Higher education in Europe will not be as expensive as in the USA, Canada, or Australia. In many countries, a year of study costs around 1,500 USD, while in America this figure will be 20 times more — 30,000 USD. In Britain, prices are also much higher than in the EU countries — from 12,565 USD per year. At the same time, in terms of the quality of education, universities in Europe are not inferior to universities in English-speaking countries: among the top-100 best universities in the world according to QS, 16 are European. However, there are some specificities.
Features of education in Europe
- There are few programs in English. At the undergraduate level, English-taught programs are not universally available. Even in Germany, where English is quite widely known[1], public universities only offer 40 options (according to the DAAD search tool). On the other hand, at the Master's degree level, English-language programs have already become quite common.
- Affordable education in the national language. In the Czech Republic, Poland, Finland, Norway, Greece, and Estonia, education in the national language is completely free. The language requirements are high, however — not lower than the B2 level, and in Germany — up to C1.
- Discounts for students. The student card provides benefits throughout the European Union: public transport, accommodation, museums, and cafès, cost less for students.
- It gets even cheaper in Eastern Europe. In Eastern Europe, it is cheaper to study not only because of the low tuition fees but also because of the low cost of living. In countries like Russia, Poland, and Bulgaria, living expenses are 2-3 times lower than in Germany or France.
- Part-time work and employment. In most European countries, students can find employment and work up to 20 hours a week. You won't be able to earn a lot, but you can be compensated for food or housing costs. Also, many universities offer internships and help their graduates find work. For this, universities have special career centers.
Affordable Master's degree in Europe
Master's degree programs in Europe last 1-2 years, depending on the country of study. As a rule, a Master's degree must correspond to a Bachelor's degree. This differentiates European education from American. One of the few exceptions to this rule is Russia. There are other things to keep in mind:
- Language of teaching. The cost of studying depends not only on the country but also on the language and the type of program. For example, in Finland, you can study in Finnish and Swedish for free, including a Master's program. But English-taught programs are expensive — from 10,772 USD per year. There are also tuition-free Master's degrees in the national language in Norway, Czech Republic, Poland, Greece, and Estonia. In the rest of the countries, Master's programs in the local and English language will not differ much in price.
- Types of programs. MBA and medical courses are much more expensive than all other Master's programs. Studying for a Master of Business Administration is considered particularly prestigious and costs 10,772-16,158 USD per year in most European countries. The same is true about medical education.
- Study in English. Unlike the undergraduate degree programs, at the Master's level, English-taught programs are available in any major university. You may not find your specialty in one university, but it will definitely be in another.
Affordable universities in Europe
Western and Northern Europe
# | University | City | Country | Undergraduate degree in the national language, year | Undergraduate degree in English, year | Master's degree in English, year | Dorm accommodation, month |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 | Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa | Pisa | Italy | free | n/a | free | free |
1 | University of Helsinki | Helsinki | Finland | free | 14,003-19,389 USD | 14,003-19,389 USD | n/a |
3 | Tampere University | Tampere | Finland | free | 10,772 USD | 6,463-12,926 USD | n/a |
2 | Aalto University | Helsinki | Finland | free | 12,926 USD | 16,158 USD | n/a |
4 | Norwegian University of Science and Technology | Trondheim | Norway | free | n/a | free | 431-646 USD |
1 | University of Oslo | Oslo | Norway | free | n/a | free | 386 USD |
3 | University of Bergen | Bergen | Norway | free | n/a | free | 323-539 USD |
