If you dream of studying abroad but worried about the high tuition costs often associated with the USA and the UK, don’t worry—your aspirations are well within reach as there are universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees
Whether you’re interested in engineering, humanities, or business, this guide highlights the list of best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees, and tips for balancing study and work.
List of 20 Best Universities in Europe With Cheap Tuition Fees
Here’s a list of some of the top universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees:
The University of Vienna (Austria)
The University of Vienna stands out as one of the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees. This makes it a popular choice for international students seeking quality education at an affordable cost.
Tuition fees are affordable, starting at €726.72 per semester for international students, Note additional fees may apply.
The university attracts students from around 130 countries. Although the courses are primarily taught in German, there are courses in English due to the language barrier.
University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
Every year, over 1,700 international students from around the globe call the University of Copenhagen home. These students bring a vibrant, global vibe to campus life. From admissions to housing and student counselling, the university has your back.
Their orientation programs have social events to help you settle in and make friends. The programs are taught primarily in Danish, but some courses are offered in English.
The tuition fee ranges from DKK 27,500 – DKK 60,000, which is around $3000–$8000. The university is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees, combining quality education and affordability.
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Germany)
LMU Munich offers a diverse academic profile spanning humanities, social sciences, law, economics, medicine, and natural sciences, organized into 18 faculties. Its career services provide guidance, skill development, and job market connections, equipping students for diverse professional paths.
As of February 2024, LMU Munich does not charge tuition fees for students, including international students. However, you pay some fees like the semester fee, which covers administrative costs, public transportation passes, and various student services.
Note. Applicants must provide proof of German language proficiency when applying.
This affordability, combined with its academic excellence, makes LMU Munich one of the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees for international and local students alike.
Heidelberg University (Germany)
Heidelberg University is a research university, renowned for its excellence in a wide range of subjects across thirteen faculties, including the humanities and social sciences, law, the natural and engineering sciences, the life sciences, and medicine.
As one of the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees, international students pay around €1,500 per semester. This makes it an affordable option for high-quality education.
While the primary language of instruction is German, a selection of English-language courses are available. Proof of English language proficiency is necessary for admission to these courses.
Sorbonne University (France)
Sorbonne University offers a wide choice of courses, from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees, in the arts, humanities, science, and engineering, in addition to medical and paramedical degrees.
Recognized as one of the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees, the tuition fee ranges from €10,000 to €11,700. “The university does not offer undergraduate courses in English, hence students must prove French language proficiency to gain admission.”
University of Paris-Saclay (France)
Université Paris-Saclay brings together a diverse group of institutions. This includes ten faculties and institutes, five faculties, three University Institutes of Technology, a University Engineering School, and an Observatory of the Sciences of the Universe.
Known as one of the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees, Paris-Saclay University offers rates starting at just $258 per year for both local and international students.
Instructors teach most of the courses in French. Paris-Saclay University offers some programs in English at the postgraduate level.
ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
ETH Zurich is one of Switzerland’s most prestigious universities recognised globally for its excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Programs at ETH except PhDs range at $1660 a year.
While people widely speak and understand English in Zurich, we recommend learning German to facilitate social and linguistic integration.
Charles University (Czech Republic)
Charles University, one of the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees, offers a range of study programs including Medicine, Computer Science, Economics, and Social Sciences.
Tuition fees vary by program, with studies in Czech typically being free for EU citizens, while international students pay an average of €6,000 per year.
To apply to Charles University, you’ll need a solid grasp of English, which can be proven through various language tests. Note that test results should be no older than two years at the time of application.
University of Warsaw (Poland)
The University of Warsaw is Poland’s second oldest and largest university. It offers a wide range of courses across humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, catering to nearly 60,000 students annually.
Most courses at the University of Warsaw are taught in Polish. However, there are programs and courses in foreign languages, with English being the most common option.
For international students, tuition fees range from €2,000 to €4,000 per year. This makes it one of the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees.
International students have the right to work while studying in Poland. This can only happen if they are enrolled in an institution and have a valid residency permit.
University of Bologna (Italy)
The University of Bologna is one of the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees. It offers affordable education compared to other European institutions. The tuition fee starts at €5,000 per year for undergraduates and €5,500 for postgraduate students, depending on the course.
Applicants must show English proficiency at a minimum B2 level to be admitted. This can be demonstrated by providing an international language certification, such as an IELTS score between 5.5 and 6.5.
