Top 10 Cheapest Countries To Study Abroad
Top 10 Cheapest Countries To Study Abroad - Quality Education
Is it fair to say that studying abroad has become a top dream for Indian students?
Looking at recent trends — absolutely YES!
Over the past few years, the number of Indian students choosing overseas education has grown rapidly, and by 2026 this number is expected to rise even further, driven by global exposure, high employability, and access to world-class education.
Reasons? The reasons why a large number of Indian students choose to study abroad are many. The most prominent of all are better career opportunities, quality education, and the enriching experience of living in another country.
However, the cost of studying abroad is one of the stress-causing concerns for many Indian students.
If you also wish to study abroad for quality education but are intimidated by the terms like “high tuition fees” and “high cost of living” and think to yourself “ I can’t afford this” – Then you’re completely wrong!
Several countries in 2026 continue to offer high-quality education at surprisingly affordable costs, especially for Indian students.
Let’s explore the Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad in 2026, along with tuition fees, living costs, popular universities, and in-demand courses.
Quick Comparison: Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad in 2026
| Country | Avg Tuition Fees (Yearly) | Avg Living Cost (Yearly) | Key Advantage |
| Germany | €0 – €4,000 | €8,000 – €11,000 | Free public education |
| Italy | €1,000 – €5,000 | €7,000 – €10,000 | Scholarships + culture |
| France | €170 – €3,000 | €9,000 – €12,000 | Low public university fees |
| Canada | CAD 10,000 – 30,000 | CAD 12,000 – 18,000 | PR & job opportunities |
| Ireland | €9,000 – €35,000 | €10,000 – €14,000 | Tech & pharma hub |
| Poland | €3,000 – €6,000 | €4,000 – €6,500 | Very low living cost |
| Denmark | €6,000 – €16,000 | €10,000 – €13,000 | High employability |
| Latvia | €1,500 – €8,000 | €5,000 – €8,000 | Budget-friendly Europe |
| Lithuania | €1,000 – €5,000 | €5,000 – €7,000 | English-taught programs |
| Malta | €8,000 – €18,000 | €4,000 – €6,000 | Safe & English-speaking |
Top 10 Cheapest Countries To Study Abroad
1. Germany – Study Almost FREE in 2026
Germany is well known for its world-class universities and is one of the cheapest countries to study abroad. The German public universities provide free courses for UG and PG programs for both its citizens and international students.
German universities are recognized for delivering top-quality education at a relatively lower cost of tuition fees compared to other European countries.
However, it's important to note that while tuition fees may be free or low, there are still other expenses, such as accommodation, transportation, and healthcare, that students need to budget for.
Popular Universities To Study In Germany
- Internationale Hochschule Campus Studies
- University of Europe for Applied Sciences
- Berlin School of Business and Innovation
- New European College
- GISMA Business School
Popular Courses To Study In Germany
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Business & Economics
- Business & Management Studies
- IT & Software
- Mass & Communication
- Medicine and HealthCare
Cost Of Studying In Germany
German public universities' tuition fee is zero, but the average tuition fee for private universities in Germany can range from €250 to €4000. The tuition fees depend on the institution and program you are applying to study.
The average cost of living in Germany is estimated to be around €8000 annually. However, international students can take advantage of various discounts and benefits through their student cards, such as access to public transportation and discounts on various goods and services.
2. Italy – Affordable Education with Rich Culture
Home to the world’s oldest university, Italy is one of the most sought-after study abroad destinations for students looking for affordable yet quality education.
Italy is an epicenter of global fashion and has a rich heritage, exquisite cuisine, a great cultural legacy, and much more.
Popular Universities/Colleges To Study In Italy
- POLI.design
- VISH International School
- IUAD Accademia della Moda - Institute of universal art and design
- Rome Business School
Popular Courses To Study In Italy
- Architecture, Design, and Engineering
- Agricultural and Food Sciences
- Economics and Management Engineering
- Data Science and Economics
Cost Of Studying In Italy
Italy has become the most preferred choice for Indian students due to affordable tuition fees and cost of living. On average, students can expect to pay between €1000 and €5000 per year for their studies, with specialized courses costing an average of €9,993.68 per year.
Moreover, there are various funding and scholarship opportunities available to Indian students by the Italian government and other organizations to provide financial support to help students pursue their academic goals and alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad.
3. France
France is also one of the most popular study-abroad destinations known for providing affordable undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. The country has numerous reputable institutions that have comparatively lower tuition fees yet deliver best-in-class education.