36 | FH Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences | Dornbirn | Austria | 44 USD | n/a | 44 USD | 265-417 USD |
11 | University of Florence | Florence | Italy | 168-2,854 USD | n/a | 168-2,854 USD | n/a |
18 | University of Strasbourg | Strasbourg | France | 198 USD | n/a | 276 USD | n/a |
6 | Free University of Brussels | Brussels | Belgium | 264-1,562 USD | 264-1,562 USD | 899 USD | 343-515 USD |
4 | University of Paris | Paris | France | 281 USD | 281 USD | 360 USD | 304-539 USD |
2 | TU Munich | Munich | Germany | 311 USD | 311 USD | 311 USD | n/a |
10 | Free University of Berlin | Berlin | Germany | 673 USD | 673 USD | 673 USD | n/a |
6 | Humboldt University of Berlin | Berlin | Germany | 680 USD | 680 USD | 680 USD | n/a |
9 | University of Granada | Granada | Spain | 816 USD | n/a | 884 USD | 215-1,831 USD |
6 | University of Valencia | Valencia | Spain | 895 USD | from 969 USD | 2,538 USD | 349-562 USD |
37 | University of Alicante | Alicante | Spain | 895-1,293 USD | n/a | 966-2,538 USD | 350-560 |
5 | University of Bern | Bern | Switzerland | 929 USD | 929 USD | 929 USD | n/a |
6 | University of Geneva | Geneva | Switzerland | 977 USD | 977 USD | 977 USD | 434 USD |
2 | Ghent University | Ghent | Belgium | 1,035 USD | 2,005 USD | 1,990-6,126 USD | 458-494 USD |
18 | UC Leuven -Limburg | Leuven, Dist, Hasselt, Diepenbeck, Genk | Belgium | 1,035 USD | 1,035 USD | 1,035-1,896 USD | 323-539 USD |
1 | ETH Zurich | Zurich | Switzerland | 1,427 USD | n/a | 1,427 USD | n/a |
1 | University of Vienna | Vienna | Austria | 1,607 USD | n/a | 1,607 USD | 318-592 USD |
9 | University of Graz | Graz | Austria | 1,607 USD | n/a | 1,607 USD | 305-512 USD |
11 | University of Siena | Siena | Italy | 1,939 USD | 1,939 USD | 1,486-3,180 USD | 323 USD |
46 | University of Orleans | Orleans | France | 2,984 USD | n/a | 262 USD | 186-696 USD |
There are many universities in Northern and Western Europe with affordable prices for education. In Germany, France, and Austria, prices in public universities are fixed by law, and in Norway and Finland, education in the national language is completely free. On the other hand, the high cost of living there "balances out" the low cost of education. The major expense in most countries is housing. Universities rarely have dormitories, so students have to rent apartments or rooms on their own.
- Germany. Education in German state universities is free for everyone, including foreigners. Students only pay administrative fees from 172 USD to 754 USD per year. These cover, for example, travel on public transport. Accommodation will cost at least 10,772 USD per year — having that much in your bank account is a requirement for a student visa. Scholarships such as DAAD can help cut costs. Another important condition: you will not be able to enroll in a Bachelor's program immediately after school if it lasts 11 years or less in your home country. First, you have to spend a year at the preparatory courses at Studienkolleg or in a university at home.
- Austria. In Austria, as in Germany, in public universities students pay fixed fees — 754-1,616 USD per year. It is still incomparably cheaper than studying in the USA or the UK. The requirements for a student visa depend on age: if you are under 24, you will need at least 6,463 USD for a year, if more — 11,526 USD. The minimum level of German for admission to a university is C1, but you can also enter preparatory courses with A2+.
- France. In all public universities in France, the tuition fee for foreigners is universal: 2,984 USD per year for Bachelor's and 4,061 USD for Master's degree programs. But some universities, for example, the University of Paris, gave foreign students partial benefits in 2020/21: now they pay the same as locals — 281 USD for Bachelor's and 360 USD for Master's programs[2]. However, English-taught programs, as a rule, are more expensive — 4,309 USD/year or more. To obtain a student visa, the applicant must have at least 662 USD on their account for each month of stay.
- Belgium. Prices in Belgian universities start from 1,077 USD per year. There are a few English-language undergraduate programs, and prices for them can go up to 4,309 USD. Most of the teaching is in French, Dutch or German. The minimum level of language proficiency is B2. It will take about 15,080 USD per year in living expenses, and for a student visa, it is necessary that the sponsor of the student earns at least 2,118 USD per month.
