apply for the Italian Government Scholarships for tuition waivers and living stipends.
7. University of Granada – Spain
Founded in 1531, the University of Granada (UGR) is one of Spain’s oldest and most prestigious public universities. Nestled in the culturally rich city of Granada, UGR is known for its academic excellence, vibrant student life, and affordability — making it a top choice for international students across Europe and beyond.
Tuition Fees for International Students: UGR offers some of the lowest tuition rates in Western Europe:
- Bachelor’s programs: ~€758/year (based on 60 ECTS credits at €12.62 per credit)
- Master’s programs: ~€1,500–€3,500/year depending on the program
- PhD programs: Often tuition-free or minimal administrative fees
Note: Fees increase for second or third-time course enrollments, so passing on the first try keeps costs low.
Popular English-taught programs include:
- Computer Science
- Law and Political Science
- Translation and Interpreting
- Environmental Sciences
- Business and Economics
Living Costs: Granada is one of Spain’s most affordable student cities. Expect monthly expenses of €700–€900, including rent, food, transport, and leisure — significantly cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona.
Scholarships & Support: UGR offers access to Erasmus+, Spanish government scholarships, and regional grants. Students can also apply for housing subsidies and academic merit awards.
8. University of Porto – Portugal
Located in the scenic coastal city of Porto, the University of Porto (U.Porto) is Portugal’s largest and one of its most prestigious public universities. With over 300 degree programs and a strong international presence, it’s a top destination for students seeking high-quality education at a reasonable cost.
Tuition Fees for International Students: Tuition varies by faculty and program, but here’s a general range:
- Bachelor’s programs: ~€1,925–€3,500/year
- Master’s programs: ~€1,925–€4,000/year
- PhD programs: Often lower or partially funded
Students from CPLP countries (Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries) may receive up to 45% fee reductions.
Popular English-taught programs include:
- Computer Science
- Architecture
- Economics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
Living Costs: Porto is one of the more affordable cities in Western Europe. Students typically spend €700–€950 per month on rent, food, transport, and other essentials.
Scholarships & Support: U.Porto offers merit-based scholarships, scientific research grants, and tuition incentives for top-performing students. International students can also apply for external scholarships through Erasmus+ and other EU programs.
9. University of Warsaw – Poland
Founded in 1816, the University of Warsaw is Poland’s largest and most prestigious public university. With over 37,000 students and a growing international presence, it offers a wide range of programs in humanities, sciences, and social studies — many of which are taught in English.
Tuition Fees for International Students: The University of Warsaw is known for its affordability:
- Bachelor’s programs: ~PLN 0–16,200/year (€0–€3,700)
- Master’s programs: ~PLN 0–85,500/year (€0–€19,500)
PhD programs: Often tuition-free or low-cost
Popular English-taught programs include:
- International Relations
- Business and Finance
- Political Science
- Environmental Management
- Computer Science
Living Costs: Warsaw is one of the most affordable capital cities in Europe. Students typically spend €500–€800 per month on rent, food, and transport.
Scholarships & Support: The university offers merit-based scholarships, government grants, and Erasmus+ funding. International students can also apply for Polish National Agency scholarships.
10. University of Vienna – Austria
Established in 1365, the University of Vienna is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected institutions. Located in Austria’s capital, it offers a wide range of programs in humanities, sciences, and social sciences — with many courses available in English.
Tuition Fees for International Students: Austria offers generous tuition policies for international students:
- Bachelor’s & Master’s programs: ~€0–€1,453/year
- PhD programs: Often tuition-free or minimal fees
- Student Union fee: ~€21.20/semester
Students from EU/EEA countries often pay no tuition. Non-EU students pay modest fees compared to Western European standards.
Popular English-taught programs include:
- Economics
- Political Science
- Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Environmental Studies
Living Costs: Vienna is moderately priced for students. Expect monthly expenses of €950–€1,200, including rent, food, and public transport.
Scholarships & Support: The university offers partial scholarships, tuition waivers, and access to Erasmus+ grants. Students can also apply for Austrian government scholarships and research funding.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
Our expert counsellors are ready to guide you through every step — from choosing the right country and university to securing your visa.
3 Responses