Popular Universities To Study In France
- The American Business School of Paris
- Excelia Business School
- NEOMA Business School
- ISC Paris Business School
- Burgundy School of Business
- EPITA - School of Engineering and Computer Science
- Kedge Business School
- Paris School of Business
- SKEMA Business School
- Management School ESSCA
Popular Courses To Study In France
- Management
- Fashion Designing
- Film studies
- Pharmacology
- Arts and Humanities
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
Cost Of Studying In France
The average tuition fee students can expect is about 170 EUR annually for UG programs and around 260 EUR yearly for PG programs. Tuitions fees in private universities normally start with 1,500 EUR and can go up to 30,000 EUR/per year. For business schools in France, the fee range is between 5,000 to 30,000 EUR/year.
4. Canada
Canada is ranked 3rd for housing the highest percentage of students globally. The country has world-class universities and colleges that offer affordable UG and PG courses along with short-term courses.
Apart from providing top-quality education, Canada is also well known for its natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes.
Popular Universities To Study In Canada
- McGill University
- University of Northern British Columbia
- University of Regina
- Lakehead University
- Vancouver Island University
- The University of Winnipeg
- Thompson Rivers University
- Algoma University
- Mount Saint Vincent University
- Cape Breton University
- Seneca College
- George Brown College
- Sheridan College
Popular Courses To Study In Canada
- Agricultural sciences
- Earth sciences
- Media and journalism
- Computer science and IT
- Finance
- Management
- Business
Cost Of Studying In Canada
The cost of studying in Canada for international and Indian students varies based on the university, course, and province. In 2026, the tuition fees in Canada typically range from CAD 12,000 to CAD 65,000 per year for postgraduate programs and CAD 10,000 to CAD 30,000 per year for undergraduate programs.
In addition to tuition fees, students must budget for living expenses in Canada, including accommodation, transportation, food, utilities, health insurance, and local taxes. These non-academic costs play a significant role in the overall cost of education in Canada, making financial planning essential for international students.
5. Ireland
Ireland is one of the finest destinations for providing world-class education. Home to some of the top universities across the globe, Ireland offers quality education to international students at lower tuition rates than other countries.
There are wide career opportunities in Ireland for students. It is also one of the best places for advanced scientific research and technological studies. In addition, the country is well-known for its fascinating Irish culture and beautiful landscapes.
Popular Universities To Study In Ireland
- Institute of Technology Carlow
- Dundalk Institute of Technology
- Cork Institute of Technology
- Technological University of the Shannon
- Griffith College
- Dublin Business School
- Atlantic Aviation Group
- University College Dublin
- University College Cork
- Shannon College of hotel management
- National College of Ireland
- Atlantic Technological University
- Institute of Technology Tralee
Popular Courses To Study In Ireland
- Artificial intelligence and data science
- Pharmaceutical sciences
- Construction
- Banking and Finance
- Business Analytics
Cost Of Studying In Ireland
Compared to other countries, Ireland's study cost for Indian students is low. The average tuition fee students can expect for undergraduate courses is 9,850 - 55,000 EUR/year, and for postgraduate courses, 9,950 - 35,000 EUR/year.
6. Poland
Poland has become a popular destination for international students due to its affordable higher education and living costs.
It is home to some of the oldest and internationally recognized universities in the world, offering interdisciplinary degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels at low tuition fees.
In addition, the country's beautiful culture and friendly people make it a more attractive destination for students from all over the world.
Popular Universities To Study In Poland
- Warsaw Management University
- Wroclaw University of Science and Technology
- Silesian University of Technology
- Maria Curie-Sklodowska University
- Universitas Opoliensis
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences
- University College of Enterprise and Administration
- Politechnika Wrocławska – Wrocław University of Science and Technology
- Częstochowa University of Technology
- Higher School of Economics Euroregional
Popular Courses To Study In Poland
- International Business Program
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Chemistry
- Mass Communication
- Mechatronics
- Biotechnology & Life Sciences
- Business & Economics
- Agriculture & Food Science
- Graphic Design
Cost Of Studying In Poland
Poland is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe. In 2026, tuition fees in Poland range from PLN 12,000 to PLN 24,000 per year, while the cost of living for international students averages EUR 350 to EUR 550 per month, making it ideal for budget-conscious students.
7. Denmark
Denmark is one of the well-rounded study abroad destinations offering high-quality education, practical knowledge, and exposure from industry professionals. Danish universities offer over 500 programs, and a vast number of them are taught in English.