- Italy. Education in Italy is considered relatively inexpensive, the average cost is 2,154-3,232 USD per year. There are also completely free universities that even cover the cost of living and meals. For example, the Teacher Training School of Pisa. But the competition is very high there. Also, some universities give discounts to children from large and needy families. Accommodation will cost at least 6,500 USD per year. It is impossible to enter immediately after grade 11, first you need to take preparatory courses or study for a year at a university in your homeland.
- Finland. In Finland, foreign students can get a completely free education in both undergraduate and graduate programs. There is only one condition: the program must be in Finnish or Swedish. English-language programs are expensive — 10,000-12,000 USD/year. To obtain a student visa, you will need 7,239 USD per year, but the actual costs will be at least 10,772 USD/year. More money will be spent on housing in Finland, since many universities do not have residences.
- Switzerland. Studying in Switzerland is surprisingly cheap: on average it costs 969 USD per year. But in order to enroll, you will have to spend two years at a university at home or complete a one-year preparatory program at a local university. Teaching is done in French or German, the minimum language level is C1. The cost of living in the country is very high. For a student visa, you need a minimum of 23,448 USD per year.
- Norway. Education in Norway is free for all students, regardless of the language. You only need to pay small contributions of 28-55 USD. Though there are very few English-language programs — 15 in the whole country. And life in Norway is also not cheap: for a student visa you need at least 13,034 USD per year.
- Spain. You cannot study for free in Spain, but the tuition fees there are relatively low: they start from 862 USD per year, for example, at the University of Granada. The average cost in other public universities is 2,154-3,232 USD/year. At the same time, some universities offer discounts for students from large families. Living in Spain is also not very expensive: for a student visa you need to have 7,540 USD per year in your account. Because of this, Spain is one of the most affordable options among Western European countries.
Eastern and Southern Europe
# | University | City | Country | Undergraduatedegree in the national language, year | Undergraduate degree in English, year | Master's degree in English, year | Dorm accommodation, month |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 | Czech University of Life Science in Prague | Prague | Czech Republic | free | 207-3,362 USD | 207-4,485 USD | 97-162 USD |
17 | University of Gdansk | Gdansk | Poland | free | 1,182-2,931 USD | 1,655-1,831 USD | 129 USD |
4 | Warsaw University of Technology | Warsaw | Poland | free | 1,616-2,262 USD | 1,077-2,908 USD | 108 USD |
1 | Charles University | Prague | Czech Republic | free | 2,154-9,134 USD | 2,154-14,948 USD | 162 USD |
2 | Masaryk University | Brno | Czech Republic | free | 2,370 USD | 2,154-14,003 USD | 72-194 USD |
6 | University of Wrocław | Wroclaw | Poland | free | 3,232-3,932 USD | 3,770-3,932 USD | 170-246 USD |
3 | Tallinn University | Tallinn | Estonia | free | 3,555-4,955 USD | 1,967-4,309 USD | 183-221 USD |
1 | University of Tartu | Tartu | Estonia | free | 4,093-5,386 USD | 4,093-6,463 USD | 57 USD |
2 | National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | Athens | Greece | free | 6,463 USD | 0-6,463 USD | n/a |
3 | Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Thessaloniki | Greece | free | n/a | 0-5,386 USD | free |
1 | University of Crete | Heraklion, Rethymnonon | Greece | free | n/a | 0-4,309 USD | free |
7 | Estonian Business School | Tallinn | Estonia | n/a | 2,477-2,725 USD | 2,666-3,635 USD | n/a |
1 | Eötvös Loránd University | Budapest | Hungary | 1,077-1,723 USD | 3,878-9,048 USD | 2,801-9,027 USD | 84-195 USD |
6 | University of Pecs | Pecs | Hungary | 1,077-4,847 USD | 3,878-8,186 USD | 4,740-11,849 USD | 120 USD |
3 | University of Szeged | Szeged | Hungary | 1,185 USD | 3,232-6,678 USD | 4,093-8,833 USD | 54 USD |
5 | Klaipeda University | Klaipeda | Lithuania | 1,422-2,795 USD | 1,422-3,070 USD | 3,016-4,416 USD | 59-129 USD |
2 | New Bulgarian University | Sofia | Bulgaria | 1,454 USD | 1,454 USD | 1,616 USD | 75-108 USD |
14 | Varna University of Economics | Varna | Bulgaria | 1,616 USD | 1,616 USD | 3,232 USD | 75-108 USD |
15 | Ventspils University of Applied Sciences | Ventspils | Latvia | 1,637-3,232 USD | 2,262-5,386 USD | 2270-3410 | 52-99 USD |