Stockholm University (Sweden)
Stockholm University (SU) is a public, non-profit institution located in the heart of Stockholm, Sweden. For foreigners, the tuition fee at SU depends on the program and starts from 4,360 USD per year.
All courses and programmes at Stockholm University require proof of proficiency in English. You would need an English proficiency test. The university helps with banking, insurance, and residency permits.
Stockholm University is one of the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees. It offers a world-class education while keeping costs relatively affordable compared to many other European institutions
Aalto University Finland
The university offers a range of bachelor’s and master’s programs. The tuition fees are applicable to non-EU/EEA students, along with scholarship opportunities.
The tuition fee ranges from €12,000 to €17,000 for undergraduate programs and €15,000 to €20,000 for master’s programs.
The main language of instruction is Finnish. However, Finland has been described as one of the top 5 English-speaking countries for non-native fluency, and there are English-taught degree programs
Aalto University is among the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees. It offers quality education at an affordable cost compared to other European institutions.
KU Leuven (Belgium)
KU Leuven is home to 15 faculties offering hundreds of degree programmes. At KU Leuven, undergraduate programs cost €960 per year for international students, while graduate programs cost €1,260 per year. This makes KU Leuven one of the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees
For admission, KU Leuven only accepts the IELTS Academic test in its three formats: on paper, on computer, and online. Also, you have a chance to work and study at KU Leuven.
University of Groningen (Netherlands)
The University of Groningen offers bachelor’s and master’s programs, many of which are taught in English to accommodate international students.
The tuition range for undergraduate English-taught degrees is 10,189 – 32,000 euros, and English-taught master’s degrees is 14,570 – 18,850 euros.
The University of Groningen requires an IELTS for admission to all courses, additionally, they also assist with residency permits and insurance to ensure a smooth transition for international students.
Masaryk University (Czech Republic)
Masaryk University is one of the best universities in Europe. It has cheap tuition fees and offers a wide range of Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in various fields.
You can study for free at Czech public universities, however, you have to enrol in a degree taught in the Czech language. For programs taught in English or other foreign languages, tuition fees range between 0 and 18,500 EUR per academic year.
To secure successful admission to Masaryk University, students need IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5.
University of Porto (Portugal)
The University of Porto, has a strong reputation for its contributions to higher education and research in Portugal.
As one of the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees, it’s a hub for international students seeking quality education, especially in English-taught master’s programs.
The tuition fee for international students starts at around EUR 6000. Additionally, students who are not studying in Portuguese need to submit an English language proficiency certificate.
University of Malta
The University of Malta (UM), offers over 900 courses in various disciplines. Its reputation makes it a top choice for students seeking the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees.
The tuition fee ranges from €1,080–€8,500 annually for international students depending on the course of study.
The language of instruction and communication at UM is English. Therefore, an international applicant must satisfy the University’s English language requirement.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Europe?
European universities are known for their affordability. Tuition fees vary depending on the country, program, and university. Here’s a general overview of some of the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees
Germany, Norway, and Austria: Tuition-free or under €1,500 per year for EU and non-EU students at public universities.
France and Spain: Public universities charge between €170-€600 annually for bachelor’s degrees.
Nordic countries: Free for EU students; non-EU students may pay between €5,000-€15,000 annually.
Central and Eastern Europe: Tuition fees start at €1,000-€4,000 annually.
Additionally, many European countries allow international students to work part-time while studying, easing financial burdens.
Check out: 20 Best Universities In Germany
Which Country Is Best for Study and Work in Europe?
When considering academic opportunities together with work potential, these countries stand out:
Germany: Tuition-free education at public universities and a strong economy with ample student jobs.
Sweden: Known for innovation, Sweden offers high-quality education and allows students to stay post-graduation to seek employment.
Netherlands: A hub for English-taught programs and part-time jobs in multinational companies.
France: Affordable tuition, scholarships for international students, and a vibrant job market for tech and arts fields.
Poland and Czech Republic: Low tuition fees and cost of living, plus growing economies with student-friendly work policies.
Europe offers a diverse range of affordable universities, job opportunities, and student support systems. Whether you aim to study engineering, humanities, or business, Europe has something for everyone.
Start your journey today, and explore the best universities in Europe with cheap tuition fees, offering quality education and globally recognized degrees. Furthermore, these institutions can help you achieve your academic and career goals while relocating with ease and minimizing financial strain.