The country focuses on research and development, economic and gender equality, and low crime rates, which make it a preferred choice for international students.
Popular Universities To Study In Denmark
- Business Academy of Aarhus
- Dania University of Applied Science
- Absalon University of Applied Science
- International Business Academy (IBA)
- Via University of applied science
- Zealand Institute of Business and Technology
Popular Courses To Study In Denmark
- Engineering
- Business and Management
- IT and Computer Science
- Architecture and Design
- Social Sciences
- Data Science
- Web Design and Digital Marketing
- Natural & Life Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Medicine and Healthcare
- Humanities and Arts
Cost Of Studying In Denmark
Tuition fees at Danish universities vary from 6,000 to 16,000 EUR/year. However, fees for more specialized courses can cost up to 35,000 EUR/year.
8. Latvia
Latvia offers an incredible study experience to international students, with affordable prices for both living and education. Despite the low cost, studying in Latvia ensures an internationally recognized diploma and relevant practical skills essential for succeeding in the labor market.
Every year, more than 5,500 international students choose to enroll in Latvian universities, where they can benefit from a range of excellent programs.
Popular Universities To Study In Latvia
- Riga Stradins University
- EKA University of Applied Sciences
- Turiba University
- RISEBA University
- Riga Technical University
- Management College
Popular Courses To Study In Latvia
- Business Administration
- Information Technology
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Law
- Social Sciences
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Architecture and Urban Planning
- Environmental Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
Cost Of Studying In Latvia
The cost of studying in Latvia is more affordable compared to other European countries. The estimated tuition fees you can expect are 1,500 to 8,000 EUR per year, depending on the program and the university. The living cost can range between 5,000 to 8,000 EUR per year in Latvia, depending on their lifestyle and spending habits.
9. Lithuania
Lithuania is recognized for its exceptional higher education institutions offering high-quality education and teaching standards.
With state-of-the-art facilities and over 350 English-taught study programs, graduates from Lithuanian higher education institutions are globally recognized for their skills and knowledge, making them highly employable.
Popular Universities To Study In Lithuania
- Vilnius University
Popular Courses To Study In Lithuania
- Business and Management
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Life Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Art and Design
- Education
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Languages and Culture Studies
- Law and Legal Studies.
Cost Of Studying In Lithuania
Tuition fees for international students range from EUR 1,000 to EUR 5,000 per year for undergraduate programs and EUR 2,000 to EUR 8,000 per year for postgraduate programs. Note that the cost of study in Lithuania can vary depending on the level of study, the type of institution, and the program.
10. Malta
Malta is a highly desirable destination for international students due to its peaceful environment, the exceptional standard of education, and ample opportunities. Students are drawn to Malta not only for its low cost of living in comparison to other European countries, but also for its favorable weather, rich culture, and delicious cuisine.
Moreover, Malta is considered one of the safest countries globally, providing a secure environment for students to pursue their academic goals.
Popular Universities To Study In Malta
- American University of Malta (AUM)
- University of Malta (UM)
- Global College Malta
- Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
- EEC-ITIS Malta Tourism and Languages Institute
- MX Institute
- Learn Key Institute
- Advenio eAcademy
- Institute of Tourism Studies-ITS
Popular Courses To Study In Malta
- Business and Management
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- English Language Studies
- Aviation
- Humanities Studies
- Agriculture
- Education and Teaching
- Tourism
- Social and Behavioral Science
- Architecture and Design
- Engineering
Cost Of Studying In Malta
The actual tuition fees vary significantly depending on the university and course you choose. On average, tuition fees can be from EUR 8,000 to EUR 14,000 per year for undergraduate programs and EUR 10,000 to EUR 18,000 per year for postgraduate programs.
For the accommodation and other basic living expenses, on average, you can expect to pay 300 to EUR 500 per month.
Final thoughts: Where Should You Study Abroad in 2026?
It’s well-known that studying abroad creates a valuable impact. Abroad education often comes at a cost, but there are cheaper European universities that provide low tuition fees, and even free education in some countries is available to suit the budgets of all students.
Above, we have listed the top affordable countries that provide top-quality education within every student's budget.
Next what? Now, you have the list of cheapest places to study abroad, it’s time to start applying there with the help of study experts.
Edugo Abroad is the most trusted study abroad consultant in Ahmedabad, India. From visa guidance to application process, we guide you through all the complex processes.
With our vast experience as overseas education consultants, we counsel students to choose the best university for their dream careers.
Get A Free Consulting Today
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