4 | Latvia University of Life and Sciences Technologies | Jelgava | Latvia | 1,680-3,232 USD | 2,154-4,309 USD | 2,370-4,309 USD | 89-145 USD |
4 | Vytautas Magnus University | Kaunas | Lithuania | 1,798-7,511 USD | 2,831-8,195 USD | 4,297-5,156 USD | 162-194 USD |
10 | Varna Free University | Varna | Bulgaria | 2,068 USD | 2,068 USD | 3,232 USD | 75-108 USD |
1 | University of Latvia | Riga | Latvia | 2,370-4,309 USD | 2,370-5,170 USD | 2,547-6,463 USD | 108-291 USD |
2 | Vilnius Gediminas Technical University | Vilnius | Lithuania | 2,831-19,351 USD | 1,798-3,179 USD | 3,180-4,561 USD | 118-162 USD |
The universities in Eastern and Southern Europe are considered less prestigious than in Western and Northern. But education there is also good. St. Petersburg State University, for example, is considered one of the 50 best universities globally to study for a Master in Management[3]. In addition, these universities have many English-language Bachelor's programs — many more than in Western Europe. And education in the national language in many countries is completely free. Living expenses are about as low as it gets: universities have dormitories that cost 108-162 USD per month, so you won't have to spend a lot of money on accommodation.
- Russian Federation. Russian universities offer a good balance between price and quality — the cost of a single year ranges from 600 to 6,463 USD, averaging around 2500. The majority of programs are taught in Russian, but there is a growing number of options in English, especially at the graduate level. Russian universities offer about 15000 state-funded seats for international students. To apply for a program in English, you will need a certificate of previous education, a motivation letter, and IELTS/TOEFL results (unless you are a native English speaker). An interview is also relatively common. You can learn more on the official website for international students in Russia.
- Czech Republic. Studying in Czech is completely free. For admission, you must pass a language exam at the B2 level. You can prepare for it both at home and at a university in the Czech Republic. There are also English-language programs, but their prices start at 3,000 USD per year. To obtain a student visa, you need to have 3,770 USD in your account per year of study.
- Poland. Just like the Czech Republic, in Poland education in the national language is free. Universities accept students with a C1 level and above. But in general, knowing Polish is not necessary to study, there are many English-language programs in the country. For non-EU citizens, education costs 2,000-3,000 USD per year. For EU citizens, prices will be lower. A year of living in Poland will cost at least 4,309 USD.
- Bulgaria. Education is conducted mainly in Bulgarian, but there are also English-language programs — about 20% of total. There are also programs in Russian, German and French. The average cost of education is 2,000-3,000 USD per year, at least 4,309 USD will be spent on living. Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, so Bulgarian education can be a good start for immigration to the EU.
- Hungary. In Hungary, compared to other European countries, there are many English-language programs. There are almost two hundred of them at the undergraduate level[4] alone. There are programs in other languages, too. The average tuition fee is 3,232-5,386 USD per year and about 7,540 USD will come in living expenses. But the costs can be reduced with the help of scholarships and grants offered by the government and universities.
- Greece. Education in Greek public universities is free but available only in the national language. It can be learned in the year-long preparatory courses at universities, tuition there costs only 862 USD. There are also Master's programs in English, but most of them are paid. The minimum monthly budget is 323-431 USD, which is quite cheap for Europe. And because of their low cost, local medical programs are especially popular. Prices start at 1,616 USD per year.
- Baltics. Education in the Baltic countries is becoming more and more popular among foreign students. In Estonia, for example, the number of international students has doubled since 2014. Students are attracted by relative economic well-being, a large number of English-language programs and low tuition fees: in Latvia and Lithuania, prices start from 1,616 USD per year, in Estonia — from 3,232 USD. Moreover, education in the national language in Estonia is free.
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